"The Ice Storm commeth..." New Canaan by steedappeal

Downtown New Canaan is the most well-scrubbed town center in Connecticut. What it lacks in a traditional village green it makes up by having the most charming selection of local and limited national brand stores anywhere in America. In terms of charm and atmosphere, the perfectly formed "T Zone" of Elm and Main Streets makes comparable downtowns (like in nearby Greenwich) look like the inner city.

• Pros:So well-scrubbed it (almost) hurts
• Cons:Nightlife limited and closes down early
• In a nutshell:Peace, Tranquillity and low-key Prepdom