Relocating to CT, USA:Any leads on art, culture, music, etc?

[ck3]

My better half and I are carrying our furry child in tow to take up residence in sunny Woodbridge, CT in the next 2 weeks. Any ILF peeps familiar with the area or surrounding regions? We've done some poking around CT during visits, but I'm still not familiar with the local art, tea, and music scenes or music stores in the area. Any tips regarding what may be worth exploring further in Fairfield, Hartford, New Haven, or Middlesex counties? Many thanks for your guidance.

[Chankgeez]

Yes, it's called "New Haven" (or if you're feeling daring, NYC).

(My information's a bit out-of-date however.)

[popvulture]

New Haven's great. My girlfriend is from Hamden, which is right next door...

Tons of Yale-associated things to do, especially the art gallery. Amazing pizza all over the place. Been meaning to check out The Space in Hamden — cool DIY venue from what I hear.

[ck3]

New Haven is also where Dunwich Amps is based, apparently. It will be the next town southeast of my future home.

[D.o.S.]

Yeah Nick lives down that way.

I am happy you're leaving (that sounds very hostile but I know you were looking for a way out/other living areas). Come to Portland and drink beer before you go?

[Chankgeez]

I thought Dunwich was close to, but not quite in, New Haven. Six of one…

Also, D.o.S., when ck3 comes back up to visit he's gonna bring his new friends: Shifty, Smoothie & D-Money.

[D.o.S.]

[Chankgeez]

I remembered the name of the record store I used to go to, but, apparently, you missed 'em:

http://cutlers.com

Seriously, though, with your proximity to Yale, you should be all set in terms of art/culture/music.

[ck3]

Yeah Nick lives down that way.

I am happy you're leaving (that sounds very hostile but I know you were looking for a way out/other living areas). Come to Portland and drink beer before you go?

Thanks. Perhaps I can start the next "So I go to Portland to meet D.o.S..." thread.

Joking aside, my schedule will be a bit more free next week.

I thought Dunwich was close to, but not quite in, New Haven. Six of one…

Also, D.o.S., when ck3 comes back up to visit he's gonna bring his new friends: Shifty, Smoothie & D-Money.

Maybe I'll meet them working in Waterbury. They sound like charming lads.

[popvulture]

Redscroll records is great—it's in that area. Wallingford.

[Chankgeez]

Yeah, there's not much to do in Waterbury. I can tell you that. There's plenty of stuff in that part of CT though. You'll definitely have more options than where you are in ME. Hartford is a strange city though. Actually, most of the cities in CT are kinda strange.

[oldangelmidnight]

I grew up in CT and lived in New Haven for a few years. I miss it.
Anywhere you get pizza will be better than any pizza you ever had.
Go to Cafe 9 for rock and roll.
Go to random house shows for weirdo music. Check out Best Video and Neverending Books as well. The Buttonwood Tree in Middletown has interesting stuff sometimes.
New London seems to have a fun scene as well.
I don't think anyone actually lives in Hartford. It's just giant office buildings.

[Hyphen Nation]

I grew up in New Haven. My sister lives in Woodbridge.
Modern Pizza for the best pizza.
Louis Lunch for the place that invented the hamburger.
There's lots of theater for trial runs of broadway shows. Long Warf, Schuberts, not to mention Yale Rep.
Yale has tons of great art museums.
My friend owns The Space in Hamden. Great bar, music venue.
Hiking up on Sleeping Giant.
You have super easy access to NYC. I would go down most weekends when I lived there.
Head up to Cape Cod or Maine for some summer beach action. Vermont for New England wonderland in the fall.
Hartford is terrible.

[fcknoise]

I lived in ct when I was 5yo. They have good seafood in Rowayton, Norwalk (or so my parents tell me)

[popvulture]

Louis Lunch for the place that invented the hamburger.

I love this place. The first time I was up there with my lady, I kept asking people if they liked it, and most said they hadn't been in years. I think they sort of view it as a tourist thing and just don't ever think about going.

The place is so rad, though. Teeny and weird space, surly-ass service. The burger's fucking delish, too.

EDIT: Wanted to add that Lenny's in Branford is great for fried seafood / lobster rolls / beers etc. Local divey type place.