Hamden, CT Road Trips

The main industries in the town are retail trade, computer products, manufacture of wire and cable, concrete, pump mixer products, fabricated metals, construction and business services. Business services account for half of employment in the town, with retail trade accounting for about a quarter, and manufacturing accounting for about 10%. Hamden is a residential suburb for New Haven, with more residents commuting to work in New Haven than residents working in Hamden. Hamden was purchased by William Christopher Reilly and the Reverend John Davenport in 1638 from the local Quinnipiack Native American tribe. It was settled by Puritans as part of the town of New Haven. It remained a part of New Haven until 1786 when 1,400 local residents incorporated the area as a separate town, naming it after the English statesman John Hampden. Largely developed as a nodal collection of village-like settlements (which remain distinct today), including Mount Carmel (home to Quinnipiac University), Whitneyville, Spring Glen, West Woods, and Highwood, Hamden has a long-standing industrial history. In 1798, four years after Eli Whitney began manufacturing the cotton gin in New Haven, he made arms for the U.S. government at a mill site in Hamden, where a waterfall provided a good source of power. At that site, Whitney introduced the modern era of mass production with the concept of interchangeable parts. Whitney constructed stone houses for his employees in the nearby area, which is still referred to as Whitneyville; this is believed to be the first example of employer-provided homes in U.S.

1 Quinnipiac University, 275 Mount Carmel Ave, ☏ +1 203 582-8200. Across from the picturesque Sleeping Giant, Quinnipiac University is a private university that offers 52 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate majors as well as the JD (law) program. With its modern brick buildings and scenic grounds, Quinnipiac provides its students with the feel of a small, New England town. 2 The Eli Whitney Museum, 915 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203 777-1833. The Eli Whitney Museum is the site of the former Eli Whitney Armory, where muskets and rifles were produced during the 1800s. The museum's main attraction is the Cotton Gin exhibit (invented by Eli Whitney). The museum still houses the original water powered machinery used at the factory during the Industrial Revolution. 3 Ireland's Great Hunger Museum, 3011 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203 582-6500, [email protected]. $5, children and students free. (updated Feb 2020)

1 Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mount Carmel Ave, ☏ +1 203 287-5658, [email protected]. 8AM-sunset. A monumental park, it is meant for those of any age to hike and enjoy the scenic climb as well as the view from the top of the whole town of Hamden and its surrounding areas. The mountain got its name because it is in the shape of a sleeping giant. There is an authentic stone castle at the top. It is perfect for picnics and walks. (updated Feb 2020) Farmington Canal. This paved trail runs through Hamden into its neighboring town, Cheshire. It goes along side a canal that was used in the 19th century. This trail is used to for leisure for those of any age throughout the town. From bicycle riding and roller blading to walking and jogging, it is meant for any of these and utilized quite frequently in the warmer months. Sleeping Giant Golf course, 3931 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203 281-9456. Sleeping Giant Golf Course is a 9-hole public golf course nestled next to Sleeping Giant State Park. Sleeping Giant Golf Course is a friendly course for beginners and intermediates alike. Tee times are available in advance and there is also 300-yard driving range open until sunset. Clubs and carts can be rented from the pro shop. Lake Wintergreen, Wintergreen Ave (take Exit 60; turn right off the exit ramp onto Dixwell Avenue/Route 10 South; take a right at the next light onto Benham Street. Follow Benham Street to the end. Turn left onto Main Street; at a sharp left, turn right into the parking lot for the Lake Wintergreen area).

Glenwood Drive-In, 2538 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203 281-0604. If you miss the 1950s and have a craving for hot dogs? Then Glenwood is the place for you! Having been voted #1 hot dogs in Connecticut Magazine and being around since 1955, Glenwood Drive-In isn't going anywhere! Providing a blast from the past, every Wednesday Glenwood holds antique car shows in their parking lot for all those who wish to enjoy the classic menu and atmosphere of this Hamden institution. Wentworth's Ice Cream, 3697 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203 281-7429. If you're in the mood for real homemade ice cream then Wentworth's is the place to visit. Located in a house about a century old and designed like an old-fashion ice cream parlor, Wentworth's provides parlor chairs around tiny tables. On those warm summer days you'll find people enjoying their ice cream in the charming white gazebo and benches located on the grounds. Eli's Brick Oven Pizza and Market, 2402 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203 288-1686. Eli's Pizza offers thin-crust brick oven pizza like no other in town. Dine in and enjoy anything from pizza to salads and fine Italian cuisine, or take something home from the spacious take-out room like stuffed breads and pre-packaged dinners. Prices are very low and most entrees are under $15. Ristorante Luce*, 2987 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203-407-8000. Ristorante Luce serves regional Italian cuisine and has a large selection of fine wine. It has a relaxed Tuscan atmosphere and was awarded "The most romantic restaurant in New Haven County" by Connecticut Magazine.

Side Street Grille, 15 Dickerman St, ☏ +1 203 407-1539. Restaurant and bar, Side Street is on a side street off of Whitney Ave. Great food, drinks and comedy nights, Side Street attracts more of a younger crowd due to the presence of Quinnipiac University right down the street. Though it can be pricey, they offer a wide variety of beverages and dishes that sound too appealing to pass up. The Playwright-Irish Pub and Restaurant, 1232 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203 287-2401. Whether you are Irish or not, the Playwright is the place to drink in Hamden! This restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, offers take out, and provides traditional Irish music every Sunday and Tuesday! Bartenders with authentic brogue accents and a dining room that resembles an Irish cottage, its no wonder no one ever wants to leave this Irish vacation!

The Carriage House, 2297 Whitney Ave, ☏ +1 203-780-8388. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. $103.

The easiest way to get to Hamden from the surrounding towns is via I-95 (exit 48 to I-91 follow to exit 10) or the Merritt Parkway (exits 60-63). Bradley International Airport, 11 Schoephoester Rd, Windsor Locks (right off exit 40 on I-91, about 45 minutes from Hamden), ☏ +1 860 292-2000. The closest international airport. (updated May 2020) Amtrak, 50 Union Ave, New Haven, ☏ +1 203 773-6000. Trains run through about 46 states. You can catch the train at the Union Station in New Haven. It is most frequently used to travel to work or into New York City. (updated May 2020)

The Wilbur Cross Parkway runs through the center of the town serving as a connection to Hartford to the north and the New York metropolitan area to the south. The town is connected to Interstate 91 via Connecticut Route 40, a spur expressway to the Mount Carmel section of town. The main route from the town center to New Haven passing through the commercial areas of Hamden is Dixwell Avenue (Route 10). Another route to New Haven via the Spring Glen and Whitneyville residential neighborhoods is Whitney Avenue. CT Transit operates buses stopping in main areas such as the Hamden plaza, Hamden Hills/Centerville, Circular Avenue, and Putnam Place. Regular cash fares are $1.25 but you could also purchase a 3-, 5-, 7-, or 31-day pass. These prices range from $7.50-45. The main bus routes in the town are the Dixwell Avenue (238) and the Whitney Avenue (228/229) routes. Other secondary routes serving the town are the State Street (224), Winchester Avenue (234), and Shelton Avenue (237) bus routes. The major thoroughfare through Hamden is named Whitney Avenue in honor of Eli Whitney, and it runs past Whitney's old factory, now the Eli Whitney Museum.