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.

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.

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.

It’s summer and that means the beach, sailing, golf, tennis, grilling, outdoor concerts and surprise … the library. You read that right. With countless outdoor attractions, one of Westport’s most popular is inside. It’s an attractive riverfront destination. Yet it’s what goes on beneath the soaring roof, on three magnificent floors, that makes it our go-to spot even on the most gorgeous day.

And no market sizzles more than Weston. The little (in population) town is big (in square miles, lot size and amenities). It boasts a prime location: between the beaches of Westport and Fairfield, and the hills of Redding, Easton and Wilton. And – surprise! – there’s a lot more going on in Weston than people may think. (Why else would Keith Richards have lived there for years?)

There’s a lot to love about Fairfield. It’s diverse, dynamic, and drawing plenty of attention. It's home to two universities, which add to the local economy and the vibrancy of the town. Among the biggest attractions: Fairfield’s dining scene. From sit-down to takeout, Italian to Asian, indoors and out, you’ll eat well all over town.

The KMS Partners team has met several times this summer for a socially-distant cocktail at Compo beach. While business is inevitably discussed, food (of the restaurant, and sometimes the homemade variety) is too! Here, in no particular order are the local mentions from a recent summer’s eve…

As the saying goes, “nothing is certain but death and taxes”. Yes, no matter where you live in the United States, taxes are a certainty. When considering a move across state lines, it’s important to understate the tax implications. Biased for sure, but we think the “bang for your buck” is a lot better in Connecticut than the surrounding states!

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….

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…

In 1930, Weston residents Lawrence Langner and his wife, Armina Marshall, purchased a cow-barn-turned-tannery on what was then the fringes of Westport. As co-founders of New York’s Theatre Guild, they were excited by the opportunity to offer new plays, reinterpretations of classics & tryout new talent away from the spotlight of Broadway.

In the fall of 1648, five men from Fairfield — Thomas Newton, Henry Gray, John Green, Daniel Frost and Francis Andrews — acquired land from the Native American Machamux tribe, on what is now Beachside Avenue and Sherwood Island. They earned the “Bankside” nickname, because of their location on the banks of Long Island Sound.

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.

It’s hardly the first time the town rallied around a great cause. In fact, Westporters pride themselves on making their voices heard. Over 50 years ago, a utility company wanted to buy Cockenoe Island -- to turn the beloved camping and fishing spot a mile off Compo Beach into a nuclear power plant!

When we talk to potential homebuyers about Westport’s history, we mention our agricultural past. As we show you possible homes, we point out repurposed barns highlighting that farming heritage is an important part of this town’s charm. But whenever one of our KMS Partners talks about Wakeman Town Farm, Westport’s past truly comes alive.