WSPT — knot so loud

The town of Westport in Fairfield county was the very first town I visited in Connecticut. I came to Westport in 2010 so it holds meaningful memories for me. Westport is only 50 miles from NYC so it was the perfect suburban neighborhood without the city bustle. It is known to be on the top richest towns in CT list. That makes a drive around Westport very stunning with all of the mansions and structures. The downtown main street is another beautiful spot to see.

The very first place I went to in Westport was Compo Beach. It was during off season when I didn’t have to worry about parking fees (hooray!). I found it interesting that on the way to Compo Beach, there is a statute called the Minuteman. Apparently that is how the Westporters give directions to the beach! The Minuteman signifies the Revolutionary War that took place there. A fleet of British ships anchored off Compo Beach to raid a supply center in Danbury. There are two cannons at Compo Beach which is the landmark of where the British landed. I think it the first beach that I’ve visited with this much history! Only if I knew that was typical New England to have a rich history wherever you go.

*The Minuteman statue on the way to Compo Beach.*

The downtown has changed a LOT over the past 9 years so it isn’t what I remember it as. I still visit Westport several times every year. It’s been amazing to watch the renovations of the downtown. Back in 2010, I fell in love with Westport Pizzeria. It used to be in downtown across from Vineyard Vines store but has moved to a different location right around the corner from the downtown main street. Every time I walk in Westport Pizzeria, the Italian owner Mel is always welcoming. It’s one of those local joints where they have a counter space with old fashioned spinning stools and paper place mats with a map of Italy. The walls are covered in artworks by local kids. I have visited several restaurants in the area but always find myself going to Westport Pizzeria every time. Their pizza are AMAZING - it is on my top 5 favorite pizza list!

UPDATE 1/26/2020 - Westport Pizzeria has closed their doors after serving Westport for 31 years.

I have a tradition to go to Westport every July for the annual library book sale. It is the biggest one that I have gone to so it’s worth the drive from Southeastern CT where I reside! The book sale is divided by categories which are mapped out on the papers they hand out at the entrance. It always starts at 9am on a Saturday but there’s always a long line at least a hour beforehand. Some folks even camp out overnight. I look forward to this event every year. It’s always in conjunction with the fine arts festival. The fine arts festival takes place in downtown area so it’s within walking distance of the library. I love to make a full day out of both events to enjoy Westport. This year’s book sale will take place this upcoming Saturday, July 20th at 9am. I can’t wait to see the new Westport Library as is been under renovations for past few months!

While you’re in downtown, there are plenty of shops to visit. The majority of these are chained owned stores so there aren’t many locally owned shops. I do love popping in CT based preppy chain store - Vineyard Vines. I’m always greeted warmly by the people who work there. They are also dog lovers as they give so much attention to my dalmatian when I bring her in there! I enjoy two shops for Westport themed gifts - The Savvy & Grace in downtown and She La La in the Playhouse Square. Both have plenty of nautical home decor as well which I love checking out every time I pop in! I also have been shopping in Splash of Pink for years - they carry Lilly Pulitzer clothing for women. I love the colorfulness of Lilly decor in their shop. The shop are owned by a family who are very friendly too! I recently discovered Terrain - for plants lover, this store is your dream. A huge greenhouse store with restaurant cafe. It’s organized and decorated so beautifully. I left the store wanting to purchase so much for my home! It is a 5 minute drive from downtown main street.

*Anthropologie store in the former YMCA location.*

During the summer of 2010, I spent a lot time at Sherwood Island. It’s a beautiful state park with beach access. I learned that Sherwood Island actually was the first state park in Connecticut. It’s a great spot to go for a picnic or walk around. For the nature lovers, there is a nature center with a platform where you can check out the marsh life. Be sure to bring water shoes if you go swimming as it can be rough with shells! Also in the park, look for the black cherry tree, there is a 9/11 memorial. At that spot, you can see NYC skyline on a clear day. It’s an amazing sight to take in.

*Antique American LaFrance fire apparatus.*

I have to mention an eatery that is worth a stop in: Black Duck Cafe is an old barge on Saugatuck River. My dad saw the restaurant on Guy Fieri’s ‘Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives’ TV show in 2011. I had to check out what the hype was! The Duck is definitely a local favorite. It’s always busy every time I walked in on the weekends. The interior is full of fishermen/water life/boating memorabilia. It is very interesting and fun! There is a background story on their menu explaining how they got the name - from the fastest boat owned by a rum-runner during Prohibition times. My favorite meal at The Duck is their fried shrimp po’boy - it is very delicious.

Westport is a beautiful town to visit for a day (or more!) with plenty to do and see. As I mentioned earlier in this post, Westport is home to many beautiful mansions and large houses that a drive around town will stun you from its beauty! It’s amazing to check out the architecture details of some homes. There’s one that is full blown castle with a large wall around it! My favorite house history is a home on Compo Beach Road (down the street from the beach) that was Scott Fitzgerald’s summer home with his wife Zelda. It is rumored that this summer house was the inspiration of ‘The Great Gatsby’ novel. Their neighbor was a millionaire who hosted many parties just like the character of Jay Gatsby. The millionaire neighbor’s home is now the home of Longshore Golf Club. Westport Historical Society hosts a walking tour talking about the Fitzgeralds’ time in Wesport (see more details on their website). It’s on my bucket list to take the walking tour this summer as it is one of my top favorite classics in one of my favorite CT town!

*Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s summer home.*

Recommendations of places to visit in 06880:

Compo Beach 60 Compo Beach Rd

Sherwood Island State Park Sherwood Island Connector

Vineyard Vines 90 Main St

Savvy and Grace 146 Main St

Westport Library 20 Jesup Rd

Westport Pizzeria 143 Post Rd E

Playhouse Square (She La La & Splash of Pink) 275 Post Rd E

Terrian 561 Post Rd E

Black Duck Cafe 605 Riverside Ave

This blog is not sponsored. All opinions in this blog are my own.