Brookfield, Connecticut is a tiny town located in upper Fairfield County.
Largely overshadowed by larger surrounding towns and cities such as Danbury and New Milford, Brookfield is relatively obscure. Nonetheless, it was home to about 16,500 residents in 2010 and continues to grow each day. Roughly an hour and a half (but a whole world) away from New York City, Brookfield is essentially the poster child for the typical New England small town.
Here are 24 signs you call Brookfield your home:
1. Nobody ever knows where Brookfield is. Ever.
It is a rarity to find someone outside of the state of Connecticut (or even Fairfield County!) that knows where Brookfield is because it's so tiny! Most Brookfielders have gotten into the habit of simply saying "It's near Danbury" and leaving it at that.
2. There are a disproportionate number of furniture stores.
It seems like every month a new one opens up!
3. The town (literally) runs on Dunkin.
There are three Dunkin' Donuts in Brookfield, and not a single Starbucks. The one near the Four Corners is frequented by high schoolers hoping to get a coffee before classes start!
4. "The Four Corners" is a universally understood point of reference.
If you know where this is, you're a
5. Mobile was always the place to get a sandwich during high school.
The Mobile Deli is always popping!
6. We have a lot of churches. Like, a lot.
Did you know Brookfield was named after a Reverend? This probably isn't surprising since the town has A LOT of churches. This is just one of MANY Churches in Brookfield!
7. You (or one of your friends) either works at Stew Leonard's or as a Parks & Rec Camp Counselor.
Both places employ a lot of Brookfielders!
8. Fall Friday nights are for football.
If you take a drive around Brookfield on a Friday night in the fall, you're likely to find the streets pretty empty. Why? Everyone's at the high school to watch football, that's why!
9. You remember "the old" Kid's Kingdom.
In all fairness, the new one is A LOT nicer, and not made out of wood -- so, fewer splinters!
10. Bridgewater Chocolate is a way of life.
You would recognize that little blue box with the gold bow wrapped around it a mile away.
11. Same goes for Chick-fil-A.
Getting a Chick-fil-A basically put Brookfield on the map.
12. ...And Bagelman, too.
What can I say? Us Brookfielders like our food! Pro-tip: Bagelman's iced coffee is the best in the world. Be sure to have some while you're there!
13. You've gotten used to taking the train into New York City.
We're just about an hour and a half away, which is extremely convenient!
14. Graffiti Bridge is a Brookfield landmark.
If you had the opportunity to paint it with a club or team, that was pretty cool.
15. You don't even flinch when you see an entire family of deer (or turkeys, or squirrels, or Chipmunks) crossing the street.
It's become second nature to be so close in proximity to nature.
16. You've been to the Memorial Day Parade AT LEAST once.
Bonus points if you have marched in it!
17. As a kid, the library during the Summer Reading Program was the place to be.
It was always so exciting to see what the theme of the summer would be!
18. One of your friends owns a boat.
Or you are the friend that owns the boat. Either or. Candlewood Lake or Lake Lillinonah, your pick.
19. You remember the corn maze that used to be near Prince of Peace during Halloween time.
Fall in Brookfield is out of this world beautiful.
20. There are A LOT of warehouse club stores.
BJ's and Costco are less than a mile apart on Federal Road! Can you say competition?
21. You've been to Down the Hatch.
You're guaranteed to run into *AT LEAST* five people you know while there.
22. Hikes through William's Park are always fun.
And it's conveniently located right near the center of town!
23. You own a plethora of Blue, White, and Gold clothing.
Our town colors, of course!
24. Even though you complain about Brookfield sometimes, you wouldn't trade it for the world.
Yes, it's small. No, there's not always a whole lot to do, but it's home. And it's a pretty great one at that.