New Haven is not a big city, but its distinguished
reputation is well-known across the country. For Americans, 'New
Haven' connotes intellectual brilliance, historic tradition, and
sometimes controversy.
It is the home of prestigious Yale University, the
charter for which was granted in 1701. Having suffered a decline in
population and the economy from the 1960s until the late 1990s, the
recent revitalization of downtown New Haven owes its success to the
initiatives of both the local government and Yale's own property
management programme, despite historic disputes between 'town and
gown'.
Today, New Haven is the second-largest city in
Connecticut, but it remains steeped in history and elegance and
retains the atmosphere of a much smaller town. It has more National
Historic Landmarks than anywhere else in Connecticut. Walking along
tree-lined Wooster Square, historic New Haven Green and the many
leafy downtown streets, it is easy to understand how the 'Elm City'
got its nickname.
After visitors have taken in the beautiful vista of
Long Island Sound and enjoyed hiking, biking, and canoeing in the
public parklands surrounding the city, New Haven's abundance of
theatres, museums, music venues, restaurants, shops, and nightlife
options await.
The Chapel Street Historic District buzzes with
galleries, boutiques, and bistros, and the newly redeveloped
Broadway area is a shopper's heaven. The Shubert, Long Wharf, and
Yale Repertory Theaters are renowned for ground-breaking
performances, and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra is the fourth
oldest in the country.