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[Music] on the mouth of the Quinnipiac River in Eastern Connecticut, New Haven has a story. Passed in 1638, English Puritans first settled in the area, and from there, a plan to develop a town that would prioritize green space and protect its historic buildings. As the home of Yale University, several spectacular churches, and with New Haven being 20% green or open space, the vision has been successful.
In this video, you'll see the top 10 things to see and do in New Haven. The suggestions are based on our several exciting trips to the City of Angels. Here are our top 10 picks.
Begin with number one, Yale University. One of the most storied educational institutions in the world, Yale University is home to several of the attractions on this list, plus historic Gothic Revival buildings, stunning grounds, and a lively atmosphere when school is in session. No time in New Haven would be complete without exploring the campus. Located on Chapel Street, Yale was founded in 1701 and was known as the Collegiate School. Almost 20 years later, it changed its name to Yale and moved to New Haven. Over the centuries, the campus expanded as its illustrious reputation took hold across the United States.
Number two is the Yale University Art Gallery. Across multiple buildings on the Yale University campus, the Yale University Art Gallery covers a vast array of genres and eras. Upon opening in 1832, the gallery became the first University Art Gallery in the US and has remained at the forefront of local culture through the decades. The Yale University Art Gallery features works by dozens of celebrated artists, including Duam, Picasso, Lonstein, and Rothco. Some of the gallery's most popular displays include their collection of African sculptures and artifacts, which number in the [Music] thousands.
Number three, Connecticut Science Center. More than 150 hands-on exhibits covering fields of science from butterflies to outer space fill the eye-catching building of the Connecticut Science Center. Designed to engage children of all ages, the exhibits encourage them to explore and discover the natural and physical world around them. Science Alley in the main atrium showcases the breadth of scientific discovery, while an engineering lab shows how principles of engineering apply to solving real-world [Music] problems.
Number four, East Rock Park. With 1/5 of New Haven dedicated to green and open space, you'll have an easy time enjoying nature while exploring the downtown streets and the Yale University campus. East Rock Park is the biggest such space in town and is named after the enormous 1.5-mile, 365-foot-high rock. From the top, you can enjoy far-reaching panoramic views of not just New Haven, but as far as the Long Island Sound. After letting your camera go to work, head down the rock to the Pari Rose Garden.
Number five in our list, New Haven Green. On the original nine-square settlement plan created by John Brockett, the New Haven Green was to be the centerpiece. Now a privately owned park in Downtown New Haven, it's a historic space enveloped by the most happening streets in town and the place to go to relax and be with friends and family. A National Historic Landmark, visitors can explore three churches from the 1800s, each one an architectural gem. Beneath the shady oaks, you can get comfortable and enjoy a page-turner, while families can spread out with space to play yard games and have a picnic.
Number six, Lighthouse Point [Music] Park. Featuring a scenic beach, views of Long Island across the sound, and a lighthouse from the 1800s, Lighthouse Point Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The lighthouse is no longer in operation and sadly can't be climbed; however, it adds a stunning element to an already picturesque landscape that makes the park a must-visit. During the spring and fall months, migratory birds stop by Lighthouse Point Park on their routes to the north and south.
Number seven, Little Italy [Music]. Some of the best restaurants in New Haven can be found in the city's own Little Italy. After a big day exploring Yale University or the many parks around town, make your way to Wooster Street for a night of pizza, pasta, and everything in between. Just east of downtown, Little Italy is teeming with aromas of bretta and ravioli along the vibrant street. While you can't go wrong at any of the authentic establishments, you can't beat the pizza at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napolitana.
Number eight, Peabody Museum of Natural History. On Yale's Whitney Avenue, the Peabody Museum of Natural History was formed in 1866 by George Peabody, a renowned philanthropist. It was one of the first natural history museums in the world, and over time, it's grown to be one of the biggest. Visitors can experience a combination of extensive galleries that cover paleontology, anthropology, geology, and biology, among others. One of the most popular exhibits expands upon the museum's stunning Egyptology [Music] collection.
Number nine, Yale Center for British Art. From the Elizabethan period to the 21st century, the Yale Center for British Art has a startling collection of works, the largest of its kind outside of the UK. Visitors can trace the journey of British art through the eras thanks to the assemblage of paintings by Hogarth, Reynolds, Heworth, and Constable, among others. It isn't strictly a British-born gallery; in fact, you'll also find works by Canaletto and Whistler, both of whom played a large role in British art and often created portraits of prominent British figures.
Finish with number 10, Shubert Theater. In the early 1890s, the Shubert brothers, who were big players in the New York theater scene, branched out and opened a gorgeous theater in New Haven. When the doors first opened in 1914, the Shubert Theater quickly became the testing ground for the next Broadway stars, including Liza Minnelli in 1965. While many miles from Broadway itself, the 1,600-seat theater was the place to dust the cobwebs of the shows that would soon take the world by storm. Since the Shubert Theater opened, there have been over 300 world premieres and over 600 Broadway trials.
Now, it's time to hear from you. What's your favorite thing to do in New Haven? Is there something we missed? Let us know in the comments section below, and don't forget to give this video a like and subscribe to Greenable if you haven't already. Click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content. [Music]