Just one hour from Manhattan, Westport began its second renaissance when the era of mills and farms ended. Famous writers, artists and theater people set the pace. Seeking a retreat from the noise and bright lights of New York, they found another world just "up the mainline" (railroad) into Connecticut. Here by the seacoast and the green woods was an escape. The images of the town defined a lifestyle, invented a new vocabulary and forever fixed Westport in the American imagination.
Now a town of more that 26,000 inhabitants, Westportís creative arts community influences the townís sophisticated cosmopolitan atmosphere. Along with its appealing combination of seashore, and country charm, Westport, which includes Saugatuck, offers a diversity of cultural and recreational pursuits that include several theaters, a nature center, expansive library, museums, public and private clubs and an array of outdoor activities and seasonal events.
Population
26,275
Area
22.4 square miles
Schools
Public Schools
The entire community is included in the schooling enterprise and working with teachers, students and administrators on leadership councils to improve the quality of education. Westport students in elementary, middle, and high school score above the state averages, and a host of advanced placement courses are available at the high school level. Ongoing technological improvements have made the Internet now accessible to classrooms. The Board of Education and the community will provide the physical and financial resources that the staff will need to transform the schools to 21st century purposes.
Elementary Schools (Grades K-5)
- Coleytown Elementary School
65 Easton Avenue 203-341-1700
- Greens Farms
17 South Morningside Drive 203-222-3600
- Kings Highway Elementary
125 Post Road West 203-341-1800
- Long Lots Elementary School
13 Hyde Lane 203-341-1900
- Saugatuck Elementary School
170 Riverside Avenue 203-221-2900
Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)
- Bedford Middle School*
88 North Avenue 203-341-1500
- Coleytown Middle School
255 North Avenue 203-341-1600
High Schools (Grades 9-12)
- Staples High School
70 North Avenue 203-341-1200
Schools ñ Private
- Greens Farms Academy (Grades K-12)
35 Beachside Avenue - Greens Farms, CT 203-256-0717
- St. Paul Christian School
41 Easton Road 203-227-7920
- Landmark Academy (Grades PreK-8)
11 Burr Road 203-226-6982
Medical Facilities
- Hall-Brooke Hospital
47 Long Lots Road - Adolescent, Children and Adult substance abuse facility.
Bridgeport, St. Vincentís, Norwalk and Stamford Hospitals all within a ten to twenty minute car drive.
Recreation
Compo Beach
The townís largest beach with many picnic tables and cooking grills; extensive playground area and marina.
Longshore Country Club
Waterfront facility for town residents with beach swimming, pools, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, boating facilities, playground, Ice skating rink, special programs.
Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
Outdoor venue presenting over 50 nights of entertainment free to the public.
Earthplace
62-acre sanctuary with trails, museum and nature science exhibits and aquarium.
Rolnick Observatory
Wednesday and Thursday evenings open free to the public, weather permitting.
Sherwood Island State Park
274 acres with a mile-and-a-half long beach; two large picnic groves. Swimming, fishing, field sports, picnicking, concessions.
Winslow Park
19.5 acre site in a natural state.
Volunteer Services
Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Rotary Club, Sons of Italy, United Way, Welcome Wagon, Westport Senior Center, Westport Womanís Club, Interfaith Housing, Westport Young Women's League.
Transportation
Metro North Commuter Railway, I-95 or Merritt Parkway; 60 minutes to New York City, 35 minutes to New Haven. Some local bus service is available.
Accommodations
- The Inn at Longshore 203-226-3316
- The Inn at National Hall 203-221-1351
- The Westport Inn 203-259-5236
Historical Sites
- The Inn at National Hall:
c.1873 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located on the Saugatuck River.
- Wheeler House:
c.1795 houses the Westport Historical Society. Restored Victorian home with changing exhibits. Museum of Westport history in the Bradley-Wheeler Barn is the only documented octagonal cobblestone barn in the state. Archives, genealogical, and historic house research.
Useful Links
