Jens’s guidebook
boat rental
Echo Bay Marina
227 Candlewood Lake RdA great place to rent a boat. W
Food scene
The Cheesecake Factory
230 Tresser BlvdGreat value and food
Maggie McFly's® Brookfield
3 195 Federal RdGreat food and close to the house
Down The Hatch is Candlewood Lake's only waterfront restaurant located in Brookfield, CT. Come by boat, car or sea plane and experience our casual, fun and friendly atmosphere. You will feel like you're on vacation the minute you step ashore, see the beautiful views, and grab a cool tasty drink.
Down the Hatch is famous for its outdoor lakeside dining area, great food and good times. We also have a formal dining room that is open part of the season which is available for parties and corporate functions.
Down The Hatch is a great place to bring the family because parents relax while kids enjoy our kids' menu and waterfront atmosphere.
If you are looking for fun spot with good food, good friends and good times, you've found it. There is always a party at Down The Hatch.
22 locals recommend
Down the Hatch
292 Candlewood Lake RdDown The Hatch is Candlewood Lake's only waterfront restaurant located in Brookfield, CT. Come by boat, car or sea plane and experience our casual, fun and friendly atmosphere. You will feel like you're on vacation the minute you step ashore, see the beautiful views, and grab a cool tasty drink.
Down the Hatch is famous for its outdoor lakeside dining area, great food and good times. We also have a formal dining room that is open part of the season which is available for parties and corporate functions.
Down The Hatch is a great place to bring the family because parents relax while kids enjoy our kids' menu and waterfront atmosphere.
If you are looking for fun spot with good food, good friends and good times, you've found it. There is always a party at Down The Hatch.
Great seafood include lobsters (live from tanks), King Crab Legs, Fresh Seafood Daily, Prime Rib, Chicken and Pasta, Filet Mignon & NY Sirloin, Full Take Out Menu
* Parties For All Occasions
7 locals recommend
Jim Barbarie's Restaurant
47 Padanaram RdGreat seafood include lobsters (live from tanks), King Crab Legs, Fresh Seafood Daily, Prime Rib, Chicken and Pasta, Filet Mignon & NY Sirloin, Full Take Out Menu
* Parties For All Occasions
Family-owned, Pho Vietnam is located in Danbury, Connecticut — less than ten minutes away from the New York State line. At PV, we proudly use fresh produce, as well as, choice select meats and seafood. Our restaurant features authentic Vietnamese dishes and we aim on spreading the deliciousness to as many people as we can. Instead of telling you how good our food and services are, we would rather have you experience it for yourself. Here at Pho Vietnam, we simply ensure the best Vietnamese food around. And remember, when it comes to eating at Pho, slurping is always encouraged.
6 locals recommend
Pho Vietnam
56 Padanaram RdFamily-owned, Pho Vietnam is located in Danbury, Connecticut — less than ten minutes away from the New York State line. At PV, we proudly use fresh produce, as well as, choice select meats and seafood. Our restaurant features authentic Vietnamese dishes and we aim on spreading the deliciousness to as many people as we can. Instead of telling you how good our food and services are, we would rather have you experience it for yourself. Here at Pho Vietnam, we simply ensure the best Vietnamese food around. And remember, when it comes to eating at Pho, slurping is always encouraged.
Mangia Mangia Pizza & Restaurant
371 Candlewood Lake RoadGreat food
Candlewood Creamery
90 CT-39Great place for dessert
Sightseeing
The Still River Greenway is a multi-use trail and greenway along the Still River in Brookfield, Connecticut. With both phases complete, the trail runs from the Brookfield Municipal Center, to the Brookfield Town Center and is completely paved.
Still River Greenway Trail
63 Silvermine RdThe Still River Greenway is a multi-use trail and greenway along the Still River in Brookfield, Connecticut. With both phases complete, the trail runs from the Brookfield Municipal Center, to the Brookfield Town Center and is completely paved.
Bear Mountain is situated on 140 acres of land with an outlook, a ranger cottage and parking area. Come explore a hiking trail at this beautiful dog-friendly destination.
16 locals recommend
Bear Mountain Reservation
17 Bear Mountain RdBear Mountain is situated on 140 acres of land with an outlook, a ranger cottage and parking area. Come explore a hiking trail at this beautiful dog-friendly destination.
23-room Victorian-era mansion on grounds that feature gardens, trails, ponds & picnic areas.
16 locals recommend
Tarrywile Park & Mansion
70 Southern Blvd23-room Victorian-era mansion on grounds that feature gardens, trails, ponds & picnic areas.
Squantz Pond State Park is the only state park on Squantz Pond or Candlewood Lake. The beach, swim area and main park grounds, along with hiking trails along the Pootatuck State Forest, are along the shores of Squantz Pond, which is adjacent to Candlewood. Squantz Pond State Park has a boat launch, giving visitors access to boating on Squantz Pond. Be aware, that Squantz Pond's boat launch has a limited number of parking spaces (25) for vehicles and also limits the horsepower of boats launching on Squantz Pond to 25 horsepower. Please visit the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Squantz Pond State Park web page for detailed information on the Park, including hours and entrance fees.
