Famously known as the "most beautiful street in America," the Hillhouse Avenue Historic District is a site that spreads over 18 acres of land. With several traditional homes located here dating to the 19th-century, the site also features homes of some renowned people. The site is worth a visit to watch the beautiful elite constructions of New Haven.
This museum boasts of the most comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom, which includes paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings and rare books that chronicle British life from the Elizabethan period to the present. Fifteen hundred paintings showcase the likes of great landscape painters John Constable and JMW Turner. The museum also hosts concerts, lectures, family education days and symposia. The gift shop offers a wide range of collectibles, art reproductions and literature for both children and adults.
A Gutenberg Bible, rare prints by the famed ornithologist John Audubon, and other remarkable manuscripts and journals are all located in this library in the heart of the Yale campus. Beinecke houses one of the largest rare book collections in the world, including more than 500,000 printed volumes and several million priceless manuscripts. The building is a rarity itself, designed to protect its holdings from solar damage with translucent marble "windows" that allow in only minimal light.
The Congregational United Church of Christ, as it is more formally known, has stood on the New Haven Green since 1639. The current Georgian structure dates to 1812. Architect Ithiel Town incorporated large windows into the design to capture sunshine, as there was no heating system. A beautiful Tiffany window, installed in 1890, depicts the Rev. John Davenport leading the first service in the new colony. The historic crypt contains the remains of Benedict Arnold's first wife. There is a small burial ground behind the church, where regicide John Dixwell is laid to rest.
The Yale University Art Gallery, founded in 1832, and with more than 100,000 pieces in its permanent collection, is the oldest university art museum in the country. The gallery offers an excellent overview of art history, ranging from ancient to modern. There is an exquisite collection of American paintings, and an extensive display of 20th-century European paintings. Classic objects from ancient Egypt and the Middle East, and treasures from the South Pacific and Far East are also on display. Guided tours, lectures, and family programs are all available. Admission is free.
American history resides in a beautiful setting at Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt for over 30 years. While he was the 26th President of the United States, this mansion was known as the "Summer White House". Now, visitors can explore the home and the the beautiful surrounding area as well as participate in the small traditions of the place, such as the Sunday Afternoon Flag Folding. Entrance to the house is only permitted by guided tour, but the surrounding grounds are free to explore. Sagamore Hill is a wonderful place to learn about American history and culture or local nature and science (equal passions of Roosevelt himself!) for students of all ages. Children can participate in a Junior Park Ranger Program to earn badges and a patch.
Founded in 1943, Fairfield University is one of the nation's leading small, liberal arts colleges, conveniently located between New York City and New Haven. There are lovely buildings on campus, including Egan Chapel (a modern church dedicated to St. Ignatius Loyola) and The Quick Center (a performing arts facility). Also on campus, is the boys high school, Fairfield Prep. It is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the campus offers lovely views of Long Island Sound from the hillside.
Established in 2001, the Fairfield Theatre Company Stage One has become one of the leading art and cultural centers in Fairfield. And the focus is not just on one aspect of art as drama, live music, dance and plethora of other cultural events have been held here in the past. Famous national artists like Conor Oberst, Kris Allen, Graham Parker along with his fantastic rock band The Figgs, and several others have repeatedly performed here. The shows held at Fairfield Theatre Company are quite popular and the seats limited, so make sure you book the tickets of your favorite artist in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you are in the mood to see some rare and wonderful animals of North and South America, an indoor rain-forest and a rustic New England farmyard, then this zoo is the perfect outing. It is Connecticut's only zoo, with 52 acres along the shore about an hour east from New Haven. If you have the kids tagging along, there is a carousel to enjoy and picnic groves available in good weather. The zoo also has a snack shop, and there are always souvenirs to purchase at the gift shop!
Founded in 1998, the Toquet Hall Teen Center is a community space where youngsters can indulge in clean and safe fun. The idea is to provide a secure environment to the teenagers, where they can participate and enjoy different activities. Dance, music, theater and other creative avenues are explored here, thereby, introducing them to a different world. Every event and show held here is sans any drugs or alcohol. The hall can also be rented for events, provided it is in sync with the core values of the teen center.
This interactive kids museum is just what its name suggests. It makes learning fun and creative through many hands on displays and programs. The Stepping Stones Museum for Children was established in 2000 by Gigi Priebe and focuses in enriching children's lives and also inspire them a desire to explore and learn. It features five galleries where your young ones will have a sensory delight and insight on the exhibits. Some of the interesting areas are the Tot Town for toddlers, Energy Lab, ColorCoaster, Build It! and the Traveling Exhibit Gallery. There is also a cafe and gift shop in this unique museum.
The green in Milford, located just outside of New Haven, is a popular meeting space and event venue conveniently located off of I-95. This traditional New England-style green has a bandstand, Civil War monument and special events throughout the year.