Fairfield Road

Noah McManus is an ambitious Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Boston who successfully interviews for a prestigious position with Senator Hayden in D.C. His personal life is less stable; his girlfriend Wendy demands a marriage proposal as a prerequisite for moving with him. After witnessing Mayor Grantt's growing apathy toward her constituents, Noah impulsively resigns. His world collapses further when he discovers Wendy's superficiality and breaks up with her, followed by the news that Senator Hayden has been indicted in a corruption scandal, leaving Noah unemployed. He travels to Harpswell, Cape Cod, to retrieve an expensive engagement ring he had shipped to the Landing Inn. Upon arrival, he finds the town bridge is stuck, forcing him to stay. He meets Sam and Lillian, the innkeepers, and Hailey, a local bookstore owner who is unimpressed by his big-city credentials. Noah's dog, Arlo, accidentally buries the engagement ring on the beach, adding to his frustrations. As he spends time in Harpswell, Noah learns about a local election for Town Manager. The incumbent, Sam, is being challenged by Randall Richardson, a developer who wants to build a massive shopping mall that would destroy the town's character. Noah initially tries to stay neutral but is drawn in by Hailey's passion for the town. When Mayor Grantt begs Noah to return to Boston to save her failing re-election campaign, he goes back and successfully rehabilitates her image. However, during a victory celebration, he realizes his values have shifted. He rushes back to Harpswell during the final town meeting. Using his political expertise, he cites a legal loophole regarding the Preservation Council that disqualifies Randall from running. When Sam realizes he is too old for the rigors of the job, he encourages Noah to run. Noah delivers a moving speech about the town's history and integrity, winning over the residents. He decides to stay in Harpswell permanently, using the engagement ring as a deposit for a room at the inn, and begins a relationship with Hailey.