paddypea

Hi there,

Still planning 2007 vacation but priced out of Sag Harbor so have switched over to the other side of the Long Island Sound. We're looking at Westport and Guildford - are these good places for kids with nice beaches and amenities? Any inside scoop on describing the towns?

Many thanks!

nina

For a vacation???

They're great places to live but I don't know that I'd vacation there.

Or are you thinking of renting for the entire summer, because that's all you'll get in Westport, not sure about Guilford.

I can give you all the scoop you need on Westport, just let me know what your plan is and where the rental is.

nina

Also, do you need to be within commuting distance to the city? Where? (dowtnown, mid-town, etc)

DebitNM

Madison CT has nice beaches -- Hammonasset State Park is really nice. It will be less expensive than Westport to vacation too.

http://www.madisonct.org/

Here's a link to beaches in CT:

http://www.visitconnecticut.com/curr...nies_list.html

Sherwood Island, just north of Westport is nice but very rocky beach -- must wear beach shoes on beach and in water.

Calf Pasture in Norwalk [south of Westport] is nice too. There is a good seaquarium there too.

Some beaches in CT are for residents only.

Hope this helps...
Debi

Abby43

I grew up in Westport so I'm biased when I say it's the best! Compo Beach is very nice and there are great playground areas for the kids. I don't know how long you plan on being there, but if you are looking at a summer rental and will be there FT then you can also enroll the kids in Beach School. The downtown area is great-lots of shops-and there are several wonderful restaurants in town and in Norwalk, New Canaan, Stamford, Greenwich, which are all within a 30 min. drive.

The people I know in Westport,which is a LOT since I"m from there, are very down to earth and friendly. There is also the Levitt Pavillion behind the library which is a performing arts venue that attracts a lot of good talent. Also, the Westport Country Playhouse is a renowned theater that was recently headed up by my neighbor Joanne Woodward!

Just think, maybe you'll even have a Paul Newman sighting while you are there! Although they live around the corner from us and I haven't seen him in 30 years in the town.

nina

Abby,
I have about 4 Paul Newman sightings a year, mostly at restaurants and the farmers market (he's always at the new farmers market behind the Playhouse). He also opened a new restaurant at the Playhouse called the Dressing Room.

Compo is a great beach, you won't want to go to Sherwood Island if you're staying in Westport. If your rental is in Compo, great, another great spot is the beach community near Cedar Point Yacht Club, but I give a nod to Compo.

Westport is more sophisticated (maybe more obnoxious too) than Guilford. Lots of newcomers to the area, a lot from the city, so Abby you might be disappointed in trying to find "down to earth" Westporters, trust me, I've met plenty of people who are shocked to find that I do my own laundry. Oh well.

It is still a great place to be, when my kids were younger I went to Compo every single day of the summer, and now I still go almost every day but to walk more than play in the sand.

Westport has lots of really good restaurants and shopping, one thing you might have more of a problem with in Guilford, but if you like low-key, Guilford is better. There's also great nightlife and more restaurants nearby in SoNo (South Norwalk).

paddypea

Thank you SO much for all your tips. Sorry - I should have been more specific. We're looking at a rental for the month of July with three under 4 and our nanny.

We want to be near a fairly spohisticated town (read: good restaurants and shops) with outdoor amenities for husband/kids. We lost the Westport house (these things go fast!) so have narrrowed it down to one on the Candlewood Lake in Guildford or in Mystic near the town. Are we looking in the wrong areas - are there 1/2 best places along that stretch for a great family holiday?

Many thanks!

Abby43

Nina-I have heard reports of the "newer" generation in Westport not being as nice but in my experience most of the people I"ve met through the years are friendly and cool. HOWEVER, I am very upset to learn at how often you see Paul as he literally lives around the corner and I haven't ever seen him in 30 years!!!

I thought Candlewood Lake was more towards Danbury and not Guilford?? My friend lives on CL and loves it, but I have to drive through Danbury to get there. It is more isolating up there but Danbury has a mall and lots of restaurants so there will be things to do.

nina

Paddy, does anyone have to be within commuting distance to the city?

paddypea

Hi Nina,

Yes, we need to be able to get a train if needed to NYC. We would rather not be in an isolated area (is CL isolated?).

Many thanks

nina

I would choose Guilford over Candlewood Lake in an instant.

Danbury is NOT picturesque in the least, there are much nicer towns in CT, Guilford being one of them.

I also prefer the ocean to a lake.

Guilford is very pretty, with an historic green and lots of charm. Much, MUCH nicer than Candlewood Lake.

nina

Oh yeah, I don't know how long the commute to the city is from CL. It's pretty far out there.

Becalm

You've probably figured this out by now but just in case....
Candlewood Lake as stated is nowhere near the shore (Long Island Sound) or Guilford (also on the shore) but about an hour north. If you were considering Sag Harbor, CL is not what you're looking for. IMO, Guilford and Mystic (very different places) aren't either. From your description, Westport and environs sounds more like what you descibe as its more cosmopolitan (sophisticated, shops, good restaurants)and a one hour train ride from the City. If you can't locate a rental in Westport, try Fairfield which boaders Westport. Also, before you sign a lease, be sure to check the town's policy on beach use by renters. I live in Westport but am not sure of the policy here or in Fairfield.