It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Gores Pavilion gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in New Canaan, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia,”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield”
“Excellent!”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will continue to reach out to them first any time I have care needs. Not only was my caregiver great, but the service and care I got from Alan was above and beyond. He is so responsive, invested and attentive - feel like I’m working with a friend/family. They really care about their care recipients and make you feel like a VIP. The caregiver we were assigned was not only sweet and warm, but she wouldn’t sit still and made sure she was always doing something helpful. Couldn’t be happier with the company or caregiver, and will work with them anytime the need arises.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages changes and last minute needs as though our family member is his family. He is also there in person to make sure everything is going smoothly.”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide is amazing as well. Thank you ABC for providing exceptional service!!”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us with childcare and she went above and beyond caring for our son permitting us to focus at work!”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia, we burned through multiple agencies and aides. Only at the end did we find unmatched compassion and competence with Alan and his team of aides at Always Best Care. A lot of times the whole experience felt overwhelming, disjointed and end of life care system just plain broken. They were the one shining bright spot. Our family would recommend them in the highest order.”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care givers for my mom in her final months were gracious, considerate, compassionate and professional. I spoke with Alan many times telling him how thankful i was to have him and the outstanding service his company provided to my mother. My highest recommendation to Alan and his staff at Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on her feet again after hip surgery and to be her companion for three weeks during Covid quarantine as she moved from rehab center back to her senior living apartment. All services were provided with the highest level of kindness, compassion and dignity and we are truly grateful for the help.”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable assisted living place for my Mom. She presented an array of good choices, gave me some very good advice about things to look for when I checked them out, responded quickly and completely to every question I had, and did all of this in the hurry done urgent circumstances required. No hard sell, just good knowledgeable work.”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield County. If you know a loved one in need of care, please visit our website or call us anytime for a free no-obligation expert consultation.”
“Excellent!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Irwin Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local South End or visit New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in New Canaan, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in New Canaan, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in New Canaan, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
NEW CANAAN, CT — A New Canaan home previously owned by acclaimed actor Richard Gere, as well as iconic musician Paul Simon, has been demolished, but some pieces of the property have been salvaged, according to a new report.Reggie Young, founder of the Hudson Valley House Parts architectural salvage store in Newburgh, N.Y., exclusively told People in late August the nearly 32-acre property is no longer standing, however the company worked with developers to salvage some of the architectural gems inside.People also publishe...
NEW CANAAN, CT — A New Canaan home previously owned by acclaimed actor Richard Gere, as well as iconic musician Paul Simon, has been demolished, but some pieces of the property have been salvaged, according to a new report.
Reggie Young, founder of the Hudson Valley House Parts architectural salvage store in Newburgh, N.Y., exclusively told People in late August the nearly 32-acre property is no longer standing, however the company worked with developers to salvage some of the architectural gems inside.
People also published an exclusive aerial photo of the now-empty demolition site where the New Canaan home once stood. (Read the full People story here.)
Located on Brookwood Lane, the home was previously owned by Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, who purchased the land for $10.8 million from Simon and his wife, singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, in the summer of 2022.
Simon and Brickell had owned the property for 20 years, having paid $16.5 million for it in 2002, prior to selling it to Gere and Silva.
Realtor.com reported in May the six-bedroom brick home was sold to SBP Homes for $10.75 million in November when Gere and Silva decided to move to Spain, however some historic parts of the home were salvaged by Hudson Valley House Parts.
At one point, Gere sought to turn part of the property into a private farm and even attended a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in New Canaan in August 2023 to discuss the couple's plans for it.
Plans to turn the property into a new subdivision with nine lots ranging in size from 2.2 to 4.8 acres received approval from the town's Inland Wetlands and Planning and Zoning commissions in April, as reported by CT Insider.
In July, Simon's daughter, Lulu, took to social media to express her displeasure with Gere's decision to sell her childhood home, accusing the actor of never actually moving into the large New Canaan property and selling it to a developer, according to media reports.
Gere is best know for his roles in acclaimed films such as "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Pretty Woman," "American Gigolo," "Runaway Bride" and "Chicago," the latter for which he won a Golden Globe Award.
