Rowayton

 Closed for the season - see you next May

If you haven’t visited Downunder’s Rowayton location, you are in for a treat -- it’s a little piece of heaven tucked away under the Rowayton Market -- a well-kept secret.  The minute you enter the store you feel like you’re on vacation somewhere far far away: you’re in an open air cabana with sitting areas, surf shop vibe, gorgeous clothing and accessories for your adventure or to remember it by.  Located right on the picturesque Five Mile River, you have a mile of flat=water paddling, little creeks to explore, beautiful homes to admire, and an abundance of wildlife.  Long Island Sound is just a few minutes away, with the Darien Fish Islands, and the Norwalk Islands (up to 12 of which you can get off on; there’s even a wildlife sanctuary and historical lighthouse!)  Most of these are in open water, and reached by our guided tours.  Anyone can paddle to the Fish islands, which are just along the shore, and a great two-hour excursion – this is the only place we offer our island yoga and fitness training programs.  There are many bays and coves to paddle to and lots of history to learn about in our guided tours.

Special features:

• Surf Shop – Our Rowayton Surf Shop is open seasonally and carries everything you need for a day in the sun or on the water – ultra cool beach fashion and accessories, sunglasses, hats, rash guards, water shoes, sandals, toys, and gifts to remember your experience.

• Upper Deck is the Perfect Party Place for Kids and Adults – Enjoy a post-outing event, or plan something special.  It’s a gorgeous location as the sun sets over the river. The Rowayton Market has an extensive catering menu from a burger bar or clambake to passed hors d’oeuvres and elegant sit-down dining. Available for up to 50 people. Includes catering, liquor license.  Surf-attired wait staff and tiki bar optional!  And for the kids – Downunder throws an amazing birthday party, with an on-water treasure hunt followed by a picnic on the deck.  Hyperlink Rowayton market, waiting on new web address
• Island Yoga & Fitness – The Fish Islands are just 40 minutes away, ideal for a paddle and yoga class, or fitness training with our certified instructors (SUP or Kayak).  

Both locations are full-service with kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP)rentals, accessories, and a wide array of recreational and instructional programs.  And, both have that true Kiwi spirit, downunder charm, and atmosphere which makes them excellent venues for parties and outings.

Rowayton operates seasonally only. 

Westport is open year-round, allowing us to offer an extended SUP season with the use of wetsuits – there’s nothing like fall and spring paddling, when you do it safely and properly outfitted.  And offering an Indoor Paddle Board Fitness program.  The Surf Shop is always open, making gift giving easy: think SUPs and kayaks for Christmas presents; swimsuits, sun glasses, and sandals for winter break; and unique fashions and accessories for everyday purchases.  Westport’s Surf Shop is a unique and dynamite party venue anytime of the year, we’ll break out the tiki bar, turn up the tunes, and help you kick back -- adults only.  Water sports optional!

There’s no place like Downunder. Come visit us in either Westport or Rowayton and give it a go!

How to get here:

To get to Downunder Rowayton, either walk through the alleyway to the left of Rowayton Market (you’ll see our paddle sign) or walk through the market (grab a sandwich or snack while you’re in there, the food iss outstanding!) and take the stairs down.

We are just minutes away from I-95’s exit 12 in Connecticut and Route 1 in Darien and Norwalk and the Darien train station (serviced by Metro North).  

Directions

Public Boat Launch: BYO kayak or stand-up paddle board on our guided tours and launch up the road. 

Google map. 

Parking: Please use the community lot opposite the Rowayton Market, behind the Sails Restaurant in the back to the far left.  Street parking is for street-front business and is 1-hour only.

Hours:

Open seasonally from Mother's Day weekend through Labor Day.

Open Monday to Thursday 9:00am – 6:00pm

Open Friday 9:00am – 8:00pm

Open weekends and holidays 8:00 am – 6:00pm

What’s Cool in Rowayton?

• Historical Society, 177 Rowayton Ave, Rowayton  www.rowaytonhistoricalsociety.org 
• Pinkney Park, 176  Rowayton Ave, Rowayton www.rowaytonct.com
  
• Shakespeare on the Sound  shakespeareonthesound.org 
  
• Rowayton Civic Association – Summer Beach Concerts! www.rowaytonct.com
  
• Rowayton Arts Center  www.rowaytonartscenter.org
• Quester Art Gallery  119 Rowayton Ave, Rowayton www.questergallery.com
  
• Green Moon,140 Rowayton Avenue Norwalk, Rowayton www.greenmoonct.com
  
• Rowayton Library, 33 Highland Ave www.Rowayton.org
• Rowayton Dog Park - right next door - corner of McKinley & Highland
  

Restaurants:

• Rowayton Market, 157 Rowayton Ave, Rowayton, marc’srowaytonmarket.com  Gourmet/Catering
• Sails, 148 Rowayton Ave. Rowayton, www.sailsamericangrill.com  
• Brenden’s 101, Rowayton Ave, Rowayton, www.brendans101.com  Deli/ice cream parlor, outdoor seating
• Rowayton Pizza  - sit in or out, BYOB, summer music, 98 Rowayton Ave Norwalk Rowayton, www.rowaytonpizza.com
• The Restaurant @ Rowayton Seafood – upscale waterfront seafood restaurant, 89 Rowayton Ave, Rowayton, www.rowaytonseafood.com
  
• Rowayton Seafood Fish Market –take-out window, and seafood to take home