Get Downtown Today!
I’ve just returned from a morning out and about in downtown Darien and all I can say is that if it’s at all possible, you must try to get down there today!
There is a contagious yet casual air of hustle and bustle with high schoolers campaigning in the streets for their upcoming Car Washes (the boys’ swim team is also having a DOG wash, stay tuned for more information!), people packing outdoor seating areas in front of Uncle’s, to the side of Panera Bread, and on the patio of Ole Mole; the doors of most stores along the Post Road open to the warm autumn breeze; everyone seems to be in good spirits; it’s a perfect day to enjoy our town.
One of the open doors is at The Darien Toy Box, where children’s songs float through the simple, eco-aware toy shop and kids are invited to play while parents check out all of the fun, educational toys, games and books that have been thoughfully selected by the store’s owner and toy-lover, Bill Jensen.
Bill is an active participant in the store experience, helping people locate the perfect developmentally-appropriate gift, informing them of other lines of toys when necessary and expertly flipping through the catalog to provide the ordering information. He knows many of the kids (who visit the store regularly) by name, and happily sits down on the floor to play with them when he’s not busy behind the counter … which, these days, is rare since the store is almost always full. And when it’s time to leave and the reluctant pre-schooler begins to cry, he’ll whip out a sticker or other fun surprise that immediately nips the tantrum in the bud and helps everyone get out the door without incident.
The Darien Toy Box makes the act of shopping for the toys, games and books part of the fun for everyone — make it a point to stop by and experience it for yourself!
Looking for another excuse to get down there this afternoon? How about to pick up your Mile of Pink T-shirt in preparation for the October 4th Mile of Pink event? The T-shirts are available for $10 at House of Needlepoint, The Center For Hope, and the Kelly Real Estate offices.
Given the fabulous fall weather and upbeat hubub of shoppers and strollers downtown today, it’s a special day in Darien. Hope you can get down to enjoy it!
