7 Things You Can (Still) Do in
New Haven in February 2021

With its icy temperatures, February in New Haven is usually the ideal time to enjoy museum trips, cozy café meet-ups, and bundled up winter walks. While some of these options remain possible, the pandemic has affected our usual February weekends. The following list of activities are proof that you don’t have to stay trapped in your home for the next 28 days! Get out, explore and keep enjoying the amazing attractions New Haven has to offer.

 
1. Stroll around Yale University Campus
Wrap up warm and go for a walk around Yale’s prestigious campus. From the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail to a walk around Broadway, there are many impressive buildings to walk past and history to soak in. I enjoy the walk from the New Haven Green up though College Street and along Prospect Street taking in the various campus college’s architecture.

Yale’s official visitor tours may be cancelled but you can still explore campus as well as enjoying the online virtual guides on offer. Why not watch an informative virtual tour before heading out to see the sights in person?

3. Hike up East Rock

For the best views of Downtown New Haven, the harbor and Long Island Sound, enjoy the nature trials up East Rock.  The 425-acre park boasts over 10 miles of trials for walkers, joggers and cross-country skiers to explore.

As far as hikes go, East Rock is beginner friendly with clear paths. You can even walk, cycle, or drive up to the summit via Summit Drive. You’ve most likely seen it’s the most recognizable attraction, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, from downtown. East Rock Park is open from sunrise to sunset all year.

My favorite route starts at the Eli Whitney Museum car park and winds through the trees. It’s a clearly marked path and takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. So put on your hat, gloves and boots to get some fresh air and see some spectacular views.

5. Explore the Marsh Botanical Gardens

For a change of scenery, head over to Mansfield Street to Yale’s Marsh Botanical Gardens and view their stunning collections spanning over 6 greenhouses and several outdoor areas. From exotic carnivorous plants to their tropical collection and The Desert House, walk around and marvel at the stunning plant species collected and preserved by researchers, faculty and students at Yale. The 8 acres of gardens are open to the public free of change from Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.

7. Visit a CitySeed Market

Throughout the warmer months, you can find several CitySeed markets pop up around the city. The organizers have found a winter location to continue this incredible trader’s market. Head over to Conte West Hills School where they’ll be selling local goods from 10am to 1pm every Saturday throughout February. There are around 16 vendors in the parking lot offering fresh local produce, baked treats, eggs, meat and more.

From natural escapes to indulgent eateries, New Haven continues to be the place that has it all! Don’t let the wintery weather or pandemic stop you from enjoying this incredible city.