A Summer in New Haven

There are many incoming students who are already living in New Haven—good for y'all! Way to be ahead of the rush! If you are already in our lovely town, or if you will be soon, there are some great places and events you should consider checking out this summer. If you are not going to be in New Haven at any point throughout the summer, you should consider them and file them away for future summers when you may find yourself here!

First, if you want to be kept in the loop on what's happening in New Haven, whether it's during the summer or throughout the year, you should sign up to receive weekly updates and daily spotlights from The Daily Nutmeg. Actually, even if you don't want to be in the loop, you should subscribe. They include a wide range of events, as well as introductions to classic establishments and new openings all over town.

If you enjoy theater, there are shows running throughout the summer at Yale Cabaret, and this Thursday (July 5th) is actually Grad Student night! Tickets are $10 for students, and the shows are always something a little unexpected and often totally new. Several local theaters such as Long Wharf Theatre also have summer showcases for reasonable prices, and the productions are outstanding. The Elm Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare in the Park, in nearby Edgerton Park only a few blocks away from the Div School. This year's production of Macbeth runs Aug. 16 - 19, 21 - 26, and 28 - Sept. 2. Tickets are free, and picnic blankets are encouraged. If your more of a film buff, head over to Mansfield (the town, not the street) for the Mansfield Drive-In Theater, showing movies every night of the week! It's about an hour away, but each showing is a double feature of films currently in theaters for less than you'd pay at the box office. Plus, who doesn't love a drive-in?

Elm City Market, everyone's favorite food co-op in downtown New Haven, hosts a plethora of events throughout the year, including wine and cheese tastings, discount burger days, and workshops on healthy vegetarianism and homeopathic remedies for summertime injuries. While you're there you can pick up some farm-fresh veggies, or even become a member of the co-op to enjoy discounts on some amazing food. Or go pick your own fruit at nearby Bishop's Orchards!

We recently posted all about biking in New Haven, so why not get involved with Elm City Cyclists and hop on a bike tour to get to know some fellow cyclists (and probably catch Patrick there)? Or maybe register for the annual scavenger hunt Cluefest to get to know more about your new city and your new neighbors!

If you like bars with live music, you should be sure to check out Cafe Nine, Toad's Place, or Stella Blues Bar, depending on which strikes your fancy. And of course, you cannot miss The Space, which offers all manner of events fun and musical. There is live music all over New Haven and the summer means there will also be a number of opportunities to enjoy it outside, so keep your eyes and ears open for information or upcoming lawn concerts. There are also several music events in nearby towns, such as the Hamden Summer Concert Series.

If you are here for the 4th of July, head on up to East Rock Park for the annual New Haven fireworks! The show starts at 9pm, but starting at 4pm there will be live music, great food, and summer fun on New Haven's beautiful local geological landmark.

Speaking of geology, if you are around this summer and want to enjoy the great outdoors, we suggest Sleeping Giant State Park or the Branford Land Trust for some hiking or Hammonasset Beach (or the not-as-amazing but certainly closer Lighthouse Point Park or Silver Sands State Park) for some sand-bound lounging. There will be a whole post on the local Great Outdoors coming soon, but if you're around, why wait? Check them out for yourself, and then share your stories with us and your fellow incoming classmates!