Locals Love: New Haven

New Haven offers a lot of choices for accommodations. The Study at Yale is a swanky boutique style option that reflects the academic ambience of this college town. Other walkable downtown hotels include Courtyard by Marriott at Yale, New Haven Hotel, and Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, all great choices when exploring the city for a night, a weekend or longer. For families, the New Haven Village Suites can be found right off I-95 at Long Wharf (Exit 46) and feature full kitchens and a complimentary breakfast buffet.

One of the liveliest spots in New Haven can be hard to pin down, because its patrons pedal the streets, taking the party with them wherever they go. The Elm City Party Bike is New England's only pedal powered bar and sightseeing tour experience and a fun, social and relaxing way to enjoy the city sights. For a figurative and literal change of pace, check out The Owl Shop, the New Haven legend where you can still smoke a cigar and enjoy a classic cocktail from a fully stocked bar specializing in top shelf libations. Meanwhile, at the Book Trader Café, you’ll find locals enjoying a good read along with fresh house-made food, gourmet coffee, vegan and gluten-free options served daily. And in the heart of downtown New Haven, Pacifico serves its popular sangria and award-winning mojitos alongside extraordinary Nuevo-Latino seafood cuisine and traditional tapas, signature dishes and desserts. 

There aren’t many places you can shop for furniture while experiencing the world's largest indoor ropes course! At It™ Adventure Ropes Course at Jordan’s Furniture, you can channel your inner tightrope walker as you take on the 56-foot tall ropes courses and climb through cargo nets, ride zip lines and so much more. Here are few more great places to play in and around the city of New Haven.

For a little arts and culture, pop into Kehler Liddell Gallery, a contemporary art gallery collectively operated by member artists. Located in the heart of Westville Village, the gallery sits comfortably amongst a variety of shops and restaurants on Whalley Avenue, not far from the Yale Campus. The gallery’s mission is to represent, present, promote and sell work of local contemporary artists as it shares a love of art with the community. Afterward, try some New Haven-made brews at Rhythm Brewing Company. Brewed with South African hops, Rhythm is unfiltered, flavorful, and has a slight bite that leaves you wanting more. Finally, while everyone else is eating pizza at the famed Pepe’s and Sally’s restaurants nearby, head for a slice of history at Modern Apizza. You’ll find this superb New Haven styled pizza place is loved by locals and often overlooked by tourists.