Prior to being incorporated in 1801, New Canaan was shared by the neighboring towns of Stamford and Norwalk, and was known as Canaan Parish. Today, this vibrant and charming town remains distinctive with its manicured landscapes, grand architecture, and bustling downtown. With a reputation as a great place to raise a family, and known for its high-profile residents from the entertainment, sports, business, and news industries, New Canaan is also rich in history, an enjoyable place to shop, play, and dine, and a fabulous place to visit. One of the few "walking towns" in Fairfield County, New Canaan Center offers residents and visitors an array of retail options. Boutique shops line the streets and share the stage with high-end commercially known stores, offering cutting-edge fashion, top-of-the-line home goods, one-of-a-kind gifts, and everyday lifestyle products and services. Dining options abound … from breakfast nooks and bakeries, pubs to bistros, ethnic food to fine dining, the food scene is quite extraordinary. New Canaan's new 42,000 square foot library whose stunning design pays homage to mid-century modern architecture is a wonderful attraction for all residents. Surrounded by pollinator gardens and designed for interactive learning, explore cooking classes, sewing machines, conference rooms, rooftop terrace, built-in café, and of course a top-tier selection of books. New Canaan boasts many premier attractions where residents engage in a number of activities. Grace Farms, an 80 acre cultural center for community events and performances, The Glass House is a world-renowned mecca for mid-century modern architecture and the YMCA host a number of healthy living and youth development programs. New Canaan is also home to world class, historical parks. The famed Waveny Park spans over 250 acres includes 3.5 miles of jogging/walking trails, soccer, baseball and softball fields, picnic area, platform tennis coursts, a swimming facility, artificial turf water tower field and bounds of open areas. Waveny also contains the PowerHouse Performing Arts Center, The Carriage Barn, Spencer's Run Dog Park, Lapham Community Center and The Waveny Lodge and The Waveny House where all of the parks and recreation for the town are run out of. Also enjoy Kiwanis Park, Mead Memorial Park, Mill Pond Park, Ed Dixon Memorial Park, Bristow Bird Sanctuary and Irwin Park all located within scenic New Canaan. Considered a New York City suburb (approximately 45 miles outside of the city), New Canaan is 22.5 square miles and has a population nearing 20,000. Community activities include the Annual Summer Village Fair and Sidewalk Sales, a 45-year-old event that continues to bring out the entire town. Dazzling fireworks at Waveny Park are a Fourth of July tradition, the Halloween Parade is a child's delight, and the popular Holiday Stroll is so popular, the town has now implemented monthly Stroll Evenings, creating a block party 12 nights out of the year! We invite you to visit our New Canaan. Experience a New England town with a style and sensibility all its own – but for all to enjoy.
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