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8 Can’t-Miss Fairfield Shopping Destinations
Where to shop until you drop in this quaint Connecticut city.
Fairfield, CT is one of those mid-sized cities that maintains the feel of a smaller town. To explore the many different neighborhoods is to experience a variety of feels, qualities, and charms. From the nearby beaches to the delicious dining, to the many shopping opportunities, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Especially when it comes to shopping, Fairfield is a standout destination. It has a large commercial footprint, while its “Love Local” program helps promote the community’s businesses. Here are the top eight can’t-miss Fairfield shopping destinations.
Fairfield Center
Fairfield Center is a robust shopping mall located in downtown Fairfield, just one block from the NYC commuter rail. Across its three levels, you’ll find everything from clothing stores, to home decor shops, to fitness studios. Some major retailers include Atlan Jewelers, Apricot Lane Boutique, Underground Boxing and Fitness, and Ann Taylor. This is the perfect place to visit when you need the perfect blouse for that job interview or an accessory for that special someone.
Black Rock Shopping Center
Similar to Fairfield Center, Black Rock is a single-level shopping mall, but with slightly fewer options. At this traditional mall, you’ll find stores like Old Navy, Gap, Massage Envy, and The Paper Store. Residents love coming to Black Rock for weekend shopping trips with the girls or to load the kids up for a new school year. You’ll also find a Jersey Mike’s, for those on-the-go lunches.
Brick Walk
Brick Walk is an enormous, multi-level shopping destination with ample parking and a lot of dining options. Known as a “prime date night destination,” it offers a few different cuisines and experiences. For classic American eats and a couple of beers in a relaxed environment, head to Brick Walk Tavern. Their shared plates, like the Chips and Onion Dip and the Papas Bravas, are crowd-pleasers, as are their craft cocktails.
When an Italian craving hits, look no further than Brick + Wood. This modern eatery makes its own mozzarella and fires up all of its pizzas in a wood grill. It’s Italian flavors at their best. Before or after eating, be sure to wander through the many shops. Island Outfitters, Joseph A. Banks, and several hair and nail salons are ready to help you look your best.
Post Road – Fairfield Shopping Plaza Center
Post Road is fully loaded with everything from high-end boutiques to sweets shops, and it is a fun and pretty place to stroll. Along Post Road, you’ll find BD Provisions — a food shop that sells traditionally bulk items in sustainable packages. The goal? To help consumers move toward healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
Nearby, you’ll find AR Workshop, which is a DIY boutique. Customs come to create trendy home decor out of raw materials. Bring your girlfriends along and make custom wine openers, or host a party and send everyone home with a custom wooden sign! AR offers unique ways to shop.
For high-end women’s fashion, there’s Capri. This designer boutique sells brands like 3 Dots, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, and WILT, and is a trendy yet local way to shop.
If you’re in the mood to buy the freshest produce around, Post Road has you covered! The Fairfield Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 10 am-2 pm on the Sherman Green, and it brings together 20 of the area’s best farmers. Fill your totes with fresh foods from vendors like Cloudy Lane Bakery, Carrot Top Kitchens, and Kardamas Olive Oil. The market is a community staple and a fun way to shop.
Greenfield Hill
Greenfield Hill is aptly named, seeing how it’s home to several garden and farm shops. On Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm, the Greenfield Hill Farmers Market sells produce, eggs, organic hydroponic lettuce and herbs, floral arrangements, and more, all through an assortment of local vendors.
Greenfield Hill is also home to Lexington Home and Garden — where you’ll find everything to decorate your outdoor spaces — as well as CT Audubon Nature Store, which preserves the area’s local wildlife sanctuaries.
Southport
Southport is a quaint area with a few popular women’s shops and accessory stores, including Coco and Company, Fairfield Women’s Exchange, and Kasson Jewelers. The Women’s Exchange allows women to showcase their art, and the proceeds of which are donated to charities that promote the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of women.
Switzers Pharmacy is another staple in this area. Fairfield’s Ringel brothers took over the pharmacy from their father in 1960 and have maintained its classic look ever since. It’s a real mom-and-pop shop and adds to the area’s overall charm.
Tunxis Hill
Tunxis Hill is largely commercial, with stores like T.J. Maxx, News Express, and Super Discount Wines & Spirits. Its resident local shop is No. 299 Design Gallery. This vintage-inspired shop sells everything from gifts, to jewelry, to home decor. You’re sure to find a treasure inside.
