Insider's Guide To Stamford

Top 5 out of 75 things you should know about Stamford

We’ve been dishing about  for three years now and it’s clear that we live in the best place around. So we thought we’d share some why we love it here right now. Welcome to our second annual , showing you, once again, that there’s never a shortage of things to do, see and buy around town.

7. Who needs a big box store? Seth and Debra Berger and their family have been supplying quality baby and kid furniture for three generations. Their Kids Home Furnishings prides itself on exemplary customer service and commitment to meeting rivals’ prices. (They’ve been known to make house calls to make sure everything’s assembled just so.) 1145 High Ridge Rd., 203-327-1333; kidshomefurnishings.com

12. Aside from carrying dozens of locally produced items, the congenial staff at LaRocca’s Country Market, owned by father and son Tomasso and Tommy LaRocca, includes bonafide meat experts who will guide you in selection and prep of what loyal shoppers tell us are the best cuts in town. Be sure to try the made-on-the-premises sausage.

42. The documentary Wordplay (2006), about New York Times crossword editor Will Shortz, and his loyal and star-studded fan base, features scenes from the Shortz-directed American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, held annually, until recently, at the Marriott.

58. Raves are all we hear from our toned buddies enrolled in the Buff Girl boxing classes taught by Lauren Fein at Pacific Swim, Bike, Run. Buff Girls features knockout calisthenics and circuit training on freestanding punching bags for you to unleash all your frustrations. (No wonder harried moms love her classes!) 575 Pacific St., 203-504-8960; pacificsbr.com

75. Make a Difference Join SoundWaters educators and staffers for seasonal Coastal Cleanup Days. This for-the-whole-family activity includes education on the importance of keeping coastal habitats and Long Island Sound free of debris, which can harm birds and marine life. All the items you collect will be recorded, collated and sent to state and international databases of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. The best part: you’ll be. making the area safer for the annual migration of horseshoe crabs. So much better than cleaning house. Cove Island Park, 1281 Cove Rd., 203-406-3302; soundwaters.org

For the complete list pick up the January/February 2013 issue of Stamford Magazine on newstands now.