Where Darien Beachgoing Gets Practical…read more Pear Tree Point is the more, shall we say, functional, of the two Darien public beaches. Weed Beach, located across a bay from Stamford, has something of a mystical quality to it. It is where high schoolers go in the summertime to smoke out (yes, the name is a coincidence), where the passionate but slightly off-tune sounds of local bands fill humid night air. Weed Beach has woodlands to wander through, a hidden playground through a clearing of trees, paddle tennis courts that I think only ghosts use, and lots and lots of weeds, making every step into the water squishy and unsure. But Pear Tree Point is the beach where you get things done. It's got boat docks attached, so it's the starting point for many a "booze cruise", a favorite pasttime of the Darienite. Families love Pear Tree Point, probably because it's shaped in such a way that it's easy for the kids to stay in view; there's nowhere to disappear to. So children go about producing their childlike things: sandcastles, trenches for the water to flow through, holes to bury themselves in. Pear Tree Point has a gazebo at its center, perched on top of rocks. It's perfect for eating a hamburger and fries from the concession stand during the day, and for making out at night. Pear Tree Point is situated along Long Neck Point, location of some of the fanciest houses in this very, very fancy part of the world. If you're the kind of person who likes to gawk at luxurious homes a la Newport, Rhode Island, then it's worth a slow drive down Long Neck Point road until you get to the end, which is a former girls' school now converted, I think, into residences. The atmosphere is rarefied, elegant, and oh-so-preppy. Pear Tree Point, like all the beaches in southern Fairfield County, has a kind of rough sand, and the water's generally cold. Tahiti it is not. The sun, like so many phenomena in the New York area, is either too dim or too scorching. It takes a certain toughness to enjoy beachgoing in the northeastern part of the United States. But after a day being there, you feel as if you have accompilshed something, and accomplishment, after all, is the highest personal value among most Darienites who bring the never-stop-achieving ethos of New York City back to their town.

Pear tree point is lovely. A beautiful beach to go to during the sunset. Large amount of parking…read moreand can either be quiet or busy depending on when you go. The snack bar "uncles by the shore" is owned by uncles deli which is situated on the post road in Darien and closes around 3pm I believe which is pretty annoying. One star off for their gross bathrooms. This beach is smaller than weed beach and does not have a pavilion like weed beach but has a cute gazebo and plenty of space. If you're lucky enough to even get in.

They run this gym like a prison yard , all tight and strict policy front desk , over priced out…read moredated gym equipment way in middle of nowhere hard to get too, POOL and showers are nice , its closed more that its open

I recently attended a Pilates class with Liz, and I continue to be deeply impressed by her…read moreexceptional instruction. Liz is a phenomenal teacher whose precision, attentiveness, and capacity to tailor her guidance to each student's body are nothing short of extraordinary. Her corrections are subtle yet transformative, and she leads with both authority and empathy, creating an environment of confidence, safety, and growth. It is regrettable that Liz's talents are not more broadly acknowledged within the gym. Her classes do not receive the same visibility or promotion as many of the more mainstream group activities--and that is a disservice both to her as an instructor and to potential students who would immensely benefit from her expertise. This is especially poignant during the season of Diwali, a sacred time in September/October that honors light over darkness, spiritual renewal, and the triumph of knowledge and mindfulness. Liz's approach to Pilates--centered on balance, breath, focus, and inner strength--resonates powerfully with the spiritual symbolism of Diwali. In fact, her class would have been an ideal program to promote during this period, as it aligns so beautifully with the themes of illumination, inner harmony, and self-transformation. Liz is not just a capable instructor--she is an extraordinary asset to the Pilates community. She deserves far greater recognition, support, and promotion so that more students can discover the profound value she offers. YMCA management needs to be open to your members needs. The diversity and age audience has changed. Idea - perhaps incorporating yoga class nights for couples while their children are being taken care of? Or maybe promoting Pilates evening class with "a thriller night with Pilates"?