www.dsquilts.com phone: 203-335-2719
Transportation
Denyse Schmidt Quilts, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is on the coast of Long Island Sound.
We are approximately sixty miles northeast of New York City (one hour and thirty minutes
estimated driving time) and are reachable by air, train and automobile. Our studio is in a
historic textile mill complex, formerly home to the American Fabrics Company, which
manufactured lace fabric, trim and embroideries from 1908 to 1990.
Our address is 1069 Connecticut Avenue, Building Four, Fourth Floor, Bridgeport, CT
06607. Please call the studio (203-335-2719) when you arrive for assistance with the elevator,
or take the stairs to the top floor.
By Air
The two closest major airports to the studio are LaGuardia Airport in New York (one hour
and 10 minutes driving time) and Bradley International Airport, north of Hartford, CT (one
hour and 15 minutes driving time). Other New York area airports, JFK and Newark, are a
bit farther (approximately one hour and thirty minutes driving time). From any of these
airport locations, the best way to reach us is to rent a car, and follow our driving directions,
also found in this document.
Smaller regional airports are Tweed -New Haven Airport (thirty minutes by car) and
Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York (fifty minutes by car).
Limousine transportation from the Bradley, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports is provided
by Connecticut Limousine, 1-800-472-LIMO (5466) or 203-878-2222,
www .ctlimo.com , which stops at the Bridgeport terminal. Taxi connections can be made
from the terminal to our studio.
By Train
Metro North, www .mta.info , the commuter rail line, makes hourly trips via the New
Haven Line between Grand Central Station in New York (42
nd
Street and Lexington
Avenue) and the Bridgeport station (the trip takes approximately one hour and thirty
minutes). We are approximately two and a half miles from the station. From the station,
the best way to the studio is by taxi. Yellow Cab (below) is located in the station building.
By Ferry
The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Ferry Company www .bpjferry.com , 888-
443-3779) runs a scenic ferry service (the trip takes approximately one hour and fifteen
minutes) between Bridgeport (330 Water Street Dock, Bridgeport, CT06604) and Port
Jefferson (102 West Broadway, Port Jeffrson, NY 11777) from May through October.
Primarily for pedestrians and bicycles, a limited number of cars are also ferried by prior
reservation. The Bridgeport ferry building is located right aross the street from the
Bridgeport train station. The best way to get to the studio is by taxi . Yellow Cab (below)
is located in the train station building.
Local Taxicab Companies
Yellow Cab, 203-334-2121. Speedy Cab Company, 203-366-4343. Park City Livery, 203-
334-2380. Town Taxi, 203-366-8534.
www.dsquilts.com phone: 203-335-2719
Driving Directions
Remember to print this map out and bring it with you. Whether you are coming in a cab
or using a GPS you will need it to get to our door as we are located in a large complex.
Traveling I-91 South (from points north)
Take I-91 South to New Haven CTand merge onto I-95 South. Follow directions below.
Traveling I-95 South
Take exit 30/Surf Avenue. Turn right at bottom of ramp onto Surf Avenue. Turn left at
next light onto Connecticut Avenue. Turn right into parking for 1069 Connecticut Ave.
Follow directions below from **.
Traveling I-95 North
Take exit 30/Lordship Avenue. Turn left at bottom of ramp onto Lordship. Lordship
becomes Hollister. Go straight through stop sign, and right at next light onto Stratford
Avenue. Take 3rd left onto Waterman Street. Turn left on Connecticut Avenue and make
immediate right into parking for 1069. Follow directions below from **
**Entrance is to the right, a grey door in building 4. Park along tan building, please don't
block any doors or driveways. On map, blue star indicates entrance (grey door), stairs
and elevator to DSQ. Take stairs to fourth (top) floor, or call 203-335-2719 for assistance
with elevator.
Connecticut Ave
Barnum Ave
Bis
hop
Av
e
Wat
erman
S
treet
S
eaview
A
ven
ue
Stratford Ave
one way
one way
#4
1069
from 95 South
to 95 South
from 95 North
to 95 North
NOTE: MAP NOT TO SCALE!
from
Exit 30
I-95
www.dsquilts.com phone: 203-335-2719
Accommodations
Denyse Schmidt Quilts is located in an industrial neighborhood of Bridgeport. Accordingly, accommodations
are scarce in the immediate neighborhood, but many establishments are just a short
drive from the studio.
Bridgeport Holiday Inn and Convention Center 1070 Main Street, Bridgeport. 203-334-1234. A
newly renovated Holiday Inn, with a heated indoor/outdoor pool, high speed internet access in all
rooms, and on-site parking, located in the downtown area of Bridgeport. Many restaurants are within
walking distance. Mention DS Quilts to receive a room at a discounted rate.
