How to Spend the Perfect Summer Day Around Greenwich, CT
Summer is my absolute favorite time of the year in Greenwich, CT – all of the beaches are open and there is always something to do with the family! As a Greenwich native, I have had plenty of summers to decide what is necessary to include for the perfect summer day.
Greenwich, CT offers something for everyone. From the brunch options to the beach to the polo club, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Whether you’re new to town or you’ve been a resident for years, keep reading for my full itinerary, and let me know if I missed any of your favorites!
In the Morning…
Go for Brunch
The best summer days are jam-packed with activities, so you need to prepare for it with a large, delicious brunch.
Greenwich Ave is full of amazing spots for just about anything, but especially for summertime brunching. Here are three restaurants (orders included) to try out:
Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant: My go-to order is the mushroom goat cheese omelet and a mimosa! Every menu item uses locally-sourced ingredients, so you’re guaranteed a fresh taste.
Bistro V: You can’t go wrong with a Parisian-inspired menu for brunching. I’d recommend the two hour bottomless mimosas or bloody marys, paired with the Quiche Lorraine.
Bianca Restaurant: A must-try is the egg pizzaiola – the kids will love this, too!
For a full list of recommendations, check out my recent blog post on where to go for the best brunch in Greenwich, CT.
In the Afternoon…
Shop Around Greenwich Ave
After prepping for the day with a nice brunch, shop around Greenwich Ave for some retail therapy. Here, you’ll find a wide range of boutiques and shops, which are perfect for window shopping in the summer.
If you’re getting ready for any upcoming family vacations, you’ll definitely want to stop by some of my favorite Greenwich Ave stores:
Relax at Tod’s Point
Tod’s Point will always have a special place in my heart – and any Greenwich resident will agree with me! I’d highly recommend going year-round, if you can, but the summertime always brings out the best of the beaches in Greenwich.
The 147.3-acre beach is open only to Greenwich residents throughout the year. But, guests and non-residents can buy a $9 day pass and $40 parking pass online during the summer months.
There’s a wide variety of activities available to beachgoers, including boating, fishing, sunbathing, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, kayaking, and more. If you’re on the more creative side, you’ll want to enter the annual Sandblast Sculpture Festival in July!
From the stunning views of the Long Island Sound to the long stretch of sandy beach, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing summer day, soaking up the sun.
In the Evening…
Catch a Match at the Greenwich Polo Club
When the sun starts to set, make your way to the Greenwich Polo Club. The club is home to some of the best polo matches in the world and has hosted matches featuring some of the biggest names in the sport.
Sit back and enjoy the game with a glass of wine or a cocktail.
End the Day with Dinner, Dessert & Cocktails
After the polo match, head to Happy Monkey, from world-renowned chef Jean-George Vongerichten, for dinner. Relatively new to the Greenwich restaurant scene, Happy Monkey has quickly become one of my local favorites for a few reasons!
Location: 376 Greenwich Ave
For starters, the food is incredible. Every dish features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to add to the already flavorful Latin menu.
I’d recommend trying out as many of the small plates as possible, including the sweet-pea guacamole, grilled maitake mushrooms with goat cheese, and sweet potatoes. For your main course, go with the spicy spring salad, shrimp tacos, or grilled lobster – but you can’t go wrong with any of the menu options!
In my opinion, you can’t have a perfect summer afternoon dinner without a nice cocktail (or two). If you prefer a sweet cocktail, you should try the young ginger julep. The wine list is extensive and features wines from around the world.
To add to the amazing food and drinks, the restaurant’s interior and ambiance are second to none.
If you still have room for dessert, one of my family’s favorite summer spots is Gofer Ice Cream. My personal favorite is a classic soft serve, but they also have low-sugar and plant-based options.
There’s so much to love about living in Greenwich, and I always feel so grateful for the amazing restaurants, shops, parks, and beaches (I could go on and on) at our fingertips. As a realtor and lifelong resident of Greenwich, CT, I love getting my clients familiar with our town.
If you’re thinking of moving to CT, reach out! I’d love to show you around the area.