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Ah springtime, a time of rejuvenation, new growth, and warm weather (hopefully). Break out those sandals and get outside the house and explore all the new things people have been working on all winter long. Lucky for you, we have a roundup of new and exciting businesses that have opened up in the Town of Westport that we have been dying to share! 

A brightly colored, hand-painted sign for the Mill in Westport

Mountain Dog Restaurant and Pub is the newest addition to the Westport community, a welcome sight for sure. Located directly across from a fan favorite, Ballard Park, this new eatery offers delicious food and drinks for locals and visitors alike. With a delicious menu of food including the Marcy Burger, which is a triple-decker of smashed beef patties, bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato served with spicy aioli, you won't go hungry. It's only fitting a burger named after our highest peak be so mountainous, and let me tell you it lives up to its name! Of course, the restaurant is just getting started and things are bound to change and upgrade, but the menu offers a variety of options perfect for everyone, even the picky eaters. 

I can sit here and rave about the food but a distinguishing factor for me that takes this restaurant to the next level is the atmosphere. The second you walk through the door you’re greeted with a smile and a "how are you?" Nothing makes an experience more enjoyable than when you have amazing customer service and a sense of belonging the second you step inside. The idea behind the restaurant is to create a community hub for everyone to come to, sit back, relax, and enjoy. The Mountain Dog Restaurant and Pub accomplishes that! They're already on schedule to begin renovations on the Gables Inn portion of their property, so stay tuned for more details. The next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and check them out!

Logo for the Mountain Dog Restaurant and Pub, featuring an illustrated brown, white, and black dog with its tongue hanging out.

The Mill is, in my opinion, perhaps one of the coolest additions to the Town of Westport. Located directly across from the Essex County Fairgrounds is an old flour mill that is being refurbished into a multi-purpose community space, almost like a smorgasbord of things. Taylor Haskins, yes that Taylor Haskins, acclaimed musician and frequent flyer of the Town of Westport, has been working as creative director of this beautiful historic building. He has not disappointed. The refurbished Mill should be opening very soon and will be a truly exciting addition for Westport. Red Oak Food Co. has been the first to make the move and should be opening up its storefront this spring. Red Oak Food Co. offers wildcrafted products, sourdough bread, small batch miso, and private chef services for 2-6. Stay tuned for an official open date and more details! 

Old, black and white image of a three-story mill in Westport
Rendering of the new Mill in Westport
Rendering of The Mill in Westport

Of course, the most notable, and not necessarily new, is the return of the Amtrak Adirondack that travels from Montreal to New York City and makes a stop at the beautiful Depot Theatre in Westport. The train has been out of service since 2020 and was a welcomed sight to see as it made its "first" voyage through our region on Monday, April 3, 2023. With stops along the way, including Port Henry and Ticonderoga, the train is a sight for sore eyes. The Adirondack train was ranked as of the most scenic trips to take in the United States and is truly a beautiful and wonderful addition to the town. 

Image of Depot theater/train station in the early spring

New businesses seem to be popping up all over the place and it puts a smile on our faces knowing our towns are seeing new growth and new opportunities. For more information on what's new and what's happening throughout our region be sure to follow along on our Facebook page and website

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