Connecticut is just a short 30-minute train ride or quick drive from the heart of New York City. Yet I feel this little state is sometimes forgotten about when New Yorkers plan local travel.

Connecticut has a lot to love and to offer! There are so many great towns, charming hotels, and buzz-worthy restaurants to explore. I could picture many being a muse for New York photographers and if they knew about them.

One example I’m excited to share is the Tavern at GrayBarns!

I went several weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon with my best friends, and we had such a great lunch! Meredith lives in Norwalk and has been dying to take us here. It’s a favorite local restaurant for her and her fiancé to go to, especially for special occasions!

It would be a wonderful place for private events as well.

History of GrayBarns

Like many historic locations in New England, this beautiful property was renovated several years ago but its history dates back to a small textile factory in the early 1900s. It was later a meeting house and an inn which gathered celebrities from New York such as Elizabeth Taylor! I love a cool backstory.

Location

Tavern at GrayBarns is the restaurant at GrayBarns on the Silvermine River hotel, located in Norwalk Connecticut. Silvermine is a cute neighborhood close to the center of Norwalk and the bustling commercial district of Sono. It’s very accessible from the Merritt parkway.

The quiet grounds at GrayBarns are beautiful if you can take a walk around! I didn’t explore much but the property backs up to a waterfall flowing down the Silvermine. There is a pond on the property and some Adirondack chairs to sit out and enjoy the view with a drink in hand. It’s a truly stunning environment overlooking the river.

The Decor

If you check out the website you’ll notice the soft neutral tones across the beautiful decor and natural wood furniture, all tied together with a cozy warmth that is synonymous with the GrayBarns brand.

The style and design are welcoming and relaxing. It reminds me of one of the perfect homes from one of Nancy Meyer's films. I could live inside there!

The decor was so inspiring that the co-owner Nikki Glazer started her own store called the Mercantile at GrayBarns which sells GrayGoods. Here you can shop for home decor, pillows, ceramics, clothing, and more.

The Menu

The amazing environment is partnered with a delicious food and drinks menu.

The Drinks

I was so impressed by the wine list and cocktail menu! Unfortunately, I was in the middle of a dry month without any alcohol, but my friends loved the drinks that they ordered. The margaritas were delicious, and the Grayhound which I feel like should be this restaurant’s signature cocktail. They also have some tasty options for wine by the glass!

The Food

The lunch menu has plenty of variety and options ranging from delicious appetizers and shareable plates, to pasta dishes, to larger entrees and market specials!

We split some amazing appetizers, a burrata with truffle toast and a fennel salad that was covered with tasty parmesan.

For my main meal, I opted for a gluten-free choice, the skirt steak special with crispy fennel straws and endive salad.

Make a Reservation!

I recommend scheduling a reservation for your meal! But when planning your trip make sure to leave some time to explore the property as well.

Make a Weekend Out of It!

If you are looking for a fun excursion from NYC, this would be a great location to take a drive to! Or you can even make a weekend out of it and stay overnight at GrayBarns for the full experience!

I’d love to do that someday soon - it’s a great staycation idea!

There are plenty of other things to do in the area too. Right across the street is an art gallery! Closeby there are a few golf courses, parks, and beaches.