Commerce Drive
Commerce Drive is, as it sounds, a commercial strip for home improvement. Domestic Kitchens, Faust Harrison Pianos, and Ganim’s Garden Center. From handcrafted cabinetry to Weeks Roses, to a stunning new piano, there’s a way to make your home pop.
Interested in Fairfield real estate for sale? Contact Julie Walsh for Connecticut’s best listings.
Dos and Don’ts of Staging Your Fairfield Home
Clean, declutter, and depersonalize—here’s how to get your Fairfield home ready for buyers.
While the Fairfield, CA, housing market remains saturated with interested buyers and high sale prices, it’s still vital to get your home looking as good as possible before listing. Throughout the pre-listing process, focus your efforts on appealing to your home’s ideal buyer.
Complete any necessary repairs, work with an experienced Fairfield real estate agent, and price your home competitively (via a comparative market analysis). Once you’ve taken care of these necessities, it’s time to stage your home.
What is staging?
Staging is the process of rearranging, adding, and removing furniture in your home to make it as appealing as possible to ideal buyers. When staging your Fairfield home, you want to add neutral yet stylish pieces that encourage buyers to visualize themselves living in your home and give each room a designated purpose. By hiring a professional stager, you can increase the selling price of your home by up to 23%, and your home is likely to sell much faster than its non-staged counterparts. If you don’t want to hire a pro, you can still experience the monetary benefits of staging by paying attention to the following dos and don’ts.
Do: clean first
Deep cleaning your Fairfield home for sale should be the first step in your staging process. In most cases, it’s a good idea to hire a professional who has experience cleaning homes in anticipation of listing them for sale. A pro can look at your home with fresh eyes and will have the tools, supplies, and know-how to ensure every nook and cranny of your home is sparkling (and in the shortest amount of time.)
Don’t: leave your stuff in the house
Buyers looking at houses for sale in Fairfield don’t want to walk in and see all your papers, books, extra clothes, and knickknacks scattered about the home. Decluttering is a crucial part of staging and makes your home appear brighter, larger, and well maintained. Remove any items that are taking up unnecessary space and put them in a storage unit, as opposed to storing them in closets, attics, or basements—all of which will be seen by potential buyers. Storage spaces should be free of clutter.
Do: neutralize
Neutralizing means removing anything personal or distracting from your home such as collectibles, sports memorabilia, family photos, and unique artwork. All of these items should go into your storage space. Additionally, any statement walls or brightly colored rooms should be painted in warm, neutral shades that accommodate a wide range of interior design styles. Fairfield real estate professionals suggest painting living rooms and bedrooms in light gray, off-white, or beige—while kitchens and bathrooms should get a nice coat of light blue or gray paint.
Don’t: let buyers know you have pets
Buyers tend to be put off by visible or olfactory indicators of pets. While looking at houses for sale in Fairfield, buyers may perceive obvious signs of pets (or the pets themselves) as a signal that the home is unclean or will require more work before move-in. Find a place for your pets to stay during showings and remove items like dishes, toys, and pet beds.
Do: make touch-ups
As insane as it may sound, even the smallest scuff, chip, or crack could insinuate larger problems for a potential buyer, and lead them to choose another house for sale in Fairfield. Walk through your home with your real estate agent to identify any areas that need touching up, and schedule a handyman to do the work before any prospective buyers look at your home.
Don’t: have a dark home
A well-lit home looks welcoming and large. During the staging process, remove all heavy window coverings, and place extra floor or table lamps in rooms that don’t have much natural light. Be sure to ask your Fairfield real estate agent to turn on all lights prior to showings.
Do: remove large or unnecessary furniture
Bulky furniture (or too many furnishings) can crowd a room and make it appear smaller. If you have large couches, chairs, or tables, put them in your storage unit and replace them with smaller, more lightweight versions. Each room should have only the furniture necessary to help the buyer identify what it will be used for. For example, a guest bedroom should have only a bed, bedside table, and maybe a dresser if the space permits while a dining room needs nothing more than a table and chairs.
