Some say the renaissance of Pound Ridge kicked off four years ago when celebrated restaurateur (and local resident) Jean-Georges Vongerichten resurrected the legendary Inn at Pound Ridge with his signature menu and a brand new look.

What has transpired since then—whether inspired by the steady flow of out-of-towners headed to the Inn or simply the enthusiasm of residents, new and old— is that business is once again thriving.

The vibe in both the historic hamlet and the business district, known as Scotts Corners, is comfortably upscale. Restaurants and shops have a casual aesthetic. The hamlet, chockfull of vintage homes, boasts the Inn, the Pound Ridge Museum, the Pound Ridge Library, Pound Ridge Elementary School, and just one retailer, Pound Ridge Nursery, a well-loved destination, not only for indoor and outdoor plants but also for home décor.

Residents head to Scotts Corners to dine as well as to shop at indie boutiques, ranging from Booksy Galore—a bibliophile’s dream to several home décor retailers (antiques, flowers, and hostess gifts), specialty food and wine shops, and popular mainstays such as Chubby’s Hardware and Albano Appliance, both of which have served the town for decades. Local services with storefronts at the crossroads run the gamut from personal care (day spa, barber shop, dental and vision care) to insurance services, a tattoo studio, and auto care.

The Pound Ridge Business Association is actively engaged in promoting commerce in town. “There’s a new energy in the business district,” explains PRBA co-president and owner of Plum Plums Cheese, Gayle Martin. “We have new families moving here from the city, and we have several businesses that are proactively bringing new shoppers to town.”

Pound Ridge Square (formerly known as Trinity Corners Shopping Center) has been completely renovated by the new owners and still boasts The Market as its anchor—albeit a re-imagined and refreshed outpost for groceries and prepared meals. A pharmacy and youth fitness center are opening in the complex soon.

Locals and out-of-towners head to DiNardo’s, The Kitchen Table, Blind Charlie’s, La Familia, and Asia Hamachi for the good food and laid-back ambiance that is so quintessentially Pound Ridge.

But, don’t equate “relaxed” with boring. While Northstar, a popular Scotts Corners dinner destination offers live music and a lively bar scene all week long, there are also arts and antique fairs throughout the year plus a-rockin' Harvest Festival that brings first-rate musical talent to town every fall.

Photos thanks to Inn at Pound Ridge, Plum Plums, Booksy Galore, and The Pound Ridge Partnership