Best Western Black Rock Inn 100 Kings Highway, Fairfield. 203-659-2200. Located just off of I-95
(exit 24). Pool, on-site parking. Several restaurants are located a short drive away in the Black Rock
section of Bridgeport, or in Fairfield.
Fairfield Inn 417 Post Road, Fairfield. 203-255-0491, www .fairfieldinnbymacy.com/
Located just off exit 22 of I-95. Pool, wireless internet, on-site parking, restaurant on the premises.
Recently renovated and right next door to the Circle Diner and several other nearby restaurants.
Rodeway Inn 10 Washington Parkway, Stratford. 203-377-6288, www .rodewayinn.com . Located
directly on the beach in the Lordship section of Stratford, The Rodeway Inn also has a diner-style
restaurant, Marnicks, on the premises that features breakfast all day.
Ramada Inn 225 Lordship Boulevard, Stratford. 203-375-8866, www .ramada.com This location of
the national chain offers an indoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Located conveniently near exit 30
off of I-95.
Hi-Ho Motel 4180 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield. 203-259-5264. A 1940's motel located just off exit
44 of the Merritt Parkway. The bonus of staying at the Hi-Ho is the Barcelona Restaurant (203-255-
0800, www .barcelonawinebar.com ) , located on the premises. Barcelona has a great tapas menu,
great wines, and a retro 1970's Jonathan-Adler style decor. Full, swinging bar and outdoor patio din-
ing.
www.dsquilts.com phone: 203-335-2719
Dining
Bridgeport
Bloodroot 85 Ferris Street, in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. 203-576-9168,
www .bloodroot.com . To quote Zagat, "this venerable feminist enclave is refreshing, as
are the superb ethnic vegetarian and vegan dishes". For over 30 years Bloodroot has
served locally grown, organic produce. Located on an out-of the way cul-de-sac, with
eclectic outdoor seating in warm weather, overlooking Long Island Sound.
Omanel 1909 Main Street, Bridgeport. 203-335-1676. A family-run Portuguese restaurant
serves up a trip to Lisbon in an unassuming setting in downtown Bridgeport. "Must
have" dishes, according to Zagat, are the pork and clams or the paella. Be prepared to
share, as the portions are generous.
State Street Bistro 211 State Street, Bridgeport. 203-540-5705,
www.statestreetbistro.com. An update on classic French bistro fare. Located in a historic
landmark building featuring a beatiful mahogany and copper bar and a nice relaxed
vibe.
Two Boots 277 Farifield Ave. Bridgeport. 203-331-1377, www.twoboots.com. Famous
for their cornmeal crusted pizza, Two Boots is an eclectic, full service restaurant servng
up unique, family style Cajun-Italian cooking and featuring a wide variety of live music
(see Area Attractions).
Fairfield
Centro 1435 Fairfield Boston Post Road (route 1), Fairfield. 203-255-1210.
www .centroristorante.com . Reasonably priced Italian fare, from salads, to pastas and
pizzas. Friendly atmosphere, with crayons and paper tablecloths for jotting down that
latest design inspiration. In warm weather, tables with umbrellas are set on the terrace
overlooking the town gazebo. Lunch and dinner.
Las Vetas 1462 Post Rd. Fairfield. 203-259-1958. A cozy, artsy alternative to the coffee
chains, Las Vetas offers live music and poetry readings (as well as java). Just steps away
is the Community Theatre and the Fairfield Theatre Company (see Local Cultural
Attractions). Downtown Brideport location opening in 2009.
Frank Pepe's Pizzeria 238 Commerce Drive, Fairfield. 203-333-7373,
www .pepespizzeria.com/fairfield This latestoutpostof the legendary New Havenpizzeria
has been cited by Jane and Michael Stern in Gourmet Magazine as "arguably the best
pizza in the country". Noted for their crispy, thin crust, the white clam pizza is the local
specialty, topped with briny fresh littleneck clams and LOTs of garlic. Lines can be very
long on weekends, but it's worth the wait.
Health in a Hurry 1891 Post Road (route 1), Fairfield. 203-254-5777. A quick, organic,
vegetarian take-out place with inspired offerings featuring fresh, seasonal vegetables.
Fin 222 Post Road, Fairfield. 203-259-5950. A tiny, neighborhood sushi bar with the
freshest sushi around (flown in daily). Dine outdoors or indoors at this local favorite.
www.dsquilts.com phone: 203-335-2719
Ole Mole 2074 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield. 203-333-0400. Going a bit beyond the standard
Mexican fare of tacos, burritos and enchiladas, Ole Mole offers both vegetarian and meat-based
entrees, from tamales to mole poblano. Decorated with Mexican folk art and colorful tiles, this
location is small but charming.
