Top Rated Attractions in New Haven

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 New Haven Town Green is one of New England's oldest, completed in 1638. Portions of the Green were used as a cemetery until the 1820s when the headstones were moved to the new Grove Street Cemetery. The 16-acre public park is a popular site for concerts and picnics, and an overall excellent gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The Green is also the location of an Amistad memorial. Along the Green there are three churches built in the 1810s: Center Church, United Church and Trinity Church.

College Street Music Hall is situated close to the prestigious Yale University. It is a hip concert venue for youngsters, especially students, and invites popular American bands such as The Doobie Brothers and singers like Lyle Lovett. Check their website for the detailed concert schedule and information on ticket booking.

This formidable structure on the New Haven Green was designed in 1908 by architect Cass Gilbert to blend in with the churches on the green. The handsome facade with its soaring columns and enormous windows bestows upon the visitor a gracious place to read and research. Gilbert is one of the most famous architects of the early 20th-century United States. Perhaps his best-known work is the Woolworth Building in New York City.

It never ceases to amaze visitors and even locals that New Haven is a city of firsts. Trinity, besides being the first Episcopal congregation in New Haven when it was founded in 1752, also erected the first Gothic Revival building in the United States in 1812-15. Designed by prolific Ithiel Town, who also designed the neighboring Center Church), Trinity is a superb example of medieval architecture, and has been a tourist attraction almost since it was built. It stands on the northwest corner of the historic green.

One of the great advantages of being in New Haven is that you don't have to drive all the way to New York City to see a Broadway quality performance; after all, the Shubert holds the title, "Birthplace of the Nation's Greatest Hits." Many, many hits premiered at the Shubert before moving on to Broadway, including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Sound of Music (and many other Rogers & Hammerstein productions) and My Fair Lady, to name a few. The Shubert is the region's cultural life, featuring the best of dance, opera, family productions and cabaret. The backstage tour of this architectural gem, built in 1914, is another highlight not to miss.