New Neighbor: Bridgewater Chocolate to Call Main Street “Home”
Contributed photoPress ReleaseBridgewater Chocolate, the beloved Connecticut chocolate brand known for its lineup of familiar American classics made with European techniques, is opening a flagship retail location in Westport on September 15 at 165 Main Street. The opening of the new location follows a successful pop-up experience for Bridgewater Chocolate in the area during the 2021 holiday season.
“Westport had a chance to get a taste of our house-made chocolates with our holiday pop-up last year, and the community welcomed us with open arms. We couldn’t be more excited to be returning this year with a permanent location,” said Jeff Stoeckel, CEO of Bridgewater Chocolate. “We aim to be the iconic chocolate brand in Connecticut and growing our retail presence is a significant part of that.”
The Westport location is the fourth retail location for the chocolate company, which first offered chocolates for sale in Bridgewater, Connecticut in 1995. As the company started to grow, operations were moved to Brookfield, Connecticut in 1999. The 1350-square-foot location in Westport will feature a customer experience designed to be engaging, approachable and delicious.
The flagship Westport location will be the first location of its kind for Bridgewater Chocolate with several unique offerings that will make for a special shopping experience. When customers step into the store, they will be greeted and guided through an in-store sampling experience of Bridgewater Chocolate’s best-sellers. A “By the Piece Bar” will allow chocolate-lovers and chocolate-gifters alike to select a box, choose from a variety of house-made chocolates and customize details for a personalized chocolate selection at every budget.
Known for stunning hinged boxes and hand-tied ribbons, Bridgewater Chocolate is focused on providing an elevated gifting experience. From corporate gifting, weddings and anniversaries, housewarming and host gifts, teacher appreciation and graduation, party favors or just a little thoughtful gesture to brighten someone’s day – or even for yourself - the chocolate shop will offer something for everyone.
Shoppers will have the opportunity to select from items including nostalgic favorites like Chocolate Peanut Butter Patties and the top-selling Bridgewater Assortments, packaged in hinged boxes that range in color from a classic navy blue, holiday red, burgundy or gold complete with a hand-tied bow.
Partners on the project included BA Staging and Interior Design, Brandfuel Co. and Wainscot Solutions.
The store will be open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. In addition to retail and larger volume corporate sales, Bridgewater Chocolate offers online ordering and shipping across the country.
For more information on Bridgewater Chocolate, visit the website.
President, Governor Direct All Flags to Half Staff for Queen Elizabeth II
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that – in accordance with a proclamation from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. directing flags to be lowered throughout the country as a mark of solemn respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II – he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on the date of interment.
Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full-staff.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Light northeast wind.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind around 7 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Clear, with a low around 60. Light and variable wind.
High Tides
10:05 AM / 10:27 PM
Low Tides
4:00 AM / 4:20 PM
United Ride 2022 Planned for this Sunday
Scenes from the United Ride 2021. WestportLocal.com photoWestport Police:
On Sunday September 11, 2022, the CT United Ride will travel through nine area towns, including Westport, to pay tribute to the victims and first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The event is Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute as well as the largest motorcycle ride in the state.
The motorcade will continue to use the route established last year which starts at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport at approximately 11:30 am and continues through Westport into Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield; ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.
The procession travels from Sherwood Island State Park onto the Sherwood Island Connector where the riders will then take Interstate 95 southbound from Exit 18 to Exit 17. The procession will then travel north up Saugatuck Avenue (Route 136) from Exit 17, continue north on to Riverside Avenue (Route 33) to Wilton Road, and across the Wilton town line. The route is closed and continuous, meaning that with the assistance of a police escort the participating motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Motorists should anticipate extended traffic delays along the procession’s route which could potentially last 45 minutes or longer. Although delays are to be expected please be mindful of those we lost over 20 years ago, as well as their families who are with us today, as it certainly is a day for remembrance and reflection.
It is recommended that wherever possible alternate routes should be sought to avoid these areas as they will be rendered completely impassable until the entire procession clears.