As summer begins and the world starts to open up again, we thought it would be fun to ask our team what are some of their favorite local spots or designs throughout Connecticut. We hope this blog post will inspire people to get out there and explore new places!
Aurora
Within architecture and architecture school we spend countless hours in front of a screen. For that reason, I love getting out to places like Talcott Mountain to take a break from work and getting outside. The views from the Heublien tower, and the respective hike to get there accentuate the beauty of the natural landscape made by the first architects: the forces of nature. The Heublien tower is an example of how man can implement their will into the design of nature but is able to still connect their ideas into the place they reside.
Jeannette
One of my favorite things about venturing out more in New Haven as the city opens up is the discovery of some amazing new public art! New Haven’s number of public murals seems to have exploded in the last few years. These murals are amazing as navigational tools, as ways of boosting a building or block’s identity, as conversation starters, and as sources of color, delight, and curiosity as one moves through the city.
There are some old favorites – such as Felice Varini’s multi-dimensional “Square with Four Circles” at Temple Plaza – and new ones, such as David de la Mano’s image of soaring eagles over the original New Haven coastline, or Michael DeAngelo’s portraits of local essential workers Dave Higgins (a bus driver) and Michelle Salazar (a general surgery resident). Murals elsewhere use bright colors to highlight neighborhood scenes, individuals, or messages. They all serve as amazing reminders to open your eyes wide and appreciate the various forms that design may take in your urban environment.
Max
I happened to discover, sort of by accident, Edgerton park when I moved to my house in Hamden and went out exploring. This is a 25 acre former estate of Eli Whitney which includes a carriage house, conservatory, greenhouses, community garden, a very large water fountain looking out to East rock and a farm hosting resident chickens!
If there is anything in the neighborhood I love that truly makes me feel at home it is definitely this park. My dog and I love going there. The architecture of the old structures that have remained and landscape are exquisite and picturesque. The park was designed in 1909 by Robert Storer Stephenson in the style of the 18th century English landscape gardens. I especially love that in our walks we get to enjoy the landscape, views, its trees and the public events that take place there like Shakespeare by the Park.
This is the place where I can just go find a bench, sit, and relax.
Brian
When I moved to New Haven in 2006, East Rock Park became one of my favorite places for many reasons. It has nice trails to walk or hike, they have fireworks on Fourth of July, amazing views of the city, and a nice park area at the top, great for relaxing, sledding or grilling some food! At the top of the mountain there is also the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which honors the residents of New Haven who gave their lives in war. The memorial gets lit up at night and can be seen for miles.
East Rock Park then became the spot where my wife and I started dating and constantly kept going for dates or just to hang out with friends. It became so special that when we were expecting our first child we knew, whether it was a boy or a girl, that their name would be East! And true to our word, our daughter’s name is East Valentina.
Karin
One of my favorite local places is Hammonnasett Beach State Park. It is free for CT residents and is especially serene in the early morning or any time during the off-season. I love that there is beautiful beach, buffered by dunes which are well protected. All built structures are behind this buffer, so vending machines, bathrooms, parking lots don’t mar the view of Long Island Sound and the beach. Kudos to TLB Architects who after tropical storms Irene and Sandy damaged many of the structures, designed these wonderful modern vernacular buildings and boardwalks.
Jennifer
A great little natural place to visit is Buttermilk Falls in Plymouth which is part of the Mattatuck Blue Blazed Hiking Trail in western Connecticut. Upon arrival, you will find a single parking spot just off the steep and winding road. You can hear the rushing water as soon as you get out of the car. The trail greets you with a wooden foot bridge that you cross to get onto the trail. It doesn’t take long to arrive at the waterfall that is about 60 feet high and features 3 tiers of small water holes. A nice spot for your canine companion as well!