Wind Down “Dry January” in Downtown New Haven

New year, new you, right here in New Haven. We’re quickly approaching the end of January, a month marked by many as a “dry” one. Whether you’re still detoxing from the holiday eggnog and hot toddies, or looking to attend more alcohol-free activities this year, downtown New Haven has something for you. If you’ve never spent a dry January with us, here’s how you can do it, while feeding your 2023 resolutions. 

Reset Your Style

On the hunt for a new look? The streets of downtown are a shopper’s dream. If your closet is in question, stop by Raggs for Men and Women, where you’ll find some unique modern pieces to elevate your wardrobe. Make it a shopping spree and visit DelMonico Hatter to replace that tattered old beanie with a brand new lid. The shop has been a New Haven staple for more than 110 years, first established in 1908. Perhaps your closet is full (or overflowing), and it’s your home that is in need of a new year refresh. Stop by EBM Vintage in downtown for one-of-a-kind vintage home decor, before visiting Bark & Vine for some fresh greenery. Nothing says “new year’s resolution” like keeping an indoor plant alive. 

Explore the World

Downtown offers boundless cultural experiences across many museums, art galleries, theaters, and plenty of music venues. Make it a museum crawl: visit the Yale Center for British Art, which offers visitors the largest collection of British art outside of the UK,  and the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, which focuses on Catholic history. Don’t wait too long – the center’s current exhibit, Christmas in the Castle, closes on February 5th (for those who still haven’t taken down their Christmas tree). 

Meet Local Artists

If your day of British art and Biblical history have ignited your hunger for culture and the arts, spend what’s left of dry January supporting your local galleries and mingling with the artists of New Haven. City Gallery displays the best in innovative contemporary art. The artist-run gallery has a little bit of everything, from sculptures to photography to fiber arts and beyond. Step into Artspace in downtown, which is currently showing artist Jason Ting’s exhibition, “Spark Studies.” The space will welcome a new exhibition in February. 

Treat Yourself

After hours of exploring the city, a little pick me up never hurt anyone. Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea holds themselves to a high standard, making sure they produce the finest, freshest coffee with the best sourced coffee beans. And if at this point, your new year’s diet resolution has already become a distant memory, then stop into G. Cafe for the most delicious loaf of fresh-baked bread in town. 

Whether your resolutions are in full swing, or gently thrown to the wayside,  downtown New Haven has something for everyone.  Happy New Year from all of us here at Info New Haven.