Don’t: forget the final touches
It’s often the little things that push houses for sale in Fairfield over the edge for buyers. Prior to showings, place vases with fresh flowers in strategic locations throughout the home. Burn candles or put out some heated vanilla oil to create a pleasing aroma. Play relaxing music softly in the background and set your dining room table with high-quality linens, dishes, and wine glasses (to evoke images of dinner parties or cozy family dinners). Finally, hang a festive wreath on the front door and place a cheery welcome pat on the porch.
Staging is an integral part of the pre-listing process. If you want to sell your home quickly and for the highest price possible, follow the above staging tips or hire a professional stager who can get your home into ideal condition.
Preparing to list a Fairfield home for sale?
Fairfield real estate agent Julie Walsh can provide you more local staging tips, and painlessly guide you through the rest of the listing process. Contact Julie today to begin the home-selling process—or to begin the search for your next California dream home.
Relocating From Larger Cities
Benefits, tips, and tricks for making your transition from big-city life to a slower pace a breeze.
So, you’ve tried the big city lifestyle on for size, but now you’re ready to move on. Recent developments and drastic changes in the way you live and work have guided your decision to move to a humble locale. Whether you grew up in a metropolis or moved there chasing bustling city dreams and a fantastic job opportunity, that chapter of your life is coming to an end. You’re finally ready to trade in your big city lifestyle for some laid-back charm.
There are many considerations when relocating to a smaller enclave, such as Westport. Making the transition from busy on-the-go living to a closer-knit community is not always an easy task, but there are ways to make it simpler. Before discussing tips and tricks to make your life-changing move go smoothly, let’s look into the main benefits of relocating to a more intimate township.
Advantages to Enclave Living
People who move to Connecticut’s Gold Coast experience several advantages over nearby city-dwellers. If you have any doubts about relocating, these benefits could reassure you that this move is best for your lifestyle.
- You’ll get the space you always desired. Having a spacious home with a large garden and backyard might feel overwhelming at first, but it won’t be long before you’re in love with all the possibilities for activities, renovations, adding a pool or jacuzzi, you name it! Moving to a vibrant community like Westport with a family, the larger home will give family members and canine companions much-needed space and privacy. Trust me, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy your newly acquired indoor and outdoor space in no time.
- Smaller communities often support local arts and culture. People often think that young artsy, bohemian types only live in big cities like San Francisco and NYC, but the truth is that more intimate communities also pose fantastic opportunities for artists to create and thrive. With resources for local performing and studio arts, communities like Westport engage and encourage the arts.
- Life is slower, more tranquil, and less stressful. You can rest assured that your new life will be free of honking horns, zooming cars, traffic jams, parking problems, crowds, and the like. Westport’s thriving community is wrought with shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities without the hassle of a high-tension commute and constant noise.
- Some smaller communities offer ample job opportunities and less competition. Given these factors, job security is often stronger. In closer-knit communities, you could have the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with your neighbors, strengthening your networks, and forging lifelong partnerships.
- Quieter enclaves are excellent for raising a family or retirement. Enjoy living life in the slow lane where crime rates are lower. The mere fact that your children will live in a safer and friendlier place is reason enough to make the move to one of Connecticut’s coastal towns. You’ll likely spend more quality time with your family and engaging in various outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, and more.
- You’ll feel part of a community instead of a cog in the city machine. Neighbors will greet you by name soon enough, and you’ll feel a genuine sense of belonging. If you’re moving without a partner or family, you’ll find it easier to meet new people and build lasting friendships, and potentially meet the love of your life.
Now that you can breathe easy knowing all of the benefits moving to a community like Westport will reap, let’s delve into these seven helpful tips that will make your move as seamless and low-stress as possible.
Get Involved
So you’ve just moved to a new town, and you don’t have any sort of friends, family, or support system. The top priority after settling into your new house is putting yourself out there to meet new people. The swiftest way to get to know your community is by volunteering. Volunteer opportunities are usually easy to find and include bake sales, charity work, school committees, community events, and more. Check local resources for book clubs and other volunteer opportunities.
Get Ready to Converse
Once you move, you’ll quickly learn that neighbors want to stop and talk to you while you’re doing yard work, walking the dog, or out running errands. Be open to conversing with others to avoid being rude and also increase your chances of developing friendships. You never know when you’ll need a helping hand or a buddy to talk to, so communicating with neighbors now can be helpful in the future.
