The Essential Weekend Getaway Guide to New Haven, Connecticut

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Highlighting all the reasons why you should consider spending a weekend in New Haven, Connecticut

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After more than thirty years on this earth, I finally experienced my first inaugural flight.

With flights departing from Greenville, Raleigh, and Wilmington, Avelo Airlines has been circling Charlotte for what feels like forever. In May 2024, the budget carrier finally began offering service in the Charlotte area, connecting the city of Concord with New Haven, Connecticut, four times per week.

It took only one word to convince Michael to join me for a journey on that first flight (“Pizza”), and soon we were off, souvenir boarding passes in hand.

Now that we’re back, I have so much to share with you about this incredible New England destination. Whether you take an inaugural flight to get there or not, New Haven is practically tailor-made for weekend travel, and it certainly deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

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ABOUT NEW HAVEN

New Haven, Connecticut, has a rich history that begins long before the arrival of English Puritans in 1638. The area was originally inhabited by the Quinnipiac, a Native American tribe who lived in the region for centuries and eventually sold their land to the Puritans.

The Puritans went on to create one of the first planned cities in the U.S., featuring a nine-square grid with a public square in the middle. New Haven quickly became an educational hub with the founding of what would become Yale University in 1701.

The city’s waterfront location along Long Island Sound contributed to its growth over the following centuries. Despite facing challenges such as industrial and economic decline in the mid-20th century, New Haven emerged as a vibrant cultural city and is now the third-largest city by population in the state.

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WHY VISIT NEW HAVEN?

Ideally located about two hours from Boston, Providence, and New York City, visitors to New Haven will find a well-planned city that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern attractions. As the home of Yale University, New Haven exudes a youthful atmosphere that sometimes stands in stark contrast to its traditional roots.

Truly the city offers something for every type of traveler, from history buffs to food enthusiasts (that’s me!) and outdoorsy types to art lovers. Best of all, the city core is well-suited for exploring on foot, taking in the stunning architecture, and allowing yourself to wander delightfully off course.

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THINGS TO DO IN NEW HAVEN

Budget travelers rejoice! New Haven's best attractions are free:

See one of the largest collections of rare books and manuscripts

In what feels like a modernist temple to ancient knowledge, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library houses one of the largest collections of rare books and manuscripts in the world. From one of only forty-eight surviving Gutenberg Bibles to Audubon’s The Birds of America to a collection of cups and paper bags from Chipotle (yes, really), the Beinecke is a treasure trove of human knowledge.

And somewhat miraculously, this marvel is free and open to the public. Circle the tall column of priceless works and check out the exhibitions currently on display. A collection of books and documents surrounding Frederick Douglass was certainly a nice enhancement to a recent trip to Rochester, New York, but it will be fascinating to see what takes its place for your visit.

Notes: The public exhibition hall is open daily, though visitors will not be able to access materials or the reading room unless they are registered researchers. No food and drink are permitted, and there are no public restrooms in the facility.

→Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library // 121 Wall St, New Haven, CT 06511

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Enroll… in a campus tour

The Yale Campus Tour is a great way to learn a little more about the institution so intertwined with the city of New Haven. Walking tours are led by a currently enrolled undergraduate student, and detail the university’s history, stunning architecture, and vibrant campus life.

The tour makes stops at iconic Yale locations, entering the Old Campus through Phelps Gate to take in the crisscrossing paths of the courtyard and statues of Nathan Hale and Theodore Dwight Woolsey, catching a glimpse at modern-day campus life by visiting the Berkeley College residential college, and ending at the eclectic Morse College designed by Eero Saarinen (there are no right angles in the building – can you even imagine living in those dorms?). You’ll also make stops at the entrances to the Sterling Memorial Library and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, however, tour groups are not permitted to enter either building.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or are simply curious about Yale, the tour provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the university’s legacy and ongoing impact – and serves as an excellent foundation for discovering more of New Haven.

Notes: Tours are free, however, registration is required. If you’re just exploring New Haven for the weekend, be sure to sign up for the general visitor tour, not the tour for prospective students. The tour is slated to last approximately one hour but the length may vary based on the guide and the engagement of your group (we were a chatty bunch and our tour was over ninety minutes long). The entire tour is a mix of walking and standing, and there are no restroom breaks (translation: go before you go).

→Yale Visitor Center // 149 Elm St, New Haven, CT 06511

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Walk the dinosaur

After years of intensive renovations, the Yale Peabody Museum is finally open to the public once more.

