Why We Love It

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Creativity, Style & Flavor—Meet the Women Behind Downtown’s Favorites

February 27, 2025

March is Women’s History Month, and we’re shining a spotlight on three incredible women shaping Downtown New Haven with their passion and creativity! Claire Criscuolo – A Culinary Icon For nearly 50 years, Claire’s Corner Copia has been a go-to spot for fresh, sustainable, and flavor-packed vegetarian-kosher dishes—all made from scratch with love. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, a cozy dinner, or a sweet treat, Claire’s has something delicious waiting for you. Recreate Claire’s signature salad dressing at home, get the recipe on our blog here. → Kimberly Pedrick – A Visionary in Style & Design... View Article

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New Year, New You

December 29, 2024

A new year brings a new opportunity to wellness-ify your life in New Haven. From our frozen acres of park space to downtown’s trendiest fitness outposts, our neighbors are suiting up and stepping out, fueled by refreshed motivation and good intentions. Our winter wonderland has become a wellness wonderland, and our studios are expecting you. To help push you along (this newsletter moonlights in accountability), we’ve rounded up the top three fitness experiences in downtown for our blog. To learn more about Club Pilates New Haven, Breathing Room Yoga, and Ripple Float Center, check out our blog post here →

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2 New Haven Causes to Donate To for the Holidays

November 27, 2024

This season, let’s turn celebration into action and make a difference where it counts. Take a moment to spread love and joy to those in need – it’s the most meaningful gift to give. Consider donating to New Haven Reads, a life-changing organization that empowers children through literacy. With one-on-one tutoring, family educational support, and a community book bank, they’re building brighter futures, one page at a time. Or, add a little extra magic to your shopping cart with a toy for the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Toy Closet Program. Every gift goes to a young patient spending the holidays in... View Article

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Curtains Up on the Fall ’24 New Haven Theatre Season

September 26, 2024

The fall breeze lifts the curtain theater season, with New Haven’s most talented performers taking the stage across such hallowed halls as the Yale Repertory Theatre, the Shubert, and Long Wharf Theater. The ’24-25 season’s highlights include Macbeth in Stride, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and Unbecoming Tragedy: A Ritual Journey Toward Destiny. The box office is open. Learn more here.

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Pebbles Toys & Gifts Opens in East Rock

June 28, 2024

A new neighbor moved into the East Rock neighborhood in early June, Pebbles Toys & Gifts. A curated shopping experience for kids and their grown-ups, Pebbles is stocked with the most creative and imaginative toys and goods for the whole family. Plus, the shop offers in-store programming for kids. To usher Pebbles into the community, we sat down with owner Alex Kleiner and General Manager Lauren Coleman for a chat – keep your eyes on our blog for the full conversation. For now, here are three reasons why we love Pebbles. Pebbles is family-owned and operated and run by New... View Article

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International Festival of Arts & Ideas: Move With Us (2024)

May 30, 2024

Festival talk isn’t over, it’s June in downtown after all. The 2024 run of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas will take place from June 14-29. This year’s theme, “Move With Us,” brings an exciting lineup of talent to New Haven, featuring more than 150 free and ticketed events throughout downtown. From circus performers, to film exhibitions, to dance showcases and more, there is something for every kind of culture-seeker. To learn more about the family-friendly events brought to the Elm City by IFAI, check out this blog post. For a roundup of free international performances taking place on the New... View Article

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Year of the Dragon Exhibit Opens at Yale University Art Gallery

April 30, 2024

On view through November, the Yale University Art Gallery is currently attracting art-lovers and curious minds to their latest exhibition, Year of the Dragon. The exhibition is a celebration of this year, as 2024 is the eponymous Year of the Dragon, featuring nearly 30 pieces from the 17th century to today, all of which depict the dragon in its full form. In some iterations, the dragon is a fire-breathing monster, in others, a being of great celestial power. The exhibition features a range of modalities from screen-printed art, to paintings, to ceramics and ivory. To learn more, visit the Yale... View Article

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2024 Cherry Blossom Festival

March 28, 2024

On Sunday, April 14th, residents and visitors will come together to celebrate spring in Wooster Square at the 51st Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Taking place from noon to 4:30 pm in Wooster Square Park, the festival celebrates the day the neighborhood’s famous cherry blossoms are in peak bloom. The event will feature live music, delectable treats from food trucks, and more surprises throughout the day. To learn more about one of the city’s most beautiful festivals, check out this blog post.

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A Chat with Eiress Hammond, Owner of MINIPNG

February 28, 2024

MINIPNG, Downtown’s premiere destination for all things interesting, has spent its first year of business outfitting New Haven locals with carefully curated vintage clothing and hand-painted signature artwork. This month, we sat down with the Owner of MINIPNG, Eiress Hammond, who has earned the title of “The Vivienne Westwood of New Haven,” to discuss all things vintage and her experience as a Downtown business owner. On the origins of MINIPNG: “In 2019, I was studying pre-law at Ohio State University, and I felt like the creative side of me was being stifled. I had always wanted to pursue fashion but... View Article

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Valentine’s Day in Downtown 2024

January 31, 2024

While we’re on the topic of love, let’s talk about what awaits new love in the Elm City. Valentine’s Day is not only reserved for long-term lovers with gold rings. The romance holiday can also be an excellent opportunity to inspire new love, and where better to do that than downtown? For those planning a stellar first date this month, check out our blog to see our top five unique first date ideas, all right here in New Haven. Spoiler: we’re talking saltwater floating or hitting a Bulldogs game with a potential love connection. If your V-Day style is better met... View Article