If you’re looking for something to do in East Haven, Connecticut, you’ve come to the right place. The town has a population of 27,923 and is a three-mile drive east of New Haven. It is a part of the Greater New Haven area. You’ll find many historical sites, parks, and museums here.
New Haven Green
One of the things to do in East Haven is to visit the New Haven Green, a 16-acre green in downtown New Haven. The park was originally the central square of a nine-square settlement, designed by John Brockett in 1607. It is now surrounded by New Haven’s liveliest streets, offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
In the summer, you can listen to live music at the bandstand. And in the winter, don’t miss the town’s Christmas tree, which is the city’s oldest living tree. You can also visit the Soldiers’ Memorial, which features a Civil War-era Rodman gun on a granite base. The memorial is the last of three “Old Guards,” and is situated near Main Street. There is also a church on the grounds, one of the few in the state dating back to the Revolutionary War.
If you’re looking for a romantic date, the monument offers a scenic overlook overlooking downtown New Haven and Long Island Sound. There are picnic tables nearby, and it’s a great opportunity for couples to enjoy their date in the city. You can also hike to the top of the monument by following different trails. The main paved trail is open to both cars and pedestrians.
Long Wharf Theatre
The nonprofit Long Wharf Theatre in East Haven offers the perfect setting for your next theatrical experience. Featuring two stages, this theater presents new plays as well as updated classics. A full calendar of events is available on its website. The venue also provides a wide variety of family-friendly events.
The Long Wharf Theatre, which was founded in 1965, has become a Tony Award-winning company. Its mission is to produce works that reflect the local culture and community. Its commitment to new work has resulted in a stellar list of achievements, including 30 plays that have gone on to Broadway and Off-Broadway. In addition, three productions of its own have won Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.
Long Wharf is planning to expand its relationships with local institutions and community organizations. As part of this effort, the theatre plans to build relationships with local theaters, art organizations, libraries, and more.
Yale Center for British Art
Visit the Yale Center for British Art in East Haven, Connecticut, for a unique opportunity to view British art. The museum is located in a historic building designed by Louis I. Kahn, and is free to the public. Its collection includes works by Gainsborough, Turner, and Constable. The center also features a reference library and study rooms for works on paper.
The building’s four-story structure features galleries flowing around two covered courtyards. A curved stairwell in the Library Court is a signature architectural feature. This contrasts with the geometric plan of the rest of the building. Interior materials include Travertine stone, Belgian linen, and white oak. There are also skylights for natural light.
The Yale Center for British Art in East Haven contains the largest collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom. The museum exhibits paintings, sculpture, prints, and photographs, as well as an extensive collection of rare books. It also hosts educational programs and lectures. Admission is free, but you can make a donation to help fund the museum’s programs.
Lighthouse Point Carousel
Located in Lighthouse Point Park in the East Shore section of New Haven, Connecticut, the Lighthouse Point Carousel was built around 1905. It is one of the few early 20th century carousels still standing in the state. It features carvings by Charles Looff and Charles Carmel.
It was constructed using materials from other carousels and was adapted by Carmel. The carousel has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. In the fall, the park hosts a carousel festival called Fantasy of Lights. The event runs from mid-November to New Year’s Day, and all proceeds are donated to the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries.
After several years of work and funding, the carousel was reclaimed by dedicated volunteers. In 1983, the carousel and pavilion were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The carousel is still in need of repairs, but the town is working on it.
Grove Street Cemetery
Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Grove Street Cemetery is a historic cemetery that is surrounded by Yale University. Originally a burial ground, it was incorporated and organized in 1797. It replaced the crowded burial ground on New Haven Green. Today, over 2,000 people are buried at the cemetery, making it one of the largest in the state.
The cemetery’s monuments represent a history of funerary art in America and reflect the changing aesthetic ideals and cultural attitudes of the time. Many of the early monuments are carved in tablet form or in low-relief. Some feature a winged figure, a symbol of a departing soul. The carvings are reminiscent of those found in the Boston area. Other monuments are written in Latin and commemorate prominent Yale College professors.
The cemetery also features a number of interesting historical figures. Among those buried there are poets, educators, and military officers. The cemetery’s historical significance lies in the fact that so many prominent New Haven and Yale alumni are buried there.
Toad’s Place
When you’re looking for a fun night out in New Haven, Connecticut, don’t miss a trip to Toad’s Place. It’s a concert venue, nightclub, and bar that will make your evening complete. The venue features an eclectic mix of musical acts, from rock to alternative, and is an ideal location for a great night out.
The venue can seat up to 1,000 people and has hosted many legendary acts. In the early 1990s, it hosted Phish twice. Later, Bruce Springsteen played an intimate concert there after his show at the Hartford Civic Center. The gigs brought in locals and tourists alike. In the 1990s, the venue welcomed artists such as PJ Morton, Wilco, and Clinton Kane.
The Toad’s Tavern features two smaller clubs, the Rainforest room and Lilly’s Pad. The Rainforest room often hosts a mainstay act, Rohn Lawrence & Friends. The band’s leader is a West Haven native whose family has been in the city for four generations. The owner has seen the music industry change over the years. Before the Internet, the owners relied on the New Haven Advocate and radio station WPLR to promote shows.
Firehouse 12
Firehouse 12 is one of the few bars in Connecticut to feature a Playmysong social jukebox app. Available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices, it allows guests to play songs from their own personal library. The app is free to download and can be used anywhere. Firehouse 12 also has its own library of music that you can check out for free.
The space is an historic 1905 firehouse that is both a recording studio and full-service bar. It is a perfect setting for live music performances year-round. It also provides a cozy setting for conversations and cocktails. It is a favorite of locals and a destination for music lovers in the area.
