Rowayton

Rowayton - a charming coastal village located within the city of Norwalk that is bordered on three sides by the Five Mile River and Long Island Sound. Rowayton has a tasteful blend of new and old, full of community spirit in a picturesque setting. The village is rich in oystering and lobstering history and maintains an eclectic feel with beach cottages and antique Victorians that once belonged to Sea Captains. Rowayton has several active local associations: The Rowayton Arts Center, Historical Society and Rowayton Gardeners that contribute to the flavor of the village. The Rowayton Fire Department is made up of volunteers and the Rowayton Civic Association sponsors many events such as the Memorial Day Parade, summer concerts, Father's Day Fun Run, Independence Day fireworks, The River Ramble, Cinema on the Sound, Labor Day swim races, Oktoberfest, Halloween Haunted House, Light Up Rowayton, Santa Run and Nativity Pageant.

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HISTORY

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Founded in the late 1600's by farmers and fishermen, Rowayton is a salty little community defined by its waterfronts. From 1880 to 1942, the Roton Point Amusement Park attracted visitors by ferry from NYC and trolley from inland to enjoy the wooden roller coast, carnival activities, and musical acts like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Rowayton became a major oystering center in the 1800's when handsome Victorian houses were built by prosperous oystermen. In the 1920's and 1930's summer beach communities developed and now Rowayton, formally known as Norwalk's 6th taxing district which provides many of its services, functions as its own suburb, with an easy commute to NYC, offices for local businesses, vibrant boating, tennis and paddle tennis facilities, restaurants and an active downtown, all wrapped in the atmosphere of a traditional New England fishing village.