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J.R.’s Top 10 Fun and Civic Activities in New Haven
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During my three years in New Haven I have learned a lot about the city and the many fun activities available. I frequently find myself sharing my favorites suggested activities when I met other 20 and 30 something’s who are new to town or are looking to become more involved. In that spirit I want to share my personal “top 10” list of social and civic activities in New Haven. I know this is not a comprehensive list nor will these activities appeal to everyone but I hope that it might help you discover something new.
1. TGWNN /Cluefest
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tgwnn/
This is a group that aims to “turn residents into citizens” by organizing or encouraging people to attend local civic or social events. You can find out about their event s by email notice if you signup at their Yahoo Group. You can also be their fan on facebook. The premier TGWNN event is a city wide scavenger hunt called Cluefest that draws about 300 young people annually. They have a lot of interesting members who are involved in the community. The Christmas party should also not be missed.
Disclaimer: I was involved with organizing Cluefest so I have an obvious bias toward it.
This is a group that aims to “turn residents into citizens” by organizing or encouraging people to attend local civic or social events. You can find out about their event s by email notice if you signup at their Yahoo Group. You can also be their fan on facebook. The premier TGWNN event is a city wide scavenger hunt called Cluefest that draws about 300 young people annually. They have a lot of interesting members who are involved in the community. The Christmas party should also not be missed.
Disclaimer: I was involved with organizing Cluefest so I have an obvious bias toward it.
2. SantaCon
http://sites.google.com/site/newhavensantacon/
Do fifty fully dressed Jolly Santas seem like fun? For this pub-crawl everyone attending dresses like Santa and storms a series of bars. The Santas sing Christmas carols and sometimes give small gifts to people along the route. It’s done in cities around the world and for the first time in New Haven last year. Although this outing is officially not organized by anyone the website indicates there should be a good New Haven Santacon in 2009.
Do fifty fully dressed Jolly Santas seem like fun? For this pub-crawl everyone attending dresses like Santa and storms a series of bars. The Santas sing Christmas carols and sometimes give small gifts to people along the route. It’s done in cities around the world and for the first time in New Haven last year. Although this outing is officially not organized by anyone the website indicates there should be a good New Haven Santacon in 2009.
3. New Haven Collective
http://newhavencollective.com
http://www.meetup.com/New-Haven-Collective/calendar/
The New Haven Collective is a group that gathers primarily for a weekly happy hour (Mondays) but if you check their calendar you will see that members attend and create lots of other events. This group is very welcoming and aimed at people who are new to town.
http://www.meetup.com/New-Haven-Collective/calendar/
The New Haven Collective is a group that gathers primarily for a weekly happy hour (Mondays) but if you check their calendar you will see that members attend and create lots of other events. This group is very welcoming and aimed at people who are new to town.
4. Canoeing
http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Parks/outdooradventure/
New Haven has some fantastic canoeing assets. There are many rivers in the city that are well protected and seem more natural than one would expect in a city. Along the waterways you will see locals crabbing in the bountiful area where salt and fresh water met. You can get maps and launch locations on the city’s website. to the Don’t have a canoe? Look at the city’s canoe events such as the midnight canoe trip. The Bioregional (http://newhavenbioregionalgroup.org/ ) group also does a nice canoeing trip down the Quinnipiac River every year.
New Haven has some fantastic canoeing assets. There are many rivers in the city that are well protected and seem more natural than one would expect in a city. Along the waterways you will see locals crabbing in the bountiful area where salt and fresh water met. You can get maps and launch locations on the city’s website. to the Don’t have a canoe? Look at the city’s canoe events such as the midnight canoe trip. The Bioregional (http://newhavenbioregionalgroup.org/ ) group also does a nice canoeing trip down the Quinnipiac River every year.
5. Green Drinks Happy Hours
http://greendrinks.org/index.php?country=USA&city=New%20Haven
This is a monthly gathering of anyone who cares about the environment. It attracts a variety of people in green industries, government and environmental nonprofits. It happens at a different bar every time and has a short presentation by a member on a green subject. You can get on the mailing list by emailing newhavengreendrinks@gmail.com
This is a monthly gathering of anyone who cares about the environment. It attracts a variety of people in green industries, government and environmental nonprofits. It happens at a different bar every time and has a short presentation by a member on a green subject. You can get on the mailing list by emailing newhavengreendrinks@gmail.com
6. Critical Mass Ride
New Haven Critical Mass meets the last Friday of every month at 5:30pm on the New Haven Green. They get as many bikers as they can to travel through the city as a group blocking traffic as they go. The goal is to raise awareness of bikers in the city. This ride is sometimes accompanied by Police Officers, both on bicycles and in motor. Group numbers range from 30+ in winter and inclement weather to 150+ during the summer and is an interesting mix of biking advocates and the socially rebellious.
