Like many Westporters, founder and designer, Ariel Dunne moved to Westport from N.Y.C. and immediately fell in love with the town, beach side vibes, and the pride and participation the people of Westport have in their local community. Here, Ariel shares some of her favorite things about this special place we call home.
Old Mill Beach: My family often likes to escape the crowds of Compo and go to Old Mill Beach. There is a calmness that makes it feel like your own private island. You can always find your spot, kids can run free, and you can pop over to Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci for a pizza, coffee or wine. Feeling adventurous? Set up a beautiful dinner party on the low tide terrace.
Rive Bistro: What gets better than a French bistro located on a beautiful river? Study the tides to pull up your boat to the dock along the Saugatuck River or cruise down Riverside Avenue to indulge in their Smoked Salmon Tartine or Bistro Burger. Whether you like to sit at the bar and enjoy a specialty cocktail, are looking to host a large- or small-scale fête, or want a relaxing meal with family and friends on the inside/outside patio, this spot has something for everyone.
Saugatuck Rowing Club & Fitness Center: Over the years I have bopped between gyms in the city and Westport and never found the right fit—they always felt more like a fashion show rather than a place to break a sweat. Then my son started rowing, and we found Saugatuck Rowing Club & Fitness Center as a family. An uncrowded gym, phenomenal classes, workspace inside and out (where I am writing this article!) and an upscale restaurant and bar- all with river views to make the experience more special.
Restore Hyper Wellness: We all know with work, kid schedules, and just the in and out of the day, it is hard to find time for yourself. But, if you can carve out three minutes, pop into Restore Hyper Wellness for a Cryotherapy session. Have 15? Hit up the Red Light Therapy. Lucky to have 45 minutes to one hour? Get a curated drip to increase hydration, improve energy and boost immunity—or pop your legs into Compression Therapy to improve circulation and reduce muscle pain and recovery time. My recommendation is to go ahead with the monthly membership for the best value, as it also gives you a mental push to visit the studio and take care of yourself.
Idan Chen Salon: I have had short hair for over 10 years—and I am particular—so finding the right precision and perfection for my cut and color in Westport was hard until I found Idan Chen. Often, I commuted into the city to get the job done right. Not having to spend half a day in the city gives me my life back and keeps me looking glam even on average days. The quality and outcome are always incredible, and owners Idan and Melissa make everyone feel at home and special. Long locks, short locks, curly or straight, the team at Idan Chen deliver exceptional results tailored to each clients’ style and vision. Their dedication to their craft is truly impressive.
Westport is the Bestport: Westport is the Bestport is a local lifestyle brand I founded two years ago to celebrate this amazing place we are lucky to call home. While we have an original collection of pieces such as sweatshirts, hats and stadium cups, the fun part comes in when we get creative, design and launch limited edition capsule collections that end up being fun collectibles for residents or takeaway gifts for out-of-town town visitors. Check out westportisthebestport.com or @westport_is_the_bestport for new item drops. It’s a great way to show your love for our community!