I haven’t even lived in Connecticut for a full year yet and still feel like such a newbie, but when Town & Country asks you to create a local travel guide, you do it! Over the past 8 months, I’ve already discovered my g0-to restaurants, bars, and shops.

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about what to do and where to eat in Fairfield County (made up of Greenwich, Stamford, Westport, Norwalk, Fairfield, New Canaan, Darien and a bunch of other cute coastal Connecticut towns), so I put together my guide. I’m sharing some of it here with you today, but for more of recommendations for drinks, shopping, beauty, workouts, and more, read my full Fairfield County travel guide in Town & Country.

If you have other recommendations in the area, I’d love to hear them! I’m always up to discover new places.

Breakfast

1. Green & Tonic, Greenwich, CT

When I moved out of the city to Connecticut, I was worried about getting my green juice fix. And then I discovered my health-food Mecca, Green & Tonic. I stop in at least twice/week before work to pick up smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and a salad for lunch.

What to order: The mint chip smoothie tastes decadent but is full of greens and superfoods, the Power açai bowl, and Jungle Juice (green juice not college punch!).

2. Meli Melo, Greenwich, CT

It can get a little crazy on a weekend morning but the intensely busy ambience is worth it for the food. Where else can you get green juice, crêpes, ice cream, and quiches in the same place?

What to order: Salmon fume buckwheat crêpe (smoked salmon, chive sauce, lemon, and daikon) and the kale, cucumber, apple juice.

Lunch

1. Beach House Café, Old Greenwich, CT

I love how Beach House looks like the inside of a boat. In warmer months, sit outside on the adorably perfect Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich. Perfect for a casual lunch or brunch with friends.

What to order: The super kale salad with grilled chicken or the fish tacos

2. Bartaco, Westport, Stamford, Greenwich

It’s a little sad how often we frequent Bartaco. It’s always fast, always fresh, and always good. I love how the ever-smiling servers wear preppy navy and gingham button-downs with white jeans and match the navy and white striped décor.

What to order: The baja fish tacos are killer, especially with a side of chipotle slaw and one of their margaritas made with fresh-pressed juice and agave.

Dinner

1. The Whelk, Westport, CT

The Whelk is our favorite date-night spot in Connecticut. It has a New York City-like feel with a menu and cocktail bar to boot. It overlooks the water in Westport and the food is incredible always with some sort of interesting twist.

2. Elm Street Oyster House, Greenwich, CT

I love the easy familiarity of Elm Street Oyster House. It’s a casual vibe with a pricey menu that’s worth it. The food is good and the energy always feels happy.

What to order: The oysters are, of course, to die for but don’t skip out on the mini crab cakes and hickory flour fried calamari (on a cheat day!)

Shopping

1. Darien Sports Shop, Darien, CT

When I first heard about Darien Sports Shop I kept wondering why people thought I would like a sports shop so much! Then I went in and realized I was so far off. From DVF to J. Brand to Vineyard Vines to Lilly Pulitzer, this Nordstrom-like shop is set up for a beautiful shopping experience with every single one of my favorite brands.

2. Hoaglands of Greenwich, Greenwich, CT

It’s impossible to walk into Hoaglands without either buying something beautiful for your home or with an aspiration to redecorate. They have an entire wall of ginger jars that I could stare at for hours.

Beaches

1. Tod’s Point, Old Greenwich, CT

I love running on the beach path around the point. I stop by after work, park my car and run with the sunset, passing sailboats, canoes, and families taking evening strolls.

2. Compo Beach, Westport, CT

Compo beach is serene with beautiful sand and water. Perfect for a hot summer day!