Town Focus: Day 3 in Orient

On Day 3 in Orient, we’ll focus on the business district -- yes, there is one.

A turn off Main Road down Village Lane in Orient reveals a row of quaint shops that serve functions both commercial and social.

On the short span of sidewalk that stretches from the Orient Country Store to The Idle Hour ice cream shop, you can always find residents picking up lunch or something for the house, kids riding their bikes and people either on their way to or from the beach.

We’ll visit with business owners on and off Village Lane and spend some time in the Orient Country Store, getting to know owners Miriam and Grayson Murphy. The couple bought the store from longtime owner Linton Duell in the fall and have already become deeply ingrained members of the community.

Yesterday, we rode the ferry to and from New London, Conn., and talked with Stanley Mickus, director of marketing and public affairs for the Cross Sound Ferry, about the role it plays in the community.

Though the company is based in Connecticut, it has always played a huge role in the Orient community. Look for a story on the company’s history posted today.

Have we piqued your curiosity about Orient yet? Or do you know something we don’t? We want to hear from you either way. You can share your thoughts and comments through email or in the comments section below and keep following along on Twitter, Foursquare and Storify.

Above: Village Lane in Orient