Despite our abundant town pride, Darien teens adore downtown New Canaan. From shopping at Rugby to grabbing a breakfast burrito at Rosie’s, as one NCHS student puts it, “New Canaan streets are just as blue as they are red.” So next time you have that once-in-a-blue-moon free day, don’t sit around refreshing your newsfeed or re-opening that refrigerator. Take a trip to New Canaan!
9:30am As tempting as that snooze button may be, resist it! Grab those Nike shorts, iPod, and sneakers out of your sports bag and head to Irwin Park for a scenic run through the estate’s hiking trails. The 36-acre former estate boasts running and walking trails newer than those of the more commonly known Waveny Park. Located on the intersection of Weed Street and Wahackme Road, Irwin Park is close to town and usually less windy than Waveny, an important factor to remember as the days get colder.
10:00am After a quick low-cardio work out, head into town for a full breakfast at Rosie’s on Elm Street (walking distance from Irwin for anybody who wants more exercise!). “My favorite thing to get at Rosie’s is the huevos rancheros,” said Darien High School junior Jenn O’Neil. “It has beans, salsa, avocado, cheese, and an egg all on top of a huge tortilla. It’s like one huge open breakfast burrito.” Rosie’s also makes exceptional pancakes and muffins that will bring you back to your elementary-school years. But don’t let the line scare you! It’s definitely worth the wait.
11:00am (Yes, breakfast might take that long, but it’s definitely worth it!) After Rosie’s you’ll be fueled for shopping along New Canaan’s endless streets of stores. In addition to the big-brand names like Rugby and J.Crew, there are other one-of-a-kind stores that are even more innovative than the chain stores. Togs, also located on Elm Street across the street from the clock tower, is according to another NCHS student, “like Erica K. but with a whole lot more!” Designer-name clothing not your style? Check out Julep Lounge, a clothing line designed and run by a New Canaan mom located in an upstairs office on Main Street. All the Julep Lounge clothing is made from a unique, extremely fuzzy fabric called “kashwear,” making it the perfect place to find a sweater to keep your warm while shopping. Also, New Canaan has three sport shops. Between Bob’s Sport Shop, New Canaan Ski and Sport, and The Athletic Shoe Factory, you will be sure to find the new gear you need for the upcoming season. If you feel like dropping while you’re shopping,
5:30 After a day of shopping till you drop, it’s time to relax at New Canaan Playhouse. 50/50 and Ides of March are both currently playing. But before you go, make sure you grab a sweet treat at Belgique, located across the street from the movie theater, to avoid the overpricing of unoriginal candy. New Canaan’s Belgique, a relatively new, authentic, and incredibly delicious chocolatier on Elm Street, is the second location (the first store is in Kent, CT). The shop boasts a fabulous variety of truffles and one of the richest cups of hot chocolate in town, both sure to take your movie-going experience to a whole new level.
7:30pm After the movie, catch a quick dinner to end your treat-filled day at the Filling Station on South Avenue. This tiny burger joint is one of the few of its kind that is not a chain restaurant and offers hot dogs, veggie burgers, and chili cheese fries in addition to its famous “Station Burger.” Be sure to finish it off with the Station’s seasonal pumpkin spice milkshake.
So next time your coach surprises you with an unexpected day off, or that test gets extended, don’t waste your precious free time at home. Get out, grab a friend, and be productive with your day!
