New Canaan
Take a stroll through the trails at Waveny or Irwin Park to get some exercise, breathe in a little fresh air and clear your head.
Waveny Park: 677 South Avenue, Irwin Park: 848 Weed Street
Strike a pose at Saraswati Yoga Joint, and you’ll find that sweating it through a yoga class or two is a great way to relieve stress. Check out their schedule online.
12 Burtis Ave, 203-594-9060
Go green. Plants and flowers are known to provide emotional benefits, so there’s no better time to visit Earth Garden, New Canaan’s new little gem that opened mid-November. This full-service florist offers gorgeous arrangements and can help with holiday decorating or a last-minute hostess gift.
89 Elm Street, 203-966-5673
Have a bite at Farmer’s Table. Something about having a meal at this quaint, cozy restaurant and its spectacular farm-to-table fare will calm and nourish you so you’re up for any holiday task.
21 Forest Street, 203-594-7890
Put your feet first. Indulge in a 20 or 30-minute reflexology massage ($26 or $40) at Eco Chic Nail & Spa. Once you’re reclined in a comfy chair with a hot towel around your neck you’ll forget all your worries.
11 Forest St, 203-966-4532
Darien
Drink some veggies: Stop in at Green and Tonic, and grab one of their green cold-pressed juices (we like The Green Monster) to boost your immune system and jumpstart your energy.
1098 Boston Post Road, 203-656-1036
Check into the spa: Head over to the tranquil Williams & Company Body and Skin Care Clinic, for any number of treatments that will soothe, relax and refresh. They recommend the 90 minute Erno Laszlo Facial ($160) that’s customized to your individual skin type and needs, and includes
cleansing, extraction, mask, face massage and a hand and foot massage. Or, try their 60 minute Exfoliating Body Scrub ($110)
that begins with a body exfoliation and shower, and is followed by a moisturizing massage.
1020 Post Road, Darien. 203-656-2363
Break a sweat: Burn off some stress (and some holiday calories) doing Zumba, a latin-inspired fitness dance class, at Flair Fitness in the Goodwives Shopping Center.
25 Old Kings Highway North, 203-202-9200
Pamper your hands: Make a trip to Dolce Nails for a quick pick-me-up manicure in this luxurious nail salon.
166 Heights Road, 203-656-4499
Listen to Live Music: Head over to Darien Social to grab a drink and some appetizers, and listen to a variety of great live music any Thursday, Friday or Saturday night.
10 Center Street, Darien; 203-614-8183
Rowayton
Enjoy a cup: Sit down outside and have a cup of tea at Flea, the pint-sized home décor store and bakery, and find some one-of-a-kind gifts.
158 Rowayton Avenue, 203-286-6673
Hit the beach: Go for a walk on Bayley Beach with some hot coffee or cider, and take in the gorgeous views of the beach.
11 Pine Point Road
See some art…and more: Indulge in some holiday retail therapy at The Rowayton Arts Center during their Annual Holiday Gift Show, which runs through December 24. You’ll find something for everyone on your holiday list, including Christmas ornaments, paintings, ceramics and accessories by local artists, throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties. Hours are Sunday, Tuesday-Friday: 12-5; Saturday: 10-5. Open on Christmas Eve from 10-2.
145 Rowayton Avenue; 203-866-2744