In the late 1970s, South Norwalk’s downtown business section, including the historic buildings centered on Washington Street, had been slated for demolition. But starting in 1977, a group of progressive minded citizens, including newly elected mayor Bill Collins, turned South Norwalk’s fortunes around and created Historic SoNo. 

Now, well into to the 21st century, SoNo thrives in a way that no one could have imagined. SoNo, with its mixture of eclectic and authentic restaurants, shops, and clubs, combined with museums and galleries, has become integrated with greater Norwalk as well as the harbor and Long Island Sound beyond.

SoNo is anchored by the Maritime Center, which invites visitors of all ages to become immersed in sea life.  Exhibits, educational programs, research cruises, and a boat building shop, are topped off by the spectacular IMAX Theatre.

The Norwalk Museum on at the corner of North Main and Marshall St. brings Norwalk’s past – History, Art and Culture into a very sharp focus: The Norwalk Hat Manufacturing comes back to life along with locks, furniture, Raggedy Ann, art, 19th century pottery and an old-fashion hardware store. On the corner of Main and Washington, climb up a flight of stairs to the SoNo Switch Tower Museum, also of 19th century vintage.

Adjacent to the Aquarium, on a bluff overlooking the Norwalk River, is Oyster Shell Park (originally named Oyster Shell Point for the thousands of oyster shells discarded there by Native Americans making Wampum) where trails and walkways wind through marsh grasses, reeds and wildflowers.  The park abounds with migratory birds, fiddler crabs and other aquatic life.  From this bluff is a view of Norwalk Harbor, “The Jewel of Long Island Sound,” where, besides (15) fifteen marinas, there are 2,700 commercial vessel trips to and from every year including those of the thriving oyster businesses.  And then there are the festivals. 

In June, the festival season kicks in with a bang, or rather a splash.  The Norwalk Harbor Splash emphasizes fun in and around the water with an accent on family and youth with a capital Y.  A few sparkling examples:  Have your face painted and join in the Cub Club activities at Black Bear Saloon; Help assemble a life-size humpback whale, great white shark or harbor seal at the Aquarium; Come face-to-face with life-like dinosaurs then board an amazing 3-D simulated adventure ride on Dinosaur Island; For a celebration of seafood, there’s the Annual Chowder Cook-Off; For a celebration of sounds, music acts with an emphasis on rhythm and adventure. Then, to top it all off, The Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Race!  Let the good times roll! 

Also in June, the Norwalk Jazz Festival features the best in traditional, contemporary and Latin jazz. The Annual Sono Arts Celebration actually pre-visioned SoNo in that bi-centennial year of 1976.  Climaxing with a parade of giant puppets, this feast of talent brings together the creations of over (150) fine artists and craftsmen surrounded by an atmosphere of music and dance. 

And finally, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, as venerable as SoNo itself, with internationally known music acts as well as hundreds of arts and crafts booths, sky divers, environmental displays, children’s activities and rides, oystering exhibits, vintage vessels, harbor cruises, and food, food, food!

Not to far from Sono is The Lockwood-Matthews Mansion located on West Ave. This beautiful Historical Victorian Palace is open to the public.

The Norwalk Seaport Association, through its ongoing renovations of the historic lighthouse on Sheffield Island, has made a trip to the island a great day’s excursion. A short ferry ride takes you to this 3-acre wildlife sanctuary and beautiful picnic spot.

The City of Norwalk is a coastal City bounded on the north by New Canaan and Wilton, on the east by Long Island Sound and on the west by New Canaan and Darien, four of the most affluent towns on the Gold Coast. Roger Ludlow purchased land in what is now the present City of East Norwalk on February 26, 1640, embracing the area of land lying between the Saugatuck and Norwalk Rivers. Not long after, Captain Daniel Patrick purchased an additional portion of land in what is known today as Norwalk.

About the City of Norwalk 

Norwalk is the sixth largest city in the state of Connecticut with a population of approximately 83,000. It is located in southwestern Connecticut, on Long Island Sound, just a one hour drive from New York City. A host of agencies and organizations are devoted to a quality life for all Norwalk residents and visitors. Major employers, diversified housing and excellent educational opportunities attract people from all over the United States to live and work in Norwalk and the surrounding communities. The presence of many major employers based in Norwalk generates job opportunities and enhances economic security for all the communities in the Greater Norwalk area.