Busy Day for GG & Joe
GG & Joe, a locally owned coffee & health foods shop, was busy this afternoon as a line was maintained outside for hours as locals opted for healthier options today.
Good Outdoor Dining Day
Relatively warm temperatures and sunshine filled up the outdoor dining section of Rye Ridge Deli this morning.
Bel Mondo: a Home Away from Home while Shopping Local
Last minute shoppers are happy to find a home-away-from-home at Bel Mondo home center at 993 Post Road East, across from Starbucks. The shop is locally owned by Heidi Thrun, who started the business eight years ago to blend her passion for interior design and wanting to give customers a warm, inviting place to shop and decorate their own homes. Thrun said she was inspired by her mother’s 45 year run of owning her own design business, and is grateful for the support of locals supporting other locally owned shops like hers. “Without the support of the community, I think a lot of the local shops wouldn’t be here still” she said regarding the Spring season, which closed her shop for three months. “We’re all really grateful.”
Bel Mondo, 993 Post Road East, will be open today until 3:30 today for any last minute shoppers, and online at belmondowestport.com.
Age of Reason: Westport’s Oldest Locally-Owned Toy Store
Opened in 1983, Age of Reason toy store has been serving the Westport community for decades, and generations. Located at the end of the Post Road Bridge, 4 Post Road West, the shop features smart toys and a specially curated selection of games and activities for kids of all ages and interests, including many classic options.
Owner Dina Burger has run the shop for its nearly 38 years of business - which she believes makes the store one of the oldest locally-owned businesses in the community, and certainly the oldest locally-owned toy store. She was excited to talk about her connection to generations of local families as she explained that “some parents who used to shop here for their own children now come back to shop for their grandchildren - their children’s’ children - years later.” When asked about business this holiday season, the former Westporter explained a scenario known by many Mom & Pop shops this year, saying that “shopping has changed. It’s been slow - many choose to stay home and shop instead” while adding that some come in when their online orders weren’t correct, or simply weren’t delivered on time.
Dina Burger’s toy shop, Age of Reason, will be open on Christmas Eve until 4:00 PM for all last minute gifts, including private appointments and home deliveries.