THINGS TO DO

When the weather's warm, make a pit stop at the Greenwich Farmer's Market, right in the train station parking lot. If you get off the train and walk straight about three blocks, there's a nice little grassy park on the waterfront. Take a picnic lunch to the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and enjoy the view of the boats.

Do you want to shop--minus the Manhattan crowds and traffic? If so, Greenwich is a good bet. There's a little something for everyone, and you may actually enjoy your shopping experience.

To get started, cross to the other side of the tracks, go down through the station, and walk straight on Greenwich Avenue, where you will find plenty of shopping and restaurants to fill your day.

Saks 5th Ave. is just one of the upscale stores you'll see. Clothing stores include J Crew, Gap, and Banana Republic, as well as several designer shops such as Irresistibles and Kate Spade. Buy children's clothes at Flight of Fancy and Simon Elliott & Co.

Find art and sculpture at Greenwich Gallery, Cadeaux, and Cavalier Gallery. Antiques are prevalent in Greenwich, and there are also quite a few home dÈcor and fine furniture stores. The Whitney Shop and Michaelangelo are just two of many fine gifts stores.

Bibliophiles should check out the great little family-run store, Diane's Books. And of course, Waldenbooks is always an option too.

(For more shopping you can always catch the CT Transit IBus at the Greenwich train station to the Westchester Mall.)

Make sure to stop in at the Bruce Museum, a three-block walk south from the train station. This beautiful little museum has an ever-changing roster. Recent exhibits featured American avant-garde painting, skeletons, and the history of Tarot cards. The museum also hosts various concerts, lectures, and art seminars. Take a walk on the museum's tree trail and enjoy the beauty of Connecticut, no matter the season.

For a bit of history, catch a CT Transit bus at the train station to Putnam Cottage (you'll want the Port Chester K Route). The Putnam Cottage was a meeting place for Revolutionary War leaders.

Take the Metro-North train just one stop further to Cos Cob for another historic site. The Bush-Holley House was the home of Connecticut's first art colony, and features some outstanding American Impressionist art. They host exhibits such as "Making Greenwich Home," exploring the contributions of African Americans in the community over the last 300 years.

Of course, either of these sites can also be reached by Greenwich Taxi.

Sunday afternoons can be spent listening to either the Greenwich Symphony, or their first chair musicians, the Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony. The Chamber Players perform at the Second Congregational Church, while the Symphony plays in the Greenwich High School auditorium (both venues are off of East Putnam Avenue, blocks from the Putnam Cottage). Also in the same neighborhood, the First Presbyterian Church offers free concerts at noon on Wednesdays, with a light lunch following. Musical programs are varied, and range from opera duets to spirituals.

The beaches in Greenwich may look tempting, unfortunately during peak season (April to November 30) their use is restricted to residents of the community and their guests. Despite this minor snafu, there's still plenty of outdoors fun to be had.

Bring your bike! A tour map/guide of the 7.5-mile town bike route is available at the Recreation Division Office 203 622-7830. September-March, go ice skating at the Dorothy Hamill Ice Skating Rink on Sherman Ave.

For the waterbabies, the Indian Harbor Yacht Club at the marina offers sailing lessons to the public and Sound Fishing Charters offers trips for 6 or more. Fishing licenses can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office, 203 622-7897.

The following attractions are all in northern Greenwich, off of Route 15. Being more than a couple miles from downtown, a car or cab is the best way to go.

Nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful 522-acre Audubon Center. Stroll down cut paths leading through fields of wildgrass and forests. Keep an eye out for the occasional rabbit or deer and enjoy the sounds of the many birds. Also, two miles north of Route 15/Merritt Parkway is the Babcock Preserve. Imagine 287 acres of trails for hiking, biking, and winter cross-country skiing!

It's not every day you get a chance to see a polo match. To watch this less than ubiquitous sport, head to the Greenwich Polo Club at Conyers Farm on summer Sundays, accessible by car. Take exit 31 off of Route 15. Games start at 3:00 in the afternoon (gates open at 1:00).

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LODGING

The Stanton House Inn (starting at $139/night) is accessible by taxi from the Greenwich station. Call Greenwich Taxi.

The DELAMAR Greenwich Harbor (left) is only 1 block away from the Greenwich train station and offers the ultimate in luxury!

