Years ago, residents and leaders living in the Walnut Beach corner of Milford envisioned turning a somewhat blighted area into a welcoming, thriving hotspot. Fast forward to 2018, and the area has transformed into a shoreline community filled with a collection of businesses and a year-round schedule of events.
The connected Walnut Beach and Silver Sands State Park boardwalk is the longest stretch of public beach in Milford. Attracting visitors from near and far, the mile-long path brings foot traffic straight to the Walnut Beach neighborhood.
“We have worked hard to bring about positive change in the area,” says Tina Pritchard, owner of the rental company Scoot & Paddle. “This beach is one of the nicest and sandiest in Milford, and for a long time it was a hidden gem.” It’s one of the reasons she chose to build her business here, offering kayak, bike, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, as well as hosting a variety of events and guided paddles, from full moon and fireworks paddles to paddleboard yoga. The Charles Island SUP Cup and the Scoot Scavenger Hunt brings talented kayakers and paddleboarders together for friendly competitions.
“Now that Walnut Beach has been improved with the extension of the boardwalk, the crossovers from the parking area, and the thriving business district, the area has seen a wonderful revival with an enormous influx of people over the past few years,” says Pritchard.
Just down the street stands Walnut Beach Creamery, Milford’s only handcrafted gourmet ice cream shop where every batch is made by hand using the freshest ingredients.
“When Walnut Beach Creamery opened it brought this area to life,” says local resident Virginia Orman. “I’m one of the first people in line when they open up in the spring, and their interesting flavors and colorful décor keep me coming back again and again. Walnut Beach Mud is one of my favorite flavors, combining Belgium chocolate ice cream with espresso brownies.”
“I love being a part of the Walnut Beach community,” says Traci Weber, yoga instructor and owner of WalkAboutYoga. “Here, everyone has options. They could take a stroll on one of Milford’s best beaches, enjoy a lobster roll, participate in a cooking class, get a massage and enjoy a yoga hike. It is as if a renaissance is happening right in front of our eyes.”
WalkAboutYoga (WAY) combines the cardio-based benefits of hiking with the strengthening moves of yoga. WalkAbouts commence at the Walnut Beach Pavilion and are open to yoga practitioners of all skill levels. Whether its Sunrise Yoga or an all level Fun Flow session, WAY workouts provide an outdoor sanctuary for yogis to clear their minds while exploring Milford’s stunning shoreline. Weber also teaches Yogalates at Walnut Beach Wellness & Boutique, a family-run wellness center offering services from organic facial treatments and massages to acupuncture and cupping sessions.
Back in 2000, the Milford Arts Council (MAC) and the City of Milford collaborated to convert the former Walnut Beach Fire Company building into a facility to promote the arts. Today, the Gallery boasts 1,000 square feet of artistic space and offers classes, activities, and an Artist-in-Residence program. The MAC is also the sponsor of one of the most popular events in Walnut Beach: the annual Sand Sculpture Contest, this year taking place on July 21st.
A few weeks later, August 4-5, thousands will gather for the 20th Annual Walnut Beach Day and Seaside Festival, a weekend-long event featuring arts, crafts, food vendors, and day-long concerts.
“The Walnut Beach community celebrates life and artistic expression with a love for all things beach,” says Kim Thompson, secretary and festival chair of the Walnut Beach Association. “Last year over 3,500 people attended, and this year we expect even more.”
The Walnut Beach Summer Concert Series, running each Sunday from July through September, is yet another crowd favorite, packing the Devon Rotary Pavilion with families and music lovers alike for late afternoon shows. This year’s line-up is filled with several fan favorites, including Mia & The Riff, What Up Funk, and the RumRunners.
Wendy Terenzio, president of the Walnut Beach Association, speaks for nearly everyone when she says, “We are very proud of all the improvements and artistic fun that have come to fruition throughout the past 12 years.” The dream of turning Walnut Beach into a thriving community has come true. “We have become a community reminiscent of simpler times, enjoying the company of neighbors that have established long-lasting friendships.”
—Alyssa Davanzo
To learn more about the Walnut Beach businesses and festivities, visit www.walnutbeachassociation.com
