Geography and History
Founded in 1639, Stratford is a community rich in history and abundant natural beauty. Situated on Long Island Sound, and bounded to the east by the Housatonic River, Stratford has long viewed its waterfront as an important natural resource. The Town's location on Long Island Sound affords residents and visitors alike with two public bathing beaches, five marinas, several fishing piers and two public boat-launching facilities. Karen's friend Tom lives there and took Karen and Lee on an informative bicycle ride through the area. Thank you Tom.

Within an hour's drive of New York City, Stratford is the easternmost town in Fairfield County-Connecticut's Gold Coast. Major highways such as I-95, Route 8/25 and the Merritt Parkway bisect Stratford, and provide convenient access to the entire Northeast corridor. The deep water harbor of neighboring Bridgeport provide excellent docking and terminal facilities for either domestic or overseas shipping, in addition to ferry passenger service to Long Island. Sikorsky Memorial Airport, located in the Lordship section of Stratford, remains a hub of corporate activity and provides commuter service to other cities in the northeast. Rail service provided by Metro North with connections to Amtrack further round out an excellent array of transportation choices.

Population & Demographics
Stratford, Connecticut, at 18.7 square miles, is home to nearly 50,000 residents. In 2004, the median age was 41 and the median household income was nearly $60,000. The median housing cost was $133,000. However Tom pointed out many houses that cost one million or more dollars.

Below: The view as the two RV Gypsies started their bicycle tour, narrated by Tom Mohyde, a friend and resident of Stratford Connecticut.
Tom treated the two RV Gypsies to a wonderful lunch at this restaurant with a great view of Long Island Sound.
Below: The bicycle ride to the lighthouse
Everyone made it to the Stratford Point Lighthouse - Tom told the two RV Gypsies some history. Then everyone bicycled back to Tom's house.
Below: Nature's beauty - View of Long Island Sound from Tom's sister's balcony - Tom lives across the street.
Interesting fact: if a house along the shoreline is destroyed by hurricane or whatever, it can NOT be replaced, but the owners must continue paying taxes. BUMMER!
KAREN and LEE WANT TO THANK TOM ONCE AGAIN FOR HIS HOSPITALITY, LUNCH, BICYCLE TOUR AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE AREA. WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO SPEND THE DAY! See you on future trips, Tom!

The two RV Gypsies in New England - 8 sections These sections can be viewed in any order you choose. The page you are on is grayed out and cannot be chosen from here
Stew Leonard's	Buttermilk Falls, Terryville CT
Mystic Seaport	Six Flags New England
Family and Friends	Stratford, CT (this page)
Branch Brook Campground in Thomaston	Hancock Brook Lake

AFTER you have viewed all 8 New England sections above, please continue on for photos from Pennsylvania

Continue on in order of travel in 2008 to Pennsylvania OR you may want to see Six Flags, Georgia in 2011 (there will be a link at the bottom that page to return to this 2008 New England menu). Below: Continue navigation of this large website via the buttons below. OR - - Click here for maps and descriptions of travel BY YEAR