Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide

Local insights on buying, selling, and living in Fairfield County

Tag Archives: travel


by Leave a comment

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Horseshoe Crabs!

Linda Raymond, Beach-Loving Realtor in Fairfield & Westport, CT

Are you beach-obsessed like me? Whether you’re scouting your dream coastal home or simply love sandy toes and sea breezes, here’s something fascinating to add to your salt-sprayed passion—horseshoe crab conservation right here in Fairfield and Long Island Sound!

Why horseshoe crabs should make your “must-care-about” list:

  1. Ancient ocean buddies – These “living fossils” have been cruising the seas since the dinosaur era. Still going strong, though their numbers are shrinking. Connecticut Public
  2. Vital shoreline guardians – They help keep beaches and marine ecosystems healthy by digging and redistributing nutrients—kind of like nature’s little environmental engineers. Long Island Sound Study
  3. When and where will you see them? – The prime time to observe horseshoe crabs is at the water line during high tides that coincide with the new and full moons. They are nocturnal, but you can still see them during the day.
  4. Resilient survivors – Horseshoe crabs can tolerate extremes—pollution, low oxygen, changing salinity—making them tough but not invincible. Connecticut Public
  5. How Fairfield is helping – Sacred Heart University’s Project Limulus has tagged nearly 100,000 horseshoe crabs to study their population trends and movements. Sacred Heart University
  6. Data-driven conservation – When you report a found tag, you help researchers track movement and survival rates—vital intel for protecting this species. U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceSacred Heart University
  7. Community-powered science – Local volunteers, students, and beachgoers join in tagging events—you don’t need to be a scientist to help. Long Island Sound Studyfairfieldct.org
  8. Tagging’s on the calendar – Recent events in June 2025 include one at Fairfield’s Southport Beach with over 50 crabs tagged. fairfieldct.org  a session at Milford Point. ctaudubon.org
  9. See a tagged crab? – If you spot one with a white disc or yellow tag, don’t just marvel—report it! You can call or enter the tag info online here:
    [Report a horseshoe crab tag if found] (Fairfield’s official page) fairfieldct.org Plus you can get a pin and certificate! 🪪
  10. Do they bite or pinch? – No, horseshoe crabs cannot bite or sting. Despite their intimidating appearance with a spiked tail and sharp-looking legs, they are harmless to humans. Their tail is used for steering and flipping themselves over, not for defense.

Let’s make a difference together—and maybe find your perfect beachside home along the way!

If you’re curious about how conservation efforts tie into our local real-estate scene—like coastal protection, sand dune preservation, or sustainable building near our beaches—drop me a line! I’d love to connect homes to habitats you truly care about.

Written by Linda Raymond, Realtor®
Fairfield & Westport CT Beach + Sustainable Living Specialist
📍 William Raveis Southport Office | Lic. #0777359
📧 linda.raymond@raveis.com | 📱 203-912-4440
🌐 LindaRaymondRealEstate.com | LindaRaymond.Raveis.com

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

#FairfieldCT #WestportCT #BeachLife #SustainableLiving #HorseshoeCrab #ProjectLimulus #SaveTheCrabs #CoastalRealtor #EcoFriendly

Content idea and draft assisted by ChatGPT — because even ancient crabs deserve modern marketing. 🦀


by 1 Comment

Charming Home Sold in Fairfield CT’s University Area!

12 Sugar Plum Lane, Fairfield, Connecticut is ready for showings this week.
List price was $639,000. The sale price was $664,000 (104% of ask!)

View the Instagram Reels-

Welcome to a Hidden Gem in Fairfield’s University Area!

Private, peaceful, and full of potential—this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath split-level is tucked behind hedges on a beautiful .21-acre lot.

Features include hardwood floors throughout, open living and dining room, and an eat-in kitchen with granite counters, Whirlpool appliances, and backyard access. A quaint little garden room with imported tile connects the dining room with the garage and completes the main floor. A few steps lead up from the foyer to three bedrooms and a full bath with tub and shower. Pull-down stairs access the attic space for storage.

The lower level offers a convenient and charming family room with a built-in shelf around the periphery. A new French door leads to an adorable alcove with an Italian tile floor that provides access to a powder room, the crawl space with storage, and the unfinished area with laundry and door to the backyard.

Energy-efficient features include a new roof in 2020, windows with top-rated insulation and UV protection, insulated garage, attic, and crawl space, and updated furnace components with forced air heat. Bonus service contracts include furnace service through November 2015 and safety valve sewer insurance coverage until January 2026. 12 Sugar Plum Lane has been lovingly maintained and is ready for you to move in and make it your own.

This home is a true retreat close to the train, highways, abundant amenities on nearby Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield’s bustling downtown, and beaches, plus you can get to NYC in a little over an hour.

Start your next chapter here this summer!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

#FairfieldCT #FairfieldRealEstate #NewListing #MoveInReady #DreamHome #HomeForSale #CulDeSacLiving #SunnyHome #HouseHunting #CTRealEstate #FairfieldCounty #RealEstateInvestment #RealtorLife #HomeSweetHome #LindaRaymondRealtor #YourCastleMyMission


by Leave a comment

Capturing Timeless Memories: Our Family Photo Shoot at South Pine Creek Beach 🌊

We’ve captured so many milestones and moments on our smartphones, but we finally decided it was time for our first official family photo shoot! 