Drive Around Town
Public transit systems are more sophisticated in cities than in suburban areas. Having a car will be your key to getting around with ease. Use your vehicle to learn where essential establishments are, including coffee shops, bookstores, parks, grocery stores, etc. It won’t be long before your exploration of the town leads you to find your new favorite spots. When you’re out and about, ask locals what the hotspots are and get some recommendations.
Embrace the Culture
Once you’ve decided to trade the constant rush of city-living for something more relaxed, lean into it! Living in Westport provides ample opportunities for exquisite dining and boutique shopping but without the crowds and the constant rush of the city. Still, everything from schooling to relationships is likely to behave a little bit differently, so be ready to face a shift in your expectations.
Business and Personal Combine
Something you will notice about local businesses is how employees often become friends. A clear and precise line separating business from personal often doesn’t exist. Becoming friends with your dentist, barber, doctor, and more is pretty typical. Soon enough, you’ll be calling your grocery store clerk by name and asking about their kid’s swimming competition.
Slow Down
Outside of the city’s hustle and bustle, life moves slower. People stroll, talk slower, and there is simply no reason to rush. Whether you’re grocery shopping, having dinner with family, or grabbing your morning coffee, the pace is significantly more laid-back and at-ease. This could be frustrating at first for big-city slickers, but once you’ve embraced the benefits of a slower, low-stress existence, you’ll love the change.
Exploring Westport, Connecticut
Westport real estate has become highly sought-after in recent times due to its family-friendly atmosphere, picturesque landscape, and beautiful beaches. Many people are trading in their uptempo, stressful city lives for a more relaxed pace, and Westport has become a popular place to make this drastic lifestyle change. Learn more about Westport’s offerings here.
Now that you have a grasp on the benefits of relocating and how to embrace it let’s explore real estate market trends in the historic town of Westport, Connecticut. Westport market research shows that the number of home listings decreased by nearly 42% from 2020 to July 2021. Additionally, homes remained on the market for 46 days in July 2021 versus 73 days in 2020. Single-family homes sold for an average of $1.9 million in 2021, significantly higher than the $1.6 million average sales price of 2020. Townhomes and condos sold for an average of $450 thousand in 2020 versus $650 thousand in July 2021.
All of these stats demonstrate that many people are flocking to Westport to design a more relaxed, low-stress way of living. Property prices are rising as more people exodus from cramped city-living and gravitate toward the endless benefits of suburban. Schools are highly rated, recreation is readily available, and people of all ages are moving to Westport to take advantage of its attractive features.
Contact luxury property specialist Julie Walsh today if you’re looking for a Westport home to call your own. Julie is a highly acclaimed, top-selling agent throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut. Her proven track record and commitment to client satisfaction will ensure you find the Westport luxury property of your dreams.
Everything You Need to Know About Concierge Listing Services
Revealing the secrets of concierge listing services and how they can help you sell your home.
Are you ready to list your Fairfield home in the coming months? Do you worry about how it will stack up against other houses for sale, and want to take action to help it sell quickly and for the highest price? One of the best ways to improve your odds of success when listing a Fairfield home for sale is to work with an experienced local agent who has access to concierge listing service tools. Not familiar with what a concierge listing service is, or how it could assist your sale? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Concierge Listing Service?
Concierge listing services are custom marketing programs designed to help agents sell your home. The Coldwell Banker Listing Concierge service assists Fairfield real estate agents by offering them a variety of marketing packages, which combine automated online tools with personalized services to help agents sell properties quickly and effectively. The service utilizes direct mail, social media advertising, photography, brochures, television advertising, and more to increase the reach of each listing and appeal to ideal buyers.
How Does a Concierge Listing Service Help a Fairfield Real Estate Agent Sell Your Home?
Effective marketing strategies are vital to selling homes—especially in the current Fairfield real estate market, which favors the buyer. More and more buyers interested in homes for sale in Fairfield are finding them online, which means online marketing campaigns are key to appealing to these shoppers. Research has shown that properties marketed with the Listing Concierge sell for approximately 2 to 7% more than those that are not. In addition, sellers working with a Listing Concierge-using agent rate themselves as happier with their service, compared to sellers who work with an agent lacking this tool.
