One of my favorite things about living in a small community is walking into my local grocery store and seeing ghosts and pumpkins painted on the glass windows by children and teens in town.

If you’ve been wondering why so many Darien store windows have hand-painted Halloween displays,  wonder no more: it’s all part of the 11th Annual Halloween Window Painting Contest, co-sponsored by The Community Fund of Darien, Darien Youth Commission and the Darien Chamber of Commerce.  Teams of kids get together and each paint a window, and there are actually prizes awarded for things like “Most Whimsical” and “Most Eye-Catching” designs.

Basically, it’s the Community Fund’s way of saying thanks to the businesses in town who have donated to the Fund through the year, by involving the kids of our community in something creative and fun that rewards everyone.  And it makes our town feel cozy and personal, like warm apple cider after a chilly evening of trick-or-treating.  I’m a fan.

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. Click To Read More of This Post

As I sit here with my windows open and a fabulous, cool breeze circulating crisp, fresh air throughout my living room, I have that feeling of butterflies way down deep in my stomach that signals inspiration, anticipation and excitement about the change of seasons.  You know how sometimes you feel just a little bit excited and you’re not exactly sure why?  I don’t know, I just love the fall.  And I’ve had a lot of coffee.

So the thought of leisurely strolling down the sidewalks of downtown Darien, enjoying the fall weather while meandering in and out of stores that I haven’t really had time to “shop” in awhile, enjoying both the local artists who are displaying their work there as well as checking out what’s new in the shops, (sipping hot cider while my baby coos quietly and with delight the entire time in his stroller?  okay, maybe that’s pushing the fantasy a little), makes me really look forward to this weekend.

I mean, who knew that our very own Fabulous Finds finder Jan Raymond was such a splendid artist?  I can’t wait to visit Robeks to see more of her work.  And Peter Saverine of the Darien Sport Shop is another delightful surprise, whose displays can be seen at the (new) Darien Rowayton Bank.  But whether you know these artisists personally or not (many of them are our adorable Darien kids!), this is a weekend in Darien that you just can’t miss…. Click To Read More of This Post

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