Mention the beach, in Westport, and everyone knows you're referring to Compo Beach. During the Revolutionary War, it was where the British landed, as they prepared to march on Danbury. In 1920, it was where F. Scott and Zelda chose to enjoy their summer. Today, it is where Westporter's go to enjoy the sand and surf of Long Island Sound, to picnic or explore the playground, to try out the skate park or the ballfields, to windsurf or launch their boats. But, Compo is not the only beach in Westport.
Just up the road, you will find Old Mill Beach. Old Mill Beach is open to the public, but, in-season parking is restricted to local residents. If you need a place to rest, after enjoying a walk along Hillspoint Road, there are benches, from which you can enjoy the scenery. However, swimming is at your own risk. There are no lifeguards, on this stretch of beach.
Just off of I-95, exit 18, you will find Connecticut's oldest state park, Sherwood Island State Park is open to the public, but charges a daily fee for parking, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park encompasses one and a half miles of beach. There are also fishing areas, picnic grounds and a concession stand.
Perhaps, the least known beach in Westport, is Burying Hill Beach.
The beach is in the Greens Farms section, of Westport. Access to the beach is down a narrow, inconspicuous road, situated along a salt marsh.
Burying Hill Beach offers a quiet spot, away from the hustle and bustle, usually associated with the beach. The beach is small, but there is a lifeguard, on duty, in season. 
Burying Hill offers a tranquil spot to picnic, observe the wildlife, and enjoy the scenery. Adjacent to the seawall, there is also a wonderful pebbly beach, to explore.
Who knows, you may even be able to catch a couple of the local crabs (crusteans, that is.)
Downtown Westport will be a hotbed of activity, this weekend. 
The Friends of the Westport Library will present the 15th Annual Westport Library Summer Book Sale. The sale will open on Saturday morning, at 9 A.M. and run through Tuesday afternoon. at 1 P.M.
Both new and used books, will be sold, including some special collections. Tables will be arranged by category and there will be a separate tent for children's books.
Another tent will feature audio-visual materials. Audio books will be available in CD and tape format.
For those of us who remember what a record is, there will be a collection of 78's.
In all, there will be over 70,000 books for sale, with prices starting at 50¢. Admission is free and there will be no sales tax. Visa and Master Card will be accepted. On Monday, everything will be marked half-price and Tuesday, items will be free, with cash contributions welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Library.
After you make your book selections, you can wander over to Parker Harding Plaza, where the Westport Downtown Merchant's Association will present the 35th Annual Westport Fine Arts Festival. In addition to displays of artwork by 140 artists from the United States and Canada, there will be live music and dance performances, throughout the day. The festival runs from 9 A.M. - 6 P.M., on Saturday and 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., on Sunday.
After you feed the mind and soul, you don't want to miss the opportunity to feed the tummy. This year, the Westport Farmer's Market has expanded its schedule to two days a week. In addition to Thursdays, the market is now open on Sundays, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., in the Imperial Parking Lot, at the Senior Center.
Local vendors offer organic fruits and vegetable, fresh eggs, cheese, flowers and herbs and fresh oysters from Long Island Sound.
Rest up!! It's going to be a busy weekend, in Westport
When you think of Westport, Connecticut, it doesn't usually conjure up a bargain hunter's paradise. For Westport residents, however, a hands-down, favorite bargain is Longshore Town Park. For $35, residents can obtain a handpass, which allows them to sign up for recreational programs, have free use of the Longshore swimming pools and for nominal additional fees, golf, play tennis and obtain boat launch permits. 
For tennis lovers, however, today was free!! One day, each summer, Longshore hosts a Family Tennis Festival, to introduce town residents to this wonderful facility.
The Festival offered something for everyone. There were Junior Clinics, starting with the 3-5 year old, PeeWee class. Watch out Rafael and Venus. There are new champs in the making, just warming up.
There were also adult clinics, and for those preferring non-supervised hitting, the opportunity to demo some new Wilson tennis racqets. Those with a competitive spirit, took part in a World Team Tennis Round Robin Tournament.
All that activity was a sure way to work up an appetite. Not to worry - Joey's By the Sea, the Compo Beach concession stand, provided hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and drinks.
The Longshore facility comprises 9 HarTru soft courts. During the summer, the courts are open from 8 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. Courts are available for reserved play for 1 1/2 hour sessions. On weekends and holidays, 7 courts are available for two morning sessions of Open Doubles, from 8-9:30 and 9:30 to 11:00.
There's still time to "shop 'til you drop", this weekend, in Westport, Connecticut. Today was the first day of another of Westport's popular weekend summer events - The annual Sidewalk Sale. 
Many shops, along Main Street and the Post Road, displayed their wares, outside their storefronts. Others cheated the "Sidewalk" title, a bit and invited you inside, out of the heat, to take advantage of the weekend sale prices.
As a welcome contrast to the soaring gas prices, Westport vendors offered the opportunity to make selections from "50% off" racks, $10 per item" tables, 3 greeting cards for $1, choices and other sale and discount enticements
The weatherman is predicting a perfect weekend to stroll downtown Westport. The sale continues through this Sunday, July 13.
Westport is a terrific town to live in, year round, but, during the summer, it really shines (pardon the pun.) A definite sign that summer is arriving (beside this week's 90+ degree weather), is the opening of the 101st Yankee Doodle Fair.
The Fair runs from Thursday, June 12 thru Sunday, June 15. It is sponsored by the Westport Women's Club and serves as their major fundraiser, of the year. All net proceeds benfit local charities. 
The Yankee Doodle Fair offers something for kids, of all ages.
There are rides and kiddie game, weekend crafters, a food court, bake sale, plant sale and Sunday, farmer's market.
The Westport Women's Club is located at:
44 Imperial Avenue, Westport
Fair hours are: Thursday 6-11 PM
Friday 6-11 PM
Saturday Noon - 11 PM
Sunday Noon - 5 PM
The Yankee Doodle Fair is only one of Westport's many summer attractions. Later in June, there is the June Benefit Horse Show, at the Fairfield County Hunt Club. July brings the annual, weekend sidewalk sale, the Italian Festival and the 35th Annual Outdoor Fine Arts Festival. Throughout the summer, you can enjoy the free concerts, at the Levitt Pavilion. Or, if your taste runs to more formal entertainment, catch a show at the Westport Country Playhouse.
For visitors and residents alike, summer in Westport is a summer vacation.
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