Most agents don’t have the time nor expertise to effectively market homes that they represent on their own. Smaller teams also don’t have the luxury of having an in-house marketing expert, who’d normally develop a strategic campaign using social media ads, landing pages, Google ads, and other more traditional forms of marketing to help a home sell. When your Fairfield real estate agent uses Listing Concierge, they have a highly trained marketing specialist by their side throughout the life of the listing, helping them build a campaign that delivers results.
Tips on Preparing Your Home for Marketing
Though research shows that using a concierge listing service helps homes sell for more, your Fairfield property should first be prepared properly for the tool to be effective. Here are some tips on preparing your home for listing so it can be marketed effectively.
- Declutter and depersonalize. Help your home shine in professional images and video tours by removing clutter such as knickknacks, extra clothing, and anything else that you won’t need immediate access to during the selling process. You should also remove any unique artwork, furnishings, or decor that may not appeal to a wide range of buyers—err on the side of a safe, clean look.
- Repaint. Your family may love your living room’s purple accent wall or your toddler’s pink bedroom, but potential buyers likely won’t. Repaint each room in neutral tones so buyers can see a blank canvas ready to be customized to their own tastes.
- Hire professional cleaners. No matter how well you’ve kept up on housekeeping, you need to take your home’s level of cleanliness to the next level before you list it. The best way to ensure your home sparkles is to hire a professional cleaning company that specializes in prepping houses for sale in Fairfield.
- Remove all signs of pets. You may love your furry friends, but many buyers will view animals in a negative light when they are looking at homes. Move your pets in with a friend or family member during the selling process, and remove all signs of them including food bowls, litter boxes, pet beds, and toys.
- Stage it. Houses for sale in Fairfield that are professionally staged sell for up to 20% more than unstaged homes. Staging involves the rearranging or addition/removal of decor and furnishings to help your home appeal to your ideal buyer. If you don’t want to use a professional, you can stage your home yourself—or have it virtually staged for buyers browsing online.
- Increase curb appeal. Whether interested buyers first see your home online or in person, the first impression they’ll get will likely be from the exterior. Make sure that first impression is a good one by keeping your lawn, bushes, and trees tidy and ensuring that your drive and walkway are free of cracks or other issues. Place some potted flowers and plants near the entry, and arrange a colorful welcome mat at the front door. Consider re-painting or replacing your mailbox, garage door, and front door to make your home appear welcoming and well-cared for.
- Add some final touches. You want those who view your home to feel welcome and comfortable, so setting the mood is essential. After marketing photos are taken and before the first buyer walks in the front door, set the table with fine dishes, a table runner, and cloth napkins. Add a wreath to the front door. Light some candles or rub vanilla on light bulbs to create a pleasing aroma, and play some soothing background music when showings take place.
If you want your home to compete against other houses for sale in Fairfield, consider using a Fairfield real estate agent like Julie Walsh who has partnered with a concierge listing service to effectively market your property.
Where To Eat In Westport
Must-try restaurants in Connecticut’s charming yet cosmopolitan Fairfield County.
Located within Connecticut’s Gold Coast, Westport has the perfect blend of New England charm mixed with a cosmopolitan vibe. Whether it be Italian comfort food, New American cuisine, or Japanese fusion dishes, the culinary scene in Westport is full of fresh, diverse, and local foods.
The charming yet cosmopolitan character of Fairfield County is home to some of Connecticut’s must-try restaurants. So if you’re craving hand-crafted food that is as delicious as it is thought out, read on and learn about the best places to eat in Westport!
The Cottage
Influenced by farmers in the region and cultures around the world, The Cottage is a stand-out restaurant in Westport. Opened in 2015 by Brian Lewis—one of Connecticut’s most outstanding chefs—The Cottage uses high-quality ingredients in all of its dishes and provides unforgettable dining experiences for guests.
The Cottage features a blend of American, French, Italian, and Asian flavors. Since chef Lewis also wanted the restaurant to be rooted in seasonality, the menu is always evolving. So although you may not know what your options are until you arrive at The Cottage, you can be sure that each menu item is made up of fresh and local ingredients.
The Cottage’s appetizers feature Japanese plates such as sashimi and spicy scallop nigiri. Some of the most popular main dishes include tender Wagyu brisket steamed buns topped with crunchy kimchi napa cabbage, homemade pasta, dry-aged steak, and confit duck fried rice topped with sunny-side-up quail eggs. For dessert, you cannot miss the peanut butter and hot fudge ice cream sundae.
