One good reason to visit Stamford Museum and Nature Center is simply to appreciate the beauty of the nature trails, tree specimens and farm animals juxtaposed with old world sophistication. Once the country estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel, the property opened as a nature center to the public in 1955. Surprisingly large at 118 acres, the park includes an impressive lake (Bendel's Pond) with a waterfall at the majestic entrance and an otter pond. An organic vegetable garden is seasonally maintained by staff members. Hekscher Barn, just next door, is a farm animal mecca with goats, chickens, turkeys and other fowl. There is also a planetarium on the premises, which has a public show each 2nd Sunday of the month at 3pm. This is the perfect place to bring the whole family, or just yourself, to explore history, art and nature.