ChamberWorks / Does downtown Fairfield qualify as a 'destination?'

Most people know that the downtown is the heart and soul of every community. Fairfield actually has two hearts.

One is the Black Rock Turnpike; the other is Post Road -- particularly from Ruane Street east to just past the Brick Walk shops.

What distinguishes Post Road is the amount of green space, pedestrian walkways and ease of getting around, the Sherman Green, the faux gas lamps that line the road, plus places to hang street banners and seasonal decor.

Roger Brooks of Destination Development International tells us that the average visitor spends four to six hours on a "primary activity," which he describes as attending a sporting event, family reunion or wedding.

What do people do during the rest of their visit? They shop, they dine and they look for entertainment. Brooks suggests that these diversionary activities account for 80 percent of a visitor's spending, and that one thing that impacts these activities is something he defines as the "10-10-10 theory."

The 10-10-10 theory holds that for a place to be a true destination, it must have 10 places that sell food, 10 non-chain specialty shops and 10 places that stay open after 6 p.m. -- preferably entertainment venues.

Does Fairfield's downtown meet those criteria?

The answer is a definitive yes, although we might be splitting hairs when it comes to entertainment and what's open after 6 p.m. Entertainment is, after all, in the eye of the beholder.

Fairfield is undeniably a destination for dining -- it has plenty of restaurants with varied cuisines and within walking or easy driving distance of each other. We have plenty of specialty shops, too. Friends from Westport often tell me there is a noticeable difference between the two downtowns, mainly because Fairfield has more independent boutique shops, as opposed to national retailers. Just to cite a few: Magnolia, Apricot Lane, Snappy Gator, Eliza B's, Jennifer Butler, Chloe's Closet and Life is good.

Whether entertainment venues meet Brooks' 10-10-10 theory depends on how you look at them. We have Sportsplex on Mill Plain Road that one can consider entertainment -- fencing lessons, rock climbing walls, skating rink, cheerleading lessons, martial, laser tag and more. Additionally, there's the Fairfield Theatre Company on the eastbound side of the train station. On just about any night of the week, one can hear some of the best bands around. Hopefully, soon, we can add the iconic Community Theatre back into the mix.

If you live in Fairfield, count your many blessings. You not only have a vibrant downtown that meets the 10-10-10 criteria, you have one of the best school systems around, easy access to major highways, three train stations, a museum and historically interesting places, beautiful beaches, activities for seniors, access to good health care, two universities, New York City 60 miles down the road and Boston just to the north of us. What more could you ask for?

Patricia L Ritchie is president and chief executive officer of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.