New Canaan , CT —
48 Hours in New Canaan, CT

Just over an hour’s ride from New York City by car or by Metro North, New Canaan offers a terrific escape from the city. Two days will offer you ample opportunities to take advantage of New Canaan’s many offerings. New Canaan offers a bounty of opportunities to unwind with its culinary, cultural and recreational treasures.

WHERE TO STAY

If you want to be central to downtown New Canaan, you can stay at the Roger Sherman Inn or at the Main Street Inn. For those seeking high-end accommodations or a special retreat, book at room at the neighboring Inn at Grey Barns located right on the Silvermine River. The Tavern at Gray Barns offers an excellent dinner menu and brunch on weekends, and don’t miss their artisanal cocktails. You can also walk from there to the Silvermine Arts Center to view contemporary works by local artists.

Location

Located in Fairfield County, New Canaan is bordered by Darien, Stamford, Wilton and Pound Ridge, New York.

Distance

A one-hour drive from Manhattan or 65-minute direct train ride from Grand Central station.

Getting Here

Drive along the Merritt Parkway from Manhattan or hop aboard the New Haven line of the Metro-North.

"Book a tour to visit Phillip Johnson’s Glass House"

WHAT TO DO

The town of New Canaan was home to some of the most iconic mid-century modern architects, the Harvard Five, so book a tour to visit Phillip Johnson’s Glass House and tour the property and his collection of furniture designed by architect Mies van der Rohe. The tour begins at the visitor center, right across from New Canaan’s Train Station on Elm Street. However, a tour of New Canaan’s acclaimed architecture is not complete without an exploration of Grace Farms. Take a guided tour of the internationally renowned River building, designed by Prizker prize-winning architectural firm SANAA, enjoy a tea service at the Pavilion, or lunch in the Commons.

After a tour of local architecture, head downtown to Elm and Main Streets and visit the New Canaan’s eclectic shops and boutiques, such as Pennyweights, Elm Street Books, Wave, SheLaLa and my personal favorite, Togs. Sample some featured wines during Saturday afternoon tastings at Franco’s Wine Shop. Visit New Canaan’s recent Store of the Year, New Canaan Music on Main Street and try your hand at playing a ukulele – or check out their great selection of guitars, including one autographed by the Rolling Stones. It is a musician’s playground and the owner of the store also plays locally in a band.

New Canaan is also known for its excellent dining establishments on Elm Street such as Uncorked, Rosie’s, Baldanza, Elm and Spiga, or venture a little further to New Canaan’s restaurant row on Forest Street, which also offers al fresco dining at Cava, Farmer’s Table and Locali. Save a little room for dessert, and visit Gelatissimo for some of the best gelato outside of Italy. Live music is also available on certain nights at Gates and South End.

"Save a little room for dessert, and visit Gelatissimo for some of the best gelato outside of Italy"

You will need some exercise to work off your meals, and the New Canaan Land Trust on Earth Day 2018 opened a GreenLink connecting New Canaan’s Irwin Park with the New Canaan Nature Center. Start at the Nature Center Parking Lot and walk or jog towards town to Elm Street and then take Elm Street to Weed. Follow signs to the Greenlink walking trails that traverse land trust properties and allow visitors to enjoy the beauty and serenity of wetlands and woodlands protected by the Land Trust. The full loop is approximately 2.5 miles, but you can add additional trails in Irwin Park of 1.2 miles and the Nature Center of 1.5 miles. If you want to experience more of the outdoors, an additional 3 miles of cross-country walking trails are also available in Waveny Park. Part of the former Lapham Estate, the property was donated to New Canaan in 1967 and is home to the Town Pool, Summer Theater, Carriage Barn Center for the Arts, Powerhouse Theater, Paddle Courts and the Dog Park.

The small-town charms of this suburban community are most evident at one of the many annual traditions such as the Spring Fish Derby at Mead Park, Easter Egg Hunt at Waveny Park, May Fair Carnival, Memorial Day Parade along Main Street, Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Waveny Park, Nature Center Fall Fair, Holiday Stroll and Caroling at God’s Acre on Christmas Eve. After experiencing the town and its vibrant community, visitors understand why its residents happily call New Canaan their home.

Location

Distance

Getting Here

"Book a tour to visit Phillip Johnson’s Glass House"

"Save a little room for dessert, and visit Gelatissimo for some of the best gelato outside of Italy"

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