7. New Haven Hash House Harriers
http://www.newhavenh3.org/
The Hash House Harriers are an international group of non-competitive running, social and drinking clubs. Hashing originated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1938, when a group of British officers a fashioned a game based on the traditional British Paper Chase or "Hare and Hounds" games. Basically a small group of runners get a head start and the main group chaises. Those that are pursued have to leave a trail to be followed but can use deception and other tricks to slow the pursuing pack. The idea has since grown internationally and has now been a chapter operating in New Haven for a little more than a year. The Hash House Harriers everywhere encourage inappropriate jokes and foul language at their events (so you have been warned). Most runs average about 5 miles but there is normally also a walking route. Each event ends in a gathering with a potluck at a house or in a pub and always includes beer drinking.
The Hash House Harriers are an international group of non-competitive running, social and drinking clubs. Hashing originated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1938, when a group of British officers a fashioned a game based on the traditional British Paper Chase or "Hare and Hounds" games. Basically a small group of runners get a head start and the main group chaises. Those that are pursued have to leave a trail to be followed but can use deception and other tricks to slow the pursuing pack. The idea has since grown internationally and has now been a chapter operating in New Haven for a little more than a year. The Hash House Harriers everywhere encourage inappropriate jokes and foul language at their events (so you have been warned). Most runs average about 5 miles but there is normally also a walking route. Each event ends in a gathering with a potluck at a house or in a pub and always includes beer drinking.
8. Young Pros
http://www.young-pros.org/
According to their website "The 'Young-Pros' is a network through which young and young-thinking professionals in the Greater New Haven area can meet and exchange ideas." These gatherings happen monthly and are normally well attended with 50 people showing up. My experience is that at gatherings of this group you will likely see more business suits and to exchange business cards then at a TGWNN or Collective gathering. The Young Pros also arranges special events for people on their mailing list. One example is that I was able to get access to a great box seat at the Pilot Pen because of a Young Pros arrangement.
According to their website "The 'Young-Pros' is a network through which young and young-thinking professionals in the Greater New Haven area can meet and exchange ideas." These gatherings happen monthly and are normally well attended with 50 people showing up. My experience is that at gatherings of this group you will likely see more business suits and to exchange business cards then at a TGWNN or Collective gathering. The Young Pros also arranges special events for people on their mailing list. One example is that I was able to get access to a great box seat at the Pilot Pen because of a Young Pros arrangement.
9. BMAD (Bethany Music and Dance)
http://www.conntras.org/billfischer.htm
OK this is not in New Haven but its too great an experience to pass up. This wholesome event is a huge monthly potluck and contra dancing gathering. As you walk around Bill Fischer’s (the host) farm house you will be greeted by musicians of all ages gathering spontaneously to play in any of the house’s many rooms. The evening always ends with a large group contra dance (like square dancing). It’s a lot of fun and amazing to me that Bill is willing to share his home with so many.
OK this is not in New Haven but its too great an experience to pass up. This wholesome event is a huge monthly potluck and contra dancing gathering. As you walk around Bill Fischer’s (the host) farm house you will be greeted by musicians of all ages gathering spontaneously to play in any of the house’s many rooms. The evening always ends with a large group contra dance (like square dancing). It’s a lot of fun and amazing to me that Bill is willing to share his home with so many.
10. Geocaching West Rock
http://www.geocaching.com
With geocaching you get coordinates to a container hidden deep in the woods. After loading the coordinates into a GPS you have a reason to leave the trail and discover hidden natural treasures. Although this is a national website and an activity that can be done anywhere I highlight it because I particularly enjoyed Geocaching in West Rock. West Rock’s parks and lakes are beautiful and its rugged trails make you forget you are only minutes from the center of town.
With geocaching you get coordinates to a container hidden deep in the woods. After loading the coordinates into a GPS you have a reason to leave the trail and discover hidden natural treasures. Although this is a national website and an activity that can be done anywhere I highlight it because I particularly enjoyed Geocaching in West Rock. West Rock’s parks and lakes are beautiful and its rugged trails make you forget you are only minutes from the center of town.
Honorable Mentions
(in no particular order at all)
Leadership Greater New Haven
http://www.gnhcc.com/chamber/?id=4
http://www.gnhcc.com/chamber/?id=4
Other Favorites? Disagree with my ranking? Let us know about them in the comments.
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