By Dani Frank
For an easy escape from NYC at a minimal cost and travel time, prepare to enter the land of polo ponies and patisseries found just over the state line in Greenwich, Connecticut. This chic, cultured enclave is named after the eponymous borough in London, England.
While Greenwich’s reputation precedes itself, claiming Ron Howard, Regis Philbin and more as residents, it is not without its hidden, budget-friendly gems. Enjoy a crêpe for under $10 or ferry out to one of Greenwich’s four beaches for a sunnier setting at a low daily rate.
Things to Do
Visit the Greenwich Arts Council and enjoy the Bendheim Gallery’s exhibitions, free of admission. Before leaving, request a map and stroll the Art in Public Places project, a presentation of outdoor sculptures dispersed throughout downtown.
Introduce an educational angle by visiting the Bruce Museum, free on Tuesdays, with permanent exhibits on the Earth’s formation, tides and more. A ferry service provides transportation to the local islands, Great Captain Island and Island Beach, for a day of (cheap) fun in the sun.
Celebrate the commencement of summer by hobnobbing with Anglophiles and watching a match at the Polo Club, beginning in June and continuing into September.
Where to Eat
French bistro Versailles presents savory pâté, fresh salads, and a sunny, open-air decorum, making it a smart summertime selection. Eat cuisine Française without breaking the bank at Meli-Melo, featuring lunch or dessert crêpes. With the walls of the restaurant acting as colorful, handwritten menus, the cozy crêperie is as easy-going as it gets in Greenwich. Mediterraneo, a nautical-themed Italian-Middle Eastern restaurant, features daily specials, numerous pizzas and an assortment of entrées, including lamb, veal and sea bass. Finish with dessert at Swiss-styled St. Moritz, family-owned and operated since 1939, and snack on their tasty, one-of-a-kind “pupcakes” styled after adorable schnauzers.
How to get to Greenwich from NYC
Catch the Metro-North Railroad out of Grand Central Terminal, riding the New Haven line. The one-way trip takes only 40 minutes. The train will let out directly at Greenwich Avenue, where taxi services are available and waiting near the train station.