Who Knew Blog

History of the Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point Park

One place to be this summer – in truth, there are many of those in New Haven – is Lighthouse Point Park. Visitors and locals return each summer to this place across 82 acres of swimmable shores, walkable sand, hiker-friendly nature trails, and more. Where children make lasting memories in splash pads, where birdwatchers study in the avian sanctuary, and couples play out rom-com scenes on an antique carousel. Open from 7 AM to sunset, the park features on-duty lifeguards all summer, restrooms, and free parking for New Haven registered vehicles. Concessions are available daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00... View Article

New Haven Parks to Explore this Summer

Walkable, loungeable, explorable, that’s New Haven. Our city is made of more than 2,000 acres of vibrant green parkland, and there’s no soul inside on the sunniest summer days (which, by the way, have arrived). New Haven has a park for every kind of explorer, whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read, a pier to fish from, a splash pad to send your children into, a skatepark to wipe out on, or just a sunny spot to catch up with friends over a cold seltzer.  Choose a park, any park, and choose your summer adventure. Here’s your guide... View Article

Four Places to Find Handcrafted Pasta in New Haven

Suppose your feed has been filled with aesthetic pictures of “European summers,” your friends sipping sparkling Prosecco, leaving you dreaming of the cobblestone streets of Italy and mouth-watering pasta. In that case, these restaurants in New Haven can satisfy your taste for authentic, handcrafted pasta. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or simply craving the soft bite of a handmade noodle, these remarkable New Haven restaurants serve up exquisite fresh, handcrafted pasta. From traditional dishes to the innovative and unconventional, each bite transports you to the heart of Italy. Here are three places in New Haven to find authentic handcrafted pasta.... View Article

The Perfect Mother’s Day For Every Kind of Mom

When it comes to how we talk about motherhood, it’s out with the old and in with the honest. There is no one size fits all for parenting, and there is no right or wrong way to be a mother. For a mother as particular, authentic, and special as your own, your Mother’s Day gift should follow suit. Whatever sickly sweet mug you bookmarked or promo code you saved in your notes app, forget it. Mom deserves more this year, and we’re here to help you execute. Here are five great Mother’s Day activities for every type of mom in... View Article

Five Spots for Amazing Views of New Haven

Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekend with friends, plan a date night to remember, or be a tourist in your own city, try looking at New Haven from a new perspective. You know our city from the ground level, so consider a new vantage point. Take your view of New Haven to new heights, literally. Depending on your vista, you can bask in the rolling green hills of the Elm City or the twinkling lights of downtown. If you’re ready to widen your horizons and bask in your main character moment, stop by each of these beloved spots... View Article

Festivals In Focus: The Cherry Blossom Celebration

Spring is in full bloom. Can you feel it? Have you seen it? We’ll show you the way.  Each spring season, the landscape of New Haven softens to welcome delicate petals and sprawling forest green leaves. Nowhere in our city is this on a more magnificent display than the blooming pink Yoshino Cherry Blossom Trees that return our greens each year. The fledgling blooms are welcomed by a time-honored New Haven tradition, The Cherry Blossom Celebration, which celebrates the local community, the mystery of nature, and the connection between the two.  2023 marks the 50th Anniversary Cherry Blossom Celebration in... View Article

New Haven Restaurant Week Is Back, And We Saved You A Seat

Foodies, gather round. New Haven Restaurant Week returns to the Elm City this month, April 16-21. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Connecticut’s first and longest-running organized restaurant week program, and to celebrate, we’re inviting you to “eat like a local” at 24 of our city’s best spots.  This spring, visitors and locals can dine across eight distinct New Haven neighborhoods at 24 beloved restaurants. Participating spots include Atelier Florian, serving up fresh sea-to-table dishes and sustainable meats and produce from local purveyors; Camacho Garage, with their contemporary Mexican street food and cerveza; and Elm City Social, pouring up... View Article

Ways to Spend National Self Care Day in New Haven

If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends since the new year, then it’s high time to take a moment for yourself. The holiday you never knew about, but now will never forget, National Self Care Day, returns on April 5th. Self care looks different for everyone, but there is no denying, we all need it. Whether you prefer to unwind in the sun, the shade, or the corners of your Netflix queue, April 5th is your day. Here are just a few of the ways you can spend National Care Day in Downtown New Haven.  Reading the Tea... View Article

5 Places for Simply Irresistible Desserts

Maybe the kitchen is not your domain. Maybe you’re avoiding the cleanup aftermath of a baking day. Maybe you take the words “measure with your heart” too seriously to succeed. Does this mean you don’t deserve a decadent homemade dessert? Not on our watch. From decadent cakes to seasonal pastries, classic desserts to unique confections, New Haven is home to some of the best bakeries and cafes in New England. With no shortage of creative sweet treats to match our city’s creative spirit, New Haven is the perfect place to indulge in a nostalgic dessert, try a new pastry, or... View Article

A Conversation with Chef Francesco d’Amuri of L’Orcio

In New Haven, food is our culture and, here, the response to “where should we eat?” will never be “I don’t know”. New Haven continues to stand as a mecca for all things dining. With new restaurants moving in and veteran spots stacking up anniversaries, the Elm City streets are culinary treasure troves. One of our gastronomic gems, L’Orcio, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. In this anniversary spotlight, learn how Chef and owner Francesco d’Amuri rose from humble beginnings as a dishwasher to one of New England’s top chefs.  A child of farmers, Chef Francesco d’Amuri was raised... View Article