My parents have been together since they were 16 and are now 81! 💗 They’ve created a legacy of grateful family members to have fun with, so we thought this would be the perfect time to do a family photo session together. 💫

After much debate via text messaging, we chose South Pine Creek Beach in Fairfield, CT, as the location. The photographer scheduled the shoot for 7 pm to take advantage of the beautiful light.

The kids decided we should wear jeans with light-colored tops (as you can see, some of us followed the dress code, and some didn’t) 🤣!

Here are some tips I learned from the process:

  • Shade is Key: Choose a location with some shade to avoid harsh shadows on faces.
  • Variety in Backgrounds: Locations with diverse backgrounds add more variety to your photos. We used the water, sunset, driftwood, and a rock wall lined with flowers.
  • Optimal Lighting: Late afternoon offers softer, more flattering light.
  • Bug Spray Reminder: If you start just before dusk, don’t forget the bug spray!
  • Footwear: If you plan to be barefoot on the beach, bring flip flops for comfort from pebbles and easy on-off use.
  • Weather Considerations: ⛈️Be aware of weather variables. We had to move our shoot from Saturday to Sunday due to rain, coinciding with the rescheduled Fairfield fireworks. Verify road closures, traffic, beach crowding, and parking limitations. Luckily, South Pine Creek Beach was far enough to avoid those concerns.
  • Capture the Process: The photo shoot itself is a fun and memorable experience, so capture some “behind the scenes” moments.

I’ll share some of the professional photos once we receive them, but here are a few behind-the-scenes snapshots in the meantime! 

Have you done a family photo shoot? What milestone were you capturing? What photo shoot tips can you share? What lifestyle changes are approaching that may warrant a professional photo session? Let us know in the comments!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

#FairfieldCT #FamilyPhotoshoot #BeachPhotoShoot #BehindTheScenes #RealEstateLife

#SPineCreekBeach #PhotoShootTips #FamilyMemories #BeachScenes #PhotoShootBackDrops

#LindaRaymondRealtor #FamilyLegacy #FamilyFun #FamilyBonding


by 2 Comments

10 Reasons You Want to Come to Fairfield CT this Summer!

Click image to see 5-minute video!

Are you searching for the ideal summer escape or a vibrant community to settle down in, but can’t find a place that ticks all the boxes? Let me introduce you to Fairfield—where pristine beaches, a bustling downtown, convenient train access, rich cultural experiences, and picturesque views come together perfectly. Stay with me to discover 10 reasons you want to come to Fairfield this summer! Fairfield, CT, is a popular destination for summer rentals for a variety of reasons. Here are 10 reasons people are coming to Fairfield this summer and beyond!

00:37 Cute summer rental: 1018 Reef Road, Fairfield CT

00:55 Beaches: Fairfield boasts five beautiful beaches including Jennings, Penfield, South Pine Creek, Sasco, and Southport Beach, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports.

02:49 Proximity to New York City: Located just about an hour from New York City, Fairfield is an attractive getaway for city dwellers looking for a nearby retreat. 02:59 Family-friendly Environment: The town is known for its safe, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of parks, playgrounds, and family-oriented events. Cultural Attractions: Fairfield has a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and historic sites. The Fairfield Museum and History Center and the Quick Center for the Arts are notable examples.

04:10 Outdoor Activities: Fairfield offers numerous parks, hiking trails, and golf courses, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Dining and Shopping: The town has a vibrant downtown area with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, providing a pleasant experience for foodies and shoppers alike.

4:20 Festivals and Events: Fairfield hosts numerous summer events and festivals, such as the Fairfield County Irish Festival and the Fairfield Sidewalk Sale, which draw crowds and create a lively atmosphere.

04:26 Community Vibe: The town has a strong sense of community, with friendly residents and a welcoming environment, making it appealing for those looking for a pleasant and engaging place to stay. Educational Opportunities: Fairfield is home to Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, offering educational and cultural events throughout the summer that attract visitors.

04:40 Scenic Beauty: With its charming coastal scenery, historic homes, and well-maintained public spaces, Fairfield provides a picturesque setting for a relaxing summer vacation.

View the rental listing at 1018 Reef Road, Fairfield CT https://smartmls-portal.connectmls.co…

 #FairfieldBeaches #JenningsBeach #PenfieldBeach #BeachLife #NearNYC #NYCGetaway #CityEscape #FamilyFriendly #SafeCommunity #FamilyFun #FairfieldCulture #Museums #TheaterLovers #OutdoorAdventures #Hiking #Golfing #NatureLovers #FairfieldDining #ShopLocal #Foodies #ShoppingSpree #FairfieldFestivals #SummerEvents #LocalEvents #CommunitySpirit #FriendlyNeighbors #WelcomingTown #FairfieldUniversity #SacredHeartUniversity #ScenicFairfield #CoastalViews #HistoricHomes #PicturePerfectSacredHeartUniversity #SummerLearning #lindaraymondrealtor #YourCastleMyMission #Gabagool #esh