Explore

/

Cool Down: New Haven’s Splash Pads Are Open!

June 25, 2025

No pool pass? No problem. When the city heats up, we’ve got splash [pads], New Haven parks come to the rescue with free* family-friendly fun that’s perfect for spontaneous playdates, quick cool-offs, or just a chance to beat the summer sun. Here’s where to make a splash in the Elm City this season: 1. Lighthouse Point Park Splash Pad 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven Just steps from the beach, this full-featured splash pad offers sprayers, tipping buckets, and shady spots to lounge – ideal for a full day of family fun. *New Haven Residents (vehicles registered in New Haven, can... View Article

/ /

Explore New Haven’s Dixwell Neighborhood

May 28, 2025

If you find yourself on Dixwell Avenue in early June and hear the distant thump of drums, you’re not imagining things—you’re being pulled into the heartbeat of one of New Haven’s most historic neighborhoods. The Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade, a beloved summer tradition, is a vibrant celebration of Black heritage, community pride, and cultural resilience. First held in the 1960s, it’s now the oldest Black-led parade in New England—and it still carries the same founding spirit: uplift, empower, and clean up. The name “Freddy Fixer” honors a grassroots movement that began as a neighborhood beautification project. Today, it’s grown... View Article

/ /

Along the New Haven ah-BEETZ Crawl: A New Pizza Pilgrimage is Born

May 28, 2025

One bite, and you’ll never look at pizza the same way again. There’s pizza, and then there’s New Haven apizza (pronounced “ah-BEETZ”). Whether you’re an apizza acolyte or simply someone who respects the perfect combination of crip, char, and chew, then the New Haven Pizza Trail is calling you.  Here in New Haven, we take our pizza seriously – like, lifelong debates over “my spot is better than yours” and multi-generational family tradition seriously. That’s what makes our city, the nation’s pizza capital, the home of America’s greatest slice. And if you know you know, that was a trick. We... View Article

/ /

New Haven Outdoors: Where to Eat When the Weather’s Too Good to Stay Inside

May 28, 2025

The tables are out, the cocktails are cold, and the patios are calling. When New Haven warms up, the dining scene heads outdoors—and it shows off. From rooftop lounges and harbor views to tucked-away patios and sidewalk stunners, this city knows how to make a meal feel like an escape.  Whether you’re in it for oysters and river breezes or spritzes and street style, we’ve got your al fresco options covered. Water Views: The Quinnipiac River to New Haven Harbor You don’t have to leave the city for waterfront dining—just follow the breeze. Shell & Bones (City Point Neighborhood)– Spacious... View Article

/ /

Sip Happens: Four Juice Bars to Check Out in the Elm City

May 28, 2025

Summer in New Haven hits differently. The sun’s high, the sidewalks are buzzing, and the cravings? Cold, colorful, and crammed with goodness. Whether you’re fueling up post-yoga, post-hike, or post-happy-hour (no judgment), there’s nothing like a juice bar hit to keep you moving and glowing. From old favorites to fresh-pressed newcomers, we rounded up four spots that are keeping the Elm City cool one sip at a time. Think smoothies with stamina, juices that just get you, and enough tropical flavor to make Chapel Street feel like the coastline. Let’s juice. Green Bliss – 1092 Chapel Street (Chapel Street Historic... View Article

/ / /

No Fork Left Behind: The Ultimate New Haven Food Crawl Returns!

March 27, 2025

Downtown New Haven’s most extensive food crawl series is back, and we’ve got the inside scoop! We recently sat down with event organizers at University Properties, the team behind The Shops at Yale, to get the details on this year’s appetizer and dessert crawl. The Shops at Yale, spanning the Chapel Street Historic and Broadway Districts, is home to a mix of top retailers and beloved local restaurants—including Apple, lululemon, Warby Parker, Claire’s Corner Copia, Villa Lulu, and more. Managed by Yale University Properties, this vibrant shopping and dining hub is key in shaping the downtown experience while supporting the... View Article

/

The Best Leaf Peeping Spots in New Haven this Fall

October 9, 2024

In New Haven, leaf-peeping season is arguably the best season of the year. With fall foliage colors peaking October 16th -30th, there is no better time to plan an autumn adventure. From East Rock to Westville, we’ve narrowed down the best spots to take in nature’s fireworks show in New Haven. So grab your pumpkin spice lattes and a pair of hiking boots, and let the leaf-peeping commence! East Rock Park Rated as one of TripAdvisor’s top ten things to do in New Haven, East Rock Park is a must-visit spot for leaf peeping this autumn. Open daily from sunrise... View Article

/ /

Did You Catch These Three Stories? New Haven in the News

August 21, 2024

It’s been a big year for New Haven news-wise, and summer didn’t slow that down at all. Are you up to date on all the latest? Let’s take a look at some of the top pieces of the summer: “Get out of the city: 10 easy weekend getaways from NYC by car, bus, plane, or train” – USA TODAY 10Best Featured along with popular East Coast destinations like Atlantic City and Providence, New Haven was spotlighted for apizza, our impressive museum scene, and Hotel Marcel, America’s first Passive House-certified hotel.  “One-of-a-kind hotel runs entirely on electricity, showing the future of... View Article

/ / /

Cool Down With These Four Waterfront Activities in and Around Downtown

August 7, 2024

Things are heating up and we’re cooling down. We love to talk about our ample green space and delicious culinary corners, but a few of downtown New Haven’s more undersung experiences are waterfront. Catch a sea breeze or dip a toe in the water, either way, we’ll see you there. For your outdoor adventures, add these four activities to the agenda.  Stack ‘em up on the deck at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar Frolic in one of the city’s more than 15 splash pads Kayaking the Mill River in East Rock Park with Kayak New Haven Visit the Canal Dock... View Article

/

6 Ways to Spend a Family Day in the East Rock Neighborhood

July 17, 2024

Looking for a fun-filled family adventure? Look no further than the neighborhood of East Rock, home to some of the best bites in town and some engaging activities for families of every size and age. This itinerary is complete with good eats, educational experiences, a bit of shopping, a walk around the park, and finally, a coal-fired pie. Here’s your Saturday, delivered.  Breakfast at Olmo for their original “New Haven style” bagels Visit the Yale Peabody Museum, recently reopened after a four-year renovation Go toy shopping at Pebbles, New Haven’s first-ever dedicated toy store Grab some soft serve at Elena’s... View Article