Top five things to see and do in New Haven, USA - TOP FIVE: New Haven
Top five things to see and do in New Haven, USA
West Rock Ridge State Park
Just northwest of New Haven there lies a giant rock formation commonly known as "west rock." The rock is actually a giant deposit left by a melting glacier. At its highest point, it rises 600 feet above sea level to give visitors a stunning view of New Haven and Long Island. On clear days one can easily make out the Long Island coast. There are hiking trails that lead up to a park situated atop the formation, but the park can also be accessed by car.
Yale University
The Yale University campus is as beautiful as it is prestigious, and makes up a large portion of the downtown area. It features a mix of beautiful neo-Gothic and modern architecture. The Yale Art Gallery is also a fantastic place to spend an afternoon, and admission is free and open to the public.
Toad's Place - York Street
Toad's Place is a relic in New Haven. I would go as far to say that it is the concert venue in Southern Connecticut. With visits from artists like The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Billy Joel, the small-club feel of the venue only makes the good shows better. When I want to see a band play up-close and personal, I head to Toad's.
Louis' Lunch (pronounced Looey's Lunch), established in 1985, was the first restaurant to serve hamburgers and is the oldest hamburger restaurant still operating in the United States. Besides making the best hamburger I've ever tasted, there is also a classic, timeless, and no-fuss feel to the place that makes it one-of-a-kind. A sign on the wall reads "NO KETCHUP: if you want it your way, go to Burger King!" The burger backs up the attitude.
Sally's Apizza - Wooster Street
It might seem strange that the top two entries for New Haven involve food, but I think most people who have eaten at Louis' or Sally's would agree with my decision. There is little to say about the pizza, except that it exemplifies the thin-crust brick oven pizza that makes New Haven famous. The atmosphere is classic, with old photographs of famous visitors and a rich family history. Reservations are available only to family and friends, so I would advise arriving at around 5pm to get a good spot in line. I've had Brooklyn pizza, Chicago deep-dish, and Pepe's, which is the only close rival Sally's has in New Haven, and I'm convinced that Sally's is hands-down the best pizza I have ever eaten.
