Right after my Boston trip, I took the train for about two and a half hours and arrived in New Haven, CT. This was my first time riding Amtrak and it was better than expected. They had these comfortable seats with free Wi-Fi and charging stations. More, you can see the beautiful views of the nature. Now those common city views but more like lakes, rivers and bridges. I have seen many people going to the major cities, but haven’t really read New Haven travels. While New Haven isn’t one of those fun trendy cities, I think it’s a beautiful and quiet city to observe architecture and nature.
1. Yale University Art Gallery
This free art gallery offers so many exhibits throughout their building. From African, American, Asian to European, you will have a lot of fun seeing all the traditional and contemporary modern art while you are here. My favorites were the European and contemporary modern art since those were more relatable!
You get to see the view of Yale campus from the inside of this art gallery. The weather was really nice on this day, so all the photos came out great. There’s a nice garden in the back of the building — which it sorta reminds me of a palace since the design is unique.
2. Shops at Yale + Broadway
These two shops are located in the shopping district just about 10 minutes from Yale University campus. Shops at Yale has more local restaurants and cafe, while Broadway shops have stores you are more familiar with like Urban Outfitters, Lululemon, J.Crew and more!
3. Atticus Bookstore Cafe
This small cafe is located in New Haven Green and perfect to eat and read books. New Haven Green is pretty much an intersection park. At Atticus Bookstore Cafe you can either dine-in or to-go. The menu seemed to be different for people who are doing a dine-in and who are to-going. The staffs are friendly and their food is very delicious! My mom and I shared a salad since they give bread for appetizer.
4. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
There are several libraries in the campus of Yale University, but this one is special. It’s not huge but it’s unique. As you can see it in the photo, there are a lot of books in the center of the first and second floors. You can’t borrow them, but if you ask for a certain resource, they might give you access to it. This library feels like more of an art than your normal library. Look how well organized and colorful the bookshelves are!
The main reason I wanted to come here was because I read that there’s a manuscript written in a secret code in this library, but not a single person has been able to decode it so far. However, once I stepped in this rare book and manuscript library, I was too busy looking at the books, I didn’t even ask about the manuscript with secret codes. The exterior of the building looks like as if it’s made up of thousands of old tv screens!
5. The Juice Box
We came to juice box which is right next door after dining in Atticus Bookstore. The cafe has smoothies and acai bowls. I got the berry smoothie with blueberry, strawberry, raspberry and watermelon. It was super refreshing, especially after exploring in the sunny weather in New Haven!
6. Dawson Ave Beach
This beach is more of a neighborhood type of beach, but it’s so beautiful! Houston doesn’t really have this type of scenery to see, so I knew I wanted to go somewhere with ocean and sand. The peaceful sound of the waves keep you relaxed. For me, I enjoy listening to waves or rain drops when I study. What about you? Another tradition I always do when I go to the beach is to write my name and take a photo just before the waves come close to me. It’s really fun and memorable. I also cannot forget how I met friendly seagull families here, they were super adorable.
Thank you for reading! :) All travel guide photos are taken by me!
