Things To Do in NHV
Yale Peabody Museum
A FREE museum filled with dinosaurs and mummies and gemstones? Yes, please! This newly renovated museum is an incredible treat. You know the famous animal dioramas in the New York Museum of Natural History? (Think "Night at the Museum") Yeah, well, that artist got his start in *this museum.* New York saw his talent and the rest is history! (See what I did there? 😉)
Yale University Art Gallery
This university art gallery is not to be missed. Its 4-story collection houses a vast collection of art ranging from biblical antiquities to today's cutting artists. There are even 18th century homes nestled in this building! We recommend choosing 1-2 exhibits to focus on so you don't feel too overwhelmed. Or, if it's a hot day, rest assured that you'll find something enchanting around every corner. And the best part? It's FREE!
New Haven Apizza
Move over New York and Detroit. New Haven is federally known as the "Pizza Capital of the US" and for good reason. With a long history of various award winning a'pizza shops, New Haven is home to our all-time favorite pies. From the world-famous Sally's or Frank Pepe's or Modern to some of the lesser known (and our favorites) establishments such as Zeneli's, 163, or Da Legna x Nolo, you are sure to have an incredible meal. Choose one (or five!) and let us know your favorite!
It Adventure Ropes Course
Have you ever been to a rope's course inside a furniture store that just so happens to also be the world's largest indoor rope's course? No? Now you can! We haven't been, either, but hear that it is a great time to be had for everyone in the entire family. Check it out and tell us all about it!
Dinosaur State Park
Have you ever seen *hundreds* of dinosaur footprints in one spot? Neither had we! This museum preserves over 750 early Jurassic dinosaur footprints, one of the largest track sites in the United States! Explore the museum, learn why so many dinosaur bones are found in CT, and walk the wooded trails in the park. Just 30 minutes north of New Haven, this is such a great way to "get out of town" but not go too far. And be around more (dead) dinosaurs. Who doesn't want that??
Weir Farm National Historical Park
Who would we be if we didn't recommend a National Park Service site?! (Traitors, that's who.) This special park, an hour from NHV, is the only NPS site dedicated to art and the work taken to establish American art as reputable on the world stage. We highly recommend a Ranger program (duh), exploring the trails, and taking time to paint (yes, they provide all of the supplies!). If you're looking for that excuse to drive through the scenic roads of New England, then this excursion is for you. So grab your NPS passport and get ready to be amazed by this little corner of our National history.
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
Looking for an on-land adventure? While there are tons of coastal parks to explore, this is one of our favorites. Caity is a sucker for coastal wetlands and forests, which this park has many miles of. They even have a few islands! That's right, the park has a few different locations so do your research before you embark. And bring your sunscreen and bug spray!
Thimble Island Tours
Just up the shore from NHV is a delightfully different way to explore our "neighborhood"...by boat! This charming tour is treat. Long enough to feel like you "got away" yet short enough to let you explore the area. We can't recommend this enough! (Note: there are a few different Thimble Island Cruise outfitters. You can't go wrong! This was who we went with and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.)
Seafood
Don't forget that we live on the coast! The seafood scene here is not to be overlooked. With so many seafood shacks in almost every coastal town, the lobster rolls and oysters rival any you have ever had (yep, I said it). While we can tell you some of our favorite places, the joy is in the adventure...it's hard to go wrong! (unless you're allergic...)
Six Flags New England
Ok, we won't judge. You like roller coasters! (And so do we!) Just an hour north of NHV in southern Massachusetts is a helluva good time for a fairly reasonable price. Since its a holiday weekend, look out for good deals and firework events!
East Rock Park
Not looking to go far to be immersed in the natural world? Look no further than our beloved East Rock Park. The park offers something for everyone: a leisurely stroll along the river, a meandering walk up the hill on the closed off road, a lively hike of switch-backs to the top, or even a parking lot at the very top. Caity's favorite are the trails along the river that connect with the Eli Whitney museum (yep, the one and only!). Many soul-searching conversations and reflections have been had on these trails by many in the area who have called it "home." May this geologic oddity bring you joy as you explore its many wonders!
Fireworks!
The New Haven 4th of July Fireworks happen on the 4th generally around 9pm. Anywhere in the neighborhood is great. We like to camp out on the Orange Street bridge at the base of the park. A few pro-tips: 1) bring bug spray! 2) get there early. We like to show up around 8pm-ish. 3) Want a sweet treat? Check out Elena's Ice Cream on Orange Street. IT'S DELICIOUS. And popular. (Don't say we didn't warn you!) Be prepared to stand in line for at least 20 minutes. But don't worry...it is SO worth it.
New York City
Did you know that NYC is just a 2-hour train ride away from NHV? We take day trips into "the city" all the time! Catch a MetroNorth line out of New Haven's Union Station and, next thing you know, you're in New York's Grand Central Station ready to explore one of the world's most famous cities. If you time it just right, you might even catch a show! Don't want to stay in NHV? Want to make this a New York City trip instead? You can! We're happy to give site-setting and food recs, especially if this your first time in the Big Apple.