New Haven may be a university town, but the fun really begins when the semester ends. Here are three events we recommend at The Audubon New Haven to get your summer started early.
To remind you that downtown apartments aren’t so far from the shore after all
On the first Saturday in June, go to Long Wharf, New Haven’s Long Island Sound waterfront, to watch the Dragon Boat Regatta. What’s a dragon boat? The organizers explain: “Essentially, it’s a 40 foot canoe with 20 paddlers, a drummer to maintain the cadence, and a sweep or steers-person. The paddlers sit side-by-side in rows of two, and work together in unison to propel the boat.” And, of course, the boats have dragon heads, as you can see in this video. For the best view, watch from the decks of the Canal Dock Boathouse, New Haven’s boating center. From our downtown New Haven apartments, it’s about a mile and a half away—close enough that some of our upper-level units have water views.
While you’re at the races, check out the New Haven Food Truck Festival, happening at the same time. Long Wharf, known to many as the busy road alongside I-95 from which you can see New Haven Harbor, is a destination for food trucks year round. People go there just for the taco trucks. But this annual festival means even more options for tasty street food.
Afterwards, take in Long Wharf. From the food truck parking lot, it’s a short walk to Long Wharf Nature Preserve. It’s a surprisingly located swath of nature by the highway. Follow the signs for self-guided tour and learn about Long Island Sound ecology. Then make a mental note to return to the area some night for a performance at the renowned Long Wharf Theatre. This Tony Award-winning theater is unexpectedly found amid the loading docks of a wholesale food district. It’s one of the many surprises you’ll find when you explore beyond the area of downtown New Haven apartments.
If you think downtown New Haven already has a lot of art, wait for this
Every June brings to New Haven the International Festival of Arts & Ideas for two weeks of music, dance, theater, talks, and tours. The festival starts the second week of the month, so browse the lineup now and make a game plan. If you’re overwhelmed by choices, start with the free outdoor concerts. These performances are always a highlight of summer in New Haven. Remember to pack a picnic at your apartment when you head to the New Haven Green, an 11-minute walk from The Audubon New Haven. Note that the tours — by on foot, by bike, and even by boat — fill up fast, so make a reservation. If you’re new to New Haven, these tours are a fun way to learn about your city.
Relax with a drink, summer-style
Enjoying food and drink outside is one of summer’s great pleasures. That’s what Happy Hour in the Plaza is all about. This after-work imbibing time takes place in Temple Plaza, a grassy oasis behind the Shubert Theater, a 13-minute walk from The Audubon New Haven. Every Thursday and Friday from June through August, you’ll find a rotating selection of downtown bars and restaurants providing beer or cocktails and bites to eat. Outdoor games and live music or DJs add to the relaxed air, perfect for winding down your day. Keep the evening going by following happy hour with dinner out. Nights like this will make you glad to be living in downtown New Haven apartments.
Photo: A concert on the New Haven Green—a favorite part of summer in New Haven for anyone living in downtown New Haven apartments! (c/o The International Festival of Arts & Ideas.)
