The city of New Haven, in the state of Connecticut, may not be new, but this is essentially what gives it its charm and appeal. New Haven is located in the New Haven County, on the foreshores of the New Haven Harbour and on the Northern shore of Long Island Sound.
New Haven is one of the oldest planned cities in North America and is home to many architectural landmarks that date back to very important time periods. These architectural highlights give New Haven a historic charm, with heritage soaked in the very roots of the city.
New Haven offers an array of exciting arts and culture, wonderful accommodations, fine restaurants and interesting shopping facilities. The city is rich in culture and history and really is the perfect place for a family getaway. The best way to escape to New Haven is with a rental car, and there are hundreds of locations across the city from which you can pick up your vehicle and begin your journey.
When you arrive in New Haven you will be blown away with things to see and do. The only problem you may encounter is finding the time to do them all, so here are just a few ideas that you should definitely add to your itinerary.
1. Connecticut Freedom Trail
There is no better way to discover a slice of New Haven's history then to take a stroll along the Connecticut Freedom Trail. The trail encompasses 3 historic locations that recognise the heritage and movement towards freedom of the African American citizens of Connecticut. On the trail you will find buildings that were used on the Underground Railroad, as well as many sites that were associated with the Amistad case of 1839-1842. The trail is full of monuments, homes and structures that represent the concept of freedom. These sites depict the often painful past of the African Americans and allow visitors to gain an understanding and appreciation of this.
2. New Haven Museum and Historical Society
Take a drive in your rental car through New Haven's historic downtown and you will come across the New Haven Museum and Historical Society. This interesting museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the city and region's people, places, and events from the past and present.
While visiting the museum you will be offered activities such as wandering the galleries, researching in the library, participating in a program, listening to an educational lecture, or browsing the museum shop. The museum's extensive collection spans four centuries and provides for a greater understanding and appreciation of New Haven history. This is essentially a paradise for any lover of art, architecture and history!
3. Lighthouse Point Park and Carousel
The New Haven Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point is located at the eastern point of the New Haven Harbour. The park attracts thousands of tourists, thanks to the public beach that allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Long Island Sound. Fishing at the pier and launching boats is also another popular pass time in the park, along with an afternoon of bird watching.
The park is a great destination that the whole family can enjoy, but the carousel would have to be the ultimate highlight for the kids. This wonderful ride is a unique and magnificent treasure that demonstrates a rare and important example of American folk art. However, it will come as no surprise that the kids will have no awareness of this, as this ride is so exciting that all they will be thinking about is how many times you will let them on it!
4. Connecticut Children's Museum
To continue on with your children's exploration of New Haven, you can't leave without a visit to the Connecticut Children's Museum. The museum is housed in an historic and recently renovated building within the cultural corridor of the city's downtown district. The exhibits were inspired by educators, artists, scientists and parents, so you can be sure that they will be interesting and on some levels, educational.
The museum is home to many unique projects and projects, including the Making Murals projects, a permanent display of children's art, Creating Readers, as well as many artistic programs. There is something here to please kids of all ages so what else could a parent ask for?
5. New Haven Green
The New Haven Green is a village plan with many churches and examples of Gothic, Federalist and Georgian design. These architectural highlights are featured on a 16-acre privately owned park and recreational area, which is located in the downtown district. The Green comprises the central square of the nine-square settlement plan of the original colonialists and is host to many of New Haven's festivals and public events. This traditional town green is a great place to spend an afternoon, as it allows you to relax and take in some of the city's most attractive sights.
The city of New Haven offers something for the entire family. It is not shy on displaying its history and this reflects a unique sense of community and atmosphere that is unique in Connecticut. So when you are planning your next family trip, be sure not to forget to add New Haven to the top of your list.
Christine Barton
