NEW CANAAN, Conn. Peter Bergen made a point to spend as much of his time on Monday outdoors, enjoying New Canaan in the spring.
Mondays spring-like atmosphere reminded Bergen, 59, of his time living in California. So the New Canaanite was plenty active, including working on his garden and taking his dog Brady for a walk in Waveny Park.
It would be a crime not to be outside today, he said.
He was not alone. Parks, benches and restaurants with outdoor seating were buzzing most of the day as New Canaan enjoyed an unofficial beginning of spring. Although New Canaan and Fairfield County enjoyed a mostly mild winter, no day was perhaps as nice as Monday with high temperatures hovering at about 70 degrees.
Many New Canaanites ditched their heavy coats and sweatshirts Monday, donning bright-colored T-shirts and shorts. Caroline Wood, 18, of Wilton, opted for a light-colored dress while walking along Elm Street for a friend to go shopping.
I like it. I feel like we were ready to defrost, she said with a laugh. I dont like it when its too cold.
Jim Berry, owner of MacKenzies, a party favor and novelty store on South Avenue, took a break from work Monday to soak up some sun and stretch his back.
I love it. Berry said, noting that warm weather is good for business. Snow doesnt help anyone unless you sell snow shovels and salt. Its a good day to play baseball.
Weather forecasts are calling for continued mild weather and temperatures in the high 50s to high 60s for the rest of the week, though rain is expected Tuesday and Friday.
Mitzi Cowell, 42, of Redding, will embrace the warmth. She spent part of her day at Station Eats on South Avenue with her son Bodhi, 9 months, friend Alisha Vasse, 29, of New Canaan, and Vasses son Gregory, 10 months.
Mondays weather made Cowell feel like she was back in her native southern California. If I can wear flip-flops out, its a good day."
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