Other options include taking a cab to nearby towns or taking the Metro-North train an extra stop or two to neighboring towns.

Stay at the charming harbor-side Cos Cob Harbor Inn in Cos Cob, one stop past Greenwich. Rates start at $119/night. The inn is only a four-minute cab ride from the Cos Cob station. Call Greenwich Taxi.

Two stops past Greenwich is Riverside. The Howard Johnson Inn is located only 5 blocks from the Riverside station. Rates start at $99/night.

Pamper yourself at the luxurious Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich, three stops past Greenwich. The Hyatt offers a complimentary shuttle to the Old Greenwich train station (with advance notice) and an excellent restaurant. Spring season prices start at $269/night.

Note: Locals recommend the best places to grab a taxi are in Greenwich and nearby Stamford where taxis are usually waiting.

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DINING

When it's time to take a break, stop in Starbucks for a cappuccino or St. Moritz Bakery for a pastry. The Thataway CafÈ has great nachos and beer--check out their patio seating during the warmer months.

If you're in town early enough, Dome offers a weekend jazz brunch. CafÈ Rue, across from the train station, is also a nice place for a casual breakfast.

You can get everything from sushi to Italian to bistro fare at any of the numerous restaurants serving lunch and dinner along Greenwich Avenue. Abis, Pasta Vera, and Versailles are all worth mentioning.

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NIGHTLIFE

Restaurants and hotel bars often double as nightspots. The bar at Delmar Greenwich Harbor stays open late. It's right on the harbor, so during summer the outside seating and live music is a refreshing mix.

Film buffs won't have to do without. Downtown Greenwich is home to two movie theaters. The Crown Plaza Three and the Sony Twin Cinema both play current fare.

You can also catch acclaimed US and foreign films at the Greenwich Library on Friday nights. Movies are screened in the Cole Auditorium and admission is free! Call ahead to see what the scheduled program will be.

For an evening of beautiful music, catch a concert with the Greenwich Symphony or the Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony. The regular symphony is held at the Greenwich High School Auditorium Saturday evenings. The Chamber Players perform at the Bruce Museum Monday evenings, complete with a wine and cheese reception.

For something a little more homespun, try country dancing at the Round Hill Community House, accessible by Greenwich Taxi. It's not quite square dancing, but no one would ever mistake it for line dancing. Either way, you might want to give it a whirl.

The Boxing Cat Grill is a happening place in Old Greenwich (three train stops beyond Greenwich proper). Listen to live bands on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. For more casual evening entertainment, try Southwestern-themed Tucson. On Wednesdays and weekends they have live jazz.

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TRANSPORTATION

TRAIN:

Take the Metro-North train from Grand Central Station to Greenwich on the New Haven line.

Schedule:

Metro-North: trains run approximately once an hour on Saturdays and every other hour on Sundays.

For the most current information, call 800-METRO-INFO. In Manhattan use 212-532-4900.

AMTRAK trains also stop in Greenwich.

Travel time: About 45 minutes.

LOCAL BUS:

CT TRANSIT operates frequent buses (weekdays and weekends) from the Greenwich train station on the Port Chester K Route and the IBus Route. Buses will take you to area attractions and as far as Stamford, CT.

CAR:

Take New England TRWY/I-95 N. Take Arch Street exit, #3, towards Greenwich.

Travel time: Greenwich is 34 miles from Manhattan. Though it all depends on traffic, expect at least a 45 minute to one hour drive.

CAR RENTAL:

Enterprise: To rent a car, call at 203-622-1611. They'll pick you up anywhere in Greenwich, Old Greenwich and Cos Cob.

TAXI:

Greenwich Taxi is literally on the Greenwich train station platform as you get off the train from New York. 203-869-6000. They're open 4:30am to 1:30am and until 2:30am Friday and Saturday.

If you find yourself in Stamford, taxis should be waiting as well. Advance arrangements can be made by calling Stamford Yellow Cab at 203-967-3633 or Stamford Taxi at 203-325-2611.

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TRAVEL TIPS

Packing extras: A wish list from friends and family--you'll find gifts galore in Greenwich.

LINKS

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MAP

For a detailed map of Greenwich, please click here.