Now fully settled into its much-anticipated reopened home, the Yale Peabody Museum has hit its stride as one of the best reasons to spend a spring afternoon in New Haven. Three floors of fossils, ancient artifacts, and living things await and… admission is still free(!!), making it one of the best deals in the region regardless of the weather.

Whether the day turns gray on you or you’re simply looking for something a little more enriching between outdoor adventures, the Peabody delivers. Reserve a timed ticket in advance at the museum’s website since walk-in availability remains limited, especially on weekends. While you’re up on Whitney Ave, Olma Bagels is right around the corner and makes for a satisfying lunch before or after.

Is it really spring in New Haven without a walk around Wooster Square? The 72 Yoshino cherry trees bordering the green are one of the city’s most beloved annual spectacles and people travel from well outside Connecticut just for the bloom. Visit on a weekday mid-morning during peak bloom to beat the crowds. Follow local cherry blossom trackers on social media for real-time bloom updates before making the trip.

While you’re there, Wooster Square’s Italian culinary culture is part of the experience. Grab a cookie from Libby’s or Lucibello’s, find a bench, and look up. Pepe’s and Sally’s are both within easy walking distance for dinner afterward.

This year marks the 53rd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, on Sunday, April 19 from noon to 4:30pm. Expect live music, food, and a few thousand of your closest friends. If crowds aren’t your thing, aim for the week before the festival when the bloom is at its best and the square is quieter.

New Haven Restaurant Week ran March 15–28 this spring, and it was bigger than ever: 23 restaurants across 8 neighborhoods, with prix-fixe menus spanning Italian, Spanish, Belgian-French, and contemporary Mexican. Two-course lunches started at $25; three-course dinners at $45 or $55 per person, excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity.

If you missed the spring edition, the fall installment typically runs in early November, stay tuned at InfoNewHaven.com. Reservations fill up fast at the most popular spots, so book the moment the participating restaurant list drops. Many restaurants are near Yale’s campus, museums, and theater district, making it easy to turn dinner into a full evening in the city. Park New Haven also offers a discounted $6 parking rate at Crown and Temple Street garages during lunch hours throughout Restaurant Week.