Traveling to Norwalk
Norwalk is actually more accessible than you may think! There is also more to do in Norwalk than just fighting robots.
Wikitravel is a great place to get started. Their page on Norwalk has lots of activities.
Help for Bot Builders
We are always looking for ways to make it easier to compete.
- Folks wishing to come Friday before the event are welcome to use our facilities all day, the team often stays late the night before while preparing for the event.
- 50 Day is staffed M-F 10a-6p. If you want to mail your robot ahead of coming to the event that can be accommodated. We can be there to sign for it.
Getting to Norwalk, CT
Driving
Norwalk is pretty accessible by major highways. The closest exit to our location is Exit 15 off I-95. We are also accessible off Exit 40 from the Merritt Parkway. Route 7 Also terminates in norwalk and is a close drive. There is a good amount of parking available at and around our location.
Train / Mass Transit
NHRL is surprisingly accessible by train. If you are coming from the New York metro area you can take any New Haven Line train to the South Norwalk Station. From there its about a 0.5 mile walk. Also if you message any member of the crew in discord we are happy to pop over and pick you up. If you are taking the train from further away, the nearest Amtrak Acela stop is Stamford, CT. from there its a an easy transfer to the New Haven Line for a quick 10 minute ride to South Norwalk.
Note that if you are taking the train from South Norwalk back to New York, you must enter the station from the State Street entrance on the station's west side. You may want to give yourself a few extra minutes of walking time to account for this.
Flying
If you are looking to Fly to Norwalk typically the cheapest flights are headed into New York City. La Guardia (LGA) is the closest airport with a lot of flights. John F Kenendy International Airport (JFK) is not that much further away and has more flights. If you are lucky you might be able to find a flight into Westchester (HPN) which is substantially closer. Taking mass transit from any of these airports is rarely practical typical travel times via mass transit are in the 2-3 hours with multiple changes required. Renting a car or an Uber/Lyft is likely your best bet. It can be anywhere from a 45 minute to 1 Hour 45 minute drive to Norwalk.
Getting your Robot to CT
We are willing to accept delivery of your robot ahead of your arrival. We get daily UPS/FedEx deliveries and have loading docks that can accept LTL shipments. Before shipping anything it is important to let Ryan Sasloe know its coming! If you are shipping a robot its best to ship it 50 Day street instead of 165 Water Street.
Suggested Robot Shipping Address:
NHRL c/o Ryan Sasloe
50 Day Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
Staying Overnight in Norwalk
Recommended Hotels
These hotels are nothing fancy but should provide you with a clean, relaxing stay before or after a long day of robot combat. You should be able to find accommodations for around $100 - $150 a night. In general if you stay places that are charging under $100 a night in CT you are going to have a bad time. It's worth the extra 20 bucks to stay somewhere nicer. Generally, Norwalk has pretty low crime and you can feel safe leaving robot stuff in your car.
- Sono Marriott
- It can get pricey but it is the only hotel in walking distance to the event.
- Even Hotel Norwalk
- Affordable, clean, last remodeled in 2018 and about 10 minutes away.
- Service has been reported to be good.
- All rooms have a barn door style frosted door to the bathroom. This means you can be seen fairly well when you are in the bathroom.
- Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk
- New in 2018 and about 10 minutes away
- DoubleTree Connecticut Avenue
- Decent Hotel
Not Recommended - Don't stay here
The following hotels have poor reviews from bot builders. In general they may be the cheapest but they tend to not be very nice or clean.
- Red Carpet Inn
- Norwalk Inn
What else is there to do in Norwalk
NHRL is located pretty close to Norwalk's central business district. The area is known as SONO It's about a 5 minute walk from where the event is.
Attractions
- Norwalk Aquarium - New Englands Largest Aquarium
- Switch Tower Museum - Cool old Train Stuff
- Stepping Stones Childrens Museum - Good for kids
- Lockwood Mathews Mansion - Rumored to be Austin's house.. but its not.
- Calf Pasture Beach - Very nice beach
Food (Just some of a ton of spots) within walking distance
- SONO Bakery
- Burger Bar and Bistro
- Mecha Noodle Bar
- El Segundo Mexican
- Pokemoto
- Washington Prime
- Match
- Tablao
- The Blind Rhino
- The Spread
- Brucilno
Shopping
- The Sono Collection - A huge mall in walking distance.