From ancient relics to local wildlife and ecosystems to modern technology, this giant, three-story museum is a journey through time and space. A particular highlight for many is the Burke Hall of Dinosaurs, where Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus, and their other dino cousins peer down menacingly (and, occasionally, a little goofily, if we’re being honest) at museum-goers.

If you align more with magpies than dinosaurs, you will love exploring the museum’s mineralogy collection with over 60,000 shiny mineral specimens (side note: I think I found my next ring…). And everyone will enjoy stopping to watch the museum’s butterflies floating about and sipping nectar.

Michael and I explored the entirety of the museum in about two hours, though it’s true we lingered on some exhibits more than others. If time permits, I recommend navigating the museum one floor at a time for ease – but if you’re short on time, it’s easy to consult the map and visit your favorites. Just like any natural history museum, weekends will see more families and general visitors, and weekday visits can mean navigating through lots of school groups.

Notes: Tickets are free, but due to the excitement surrounding the museum’s reopening, tickets must be booked online in advance. However, if you’re unable to reserve tickets for your desired date, you may luck into available tickets at the entrance.

→Yale Peabody Museum // 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06511

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Explore centuries of art

With over 180,000 pieces in its collection, the Yale University Art Gallery is another monumental institution in Yale’s impressive catalog of museums. As the oldest university art museum in the country, it houses nearly two centuries of meticulous curation, spanning centuries and cultures. While the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments and the Yale Center for British Art are currently closed for renovations, the Yale University Art Gallery continues to provide a world-class museum experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

A ninety-minute visit only scratched the surface of the museum’s diverse collection, and one would only be so lucky as to have the chance for recurring visits to explore all the Gallery has to offer. Download the museum’s app before your visit to map out your visit and ensure you can to see everything your heart desires.

Notes: The gallery is free and open to the public every day except Monday. A self-service coat check and free lockers are provided for storing your extra belongings and water bottles.

→Yale University Art Gallery // 1111 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510

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NEW HAVEN SHOPPING

Skip the chains and shop local during your time in New Haven:

Find a special New Haven souvenir

Sure, it’s where Yale students are picking up their Introduction to Probability and Statistics textbooks, but The Yale Bookstore is also a great place to find a souvenir Yale sweatshirt or hat. Can’t find your perfect fit? Head down the block to Campus Customs, which also carries a wide variety of Yale and other locally-themed items.

Prefer something a little more unconventional? Find wall-to-wall displays of patches and other fun finds at Strange Ways or outfit your home with memories of New Haven at dwell New Haven. And you can always shop with a purpose at East Street Arts, where you’ll find locally-made goods from artisans with disabilities.

→Campus Customs // 57 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
→dwell New Haven // 1022 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
→East Street Arts // 597 East St, New Haven, CT 06511
→Strange Ways // 151 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06510
→The Yale Bookstore // 77 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511

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A producer-only market

If you think that farmers markets are just spots for locals to buy their weekly produce, think again! Sure, New Haven’s seasonal CitySeed Farmers Markets carry local fruits, veggies, eggs, milk, and meats, but they also feature vendors selling fresh juices, baked goods, prepared foods, and so much more.

Best of all, the markets are all producer-only. What does that mean? It means that farmers sell what they grow and other vendors sell what they have produced, and it all must take place in the state of Connecticut (believe it or not, some products at farmers markets are shipped in from far-off destinations). It’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of New Haven – and ensures that every week brings in something new to discover.

Notes: CitySeed’s markets operate seasonally on a rotating schedule; head here to find out the current market days and locations.

→CitySeed Farmers Markets // Multiple Locations

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NEW HAVEN FOOD & DRINK

New Haven was recently declared the Pizza Capital of the United States - but there's so much more to enjoy in The Elm City

A slice of heaven

Yes, we’ll start with pizza. Or as it’s known in New Haven, apizza (by the way, it’s pronounced “ah-beetz”).

Everyone has an opinion on their favorite style of pizza, but New Haven-style apizza is one I haven’t seen exported as much. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it in its birthplace.

If you know anything about New Haven-style pizza, you’ll at least have heard of the Big Three:

1. Pepe’s, the originator, opened in 1925 and remains true to the recipe
2. Sally’s, similar in style to Pepe’s because it was launched by his nephew in 1938
3. Modern, the wildcard, opening not long after the other two and most likely to be favored by locals

And if you haven’t, you’re probably wondering, “What the heck is New Haven-style pizza?”

New Haven apizza is a thin crust pizza simply topped and cooked quickly at high heat, resulting in a pie that locals lovingly refer to as “charred, not burnt.” Cheese is not a given, and apizza is typically served in whole pies only (sorry New Yorkers – the only place you’ll find slices is at BAR after 10:15 p.m.).