30 locals recommend
Squantz Pond State Park
Squantz Pond State Park is the only state park on Squantz Pond or Candlewood Lake. The beach, swim area and main park grounds, along with hiking trails along the Pootatuck State Forest, are along the shores of Squantz Pond, which is adjacent to Candlewood. Squantz Pond State Park has a boat launch, giving visitors access to boating on Squantz Pond. Be aware, that Squantz Pond's boat launch has a limited number of parking spaces (25) for vehicles and also limits the horsepower of boats launching on Squantz Pond to 25 horsepower. Please visit the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Squantz Pond State Park web page for detailed information on the Park, including hours and entrance fees.
Swimming facility with restrooms, changing areas, extended snack bar and a picnic area overlooking the water.
Hours: Daily 10:30am - 6:30pm
Town Park
Swimming facility with restrooms, changing areas, extended snack bar and a picnic area overlooking the water.
Hours: Daily 10:30am - 6:30pm
Established in 2016, the Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, applied ecological research, experiential environmental education, and passive outdoor recreation.
12 locals recommend
Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center
225 CT-37Established in 2016, the Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, applied ecological research, experiential environmental education, and passive outdoor recreation.
Carry/car-top launch for kayaks, canoes etc. only - this park does not have a boat ramp. New Hours and Reservation System for Dikes Point in New Milford. FirstLight to Require Reservations for Park Access.
Dike Point Park
117 Old Town Park RdCarry/car-top launch for kayaks, canoes etc. only - this park does not have a boat ramp. New Hours and Reservation System for Dikes Point in New Milford. FirstLight to Require Reservations for Park Access.
Lovers Leap State Park
178 Short Woods RoadBeautiful scenary
Playgrounds
Multiple playground areas for various ages, clean bathroom on site with picnic tables and benches.
Kids kingdom playground
100 Pocono RoadMultiple playground areas for various ages, clean bathroom on site with picnic tables and benches.
Activity
Indoor playground for small children, food court for variety, lots of places to shop at and stay cool in the heat.
53 locals recommend
Danbury Fair Mall
7 Backus AvenueIndoor playground for small children, food court for variety, lots of places to shop at and stay cool in the heat.
Drop in classes for toddlers on the weekend, call before going to ensure class is available and not full.
Gymnastics Revolution
14 Starr RoadDrop in classes for toddlers on the weekend, call before going to ensure class is available and not full.
Fun place for children to play to stay out of the heat.
8 locals recommend
Bounce! Trampoline Sports Danbury
21 Prindle LnFun place for children to play to stay out of the heat.
Fun place for older kids to stay out of the heat.
7 locals recommend
Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park
5 Prindle LnFun place for older kids to stay out of the heat.
Elephant's Trunk Flea Market
490 Danbury RdFun place to browse antiques and knick knacks.
Lakeside Watersports
227 Forty Acre Mountain RdThey provide wakeboarding, wakesurfing and waterskiing lessons.
Ski Haus, Inc.
1611 NY-22Rent kayaks locally in New Milford (162 Danbury Rd) as this business has 2 locations.
Groceries
ShopRite of Danbury
1 Padanaram RdVery close to the house for groceries
Whole Foods Market
5C Sugar Hollow RdGreat selection
Stew Leonard's
So fun for the kids and a great selection of fresh food
City advice
Useful phrases
How to use stove
To turn on the induction stovetop, press the "control lock" button on the right side until you hear a beep. Then, turn on the "power" button on the left side of the stovetop. Pick which element you would like to use pressing the box associated with it. Scroll your finger to set the level of heat you desire. For video instruction, type these words and search for "kitchenaid 36 induction cooktop 5 element". The 1st video that pops up explains how to use.
Useful phrases
Cabana
Please ensure that you close all the window and doors after using the cabana. There are towels there for your use as well as the striped blue and white towels in the bathrooms inside the house.
We also have some fishing rods available in the cabana, please feel free to use.
Useful phrases
Bugs
Although we have our great cleaners come in to clean after each guest, we are in the country, so you may see some spiders and other bugs despite our best efforts. For this reason, please ensure doors are always closed and when using the balcony, please use the screen door to prevent bugs from entering the house.
Useful phrases
Candlewood Lake Life
Check out this insta and associated website to discover more to do around Candlewood Lake
@candlewoodlakelife
Useful phrases
Hot water
Please be aware, it can take some time for the hot water to start in the bathroom upstairs attached to the bedroom.
Also, please be careful in the kitchen as the hot water comes in fast, so adjust the lever accordingly.