Arguably one of the most acclaimed musical artists of all time, Simon was part of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel who produced hit songs such as "Mrs. Robinson," "The Boxer," "The Sound of Silence" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
He also found major success as a solo artist, boasting a catalog of hit songs such as "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" and "You Can Call Me Al."
New Canaan students have officially returned to school for the 2025-2026 academic year. Here's how the first day of classes went.NEW CANAAN, CT — Students officially returned to New Canaan Public Schools for the first day of classes Tuesday morning, which overall was "a great start" to the 2025-2026 academic year, according to district officials.Superintendent of Schools Bryan Luizzi said Tuesday afternoon students and teachers alike arrived for the start of school across the district with wide smiles, ready t...
NEW CANAAN, CT — Students officially returned to New Canaan Public Schools for the first day of classes Tuesday morning, which overall was "a great start" to the 2025-2026 academic year, according to district officials.
Superintendent of Schools Bryan Luizzi said Tuesday afternoon students and teachers alike arrived for the start of school across the district with wide smiles, ready to kick off another great school year.
"There are a lot of moving parts on the first day," Luizzi said to Patch, "and thanks to our principals and administrators, things ran smoothly across the board."
Luizzi also noted students, teachers, staff and parents all appeared very excited to kick off the new school year this week.
"The first day is always full of positive energy, optimism and joy," Luizzi said, "and it was wonderful to see children streaming into our buildings once again."
According to Luizzi, the district did encounter some transportation issues Tuesday as its transportation department transitions to a new routing system, however he also noted district officials are currently working through it.
"Fortunately, our families have been very patient and understanding," Luizzi said, "and I'm confident we'll have all remaining issues resolved swiftly."
Overall, traffic flow Tuesday morning was consistent with past years, if not a little lighter, according to Luizzi.
"We'll continue to monitor it [Wednesday] when our kindergarteners come in for their first full day," Luizzi said.
Classes will be in session for the remainder of the week at New Canaan schools before students are off for Labor Day on Monday, according to the district's 2025-2026 calendar.
"We're off to a great start and looking forward to a fantastic school year together," Luizzi said. "Onward!"
Nearly 24,000 public high schools in Connecticut were evaluated, and nearly 18,000 were ranked.NEW CANAAN, CT — U.S. News & World Report has released its latest rankings on the best high schools in the country and dozens in Connecticut made the list, including New Canaan High School.The 2025-2026 Best High School Rankings, released Tuesday, includes specialized STEM and charter rankings alongside the traditional state, district and metro area categories.Nearly 24,000 public high schools were evaluated, and ne...
NEW CANAAN, CT — U.S. News & World Report has released its latest rankings on the best high schools in the country and dozens in Connecticut made the list, including New Canaan High School.
The 2025-2026 Best High School Rankings, released Tuesday, includes specialized STEM and charter rankings alongside the traditional state, district and metro area categories.
Nearly 24,000 public high schools were evaluated, and nearly 18,000 were ranked.
New Canaan High School ranked second on the list, behind only Connecticut IB Academy in East Hartford.
The other three schools in the top five are Weston, Darien and Wilton high schools respectively.
The 2025-2026 Best High Schools national rankings identify top public schools based on six key performance indicators, including student achievement on state-required assessments, strong graduation rates, and college readiness measures.
Schools are evaluated on how effectively they serve all students, including underserved populations, with college readiness specifically measured through student participation and performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.
The rankings consider curriculum breadth and overall student outcomes as well. U.S. News worked with RTI International, a global research firm, to implement the comprehensive ranking methodology, using the most current data from the 2022-2023 school year.
National Ranking - Top 10
1. BASIS Tucson North (Arizona)
2. Signature School (Indiana)
3. Central Magnet School (Tennessee)
4. Davidson Academy (Nevada)
5. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Virgina)
6. Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science (New Mexico)
7. Hass Hall Bentonville (Arkansas)
8. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Pennsylvania)
9. The School for the Talented and Gifted (Texas)
As the third-smallest state in the US, Connecticut is sometimes overlooked in conversations about the most exciting places to visit on vacation. However, despite its size, the state has an incredibly diverse mix of towns. Towns like Old Saybrook and Mystic offer a classic New England coastal experience with clam chowder and sailing charters, while places such as Cornwall and Essex reflect the traditional New England style many associate with the region. If you are looking to explore some of the most phenomenal destinations in Connecticut, th...
