Activities
Kathi Moran
Concierge Calendar - May 2023

Somehow May always seems to fly, with a flurry of spring events filling each weekend. And we have weekday inspiration for you too! We hope this calendar helps you capture the moments as you enjoy the beauty of life in Fairfield County, CT.

Concierge Calendar - May 2023
Home
Kathi Moran
Your Property Assessment

Unhappy with your property assessment? Applications for appeal are due February 20th! Have questions, or need advice? Give us a call.

Your Property Assessment
Blog
Kathi Moran
Fabric of Our Communities

From the hilltop of the Old Hill neighborhood, the views of Westport Connecticut are stunning. It is from this vantage point that we take note of the character and charm of historic homes whose preservation helps keep the fabric of our area unique.

Fabric of Our Communities
Home
Kathi Moran
Upgrade While Replacing

Even at significant expense, upgrading things beyond cosmetics can have enormous value in a market where buyers seek “new” with no work required. Energy saving, environmentally friendly solutions - many with tax rebates and credits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, are available and should be considered when making any home improvements.

Upgrade While Replacing
Blog
Kathi Moran
What's Up with Mill Rates?

Most municipalities mail tax bills this month. They’re a reminder of the costs & obligations of home ownership, and of the many amenities we get for our dollars. One mill equals a dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. “Mill rate” is another way to say “property tax rate.” By state law, property is reevaluated every five years.

What's Up with Mill Rates?

Fairfield

Fall is for Foodies

Fall is for Foodies

The colors, beauty and flavors of autumn extend well beyond pumpkin-spiced lattes! Here in Fairfield County we celebrate the arrival of fall with outdoor recreation, apple-picking excursions, festivals and dining on seasonal fare. Did someone mention German Apple Pancakes or Eggplant Torre? Luckily for us, there are several new places to try this fall. Featuring nearly every cuisine on the planet, in every kind of spot and for all sorts of budgets, Westport & Fairfield have your palates covered.

What's Up with Mill Rates?

What's Up with Mill Rates?

Most municipalities mail tax bills this month. They’re a reminder of the costs & obligations of home ownership, and of the many amenities we get for our dollars. One mill equals a dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. “Mill rate” is another way to say “property tax rate.” By state law, property is reevaluated every five years.

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Pre, Post or Off Broadway, Fairfield County Theater Shines

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Pre, Post or Off Broadway, Fairfield County Theater Shines

One of the great benefits of living in Fairfield County is the chance to see Broadway theater. Many of the best plays and musicals in the world are just a train ride away. But another great benefit is: You don’t have to go to New York to see thought-provoking, entertaining, top-shelf theater.

School Involvement

School Involvement

New to the area, looking for a way to meet people and put your talents to work? Lived here a long time, but looking for a new volunteer activity? Do you have school-aged children or none at all? Whatever your passion, you can get involved in our schools! Think volunteer efforts are limited to baking brownies for PTA fundraisers? Think again.

Honor & Celebrate

Honor & Celebrate

Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start to summer. While many families may be beach-bound, bringing kids to a parade or memorial service is a great way to honor our fallen heroes and pay tribute to those who have served in the military. Join in the local parades, ceremonies and festivities around Fairfield County as we honor and give thanks to veterans who have served.

Special Places in Spectacular Fairfield County

Special Places in Spectacular Fairfield County

When it comes to life in Fairfield County, there are plenty of gems. Some of them out of the way, others in plain sight – they’re the spots that make a hometown a “home.” We’ve got a few favorites, exceptional for visiting during the beautiful autumn days we have here in Connecticut. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Condo & Town Homes....Also in Demand

Condo & Town Homes....Also in Demand

…other people took advantage of the pandemic to “right-size.” They traded single family homes for condominiums or townhomes. They’re delighted to not even think about lawn mowing, tree trimming and snow shoveling. Condos are moving quickly with year-to-date sales in Westport, Fairfield, Norwalk and Wilton all more than 56% over prior year levels.