This New American restaurant has received numerous accolades, including a spot on Esquire Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant” list and an “Excellent” review from The New York Times. Chef Brian Lewis even placed as a semifinalist for the James Beard Awards’ Best Chef: Northeast, and made a national television appearance on “Beat Bobby Flay” in which he defeated Bobby with his astounding pasta dish.
From its creative fusion dishes to warm hospitality, The Cottage is a welcoming restaurant that is all about good food and a friendly community.
Tarry Lodge
Tarry Lodge offers a modern take on traditional Italian food. The Michelin-starred team that opened Tarry Lodge is all about creating intriguing food combinations. Hence, new meets old is the theme at Tarry Lodge. Michelin-acclaimed chef Andy Nusser has put his personal touch into each menu concept to make sophisticated dishes. The menu at Tarry Lodge features hand-made comfort dishes like pasta, fritti, and meats all cooked over a wood-fired grill. The blend of contemporary and classic dishes includes pork belly with apple mostarda, grappa-cured salmon topped with lemon and capers, and a pork chop with quince and red cabbage. Tarry Lodge has a superb wine selection too, including white, red, and sparkling wines.
The centerpiece of Tarry Lodge is its dramatic pizza oven that is surrounded by a large marble dining counter. Guests can eat at the counter all while watching pizzaiolos toss the dough into the air, layer on toppings, and then send the pies into the hot wood-burning oven. Once out of the oven, these thin-crusted pizzas are mouthwatering. Some of Tarry Lodge’s gourmet pizza combinations include guanciale with black truffles and egg, burrata and pancetta topped with chili oil, and goat cheese with pistachios and truffle honey. Tarry Lodge’s pizzas are so tasty that the restaurant even made Connecticut Magazine’s “Best Pizzas in the State” list!
This enoteca and pizzeria host many food events as well, including food and wine pairing specials and holiday feasts. Previous events have included World Pasta Day, National Pizza Party Day, a four-course Nose-to-Tail Pig Dinner, and the Christmas Eve tradition of The Feast of Seven Fishes.
Tarry Lodge is the perfect place to get together with loved ones over delectable Italian food and wine.
The Whelk
For exquisite seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, check out The Whelk. Located on the Saugatuck River, The Welk has private tables, communal seating, a bar, and outdoor seating to enjoy the food and the scenery.
The Whelk’s changing menu items incorporate sustainable food and local produce from community farmers. Starters include plates like barbecue clams, deviled eggs with fried oysters, and smoked trout dip. Some of The Whelk’s larger plates include scallops, shrimp and grits, squid ink cavatelli, and halibut. Be sure to save room for sweets, as the restaurant makes one-of-a-kind desserts such as the almond cake, olive oil cake, and chocolate pot de crème.
This seafood bar is also known for its bright, signature cocktails. Sangre Fresca is a tequila drink with hibiscus, plum, and lime, and Chief 2.0 is a mix of bourbon, oloroso dulce sherry, bitters, and sugar.
The Whelk is your go-to for superb yet casual seafood dishes in Westport.
Match BURGER LOBSTER
Match BURGER LOBSTER offers a twist on Connecticut roadside favorites. Can’t decide between a burger or a lobster roll? Well, you don’t have to because Match has it all!
The food at Match comes as local as it gets. All of the restaurant’s shellfish comes from The Bloom Family of Copps Island Oysters, while the meats are from Provisions on State.
You can indulge in Match’s lobster rolls either hot or chilled, or you can order the classic Cracked Lobster plate served with melted butter. If you’re in the mood for shellfish other than lobster, try Match’s fried clams and oysters, or fish and chips.
There are all types of juicy burgers to choose from too, such as The Match Burger, Salt & Pepper Burger, Slider Combo, and Lamb Burger. The restaurant’s foot-long hot dog has also become a fan favorite.
This northeastern road shack is all about quick service and excellent food in a casual environment. Match’s owner-chef Matt Storch wanted the restaurant to be fun yet dignified. His vision came to life as Match is now a Westport spot with wonderful and fast table and take-out services.
For locally sourced burgers and lobster rolls with a roadside quirkiness, check out Match BURGER LOBSTER.