As the third-smallest state in the US, Connecticut is sometimes overlooked in conversations about the most exciting places to visit on vacation. However, despite its size, the state has an incredibly diverse mix of towns. Towns like Old Saybrook and Mystic offer a classic New England coastal experience with clam chowder and sailing charters, while places such as Cornwall and Essex reflect the traditional New England style many associate with the region. If you are looking to explore some of the most phenomenal destinations in Connecticut, these seven should be on your itinerary.
Sitting where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook is an adorable coastal community with plenty to do near the water. Travelers can start out their exploration of town at The Preserve, a 963-acre piece of land that is considered to be the largest remaining unprotected coastal forest between New York and Boston. Afterwards, head to College Street for a game of putt-putt at Mini-Golf at Saybrook Point, a charming golf course along the Connecticut River. If you get hungry, there are plenty of places to enjoy some hearty seafood in town. Liv’s Shack is a town favorite, serving lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, clam and chowder, among other delicious seafood dishes.
Located in southern Connecticut near the New York border, New Canaan has a thriving cultural scene showcased through several attractions. One of the most prominent is The Glass House, constructed between 1949 and 1995 by the famous architect Philip Johnson. Surrounded by a serene pastoral landscape, travelers can explore the property, browsing its permanent collection of 20th-century works. To continue your tour of town, head over to Grace Farms, an 80-acre humanitarian center that has art exhibits, events, and natural displays that promote human justice and community. If you want to see more of the area’s natural beauty, spend a few hours at the New Canaan Nature Center, which features aviaries with Birds of Prey, a children’s play garden, a nursery, a scavenger hunt, and more.
Essex is a classic, New England-style village that continues to preserve its maritime heritage through its museums, festivals, and railroads. The Connecticut River Museum is the perfect place to begin your trip, housed in a 19th-century Steamboat dock building and offering three floors of exhibits that recount over 12,000 years of the area’s history. The town’s history further comes to life on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, the only steam train and riverboat connection in the country. This two-and-a-half-hour narrated ride takes passengers through the scenic Connecticut River Valley. You may also consider planning your trip to Essex in June, during the Connecticut Sea Music Festival. This annual event celebrates the region’s maritime and traditional music through performances, educational activities, and community events.
Divided into five cozy villages, Cornwall perfectly embodies that small-town charm that many people associate with Connecticut. There are plenty of local shops and boutiques to browse throughout town, such as The Wish House, an eclectic shop that sells gifts, home decor, clothing, and crafts made by artisans from around the world. The town’s history is preserved in landmarks such as the West Cornwall Covered Bridge, one of the last remaining covered bridges in the state. Extending 172 feet long by 15 feet wide, this bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has preserved the state’s rural history and heritage for nearly 160 years. To enjoy a bit of the town’s surrounding countryside, travelers can appreciate a hike on the Pine Knob Loop Trail, located in the Housatonic State Forest and Housatonic Meadows State Park. This trail, while short and challenging, will give you incredible views of the River Valley from above.
Chester is the perfect town to visit if you are seeking a laid-back, Connecticut-style vacation. Start your day with a visit to the Cockaponset State Forest, the second-largest state forest in Connecticut, where you can enjoy a variety of activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and swimming. Afterward, hungry travelers can grab lunch or dinner at Marker 37, a riverside restaurant with a waterfront patio and music nights in the summer. Little House Brewing Company is another relaxing place to spend an hour or two, a local brewery that is set in a small home that dates back nearly two centuries. Here, a few of the beers you can order include lagers, IPAs, and stouts.
If you are looking for a summer filled with seaside fun, Mystic is an excellent destination to have on your radar. Several companies in the area offer cruises and charters, such as Argia Mystic Cruises, which offers day sails and sunset cruises on the town’s only remaining sailing ship. The Mystic Seaport Museum is another interesting attraction, offering water tours on a historic vessel, workshops and classes, and maritime-related exhibitions to explore. Those in town on Sundays should swing by the Denison Farmers Market, which takes place from June through October, selling high-quality produce, fruits, and other locally produced goods from the region.