Of course, you can also find other styles of pizza in New Haven, too. Da Legna at Nolo and Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana are two particular favorites of this blogger. In fact, I have so many thoughts on New Haven’s pizza scene, that I wrote an entire post on the topic and I think you should give it a read.

→BAR // 254 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06511
→Da Legna at Nolo // 687 State St, New Haven, CT 06511
→Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana // 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511
→Modern Apizza // 874 State St, New Haven, CT 06511
→Sally's Apizza // 237 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511
→Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana // 138 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511

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A meal with heart

Havenly is a grassroots organization with a cafe and training center in Downtown New Haven that employs and empowers immigrants and refugees, strengthening the lives of its fellows and the New Haven community as a whole.

Havenly’s cafe is bursting with international flavor, serving up dishes hailing from Istanbul to Iraq. Sharing an order of the Istanbul Street Bites and Falafel with some of the most incredible hummus I’ve eaten in recent history, I couldn’t help but think I would make this my weekly lunch spot if I lived nearby.

It’s impossible to leave without an order of cardamom tea and sweet treats from the jewel-like dessert case. The ultra-fresh, crisp baklava and the pistachio and date Tamriyeh make for the sweetest ending to a meal.

Notes: Can’t make it to Havenly? You can always support their cause by donating.

→Havenly // 25 Temple St, New Haven, CT 06510

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Bagels that beat New York

I may be a Southerner by birth, but I know a good bagel when I see one. You don’t just have to take my word for it – Olmo squashed the competition on its home turf and took home the gold at New York BagelFest in 2023.

Olmo is known for its super friendly service and efficiently slinging breakfast to New Haveners on the go. The classics are all on the menu (poppyseed, everything, sesame), but why not take a walk on the wild side through one of Olmo’s fun flavors? Cacio E Pepe and Everything Everything were new-to-me flavors, plus you’ll find a rotating monthly special that will probably knock your socks off.

Whether you prefer it made into a sandwich or slathered in one of their custom schmears, you’ve set yourself up for the perfect day in New Haven.

→Olmo // 93 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06510

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The original hamburger

Established in 1895, Louis’ Lunch is a historic New Haven dining establishment that boldly claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. Stepping into the building is like stepping into another era, as Louis’ Lunch maintains the same cooking process from more than a century ago.

Rather than being griddled or grilled, its famous hamburgers are cooked vertically in antique cast-iron broilers. The resulting product is a no-frills rare patty served on toasted white bread with only cheese, tomato, and onion. No ketchup, no mayo, no mustard – just meat, cheese, bread, and garnish.

Is a visit here the highest caliber of culinary experience? If we’re being honest, no, probably not. But with wooden chairs and tables carved with over a century’s worth of names, it has become a rite of passage for New Haven residents and visitors.

Notes: Louis’ Lunch is open late on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a perfect late-night spot. A heads-up for the squeamish: the freshly ground patties are cooked quite rare, so don’t be shocked if your bread turns a little pink. Oh, and I wouldn’t recommend asking for ketchup unless you like a side of sass.

→Louis' Lunch // 261 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06511

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A vegetarian staple since 1975

Can I confess something? I only ever want to share my personal experiences with you so you can trust my recommendations – but I was only able to eat with my eyes at Claire’s Corner Copia.

However, I know there are a number of plant-based readers, and what I saw – a true cornucopia of vegetarian and vegan dishes and treats – looked incredible. If I had more time and stomach space, I would have loved to squeeze in with the locals for lunch. How could I not add it in this guide?

But don’t worry – I didn’t leave Claire’s empty-handed: a spicy chai with oat milk was the perfect remedy on a cold, rainy day, and it only left me wanting more.

→Claire's Corner Copia // 1000 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510

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A taste of Japan in New Haven

For a taste of Japan without the multi-leg flight, there’s Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar in downtown New Haven. You’ll find an exquisite selection of sake and meticulously crafted Japanese dishes all within a stylish industrial setting – if you can nab a seat.

Michael and I barely lucked into a spot at the bar early one evening, and as soon as our dishes began arriving at the table, we were immensely grateful for our good fortune. From Hachiroku’s house-made fresh tofu to a beautifully presented bowl of salmon belly topped with glimmering roe, it was the kind of dining experience you’d typically find in larger cities, often at twice the price. I’ve already added the restaurant’s sister spot to my list for my next visit!

Note: Reservations recommended.

→Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar // 261 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06510

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Enjoy a sweet treat

A chilly spring day did nothing to stop my ice cream cravings, and Arethusa Farm Dairy was there for me in my time of need. All of the ice cream at its New Haven scoop shop is made with fresh milk from the dairy, as are the cheese and other milk products available. The farm-fresh ice cream evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time I’ve never even known. I’d love to visit the restaurant and bakery next time I’m in Connecticut, located an hour outside of New Haven.

Be careful: the pastry case at G Cafe Bakery is a temptress. Spirals of laminated dough, scones studded with jammy fruits, and muffins you’ll want to eat crumb-first. Apparently, there’s a full cafe menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches, but I couldn’t tell you a thing about any of that (probably because my mouth is too full of croissant to speak).

→Arethusa Farm Dairy // 1020 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
→G Cafe Bakery // Multiple Locations

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Wake up with New Haven’s best coffee shops

For a seemingly unsure of itself coffee shop, Koffee? sure knows what it’s doing. The espresso drinks and drip coffee pack a punch, delivering bold flavors in refreshing for-here mugs. It feels true to its alternative 90s coffeehouse roots with cozy sofas and quirky decor, and I imagine the streetside outdoor seating area is bustling on a beautiful summer day.

Although I admit we felt a bit like wolves circling for a table at Atticus Bookstore Cafe on a Sunday morning, it’s clear to see why this spot is so popular among Yale students. With a location that’s convenient for studying between classes, excellent coffee and pastries, and a cute bookstore to boot, it’s a must-visit while in this part of downtown.

Over in Wooster Square, Kaiyden’s is a cozy coffee shop with a neighborhood vibe. I could have stayed all day to tour the menu of specialty drinks like their lavender chai, blue lagoon iced tea, or cherry blossom lemonade, but we had to move on to the farmers market just down the block. Next time!

→Atticus Bookstore Cafe // 1082 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
→Kaiyden's // 595 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511
→Koffee? // 104 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06511

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New Haven Bars & Breweries

In addition to BAR and Da Legna at Nolo, both of which brew their own beer and are listed under the pizza section above, there are plenty of great places to enjoy an adult beverage in New Haven.

Over in East Rock, Bar August has been serving up craft cocktails and excellent wine for the past decade. With an atmosphere and menu inspired by New York City, you might momentarily forget you’re in New Haven when you step back outside.

For a more casual watering hole, head to The Trinity Bar. Owned by Irish-born childhood best friends, it has become a popular spot for area college students and sports fans alike. You’ll find all your favorite Irish pub classics on the menu, along with a selection of locally brewed beers. Sláinte!

I admit I’m always a little stumped about where to put places like this last spot (Is it an activity? Is it a bar?), but because Barcade is 21+ every day except Family Days, we’re going to call it a bar. Order your favorite local draft or have the bartender shake up a cocktail with Connecticut-based Waypoint Spirits, swap your bills from tokens, and challenge your tripmates to a round on harder-to-find machines like THE ★ BishiBashi and Snake Pit.

→Bar August // 3 Edwards St, New Haven, CT 06511
→Barcade // 56 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06510
→The Trinity Bar // 157 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06510

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WHERE TO STAY IN NEW HAVEN

Wooster Square

New Haven is home to a number of charming boutique hotels – my preferred accommodation type these days – but the $500+ nightly rates far exceeded my budget for this trip and it just didn’t seem prudent to book one. So, back to the drawing board (a.k.a. Airbnb) I went.

Although I found only two private units within my desired budget and location, the prime Wooster Square/Mill River location of this Airbnb made it an easy choice. Everything in this guide is within a twenty-five-minute walk (most are within fifteen minutes) from the charming and well-outfitted apartment on a beautiful, quiet street.

If you can manage the stairs to access the third-floor entrance, I highly recommend this particular apartment with a kind and responsive host. But if not, or if it is unavailable for your visit, I still encourage you to seek out accommodations in this neighborhood or nearby for easy access to downtown, East Rock, and Little Italy.

→Details on Airbnb // location provided after booking

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WITH MORE TIME

A weekend is just enough time to explore New Haven while leaving you with plenty of excuses to return. Some of the places I’m eyeing for my next visit include:

More New Haven Sights

• East Rock Park, offering sweeping views over the city and miles of trails
• Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop, an experimental learning workshop and the site where Whitney constructed the first factory
• NXTHVN, a gallery and incubator for curators and artists
• New Haven Museum, to dive deeper into the city’s history
• PEZ Visitor Center, yes, that PEZ, just a short drive away
• Ely Center of Contemporary Art, modern art in a historic building