Little Barn
Rustic, welcoming outpost Little Barn will quickly become your go-to destination for scrumptious dishes that combine bold flavors with a backyard ambiance. Sporting a menu of New American favorites, diners here can enjoy a taste of everything from tuna tacos to lobster mac and cheese, baby back ribs to fish and chips, and Thai chicken Buddha bowls to reuben egg rolls. Plus, you won’t want to miss their iconic colossal pretzels.
Little Barn makes the most of their outdoor patio — during the summer months, it is a breezy platform for alfresco eating, and in the wintertime, it is enclosed and heated to provide plenty of additional seating. Live music is provided for evening entertainment, and there is plenty of beer on tap to keep things lively. You’ll always find an uptempo atmosphere when you dine here.
OKO
Inspired by Japanese cuisine and style, OKO is another successful innovation by chef Brian Lewis. This renowned Connecticut chef took his fondness for Japanese food and created a restaurant that is authentic and heartfelt.
OKO’s menu features a wide range of sushi. Some of the restaurant’s nigiri sushi options include avocado kabayaki, local maitake, Ora king salmon, and red king crab. OKO’s Japanese sushi options include rolls like Suzuki sea bass, Hamachi yellowtail, Anago sea eel, and A5 Miyazaki beef. The restaurant also has crispy sushi such as spicy tuna or salmon, as well as five- and ten-piece selections chosen by chef Lewis himself.
Dinner options at OKO include tempura, ramen noodles, bento boxes, and poke bowls. Traditional Japanese sake is available as well, which can be ordered by bottle or glass.
One of OKO’s most distinct features, however, is its Omakase—or Chef’s Choice—offered nightly. In this 15-course tasting menu, OKO chefs share their favorite dishes, including an assortment of fish and shellfish from both local and Japanese waters. Omakase is the perfect way to discover and celebrate Edomae sushi and Japanese cuisine.
The food at OKO isn’t the only part of the restaurant with Japanese influence. The restaurant boasts an open design that starts in the dining room and bar and flows all the way to the kitchen.
For a truly holistic experience in which Japanese design meets gastronomy, visit the unforgettable OKO.
Westport Real Estate
Moving to the Westport area? Contact top-selling real estate agent Julie Walsh. Julie is one of the most trusted real estate agents representing luxury markets in Connecticut. For world-class service when buying or selling properties in Fairfield County, collaborate with Julie Walsh.
6 Popular Westport Architectural Styles
Diverse architectural designs are plentiful in Connecticut’s sophisticated Fairfield County.
Westport, Connecticut may be known for its New England charm, but its architectural style is much more diverse. Whether it be hallmark shingle-style abodes, ornamental Victorian architecture, innovative contemporary properties, or classical colonial architecture, the architectural scene in Westport is extremely varied.
The sophisticated and elegant nature of Fairfield County boasts some of the most stand-out properties within Connecticut’s Gold Coast. Where the city meets the countryside in Westport, you will find these six popular architectural styles.
Shingle-Style Abodes
Shingle-style homes are a hallmark of New England architecture. This architectural style blends traditional with modern, giving off a casual yet informal feel. Common features of this home design include wood shingles, stone pillars, Palladin windows, steeply pitched roofs, and natural materials.
The history of shingle houses dates back to the 19th century. Originally designed for wealthy New Englanders, these abodes were the first American-designed homes. However, shingle homes have drawn much influence from a wide variety of other architectural styles. Inspiration for these houses has come from Queen Anne, Victorian, Gothic Revival, Romanesque, and Tudor styles.
With all of its different style influences, shingle homes have a broad range of combinations. There are eight types of shingle house designs that have been categorized based on roof style, structural forms, overhangs, and exterior wall materials. These include Folk, Queen Anne, Richardson Romanesque, Second Empire, Territorial, Stick Style, American Renaissance, and Shingle.
Today, shingle-style abodes are still seen throughout wealthy coastal and countryside communities. Their rustic and seamless styles have made them a trademark throughout Westport.
Victorian Architecture
Victorian-style homes are ornamental, bright, and grand. Distinguishing features include a mix of colors and materials, decorative elements, and vertical exterior design. Some Victorian properties look like gaudy dollhouses, while others look like ominous haunted houses.
