EDITOR’S LETTER

JULY/AUG 2021 / DIANE TALBOT SEMBROT

SCAN TO VISIT US

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

FOR THE WIN

We do the “Best Of” issue every year to give our readers a chance to vote for their favorite restaurants, shops, salons, gyms and more. It serves as a guide to Fairfield County as well as to

Westport, Weston and Wilton. But this year is different. As I write this, we are all just getting used to walking around downtown without a mask. Actually, some of us are maskless, some not. And more of us are going back into shops and grabbing a bite to eat at an outdoor or indoor table. Things sometimes feel normal, sometimes not at all. It’s like writing with your nondominant hand—it works, but feels off. Imagine, then, how it’s been for local businesses awaiting this time.

Finally, the stores downtown have opened their doors, unrestricted. If you haven’t been there for a bit, you may not realize all of the changes. There has been a lot of turnover in the major locations along Main Street and the

Post Road. Big stores, including Ann Taylor,

Loft, Nike, Banana Republic, are gone. In their place, we welcome new faces, like Sundance, 7 for All Mankind, Glowbar, Madison Reed, and others. Barnes & Noble moved downtown, offering a place to linger and shop; and new eateries are opening, so we can grab a coffee, a fresh pastry or refreshing treat. It’s Westport, just changed after its Covid hibernation.

That makes this edition of “Best Of” all the more meaningful. It feels like a celebration of the places, big and small, that have found new ways of doing business; they are the ones that come to mind first when we want something (hair styling, birthday present, sushi), because we like what they do.

As the editor of the publication, I love seeing the results of the poll, but, yes, I feel like many good places aren’t listed. For me, some of them are part of what define our town. I want to put an asterisk on the Best Of guide that starts: “Don’t forget about ____.” If you just moved to Westport, I could list lots places to check out.

This is not to take away from the winners. I want them to enjoy this well-earned win! I just also want locals to keep exploring. Try the places on the winners list, and then keep going. See who else is doing an outstanding job. We have impressive stores, salons, studios and more, and also amazing expertise. Go ask questions, try things and enjoy the simple pleasure of finding a favorite shop, a favorite seat in a restaurant, a favorite coffee or iced tea, favorite spot in a weekend fitness class, a favorite gift shop for all things local. Make this town yours.

We’ve waited a long time to be able to safely be among one another again. The lesson I’m taking away is not to take it for granted—to appreciate everything from the potted plants along the sidewalk to the big town events. For example, mark Saturdays, July 17 and August 14, on your calendars—these are Summer Outdoor Shopping Days by the Downtown Merchants Association. Also, check out the shows at the Levitt Pavilion. Let’s enjoy what we have and who we share it with.

Best, always,

diane.sembrot@moffly.com