By Gretchen Webster

WESTPORT — There was a lot to celebrate Saturday at Sconset Square, marking a new look for the longstanding shopping complex, with one visitor calling the refreshed design “hip with a cool feel.” 

“It’s beautiful. I haven’t been here in a long time,” said Andrea Wuchisky of Westport, who met with a group of friends outside the UpNorth jewelry store. “People are out and about.”

The “Fall Fete” at the Myrtle Avenue complex also marked a return to normal life after the pandemic, remarked Scott Falciglia, owner of the Tailored Home furniture and accessories with co-owner Jhon Ortiz.

“Ever since COVID, it’s become a pedestrian destination,” he said of Sconset Square. “I’m pleased to see that.”

Allison Moses, the owner of UpNorth with co-owner Randi Kohn, agreed the past two difficult years changed the town, but with a silver lining. “Westport is a tighter community now,” she said.

Moses, who operated the Allison Daniels Design store in another Sconset Square space, moved across the square to a newly designed store in April. 

There are new stores and restaurants opening all over town, she said. “Westport is coming up.” 

One recently opened store in Sconset Square is the Jenni Kane Home furniture store, which opened in August. 

And Casa Me, a new restaurant, is scheduled to officially open in Sconset Square next weekend. 

At Saturday’s event, Casa Me served cocktails, and the Studio Café offered a seasonal cider and bourbon drink. 

Music at the fete was performed by the group Tangled Vine, and refreshments provided by JJB Pizza & Pasta food truck.

“I wish we could do this every week,” Falciglia said.

Freelance writer Gretchen Webster, a Fairfield County journalist and journalism teacher for many years, was editor of the Fairfield Minuteman newspaper for 10 years and currently teaches journalism at Southern Connecticut State University.