The style of Victorian architecture became popular in the United States in the 19th century. Victorian-era homes got their influence from old architectural movements including Romanesque and Medieval Gothic.
There are two main styles of Victorian homes, which include Italianate and Queen Anne. Italianate homes have flat roofs that often stick out from the exterior walls, as well as windows that are tall, thin, and have lots of trim. Some of these homes even have towers that ascend from the center of the house, creating a more Tuscan feel. Queen Anne homes feature steeply pitched roofs, bay windows, and broad wrap-around porches. These houses are adorned with pretty trim and bright colors, giving them what is known as a “gingerbread” effect.
With all of their intricacies, Victorian-style homes are the perfect representation of Westport’s sophisticated character.
Contemporary Properties
Drawing on traditional style, but with a splash of the latest trends, contemporary-style houses are considered the architecture of the 21st century. Key features of contemporary architecture include sustainable components, organic lighting, and eco-friendly materials.
Contemporary homes came about in the 1960s with inspirations from Colonial, Georgian, Shingle, and Federalist architectural styles. These abodes were ranch-themed and often painted in flashy colors. On the inside, decor pieces featured large sectional couches and shaggy carpets. Although this style was considered to be all the rage all the time, it no longer reflects today’s true contemporary style.
The current contemporary style of homes focuses on traditional design while implementing features that are important to today’s homeowners. These properties may look simple but are constructed with all of the latest materials and technology. Contemporary homes feature innovative designs that include energy-efficient components, and recycled and non-toxic materials. Green building is the trend, along with “living” roofs composed of plants, ample skylights, and low-emission carpeting and paints. An emphasis is also placed on entertainment spaces, especially outdoors. Contemporary properties often have lavish alfresco kitchens and freestanding fireplaces.
The reimagined classic designs of contemporary homes are perfect for meeting the needs of today’s homeowners while being aesthetically pleasing yet environmentally friendly.
Cottage Homes
Cottage abodes have a cozy feel with vintage character, making them a perfect fit in Westport. The trend of these houses is a mix between casual and graceful. Typically only one story—or one and a half stories—cottage-style architecture contains elements like stucco or shingled exteriors, small porches and balconies, gable roofs, dormers, and bay windows. Inside most cottage homes, you will find stone fireplaces and delightful nooks and crannies. Hallways are also limited in these smaller abodes, making spaces communal and inviting.
The origin of cottage homes traces to the Middle Ages. Back in these times, cottages were home to cotters, who were people that lived on the properties of royals. These tiny properties were built with stone or wood walls and had thatched roofs.
Over time, the architectural style of cottage homes made its way throughout the world. This expansion gave way to five distinct types of cottage styles, including English, Nordic, Canadian, American, and South African.
Cottage homes get a lot of their features from other architectural styles, yet display them on a smaller scale. However, comfort and individuality are distinguishing features of these charming abodes. Newly designed cottages also provide that old-era feel, but with a touch of modernity.
These quaint cottage homes throughout Fairfield County are bursting with timeless personalities.
How to Increase Your Home’s Value
Starting a new home renovation project can be both exciting and daunting.
Project (average cost recouped, national) according to Realtor Magazine:
- Minor kitchen remodel (88%)
- Bathroom remodel (85%)
- Major kitchen remodel (81%)
- Family room addition (80%)
- Deck addition (77%)
- Master suite (75%)
- Attic bedroom (74%)
- Siding replacement (73%)
- Window replacement (69%)
- Home office (55%)
Some tips when attempting value-increasing remodeling:
- l Remodel with mass appeal in mind. Potential buyers are usually attracted more to neutral, mainstream design.
- l Don’t go cheap when it comes to construction. Use durable, quality materials. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, honestly evaluate your ability to do it right.
- l Don’t remodel in a different style from the rest of the house. Additions and improvements that look “tacked on” may detract from a home’s appeal.
- l Turning a bedroom into a bathroom is a mistake – it reduces the number of bedrooms, a chief selling point.
- l Don’t do a $30,000 kitchen remodel in a $100,000 house – unless you plan to continue living there. It is a waste of money.
- Make sure the outside of your home is spic-and-span. Clean out the gutters. Wash the windows and remove cobwebs and bugs. Trim the hedges, cut and edge the lawn, sweep the sidewalks and driveway. Plant some colorful flowers out front.