Comfort Food

Comfort Food

As we stay safe at home, many are rediscovering their kitchens, cooking and baking like never before and getting the whole family involved. Making our lists and picking up essentials on a weekly, no longer daily, basis. But still we yearn for our favorites, those local businesses that have made their mark in our communities and our lives….

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Let the Learning Continue!

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Let the Learning Continue!

Working from home is not that different for many of us, but keeping children engaged while doing so can make it a little more complicated. Educators are working hard to adapt to this new normal. We've compiled a list of instructional yet fun websites that may also help keep your children engaged during this transition.

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Share the love

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Share the love

We at KMS Partners like to take a more modern approach to the holiday that is essentially inescapable this time of year. Yes, we adore spending the holiday with that special someone, but we also enjoy that the holiday gives us the opportunity to show our love for friends, co-workers and kids in our lives! Our favorites places to shop for Valentines…

Sunday's seem made for brunch...

Sunday's seem made for brunch...

Spend Sunday morning as you wish and then head out for a late breakfast/early lunch that will tide you over until dinner. Absolutely perfect for #realtor life, where hosting Sunday afternoon open houses is the norm.

Over the years, we’ve all tried many places – some have come and gone while others have stood the test of time. Give our current favorites a try and let us know what you think.

The KMS Lobster Roll Face-off

Heaps of sweet lobster meat on a buttery toasted frankfurter bun....a favorite summer treat for most New Englanders! We decided to take an unscientific survey, polling the KMS partners, to find THE best lobster roll in or around Fairfield County.

The results were inconclusive but whether you are a Connecticut purist (warm, with lots of melted butter) or a fan of the traditional Maine lobster roll (cold, with a little mayo and extras), we do have some great options for you! Get ‘em to go – they make a perfect beach or concert meal. Or enjoy the seaside atmosphere at some of these great locations.  Either way, we think your taste buds will be happy.

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Michael Mombello generally likes his “cold with mayo, celery, lemon and a bit of onion” but he claims the CT style at Knot Norm’s is “flat out amazing”. Seconded by Sheila Keenan, we say it is definitely worth a try!

(Hot lobster steamed and then poached in house made lobster butter. Topped with micro celery and lemon juice - yum!)

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David Weber stands by the rolls (and everything else) at Heibeck’s Stand. “Fairfield County's best lobsta roll is at Heibeck’s on Route 7 in Wilton! Surprising yes, but voted best in surveys and I can say everything from this roadside stand is great.”

Mary Ellen Gallagher was torn —

#1 for its authentic atmosphere and fresh caught lobster at Guilford Lobster Pound (top photo); “the rolls are awesome and eating outside on the dock in beautiful Guilford Harbor makes a perfect end to a summer day” 

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#2 for its amazing lobster rolls is The Seven Seas in Milford. Eat at the bar (free popcorn while you wait); knowing this place has been thriving for 50 years. They must be doing things right!

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Kim Harizman and Karen Scott went with the relatively new, fast, casual concept of Match Burger Lobster – featuring both a hot and cold roll, and of course, burgers. Eat-in or Carry-out. Choices, choices.

Sheila Keenan, while agreeing with both Kim and Michael’s picks, has another favorite.  She can be found at Westfair Fish and Chips on a weekly basis – for their lobster rolls as well as other great seafood.

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Surprising to us, we had two non-lobster lovers in the group. Susan Seath enjoys it occasionally, when it is hot.  We think she should give LobsterCraft a try – The Coastal will make her a true believer. If she can convince Laurie Morris to go with her, we think she would enjoy the Maine-style Dirty Maynard.

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And of course, for the grab-n-go variety to take to Levitt Pavilion, you can’t beat Stew Leonard’s!

So there you have it.  Can you squeeze eight lobster rolls into your summer?!

 

Community Gardens Grow in Fairfield County

Community Gardens Grow in Fairfield County

One unexpected delight of home-buying here is discovering gorgeous backyard gardens. The Westport Historical Society even sponsors a special “Hidden Gardens” tour. But another type of garden is hidden in plain sight. Community gardens -- town-owned, group-run and wildly popular -- have sprouted all over Fairfield County.

Your new home awaits.