DAY TRIP
grace farms
is it farm? maybe, maybe not, but it sure is pretty
There’s something about the crisp fall air that just makes you want to get out of the city. Knowing how short these temperate days are, how quickly the colored leaves will fall, compels even the laziest of city dwellers to go explore the outdoors.
Grace Farms is a nonprofit community organization that could only exist in a wealthy neighborhood like New Canaan. It’s basically a community center, but expansive, architecturally beautiful and filled with amenities from a library to basketball court to auditorium to barn. The mission of the foundation is interdisciplinary and philanthropic, working on nature, arts, justice, community, and faith initiatives. Through programming, workshops, education and conservation, Grace Farms has impact that extends far beyond its physical footprint.
Spanning over 80 acres, the land itself is made up of meadows and trails, preserved habitats that are home to more than 500 trees and 1,000 native perennials. The restored land is open to the public 6 days a week and offers a peaceful environment to be one with nature, to breathe in fresh air and stare at fresh water and wonder at how quiet it can be.
As for the architecture, it’s giving Apple Store meets rural daydreams. Designed by Japanese firm SANAA, the River building ebbs and flows with the ecosystem around it. The glass, steel, wood and concrete structure offers 360 views of the natural landscape and seemingly floats atop the land without disruption. Within the building, there’s a tea bar, a cafeteria, a library, offices and common spaces. They also have their own brand of teas and coffees, with proceeds going back to the foundation.
Visiting Grace Farms is free with advance reservation, and it makes for the perfect low-effort day trip from NYC. There’s art installations throughout the grounds, exhibitions in the barns, plenty of easy hiking on the trails, and tea and light bites in the pavilion. They cater to the whole family, with games and recreational space as well as programming and events throughout the year.
the details
| Address | 365 Lukes Wood Rd, New Canaan, CT |
| Website | https://gracefarms.org/ |
| @gracefarmsct | |
| Hours | 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday, closed Mondays |
| Price | admission is free, food and drink on site is pretty standard for cafe fare |
| Aesthetic | apple store meets little house on the prairie core |
good to know
Go here for: a nature day with family (let the kids run free), a place to escape and meditate on life while staring into the fields, a low effort day trip
Don’t miss: the 1 mile loop trail around Cattail Pond, and a walk through the community garden
Amount of time to spend: plan to spend 3-5 hours here, it’s a good half day activity (full day trip from the city)
When to come: any time the weather allows, fall and spring are particularly pretty
Getting here: the best way is probably by car, but coming from the city without the car, your best bet is to take the Metro North to New Canaan and then grab an uber to the farm (about a 10-15 min ride)
Other things to note: They have many events and programming throughout the year, check the calendar to plan a visit.
Last visited: October 2022
Last updated: November 2022
see also
DAY TRIP: STORM KING
DAY TRIP: THE HAMPTONS