Six Ways to Explore New Haven
Through January 26, the Yale School of Architecture is featuring “George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher,” an exhibition taking a look at the pioneering designer’s work, including iconic furniture pieces like the Marshmallow Sofa and Platform Bench, his innovative workspace designs, and much more. Take a long weekend and catch the exhibit along with these six ways to explore the surroundings in New Haven, CT.
1. East Rock Park – If you’re looking for a little New Haven nature (and are willing to brave the elements), East Rock is the area’s largest park, complete with nature and hiking trails and even a bird sanctuary, Take a winter’s stroll to the summit of East Rock for an unmatched vista view of Long Island Sound. East Rock Park is located on the New Haven / Hamden border, roughly bounded by Livingston Street, Davis Street, State Street, and the Mill River. Visit New Haven Parks for information.
2. Atticus Bookstore + Café - After the park, grab a book and coffee break in Atticus, an independent bookseller that’s been serving New Haven for more than 30 years. With an extensive selection of books, Atticus also features art exhibits and a formidable café menu. Atticus, 203-776-3719, 1082 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
3. Yale Center for British Art - Designed by Louis I. Kahn and completed in 1974, the Center is home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of British artwork outside of the UK. Through March 10th, explore the paintings of Mark Leonard in “Reflections on Constable’s Cloud Studies.” Yale Center for British Art, 203-432-2800, 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
4. The Cask Republic - Wet your whistle on the Crown Street strip in this tavern featuring a broad, ever-rotating selection of beers along with well-crafted pub fair pairings. Cask also barrels and bottle-ages beer on site, showing its ales that extra bit of affection. The Cask Republic, 475-238-8335, 179 Crown Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
5. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library - If books or history are your passion, don’t miss visiting the Beinecke. The striking library, designed by Gordon Bunshaft, serves as Yale’s “principal repository for literary archives, early manuscripts, and rare books” and celebrates its 50th year in 2013. The library features a variety of events, and if you have research to do, check the library’s visitor guidelines. Beinecke Library, 203-436-1254, 121 Wall Street, New Haven, CT 06511.
6. Zinc - Go from modern American design to modern American food with a meal at this farm to table bistro. Just across from the New Haven Green, Zinc’s menu features sustainable foods from the surrounding community, perfect for a post-Nelson gathering. Zinc, 203-624-0507, 964 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
“George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher“, through January 26, Yale School of Architecture, 203-432-2288, Rudolph Hall, 180 York Street, New Haven, CT, 06511.
Photos linked within text.