Inside: Discover Extraordinary Living
Sophisticated and charming with a short commute to New York City, Darien draws many Manhattanite-turned-suburbanites to its borders. Situated on 14.9 square miles along the Long Island Sound, the town is known for its restored Colonial homes, beach and waterfront recreation opportunities, and ample parks and green spaces. Darien’s upscale living appeal extends to the town’s focus on the arts and its picture-postcard main street, Post Road, home to numerous independent boutiques and restaurants.
Here are some of the best things to eat, buy, see, and do in Darien:
Shopping
Darien Sport Shop
1127 Post Rd, Darien
A town mainstay since 1946, Darien Sport Shop serves as a hometown department store, offering three floors of designer and contemporary women’s and men’s apparel and shoes, accessories, kid’s clothing, toys, and gifts. As its name hints, sporting apparel is plentiful, ranging from high-end golf wear to sleek and functional ski clothing and pickleball outfits. Also on offer are popular lifestyle brands like Mother and Veja for women, and Faherty and Peter Millar for men.
Culture
The Corbin District
Boston Post Road and Corbin Drive, Darien
Breathing new life into downtown Darien, The Corbin District will be a thriving hub for the live/work/play ethos, offering dining, shopping, entertainment, residences, and office space in a pedestrian friendly area on seven acres. The new development includes high-end boutiques, trendy exercise studios, top culinary hotspots, and an attractive town square that will host farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and other community events.
Darien Arts Center
2 Renshaw Rd, Darien
Arts-loving residents flock to this cultural gem which acts as the town’s center for artistic creativity and engagement. From visual arts to performing arts like dance, music, and even martial arts, Darien Arts Center offers workshops, exhibitions, performances, and classes for all ages. Established in 1975, the nonprofit center welcomes nearly 800 students to its doors each week.
Parks and Recreation
Pear Tree Point Beach
90 Pear Tree Point Rd, Darien
When it’s time to hit the sand, residents head to Pear Tree Point Beach Park which sits on nearly eight acres of coastal land. The park offers a boat launch, picnic grove, bathhouse, showers, restrooms, benches, and a concession stand. Against the backdrop of Long Island Sound, it’s a popular spot for waterfront recreation and sunbathing.
Dining
Ten Twenty Post
1020 Post Rd, Darien
This combo European bistro/New England oyster bar seamlessly blends modern flair with classic charm, offering a diverse menu that works for everything from a casual brunch to an elegant dinner. Seafood is the specialty: Ten Twenty Post offers more than six types of East and West Coast oysters daily as well as a selection of mussel dishes and simply prepared fish. Stylish yet welcoming, the restaurant is also a favorite Sunday spot, with an all-day half-priced wine list.
Flour Water Salt Bread
20 Grove St, Darien
Handmade, naturally leavened sourdough bread and pastries are the draw here. The artisanal shop is the go-to spot in town for bread—from brioche to baguettes to sandwich loafs—nearly all vegan and dairy-free, and pastries such as croissants, pain au chocolat, and coffee cake. Pre-orders are recommended.
