30 Reasons Why You Should Move to New Haven – Part 2

Last week we added ten comments to a recommended list of New Haven highlights, relating to an article written by a local citing thirty reasons why you should live in New Haven. Today we continue with our remarks to items #11-20.   Remember, we promised to add our personal thoughts for reason #31 when we resume our post for the remaining ten items.

11.  The Pantry

Everyone knows the best place for breakfast and/or brunch in New Haven, and possibly all of Connecticut, is The Pantry.  Serving up huge portions of delicious whatever-you-order in a classic diner atmosphere, this could easily become your late, late night or early morning go-to eatery.  Reasonably priced, credit cards are a no-no, so be sure to carry cash and bring your appetite.

12. The View From East Rock Park

There isn’t a person in New Haven who hasn’t climbed the East Rock trails.  The views from the cliff tops are exceptional and span metropolitan New Haven to the Long Island Sound and Long Island.  The 427-acre park is open year-round for hikers, rock climbers and even snowshoeing.  East Rock Park is one of the most serene and beautiful parks in New Haven.  Don’t forget your camera.

13.  Five Mile Point Lighthouse

Five Mile Point Light, also known as Five Mile Point Lighthouse or Old New Haven Harbor Lighthouse, is a picturesque lighthouse that is part of the history of Lighthouse Point Park.  Located on the harbor entrance to the Long Island Sound it had, for 73 years, extended light beams to welcome ships and sailors returning from voyages from the four corners of the world.  Today the beacon is dark, but the tower remains. Old maps labeled the site as Five Mile Point, making reference to the distance between the lighthouse and the center of New Haven.  In 1990, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  History buffs will enjoy a visit here. History buffs will enjoy a visit here.

14.  The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript New Haven Library

The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is one of the world’s largest libraries devoted entirely to rare books and manuscripts, and serves as Yale’s principal repository for literary archives, early manuscripts, and rare books.  The library’s iconic building is temporarily closed for renovation until September of 2016.  In the interim, Collection material can still be accessed at Beinecke’s temporary reading room in Yale’s Sterling Memorial Library.

15. International Art Festival of Arts and Ideas

The International Art Festival of Arts and Ideas is a fifteen-day extravaganza reflecting artistic cultures from every corner of the world.  Since its’ inception twenty years ago the festival has become a huge international attraction, bringing approximately one million visitors to New Haven to attend hundreds of exhibits, lectures and concerts.  The International Art Festival of Arts and Ideas takes over theaters and open spaces throughout New Haven, with many events taking place at the New Haven Green.

16. City Wide Open Studios

New Haven loves extravaganzas; some may be larger than others, but extravaganzas, nevertheless.  Maybe that’s because we take enormous pride in the talented people who live in our community and, therefore, feel entitled to share our bragging rights with the world.  City Wide Open Studio is one such event that recognizes local artists by exhibiting their artwork throughout the city, and in their personal studios. CWOS of New Haven has become the largest Open Studios festival on the East Coast.

17. Yale Peabody Natural History Museum

The Yale Peabody Natural History Museum is one of many prime examples as to why you don’t ever have to leave New Haven for anything “authentic”.  Best known to the public for its Great Hall of Dinosaurs, it also contains permanent exhibits dedicated to human and mammal evolution; wildlife dioramas, Egyptian artifacts, birds, minerals and Native Americans of Connecticut.  This museum is among the oldest, largest, and most prolific university natural history museums in the world.

18. The New Haven Jazz Festival

Open to the public, the New Haven Jazz Festival draws hundreds of local, state, and national jazz enthusiasts to the downtown area every summer. Most performances are free, and lawn chairs and blankets are a must!

19.  Firehouse 12

New Haven has a thriving jazz scene twelve months a year, not only at Festival time. Enter Firehouse 12, the area’s exceptional jazz club, housed in a converted firehouse on Crown Street.  Catch up for a drink with your friends and enjoy a relaxing evening of live jazz and blues music whenever the ‘jazz’ mood strikes.

20. L’Orcio’s

A relaxing and elegant ambience with a European flare L’Orcio is an upscale dining establishment serving contemporary Italian Cuisine.  Located in a refurbished historical home, the restaurant offers three unique spaces for its diners.  Whether you’re having a cocktail at the beautiful bar, an intimate dinner in the elegant dining room or appetizers with your friends under the Wisteria covered Arbor in the courtyard, all of your senses are sure to be pleased.