Quattro Pazzi 1599 Boston Post Road, (route 1), Fairfield. 203-259-7417,
www.quattropazzi.comNoted for their large servings of fantastic homemade pasta presented
with a lot of eye appeal, this small Italian restaurant is always quite busy. Can't get a table? Try
their sister restaurant, Cafe Quattro, next door. The fare is a bit lighter and the atmosphere more
casual but the result just as pleasing.
Saraband 12 Unquowa Place (just off route 1), Fairfield. 203-259-8084. New American cuisine,
with an eclectic menu, a bit on the higher-priced side. The restaurant is cozy, with a charming
outdoor terrace. Lunch and dinner.
Super Duper Weenie 306 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield. 203-334-0033, www .superduperwee-
nie.com Cited by Jane and Michael Stern in Gourmet Magazine as "one of America's ten best hot
dog joints", this unique restaurant is worth the short skip off of exit 24 of I-95. Serving up homemade
condiments along with a variety of juicy dogs, they also serve fresh cut fries made on the
premises. Another hard to find specialty, Del's frozen lemonade, finishes off the menu. Limited
indoor seating, primarily take-out.
Westport
Balducci's 1385 Post Road East (route 1) Westport. 203-254-5200. Formerly the beloved local
market Hayday, this location has now become a suburban outpost of the famed New York grocer.
Their coffee bar offers a variety of brews and pastries; and their take-out offerings include
interesting soups, salads, and wraps.
Tengda Asian Bistro 1330 Post Road East, Westport. 203-255-6115,
www .tengdaasianbistro.com . A lively location with a Pan-Asian menu, excellent sushi, and an
edgy industrial décor make this a very popular spot. Lunch and dinner.
The Dressing Room 25 Powers Court (on the grounds of the Westport Country Playhouse),
Westport. 203-226-1114, www.dressingroomhomegrown.com. This joint venture launched by
the late, great Paul Newman and Michael Nischan, both proponents of organic and sustainable
food sources, is a popular addition to the local dining scene. The menu features updated
American Heritage Cuisine, using the finest locally grown organic and artisanal food products.
Milford
Jeffrey's 501 New Haven Avenue, Milford. 203-878-1910. Overlooking the salt marshes toward
Long Island Sound, this Milford favorite offers contemporary continental cuisine. It features a
charming outdoor garden patio in season.
www.dsquilts.com phone: 203-335-2719
Local Cultural Attractions
Bridgeport
Two Boots 277 Farifield Ave. Bridgeport. 203-331-1377, www .twoboots.com . Come for
the funky vibe and the famous pizza (see Dining), stay for the great live music. Check out
their website for current band listings.
The Acoustic Café 2926 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport. 203-335-3655,
www .acousticafe.com A favorite local club, located in the historic Black Rock section of
Bridgeport. An intimate venue features thebest of blues,jazz, singer/songwriter, spoken
word - alternative music for every taste. Light food, and bar service. Admission charged.
The Barnum Museum 820 Main Street, Bridgeport. 203-331-1104, www .barnum-museum.org
Bridgeport's most famous personality was P.T. Barnum, and this museum chronicles
his life and times, as well as his relationship to the city. A scale model of a five ring
circus is always on display, as well as a souvenir piece of Tom Thumb's wedding cake, the
Fiji mermaid, and many personal items from the Barnum family. Admission charged.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport. 203-394-6565,
www .beardsleyzoo.org This 36-acre zoo features over 300 animals in North and South
American outdoor habitats. Special features include a New England petting farm, indoor
rainforest habitat, and a seasonal carousel. Admission charged.
City Lights 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. 203-334-7488, www .citylightsgallery.com
This gallery features emerging and established regional artists.
The Discovery Museum 4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. 203-372-3521, www .discovery-
museum.org An interactive museum of science and technology, featuring a planetarium
and a Challenger Learning Center. Admission charged.
Downtown Cabaret Theatre 263 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport. 203-576-1636,
www .downtowncabaret.org An intimate musical theatre with cabaret seating at tables.
Bring your own picnic dinner and beverages. Recent performances have included Sweet
Charity and Hair. Admission charged.
Playhouse on the Green 177 State Street, Bridgeport. 203-333-3666, www .playhouse-
onthegreen.org An intimate professional equity theatre in downtown Bridgeport.
