From the "top beach town" in the state to this vibrant getaway in the idyllic foothills of the Berkshire mountains, Connecticut is full of charming New England locales. When you're visiting the Constitution State, don't miss the under-the-radar college town of Hamden, Connecticut, an underrated gem filled with waterfalls and scenic vistas. Nicknamed "the Land of the Sleeping Giant" thanks to nearby mountaintops that look like the profile of exactly that — a sleeping giant — Hamden is a nature lover's
dream. It's home to Sleeping Giant State Park, which is full of forests, cliffs, caves, and miles of hiking trails with stunning views. Several other state parks complete your outdoorsy itinerary, and you can finish your trip by visiting a local ice cream shop or restaurant (or both).
Located about 10 miles from New Haven and about 25 miles from Bridgeport, Hamden has a population of over 60,000 and is home to Quinnipiac University. If you're visiting Hamden, you'll likely need a car, although the city does have local bus service provided by CT Transit. If you're visiting from farther away, Connecticut's largest airport, Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, is about 50 miles from Hamden, and New York City is about 90 miles away, too, with train and bus options to and from. There are a few hotels in town, including the popular Residence Inn and a boutique hotel called The Carriage House, but you'll find more options in nearby New Haven.
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Enjoying Nature In Hamden
The number-one place to visit in Hamden is Sleeping Giant State Park. While it's fine to visit throughout the year, it's particularly popular in the fall, thanks to the stunning fall foliage (check out these fall foliage finder resources when planning your trip). The park's 40 miles of hiking trails take you past waterfalls, caves, rivers, and cliffs, with many viewpoints to enjoy the scenery. Particularly notable is the Sleeping Giant Observation Tower, a four-story stone structure built in the 1930s that sees over 100,000 visitors each year. The park's unusual microclimate makes it a unique ecosystem with many rare animals, birds, and plants. Go birdwatching and see how many of the 125 bird species you can spot, or take a nature walk to observe different kinds of trees, ferns, and fungi. One important note: The park is free for Connecticut residents, but there is an entrance fee for out-of-state visitors. On weekdays, the fee is $10 per vehicle; on weekends and holidays, it ticks up to $15.
While you could easily spend days in Sleeping Giant State Park, there are also several other parks that are worth a visit. Farmington Canal Greenway State Park follows the route of the old Farmington Canal, which was in use from 1828 to 1847. Today, the scenic pathway is popular with walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and roller bladers. Hikers will prefer West Rock Ridge State Park, which contains a six-mile-long ridge with 200 square miles of views. Then, there's the Pardee Rose Gardens, with over 50 varieties of roses. Families with kids may enjoy visiting the goat pen at Hindinger Farm or playing on Josh's Jungle, a huge wheelchair-accessible playground.
Check Out What Else Hamden Has To Offer
Quinnipiac University is a major presence in Hamden. Visitors can stroll through the Mount Carmel campus quad, explore the 48,000-square-foot Arnold Bernhard Library, catch a basketball or ice hockey game at M&T Bank Arena, or take in the scenery at the Pat Abbate Alumni Gardens. Outside the campus, Hamden is home to several historic sites of interest. The Eli Whitney Museum is located on the Mill River, where its namesake kick-started the Industrial Revolution by inventing the cotton gin. Nearby, you'll find the Eli Whitney Boarding House, now home to the Preservation Connecticut headquarters. The Hamden Historical Society holds tours and demonstrations celebrating the town's history, including spinning demonstrations at the Jonathan Dickerman House, an 18th-century farming residence, and guided tours of the Talmadge Cider Mill Barn, which dates back to 1810.
Don't leave Hamden without visiting a local eatery. Local favorite Glenwood Drive-In has been serving hot dogs and lobster rolls for over 65 years. Family-owned Italian joint Ristorante Luce is known for its oven-fired pizzas and seafood pastas. The cleverly-named Eli's on Whitney offers 25 beers on tap and locally famous burgers. Newcomer Wildcat offers New American cuisine and curated cocktails. Don't forget dessert: Wentworth Homemade Ice Cream Company serves up unique flavors like chocolate Oreo brownie batter and salty buttered cashew, and Whitney Donut was voted best donuts in Connecticut. You'll have earned a treat after a full day of exploring this charming New England town.
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