I came from Boston, but moved here when I was 30. I wasn’t trying to party or be hip, but I love eating good food and having a good drink which there are many options. I love walkability, and I like small local businesses. With that, I like New Haven. And judging by the crowds downtown on the weekends, so do many others in the area.

You can’t compare it to Boston really, because “Boston” is also Somerville, Southie, Dorchester, etc. I’d say overall New Haven is more like Cambridge. Or maybe more like Providence.

If you’ve visited any area besides the direct blocks around Yale, and you felt like it was your vibe, then you’ll prob like it.

Went to a ska show there randomly a couple weeks ago. I hope they can find a new spot in the area, the vibe works really well for the city.

Just wanna jump into this thread as the owner(s)—Westville General is where I’m pushing more hyper local stuff like NHV hats, keychains, notepads, etc.

Strange Ways has local artists, but not necessarily things that say CT/New Haven. These deadstock Connecticut patches are cool tho! https://www.strange-ways.com/products/vintage-connecticut-patch

PS-Always appreciate the store reccs during gift giving season. 🙏🎁

Thanks for the recc of my store! We just released these ornaments: https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClbUeFFg8nV/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I hope so! Here’s the newest stuff: https://www.strange-ways.com/collections/gay-pride-pins-patches?sort_by=created-descending

Thank you! ☺️ Hope to see a lot of people there for holiday gifts as we’ve been adding tons of new product. 🎁

My other shop Strange Ways has some deadstock of these cool Connecticut patches, which are easy to ship: https://www.strange-ways.com/collections/new-haven-and-connecticut-merchandise/products/vintage-connecticut-patch

I’d also say check out Dwell oh Chapel for some local made stuff.

My store Westville General has local themed items that say New Haven, Connecticut, or Westville including mugs, hats, coasters, keychains—and dropping soon: new ornaments!

Please visit. 🙂 https://www.westvillegeneral.com