Situated in the eastern Connecticut countryside, Canterbury has an active agricultural community, with lots of local farms and culinary establishments to visit in the surrounding area. Travelers interested in learning about the local farming practices can visit Baldwin Brook Farm, a raw milk dairy farm that offers tours of the facilities and the chance to see some of the Jersey cows. For more dairy fun, head over to Wicked Cow, a family-owned ice cream shop that has more than 30 flavors of ice cream to choose from! To connect with nature, consider camping or hiking at the Kinne Preserve, a 28-acre wooded property with 1.2 miles of hiking trails and a small camping area.
This New England state will delight visitors with historical buildings, charming bridges, coastal beauty, and many surprises along the way! So hit the open roads of Connecticut and enjoy the freedom of driving.
While charming Connecticut towns are abundant, the seven listed above act as a wonderful starting place for your state tour. Quiet farms in the countryside, seaside restaurants, steam trains, riverboats, and celebratory maritime festivals are just a few of the attractions that await in these towns. The summer is not over yet! Make the most of August’s warm, sunny days by exploring all the beauty and activities these beautiful Connecticut towns have to offer.
NCCF has announced a new grant opportunity "to support initiatives that address the town's most pressing health and well-being needs."NEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan Community Foundation announced this week a new grant opportunity to support initiatives that address the town's most pressing health and well-being needs.According to a news release provided by NCCF, grants seek to address key findings from the 2024 Community Health & Well-Being Survey, administered by the New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance...
NEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan Community Foundation announced this week a new grant opportunity to support initiatives that address the town's most pressing health and well-being needs.
According to a news release provided by NCCF, grants seek to address key findings from the 2024 Community Health & Well-Being Survey, administered by the New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance.
The request for proposals opened Tuesday with proposals due by Sept. 19, according to NCCF.
Funding is specifically available from NCCF's Community Behavioral Health Fund, a multi-year initiative supported by donors in the community, according to NCCF.
The survey was completed by 1,490 adult residents, representing 10.5 percent of New Canaan's population aged 18 and over, according to NCCF.
In addition to identifying four key community-wide themes, the survey also analyzed responses from sub-populations shown to be at greater risk for health and well-being challenges.
These included residents who are caring for both a child and an adult (multiple caregivers), those experiencing low financial security or low life satisfaction and individuals who expressed high concern about their own emotional or mental health, according to NCCF.
According to NCCF, the four key themes identified by the survey results are:
1. Knowledge of Services
Despite New Canaan’s broad range of available resources, many residents remain unsure where to go in times of need.
These gaps in awareness suggest a need for more visible, accessible communication about existing supports.
2. Access and Barriers to Care
While most residents reported no issues accessing care, a significant portion still faced real challenges—especially within sub-populations analyzed.
Overall, two-thirds of respondents reported no barriers to care, which is encouraging—but the remaining third highlights where targeted solutions are still needed.
3. Struggles Among Adults Aged 30–59
Survey results revealed that adults in the 30–59 age range—many of whom are managing careers, parenting, and caregiving—are experiencing disproportionate strain.
Often referred to as the "sandwich generation," this group represents a meaningful part of the New Canaan community—and the data points to a clear opportunity for partners to direct more targeted support toward their needs.
4. Parenting Stress and Youth Mental Health Concerns
Parents identified their top concerns for their children as emotional well-being, stress, and anxiety.
These findings underscore the need for both increased access to care and clearer guidance for parents seeking help. Survey results also supported the need for continuing to provide parenting resources like best practices for modeling positive relationships with substances and technology.
Funding is available to support projects that respond directly to the survey’s findings. Grant amounts may range from $1,000–$2,500 for smaller-scale initiatives (e.g., speaker events, support groups, or awareness campaigns) to $10,000–$15,000 for larger efforts, such as nonprofit-led programs targeting adult mental health or parent-focused education, according to NCCF.
In addition to nonprofit organizations, individual community members or partnerships are welcome to apply.
"This survey gave us a powerful look at what New Canaan residents are experiencing—and now it's time to act," CEO Lauren Patterson said in a news release. "Through this RFP, we're inviting members of our community to help address real needs with practical, creative solutions. Whether it's expanding awareness, reducing barriers to care, or supporting parents and caregivers, we look forward to funding projects that make a lasting difference."
NCCF is a co-chair of the New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance.
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