You know all that downtown-bashing that Westporters love?
We’re wrong.
According to the September issue of Connecticut Magazine — in which the editors offer dozens of “Best of Connecticut” picks, in hopes of selling more ads providing interesting content — Westport is one of the state’s 3 “Destination Shopping” towns.
“When is a mall not a mall?” Connecticut asks. And then answers:
When it’s a lovely Main Street with parking along the great wide Saugatuck.
Not a mall at all.
Along with usual suspects like J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Williams Sonoma, Chico’s Gap and Coach (and lovable stalwarts Max’s Art Supply, Oscar’s Deli and Sally’s Place, there are plenty of new kids on the block — Benefit Cosmetics, Nike, Kate Spade, West Elm and Theory.
On surrounding streets there are BOC winners Dovecote, Soleil Toile and newbie Urban Outfitters.
Speaking of which, the latter’s mother company URBN obviously finds lots to like in Westport: Up the Post Road a piece you’ll find two of their other properties, Anthropologie and totally gorgeous new home-and-garden store (an inadequate description if we’ve ever seen one) Terrain.
“Totally goregous” Terrain.
The other 2 “Destination Shopping” towns — Guilford and West Hartford — get equally gushing reviews.
“Best of Connecticut” also gives category shout-outs to these Westport spots:
- Bakery: Sono Baking Company
- Fish and chips: Mansion Clam House (“Still the go-to place for local seafood lovers”)
- Muffins: Aux Delices
- Munchies: Trader Joe’s
- Mussels: The Whelk (“Delish — and pure bliss”)
- Raising the bar: Spotted Horse (“We can’t help wondering: Where did these throngs of people hang out before?”)
- Side dish (escarole): Pane e Bene
- Salad bar: Whole Foods
- Chop salad: The Dressing Room
- Hair salon: Phillip Bruce
- Jewelry (eclectic): Dovecote
- Lingerie: Soleil Toile
- Toy store: Age of Reason
- Consignment shop (clothing): DLC
- Boutique (teens): Urban Outfitters
- Men’s clothing: Mitchells (“A Westport icon since 1958”)
- Men’s ties: Vineyard Vines
Congratulations to every winner.
But if you’ve read all the way through, shame on you.
Why aren’t you out shopping — preferably downtown, on our “lovely Main Street with parking along the great wide Saugatuck”?