New Haven, synonymous with Yale University for which it’s famous, proves to be a calm, coastal getaway, for more than just students. While deciding on a location for a book club girls trip, we reminisced about the descriptions of Yale, and its secret societies (more on that later), from Leigh Bardugo’s novel Ninth House. Looking for our own mystery (and by that I mean a really safe and quaint book lovers type destination), we decided New Haven would be a perfect fit.
Where to Start Your Morning…
Poindexter Coffee
In the great words of Lorolie Gilmore, “Coffee, Coffee, Coffee.” As a Gilmore Girls fan, I was ready to taste all the lattes that Rory herself may have once sipped on. With a campus as prominent as Yale, you can be certain there will be some aesthetically pleasing cafes to give students delicious study fuel. Start your day with a coffee and pastry from Poindexter Coffee. This cozy, elegant coffee shop is located within The Graduate hotel. Located in the heart of downtown and steps from Yale’s campus, Poindexter Coffee is drenched in a beautiful colonial style. Note that they do not have a full kitchen, so if you are looking for something a bit hearty check out our next spot.
Pistachio Cafe
If you need something more filling, or could simply use a double jolt of caffeine, you can’t pick a better spot than Pistachio Cafe. This Instagram worthy cafe is oozing with character, with radios on the walls, windows acting as room dividers, a green and gold ceiling, comfy yet regal seating, and neon signs alongside chandeliers. Luckily, their skill does not stop at interior design. Their middle eastern meets french cuisine menu, specialty coffees, and sweets make for the perfect brunch fuel. Stay true to the name and be sure to order their pistachio latte as well as their pistachio baklava.
Lighthouse Point Park
Indulge in a bit of calming fresh air before you get your day going. Lighthouse Point Park is best known for its…, what do you know…, lighthouse! Circa 1847, this lighthouse was once a beacon to ships but now remains dark. Nevertheless, the beach serves as a meditative place to peruse seashells, feel the coastal wind which brings in the gentle lapping waves, and hear the squawk of the resident sea birds. New England is known for its coastal beauty, and our winter visit to Lighthouse Point Park did not disappoint. Be aware that in summers there is a $30 entrance fee for out of state cars, a carousel on weekends, swimming, and a fountain splash zone. Thus, it will not likely provide you with the relaxation a quick winter stroll promises, but is a great fit for families looking for a way to kill a few hours.
Where to Go on Yale’s Campus…
Yale’s Old Campus and Secret Societies
Yale University is simply stunning. With architecture that pays homage to the great universities of Europe, such as Oxford, you feel transported to a different world as you walk from the city streets to these hallowed halls. Walk under the skyway bridge at the Nolan Center to enter the old campus. Directly to your left will be Skull and Bones, one of Yale’s esteemed secret societies. Some of the best known, with even presidential alumni, are Skull and Bones, Scroll and Key, Wolf’s Head, and Book and Snake, all of which we were able to get to by typing into Google Maps. While this was especially cool for our group, as we had read Ninth House, since you are not allowed inside and not much is known about their dealings some might find this dull. If so, don’t worry, wherever you stroll through the old campus you’re sure to find picturesque buildings and foliage. Ensure you view Harkness Tower and amble down Library Walk.
Sterling Memorial Library
You don’t have to be a student to study at Yale; Sterling Memorial Library is open to the public. This 1930 gothic style library is the largest on Yale’s campus, and one of the University’s best known buildings. By speaking with other visitors, we learned Yale draws tourists from around the world, and this building alone could speak wonders as to why. With tall ceilings, a central nave, cloisters, and stained glass, Sterling Memorial Library has all the hallmarks of a heavenly European cathedral. You could certainly spend an hour examining the stacks and gawking at the architecture here, or fantasizing that you are in Hogwarts as parts of the library bare a resemblance. Photos are allowed as long as you make sure no students or staff are in the background.
Yale Art Galleries
Yale is one of the most artistically renowned of the Ivy’s, so it is no surprise they have obtained an impressive art collection. Right across the street from each other, both the Yale University Art Gallery and Yale Center for British Art are free, open to the public, and provide lockers for your belongings. If pressed for time, make sure to see the fourth floor in the Yale Center for British Art. Here you will have an impressive portrait and landscape gallery. You also can’t miss the ancient art collection housed in a cathedral-like room directly to the right of the entrance in the Yale University Art Gallery. If you have additional time, explore both of these galleries in full, as they have many permanent and rotating exhibitions that are world class.
Where to Pick Up Souvenirs…
Book Trader Cafe
With all the reading surely going on in New Haven, what better souvenir to take home with you than a book? Book Trader Cafe is an independent bookstore perpendicular to Poindexter Coffee. Here, you can scan shelves of used books to find unique reading material of all genres. There is something for everyone, even Fifty Shades of Grey in Spanish. Sadly, we did not make that purchase. Nevertheless, our book club left with uncommon history and art novels that would be hard to find at your local Barnes and Noble. And yes, more “coffee, coffee, coffee,” is available at their inhouse cafe. Pop a squat in their greenhouse style sitting area as you flip through the pages of your new find.
The Yale Bookstore
If you are looking for something a little more classic, try The Yale Bookstore. The Yale Bookstore sells books (obviously), clothing, ornaments, knick knacks, postcards, and more. While enrolled students do their actual school shopping here, don’t be ashamed to get your characteristic sweater or t-shirt with Yale printed proudly across it. And if anyone ever asks you, you technically did “go” to Yale. Due to this being official merchandise, the prices can run a bit high, so look towards their clearance sections for a better deal.
Where to Fill Up…
Sally’s Apizza
Did you know New Haven is known nationwide for its pizzerias? There’s the big three; Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Modern Apizza, and Sally’s Apizza. Having heard from others that Sally’s Apizza was some of the best pizza they ever had, we opted to check out this oldschool 1938 joint. Though its origins came after Frank Pepe’s, nothing about Sally’s is anything but authentic. The interior is wood paneled with memorabilia showcasing some of its guests, like President John F. Kennedy and one of Sally’s biggest fans, Frank Sinatra. If you are eating in (they do take away too), you’ll need to arrive about two hours early. We got in line at 6:30 and were told we were the last guests before their 8:00 pm closing. Keep yourself occupied and stay in line because this coal-powered brick oven pizza is worth the wait.
Via Gastrobar
Pizza isn’t the only part of New Haven gastronomes will cherish. Though we did stick with Italian cuisine, we were drawn to the playful decor of Via Gastrobar. With colorful murals, a fake Italian Ice cart, both string and pink neon lights, and a full wall of live foliage, the atmosphere matched the trendy, girls-trip vibes we were looking for. Monday through Thursday they offer a prix fixe menu of wine, an appetizer, and an entree for only $29.95, but we opted for a few of their small plates. Via Gastrobar is located directly across from Louis’ Lunch, an adorable and rustic New Haven staple that claims to have invented the hamburger in 1895. As they only serve burgers and seating was limited we opted to cross the street, but real aficionados should hit up Louis’ as well!
Sherkaan Indian Street Food
Looking to switch up our regional flavor palette for the trip, we were pleased to stumble upon Sherkaan Indian Street Food, located right next door to The Yale Bookstore. While some of our group was trying Indian food for the first time, those of us who had it before agreed this was some of the best we have had. The vibrant and eclectic, with bicycles hanging from the ceiling, interior translates to the food. Color and flavor both burst off of the plate, and at extremely affordable prices. The vada pav sliders were to die for and the butter chicken was a big hit. Just make sure to order some naan for the whole table; you can never have too much.
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