Reviews
Greenwich Time Review - August
14th, 2007
Greenwich Citizen Review - July 27th, 2007
Greenwich Post Review - July
12th, 2007
‘Anderson
Guide’ will help you enjoy Greenwich
DAVID PODGURSKI, STAFF WRITER
I
remember well the first time I first saw the "Anderson Guide to Enjoying
Greenwich." It was next to the Zagat Restaurant guides in the “impulse
buy" niche by the cash registers at a local bookstore. It was a
considerably slim volume that didn't do all that much for Connecticut's
premier place to live, nor was it a big seller, due probably the fact
that it seemed more of an advertising stunt than a full-blown guide.
That was a couple of years ago, and my, how times have changed.
This new guide is well-written and full of things to do in this Gold
Coast town, whether you're looking for the library or a fine restaurant.
It thankfully contains no advertising and is based upon the editors'
opinions and knowledge. The guide itself is divided along various lines
(activities, culture, entertaining, fitness and sports), and most
entries (where applicable) feature important contact information such as
Web sites, addresses and phone numbers. Though the book is primarily
aimed at Greenwich residents, this kind of information can be helpful to
both visitor and resident alike.
Some of the facts listed about the town itself will also dazzle: The
average age of a Greenwich resident is 40 years; the median family
income is $99,086; the population is 58,440; and the town sports 32
miles of shoreline along with 1,500 acres of public parks. Many of these
"At a Glance" facts listed in the book will tell residents what they
already know; i.e., that Greenwich is often rated the safest town in
Connecticut and the premier town for quality of life.
But a guide book is important not only for its bare bones facts, but
also for its more extensive information. Under the "Children" heading,
for example, family outings to Bridgeport's Discovery Museum or
Bristol's Lake Compound rub elbows with listings for the Bronx Zoo and
the New York Botanical Gardens. Children's summer camps are also listed,
along with community organizations, clubs, cooking schools, local
museums and arts organizations as well as sports (Greenwich has 150
miles of riding trails and nine yacht clubs, for example).
Services are also well represented —
should you need to repair or replace a lock, listings are in there.
Should you need the police to patrol the area around your home during an
extended vacation, call the Dark House Service under the "Home" heading.
A lot of space in the book is given over to restaurants (about 160
restaurants in all). The "Dining Out" section alphabetically lists
restaurants with a short review and technical information (hours of
operation, etc.) along with prices and recommendations. Similar listings
are devoted to Greenwich's other major draw: shopping. The shopping
listings themselves, in fact, take up the largest part of the book
(there are about 300 in all). Throughout the "Restaurants" and
"Shopping" sections, tips alert the reader to etiquette within the town.
For example, "Only geese honk in Greenwich;" that is, car horns are
frowned upon. Such tips add a bit of charm, even if they are a bit
hokey.
If this all sounds too twee, upscale or snooty, the reader/visitor
should remember that maintaining the integrity of a community requires
some degree of sacrifice, even when living well is the desired result.
As any resident will tell you, Greenwich has always benefited from its
proximity to New York City, but residents are always happy that the town
is not too close. Greenery and small?town charm reign in Greenwich, no
matter what the visitor/resident is drawn to.
Above all, "The Anderson Guide" succeeds admirably in what it attempts
to do show you how to live in and, indeed, enjoy the Town of Greenwich.
"I have lived
in Greenwich all my life and I'm finding new places to go and
restaurants to try in the Anderson Guide. It's really a great resource."
- Dr. Robert L. Ailleo, DMD
"The
Anderson Guide is my left and my right hand since moving to
Greenwich from London."
- Paul Roberts, President of Phillips Auction House
"A real insider's guide. I keep it next to my phone." - Darius Toraby, Architect
"This is the best directory for town resources." - Caroline Frano, RTM Chair District 8
"This
indispensable guide is invaluable for new residents."
- Hillary Watson, member of the board of The Newcomers Club
ANDERSON ASSOCIATES
Greenwich Real Estate Specialists
www.GreenwichLiving.com
164 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
(203) 629-4519