Visiting New Haven: Road Trip
After getting laid off, I decided to set a goal of going someplace new each month. I didn't want to stay too bogged down in the emotions of losing my job and planning a new trip is something I always look forward to.
For my 9th trip, I decided to take a dayish trip to New Haven, Connecticut. Only a 3hr ride via Amtrak from Philadelphia takes you to the home of Yale University.
I wanted to see the rage of fall foliage in Connecticut, but despite it being early November it was already barren. I was very surprised since it was still pretty bountiful right in Jersey.
Pro-tip: Late September and October are bests for viewing fall foliage. They even offer train and boat rides for best views.
In any case, I was surprised by all the interesting things there were to do in this city. Follow along for how I spent a day and a half exploring New Haven.
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Hotel Marcel
The Blake Hotel
Graduate by Hilton
The Study at Yale
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Olmo
Claire's Corner Copia
Sally's Apizza
Frank Pepe
Louis' Lunch
Arethusa Farm Dairy
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Guided Yale Tour
Yale Peabody Museum
New Haven Museum
Beinecke Rare Book Library
PEZ Visitor Center
Getting Around
If you're taking the train in, you'll get dropped off at Union Station. From there just take a rideshare to the hotel.
Storytime: We were immediately scammed by a Lyft driver. They drove all the way to the hotel without us. I couldn't even cancel, utterly ridiculous.
The city is extremely walkable, probably the most walkable I've been to. It's not very big so most sites are within 15 minutes of each other.
Where to Stay
There aren't an abundance of options available. They do have a few boutique hotels within the downtown area to choose from.
I decided to stay at the Hotel Marcel, which is a Hilton. It was a little outside the city center, but they offer a free shuttle service. Wish I knew this before getting scammed by Lyft. They will take you anywhere within a 5 mile radius. This was an amazing perk that we definitely took advantage of. Also if the shuttle wasn't available they would order a rideshare for you!
The hotel itself is only 2 years old, so it's beautifully updated and fully sustainable. All new hotels should be following this standard.
Day 1: Arrival + Yale University
Highlights Include:
Olmo
Yale Peabody Museum
New Haven Museum
Louis' Lunch
Once we arrived and dropped off our things at the hotel we went to eat at Olmo bagel shop. They are serving up more than your average bagel, with some unique flavors like Z'atar and Cacio e Pepe.
We ended up getting Z'atar bacon and egg bagel. The only cheese they offer is provolone, which I am not a fan of.
This bagel was delicious, had the perfect chew and real egg. They are primarily a take out spot, with limited outdoor seating.
Next, within a 10 minute walk will take you to the Yale Peabody Natural History Museum. Offering three floors of exhibits, you can easily spend 2 hours exploring.
I really enjoyed this museum, it was super manageable and FREE!
Another free museum is the New Haven Museum right down the street. This offers a concentrated view of history for the city. At the time of our visit they had a special exhibit highlighting college 1831; which would've been a black men's college next to Yale.
However, its creation was ultimately not approved by the town. The museum also offers an interesting exhibit on Amistad.
We then walked about Yale's campus, passing notable sites like New Haven Green and Harkenss tower. You are able to go on a guided tour of the campus with a reservation.
For a late lunch we decided to dine at Louis’ Lunch, which proclaims to be where the first hamburger sandwich was invented. They serve the sandwich the same way after all these years, medium rare on white bread, with either cheese, onions or tomato. Do not even bother asking for condiments!
I got a cheeseburger with some chips and I must say it was pretty good. I didn't even miss the ketchup. That being said, it's not something I would crave, but a cool experience.
Other notable sites are Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Wooster Square Park and Long Wharf Park. The last two aren't as walkable, but that's where the shuttle comes in handy.
We actually ended up finishing the day at the hotel and ordered in. 60 degrees in CT, is not the same as 60 degrees in Jersey and we didn't pack appropriately.
Day 2: PEZ Visitor Center + Departure
Highlights Include:
Atticus Bookstore Cafe
PEZ Visitor Center
Sally's Apizza
We had a later departure, so we had some additional time to explore. So, first coffee at Atticus Bookstore Cafe. Part bookstore and coffee shop. It's a dream place to hangout, but it's very busy as you can imagine.
After grabbing a coffee we left, because I was craving a ham and cheese croissant, so we voyaged off to G Cafe Bakery Chapel St.
We then called a rideshare to head off to the PEZ Visitor Center. This is an absolute must do, we had such a great time checking out of the various PEZs. They even have you do a fun scavenger hunt, so everyone is running around trying to find the special PEZ items.
Lastly, we had to get some pizza. Did you know New Haven is known for their pizza? I sure didn't, it's quite a big deal there with two main spots reigning supreme: Sally's Apizza and Frank Pepe.
Per the locals you can't really go wrong with either, but we ended up choosing Sally's and got their famous clam pizza.
This was a white pizza and surprisingly very good, I would definitely get it again. If you're going to check out either spot, plan your time accordingly as you will be waiting a significant amount of time.
There is also a famous mashed potato and rosemary pizza, I wasn't feeling that adventurous.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, that's how we spent a quick trip to New Haven, Connecticut. This can easily make for a fun day trip from a majority of the cities in the Northeast.
So whether you want a quick getaway or to extend your stay after visiting Yale, there is plenty to see here.
If you liked this itinerary, make sure to subscribe to see more. If you’re planning your own visit to New Haven, I’ve put together a Google Maps list to make things easier. Happy travels!