Fairfield
Community Theatre 1424 Post Rd. Fairfield. (203) 255-6255, www.communitytheatre-
foundation.orgCatch a movie in the old refurbished movie theatre in the center of
bustling downtown Fairfield. All movies only $4!
Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC) Off Sanford Street at the Fairfield train station, in
Fairfield Center. 203-259-2036, www .fairfieldtheatre.org . An intimate performance
space, offering a wide range of music, from chamber to blues, jazz and pop. Featuring
both national and local performers. Other offerings include indie films and professional
theatre. FTC operates some of their shows out of the historic Klein Auditorium in
Bridgeport. Admission charged.
www.dsquilts.com phone: 203-335-2719
The Quick Center for the Performing Arts 1073 North Benson Road, on the campus of
Fairfield University. 203-254-4010, www .quickcenter.com A university-based performing
arts center, featuring a year round schedule of nationally touring music, theatre and
dance artists, as well as a lecture series, experimental black box theatre, and art gallery
(the Walsh Gallery). Admission charged for performances.
New Milford
Elephant's Trunk Route 7, New Milford. 508-896-1975, www .etflea.com
A favorite of Denyse's, this seasonal flea market is a great source for vintage textiles and
country flea market treasures. Located in a pasture, about a one hour drive from the studio.
Sunday mornings, April - mid-December, from 7 am to 2 pm. Nominal admission.
Ridgefield
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum 258 Main Street, Ridgefield. 203-438-4519,
www .aldrichart.org Changing exhibits of innovative contemporary painting, sculpture
and photography, featuring emerging and mid-career artists. Admission charged.
Westport
The Westport Country Playhouse 25 Powers Court (off route 1) Westport. 203-227-
4177, www .westportplayhouse.org A historic summer theatre has undergone a transformation
under the guiding hand of Joanne Woodward, and now presents performances
year round in a state-of-the-art space with the charm of the original barn intact. New
Artistic Director Tazewell Thompson promises a theatrical season to inspire and challenge
sophisticated audiences. Admission charged.
The Westport Arts Cente r 51 Riverside Avenue, Westport. 203-222-7070, www .westpor-
tartscenter.org Although a community-based arts center, this organization reaches
beyond local talent to present exhibitions in the visual arts in their riverside gallery, as
well as a performing arts series featuring nationally known folk, chamber and jazz performers
at other venues in the area. Gallery admission free; admission charged for per-
formances.
Wilton
Weir Farm National Historic Site 735 Nod Hill Road, Wilton. 203-834-1896,
www .nps.gov/wefa/home.htm Wilton offers the only national park dedicated to an
artist. Weir Farm was the home of J. Alden Weir, one of the American Impressionists. The
farm provided inspiring subject matter for Weir and many of his friends, including Childe
Hassam and John Twachtman. The Burlingame house offers an exhibit of historic photographs
and a video presentation of Weir's life and times. Changing exhibits of contemporary
artists and tours of two art studios are available. In season, walking tours of the
site are offered on Sundays at 11. Picnics are allowed on the grounds. Free admission.
www.dsquilts.com phone: 203-335-2719
Beaches
There are many local and state beaches bordering Long Island Sound in our area. Most
offer free access in the late fall and winter, and charge admission in late spring and summer.
Most have seasonal changing areas and concession stands. Some of our favorites:
• Sherwood Island State Beach, Westport (off of exit 18, I-95). 203-226-6983,
http://dep .state.ct.us/stateparks/parks/sherwood.htm
• Silver Sands State Beach, 1 Samuel Smith Lane, Milford . 203-735-4311,
http://dep .state.ct.us/stateparks/parks/silversands.htm
• Penfield Town Beach, Fairfield Beach Road in Fairfield.
• Seaside Beach, off Barnum Dyke, exit 27 from I-95, in Bridgeport. 203-576-7233.
• Compo Beach, Compo Beach Road in Westport. 203-341-1590.
• St. Mary's by the Sea, in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, is a park (not a beach)
with gorgeous views over the sound. Follow the signs from Fairfield Avenue in Black
Rock.
Farther Afield
New Haven Twenty-five minutes by train or thirty minutes driving, offers the museums,
music and theatre of Yale University, www .yale.edu . Also in New Haven are the Long
Wharf Theatre, a regional theatre company, www .longwharf.org , and the Schubert
Theatre, www .capa.com/newhaven , a popular venue for touring performances, famous
for the pre-Broadway tryout.
New York One hour and thirty minutes by train or driving from our studio,offers museums,
theatres,and musical performances. Best sources for timely information are the
New York Times, www .nytimes.com Time Out Magazine, www .timeout.com/new york and
New York Magazine, www .nymag .com
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