More New Haven Food + Drink

• Gioia Cafe and Bar, the new Italian darling on Wooster St.
• Ordinary, a favorite local haunt
• Hot Murga, hot chicken sandwiches with an Indian twist
• Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill, what could be more quintessentially New England than a waterfront raw bar?
• Chef Jiang, Sichuan cuisine in chic digs
• Hachiroku Handroll Bar & Tapas, bound to be just as good as its sibling
• Fair Haven Oyster Company, a riverfront oyster bar? Say less
• Finally, more pizza: Zuppardi’s Apizza, West Haven Pizza and Deli, Town Pizza, Mike’s Apizza & Restaurant, and Est Est Est Pizza & Restaurant are all on my list

As always, if you make it to any of these spots before I do, or are a local who wants to highlight their go-to restaurant, feel free to leave a comment to share your thoughts!

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NEW HAVEN TRAVEL TIPS

When to Visit New Haven

This being New England, the weather is your primary factor to consider when deciding when to visit. Late spring and early fall are glorious affairs, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Summers are generally warm but bearable, and winters are not for the faint of heart.

I was never able to pinpoint the source of high hotel prices in my research or during my stay, but generally speaking, you’ll find the best hotel prices during the worst weather and vice versa. Note that rates will likely be higher during key events like Yale’s graduation weekend or the International Festival of Arts and Ideas.

Arriving in New Haven

New Haven, Connecticut, is easily reached by car and train from destinations in the Northeastern U.S. If you’re arriving by air as we did, it’s helpful to know that Avelo is currently the only airline serving Tweed New Haven Airport, with flights arriving from domestic destinations like Raleigh–Durham, San Juan, St. Louis, and Wilmington. The small airport is a breeze to travel through, and just a few minutes after arriving, you’ll be out in the New Haven air.

New Haven Transportation

Rental cars are available at the airport, however, I highly recommend skipping them for the weekend if you’re able. Instead, hop in a Lyft or M7 Taxi (Uber is not permitted at the airport) to take you to your accommodations, and explore on foot for the rest of your time in the city.

New Haven’s downtown core is compact, dense, and walkable. The university campus setting means that people are always out walking, aided by well-placed sidewalks and ample street lighting after dark. However, crossing the street in New Haven feels a little different than in other cities. Rather than allowing parallel pedestrians and vehicles to cross an intersection simultaneously, the streetlights in the downtown area are programmed to alternate so pedestrians and cars cross the intersections separately.

I observed a couple of side-effects of this system during my visit, most notably that while people seem incredibly reluctant to jaywalk, they are keen on the Barnes Dance and frequently cross intersections on the diagonal. You can probably get away with joining them, but it is technically illegal in New Haven.

I should also note that New Haven does have a public transit system, but I found that doesn’t run as frequently as in other cities and ultimately wasn’t useful for a weekend visit. Still, if you happen to time your trip just right, you might consider occasionally taking a bus to reduce time spent walking.

City Safety

While New Haven has somewhat of a reputation for crime that goes back decades, I’m happy to report that I never encountered or witnessed any issues during my time in the city. As always when you’re traveling to an unfamiliar place (or even at home!), practice your city smarts and stay aware of your surroundings. Overall, I found a welcoming city with friendly people.

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FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING NEW HAVEN

New Haven is finally starting to gain some well-deserved recognition as a destination worth visiting, and with Avelo’s investment in adding new flights to and from Tweed, it’s getting even easier to visit. The city is the perfect size for a weekend traveler to explore, with cultural activities, breathtaking architecture, and excellent food and drink to fill the hours.

I am thrilled to have easy access to New Haven from my home in Charlotte, and I can’t wait to continue exploring this charming New England city.

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Questions for you

Do you enjoy visiting walkable cities, or do you prefer to get around by car?

What meal are you most looking forward to eating in New Haven?

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Where to next? Why not give one of these posts a read:

• Slice of Heaven: Exploring 6 Can’t-Miss Pizza Joints in New Haven, Connecticut
• Traveling Light: A Spring Packing List for New Haven, Connecticut (in a backpack!)
• Instagram Stories Highlight: New Haven
• Three-Day Winter Travel Guide to Providence, Rhode Island
• 36 Hours in NYC: Lower Manhattan
• A Three-Day Weekend in NYC
• Christmas in New York
• 36 Hours in Boston and Cambridge
• Tea at the Boston Public Library
• 36 Hours in Albany, New York
• 36 Hours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 10 Tips for Overcoming Museum Fatigue
• All Travel Guides by Destination
• Avelo Airlines Review
• Checking In: Hotel Reviews
• Shop My Closet
• Exclusive Promo Codes + Discounts