Travel + Leisure says this ‘affordable’ SouthCoast town has Cape charm

Travel + Leisure has put Westport in the spotlight, saying it’s “a more affordable version of Cape Cod —with all the same coastal charm.”

In a Nov. 17 article by Anna Laird Barto, the “Top 5 Can’t Miss” highlights were listed as:

• Horseneck Beach, “beloved by locals for its miles of soft sand and sweeping views of Buzzards Bay.”

• Paddling “the calm waters” of the Westport River.

• A self-guided food tour of the countryside, “stopping at roadside farm stands and stores to sample local fare straight from the source.”

• Buzzards Bay Brewing, to enjoy some craft beer.

• Fresh oysters from Westport Sea Farms.

Barto writes that Westport, part of the area’s beautiful Farm Coast, “embodies the most beloved aspects of New England, minus the crowds and steep price tags.”

“Strolling Westport’s historic seaport, with its colonial-era cottages and their weathered gray shingles, you’d swear you were on Cape Cod or Nantucket,” Barto writes. “Like the Cape and the islands, Westport’s beaches and wetlands are protected from development; you can stroll for miles with little sign of civilization. Venture a bit inland and the scenery changes to … fields scattered with timber-framed barns and crisscrossed by low stone walls that have stood for generations.”

Travel + Leisure also noted how the local food scene has been influenced by the town’s farming and fishing traditions.

To get a taste of Westport, Travel + Leisure recommended places to stay like The Harbor Inn Acoaxet; things to do like the aforementioned Top 5; shopping at spots like Weatherlow Farms, Lees Market, Partners Village Store, Jeffrey Westport and more; and dining options like The Back Eddy, Perry’s Bakery, Bittersweet Farm and more.

Travel + Leisure also gave recommendations for the best time to visit, how to get there, and ways to get around town.

Here are some other spots to check out around town, among the many scenic, shopping, and culinary delights that Westport has to offer:

Unique stays: SouthCoast is home to plenty of one-of-a-kind getaways — from lighthouse to schoolhouse

The Paquachuck Inn, 2056 Main Rd., is located at Westport Point and listed on Airbnb. It offers a historic stay, in the heart of “a quaint working harbor that dates back to the 18th century,” according to its listing. Enjoy water views, an antique greenhouse, and a main lobby that was originally a general store.

For things to do, take your pick!

Explore the shoreline at Horseneck Beach State Reservation, check out The Knubble, and don’t miss out on a hike or one of the many programs offered by the Westport Land Conservation Trust.

WLCT is a local non-profit that invites the community to explore the beauty right here in our own backyard. They offer various group hiking opportunities each month, exploring everything from forests and meadows, to looking for birds (including owls), and even include nature-themed crafts in some of those hikes. Most hikes are also free to attend.

Head over to Westport Woods Conservation Park, 573 Adamsville Rd., and get ready to witness Westport’s natural beauty. Volunteers are always welcome, and there is even a Tuesday Trail Team, which helps to maintain and improve hiking trails and conservation lands.

Interested in some of Westport’s farming history?

Find that, and dive into even more local history, at the Westport Historical Society.

Located at 25 Drift Rd., the Westport Historical Society offers a look into the town’s rich past and culture, with programs offered for history enthusiasts of all ages. They offer creative exhibits throughout the year as well, and every year the Handy House Halloween Trail is open for visitors looking for some family-friendly, spooky fun.

Each year, the Westport Historical Society also shines a light on traditional crafts, with The Handy House Artisan Fair and Vintage Market.

In addition to the other shops mentioned by Travel + Leisure, consider checking out:

Country Woolens, 842 Main Rd., offering “adventure ready apparel,” as they say on their website.

Deni’s Closet, 937 Main Rd., a clothing boutique offering a range of items.

The Head Town Landing Country Store, 488 Old County Rd., which is under new ownership but still offering the favorites that customers have come to love over the years.

Amy’s Fabric Treasures, 1032 American Legion Hwy., for crafty shoppers.

Exploding6 Gaming Supply, 151 State Rd., Suite 7, for gamers of various interests.

Country Dog, 1099 State Rd., which, among other services and supplies for pets, has baked dog treats.

Dog bakeries around the SouthCoast: The best spots for treats, cakes and gourmet biscuits

And there are, of course, many more shops to explore in town.

When it comes to food, there’s just as much to explore — in addition to the fun fact that Westport has its very own heirloom vegetable, the Macomber turnip!

Indulge at local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and more, like:

• Til Dusk Cafe and Bakery, 549 American Legion Hwy., a bakery and deli focusing on fresh-made items.

• Backyard Westport, 140 Charlotte White Rd., Ext., offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• The Galley Grille, located in White’s of Westport, serving up comforting classic dishes.

• Portas da Cidade, 231 State Rd., specializing in authentic Portuguese cuisine.

• Lexi-Lu’s Place, 1133 American Legion Hwy., whipping up creative breakfast and lunch specials.

• Ten Cousins Brick Oven, 977 Main Rd., cooking up fun pizza specials every month.

• Bootleg BBQ, 778 Main Rd., with barbecued delights and comforting favorites.

• Gray’s Daily Grind, 638 Adamsville Rd., brewing up an array of specialty coffees and drinks.

And many more local spots that are sure to cater to every palate.

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Westport’s having its moment in the spotlight.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Travel + Leisure says Westport ‘more affordable’