The playhouse is an essential element of Westport's culture and has the reputation of a world-renowned institution for artistic enrichment. Its history began in 1931 when a cow barn from the 1830s was converted to a theater. The playhouse represents the oldest continuing theater in Connecticut and has consistently encouraged artists to try out new creative ideas without concern for the tastes of Broadway. The 581-seat playhouse has just completed a $30,000,000 renovation under the direction of Westport residents, Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman. http://www.westportplayhouse.org.

 

See big, beautiful loggerhead sea turtles gliding gracefully through the water, exciting robotic animals built out of gadgets and fun, interactive learning stations that will thrill you. An awesome IMAX theater, with a screen that is six stories tall, features movies all year long. Plus, seals, sharks, rays, and jellies are just waiting to impress you. http://www.maritimeaquarium.org.

Connecticut's only accredited zoo. Naturalistic rainforest exhibit, a New England farmyard, a carousel, gift shop and the Peacock Café. http://www.beardsleyzoo.org

 

Schools and Universities

 

Fairfield University is a comprehensive Jesuit university that prepares students for lives of leadership and service in a constantly changing world. Aside from its role as an acclaimed undergraduate institution, the university also offers an array of graduate studies. http://www.fairfield.edu

 

The second largest Catholic university in New England, Sacred Heart University provides men & women a comprehensive, hands-on education, rooted in the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition. http://www.sacredheart.edu

 

 

Beaches

Maintained by the town of Westport, Compo offers a full array of activities: