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There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the picturesque and friendly town of Hamden, CT, but if you want to head out of town, these weekend getaways are all great options. All of these destinations are less than an hour outside Hamden, offering metropolitan charm and some of the best nature in the state. Your 2022 Ford Escape Titanium, with plenty of room for the whole family and cruise control, is an easy and comfortable ride to get you there. 4 Fun Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Hamden, CT 1. Sleeping Giant State Park Just six minutes outside downtown Hamden, Sleeping Giant State Park, at 200 Mount Carmel Avenue, is a gorgeous myriad of hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and some of the best views in the entire state. It's easy to get to, and you'll find plenty of parking around the park. Plus, there are plenty of different trails for people of all activity levels, which are very clearly marked. It's a great place to get away for the weekend if you want a break from the city and enjoy a good workout. more 2. New Haven New Haven is about 15 minutes away from Hamden, and it's a fantastic place to experience a balance of big-city charm and relaxed coastal living. There's so much to love about New Haven, including superb dining, a thriving art culture, and beautiful beaches. There are also two excellent state parks nearby, the Shore Line Trolley Museum and A Broken Umbrella Theatre, where you can catch a world-class show. 3. Naugatuck State Forest The Naugatuck State Forest's trailhead is at 225 Beacon Road in nearby Bethany, just 15 minutes away from Hamden, but this sprawling park covers several other nearby towns and cities. It's a great place to explore on the weekend because there are plenty of campsites, wildlife to see, and many trails for people of all athletic abilities and needs. You can also bike in the park, check out pristine forest waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views that will take your breath away. 4. Hartford Beautiful Hartford is just about half an hour outside Hamden, and it's a dynamic place to visit for the weekend. You'll find top-notch dining, entertainment, and regular festivals. Plus, there's plenty of outdoor art at places like the Bushnell Plaza Sculpture Garden and the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk. Best of all, you can easily get there on a Friday evening and enjoy two full days in Hartford without putting too many miles on your car. There's plenty to explore around Hamden, but you'll want a reliable vehicle to get you from place to place. Visit us at Bob Thomas Ford and test drive your next new vehicle today. Image by 12019 via pixabay.

Hamden, CT, a suburb of New Haven, is a wonderful town full of natural beauty and great restaurants. Next time you want to take your family out for a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner, try one of our favorite family restaurants in the Hamden area. You will be glad that your Ford Expedition seats eight passengers because everyone will want to check out these places. 5 Family Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Hamden, CT 1. Brown Stone House Restaurant This diner-style restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week from 6:00 am to 2:30 pm. You can find Brown Stone House at 2365 Whitney Ave., where they serve a delicious menu of breakfast staples and lunch items. Try the Hungry Man Combo which comes with three eggs, ham, sausage, bacon, toast, and home fries. more 2. Hamden Town House Restaurant Hamden Townhouse, a family-owned American-style restaurant, is located at the Clarion Hotel at 2256 Whitney Ave. They are open from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm Friday through Sunday. Enjoy breakfast all day, including farm-fresh eggs, or try something from the dinner menu like the eggplant parmigiana or stuffed shrimp. 3. Three Brothers Diner Located at 1038 Dixwell Ave., this classic American diner is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Three Brothers' menu is expansive, offering all of your favorite breakfast items as well as salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more. The diner even offers delivery, so you can enjoy their delicious food in the comfort of your own home. 4. Barbara's Restaurant Open every day from 5:30 am to 2:30 pm, this American-style breakfast and lunch spot is located at 962 Dixwell Ave. If you stop by for lunch, try one of the triple-decker club sandwiches or the fried chicken. If you are in more of a breakfast mood, try the classic pancakes and eggs, with other options available a la carte. 5. Acropolis Diner This Greek diner is open late, from 6:00 am to midnight every day, so this is the perfect place to bring the family for a late dinner. You can find Acropolis at 1864 Dixwell Ave. The breakfast menu includes eggs Benedict, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. For lunch try a burger special, and for dinner try something Greek like the baked moussaka. These restaurants are all great places in the Hamden area to bring the family for a satisfying meal. You can enjoy the cozy diner atmosphere at Three Brothers or the Greek feel of Acropolis, all while savoring the delicious food. After lunch, come see us at Bob Thomas Ford to see what we have in stock.

If you're out and about in the Hamden, CT area, you'll get a sense that local eateries might be interested in pleasing hungry, hungry students. You'll find so many creative flavors here, you could go for months and not repeat one quite the same way! 4 of the Best Pizza Joints in Driving Distance of Hamden, CT 1. Olde World Apizza Since 1995, this spot at 1957 Whitney Avenue in North Haven has been slinging thin-crust pizza for its adoring fans, plus more Italian goodies like calzones, subs, and salads. Lots of toppings are on offer, including artichoke, spinach, and buffalo and BBQ chicken--even shrimp and clams, because New England! Try a Seafood Supreme pizza, a Clams Casino pie, or even the Mashed Potato & Bacon. Pasta, hot and cold subs, stuffed breads, and sides add to the fun! more 2. Sapori D'Italia Sapori d'Italia means "flavors of Italy," which you can find at 293 Circular Avenue. Top your pizza with clams, shrimp, and even calamari, yum! Get fancy with broccoli rabe, or just let the chef wow you with one of their specialty pies. Try a Tricolore Italiano that mirrors the flag with spinach and broccoli, mozzarella, and tomato; a classic Margherita; a Biancaneve (Snow White); or a Campagnola (with farm-style vegetables). And there's so much more to enjoy, too! 3. One 6 Three This shop aims for creative twists on classic pizza pies, and it hits the target! Signature options include the A&A (with chicken, bacon, honey goat cheese, hot cherry peppers, and tomatoes) and the Garbage (with bacon, hot sausage, mushroom, hot cherry peppers, garlic, and basil). The King has Elvis ingredients, including peanut butter sauce and jam. There's a lot to choose from, and beyond pizza, as well. Witness the spectacle at 163 Foster Street in New Haven. 4. Sergio's Pizza & Restaurant People are thrilled to visit 3860 Whitney Avenue because they love Sergio's. There is a lot here, including stuffed breads, sandwiches, pastas, and chicken and fish dishes. However, more than 20 specialty pizzas await you, from the Hawaiian to the shrimp pesto pie and the House Works with sausage, meatball, pepperoni, and mushroom (okay, and onions and peppers). Try the Escarole & Beans or the Eggplant Rollatine, and so many more! Your new Ford Escape might be the peak of suave, but it's also as cool as can be as it swans you over to the hippest pizza spots in town. You could also give a certified pre-owned Ford F-150 a chance to do the heavy lifting of all that pepperoni you'll surely be ordering! Bop over to Bob Thomas Ford Inc and check out these roomy numbers today.

Known among locals as “The Land of the Sleeping Giant”, Camden, CT is a small town located about 10 miles north of New Haven. If you are planning a vacation to discover the wonders of Connecticut in your new 2022 Ford Edge Titanium and are thinking of going on day trips from Camden, here are three beautiful spots you can get to in less than one hour by car. Hit the Road! 3 Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Hamden, CT 1. New Haven Established in the 17th century by a group of English Puritans, New Haven is one of the oldest planned cities in the United States and the most popular day trip destination among Hamden residents and those visiting the area. Having served as the co-capital of the state for nearly 200 years, this city is full of historical landmarks, cultural institutions, music venues, and great restaurants. more Driving from Hamden to New Haven takes a little under 20 minutes by car via route I-91. Once in the city center, you can start exploring with a stroll around the downtown area. Some of the local attractions you should check out here include New Haven Green, the Yale University Art Gallery, Harkness Tower, West River Memorial Park, Grove St. Cemetery, and the New Haven Museum. 2. Hartford One of the best features of small states is the way in which towns, cities, and attractions are all concentrated and can be easily reached without driving too far. While New Haven is only a 20-minute drive south of Hamden, Connecticut´s capital city, Hartford, can be reached in about half an hour via routes CT-15 and I-91. With a population of over one million in its metropolitan area, Hartford also stands among the oldest cities in the entire country. With a relatively small city center sitting on the banks of the Park River, Hartford is home to a plethora of local attractions that make it a fantastic day trip destination. Some of these landmarks include the Connecticut Science Center, Great River Park, Bushnell Park, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, and the Connecticut State Capitol. 3. Wadsworth Falls State Park A scenic nature reserve featuring swimming pools, nature trails, and photogenic waterfalls, Wadsworth Falls State Park is another fantastic day trip destination that can be reached in just 25 minutes by car via route CT-15. If you are looking for a spot where you can enjoy nature and spend some time outdoors, Wadsworth Falls State Park is a great place to be. If you are thinking of buying a vehicle in the Hamden area and are searching for a local dealership offering the latest models and flexible financing plans, we've got your back! Stop by Bob Thomas Ford today, check out our inventory, and take home the car of your dreams.

Whether you find yourself in the many different museums, parks, or state reserves, there's always something to do in Hamden, CT. With so many places to go, you're sure to eventually drive up a hunger though, and when that happens, you'll want to know where the best burgers are located. Time for Drive-Thru? Find the Best Burgers Near Hamden, CT 1. The Celler A good burger always needs some company, whether that's fries, onion rings, or fried pickles. The Celler kicks it up a notch with their homemade tater-tots, seasoned perfectly well and fried to a crunchy crisp. This might be the best sidekick to any burger you've ever seen. Now to address what everyone is really there for, the burgers themselves. These are stacked with fresh ingredients, while the patties are a perfect mix of lean meat and fat, making for a juicy burger that spills out with every bite. If that's not enough to excite you, their pretzel buns make for an entirely different experience when compared with other burgers you might have had. more 2. Wayback Burgers With a 1970's feel, this restaurant does everything the traditional way with bacon that piles high on top of their delicious burgers. The cheese practically melts into the bun itself, and it's not uncommon to see some burgers double or even triple stacked. Their shakes are a beauty in their own right, topped with a healthy amount of whipped cream and a nice cherry to cap things off. Sipping on one of these with a basket of fries to the left and a burger to the right is one of the best ways you can have dinner. 3. Glenwood Drive Glenwood keeps it affordable, as both their hot dogs and burgers won't break your bank. This allows you to combine plenty of different meals together, as now your burger can come with just about any side of your choice without breaking any of the big bills. Served with a huge side of onion rings, their burgers practically melt in your mouth and are incredibly juicy. The condiments are also free, which includes their relish, mustard, onions, kraut, and more. A dry burger is a thing of the past here, and their cheap menu keeps people coming back. 4. Wood-n-Tap Grill There are plenty of ways to cook a burger, with most restaurants opting for a pan or a flat top. Here though, a powerful grill does the work, ensuring those classic grill lines on each and every patty, bringing a whole new wave of smoky flavor. They even offer a bison burger, which is a bit more tender than other options. Combined with the TVs that dot the walls, this restaurant is a great venue to watch the game at. With the infotainment system of the Ford Bronco, you'll never have to worry about missing a call while driving to meet up with your friends. Burgers can range from a quick evening pick-up to a wonderful diner experience. With so many different options to choose from and places to explore, you'll want a strong and dependable vehicle that can get you where you need to go. Come visit us at Bob Thomas Ford to find the best fit for you!

Cruising the streets of Hamden, CT in your Ford Escape and need a convenient meal? Then you've got to check out the sandwich places that made our list below. Each one of them will hook you up with some unforgettable meals that you can take with you anywhere. 5 of the Best Sandwich Places Near Hamden, CT 1. The Corner Deli Conveniently located on Dixwell Avenue, The Corner Deli makes the ideal place to grab a meal when you're on the go in our area. Their Italian combo sandwich is a personal favorite of ours, giving you a meaty mix of prosciutto, capicola, and ham with provolone cheese and any veggies or condiments you'd like. Ask about their soup of the day to get the perfect partner to go with your sandwich. more 2. Fat Wedge While the fully-loaded sandwiches at Fat Wedge may not be the ideal choice for any calorie counters out there, the delicious flavor they pack is well worth indulging in. You're sure to love their Texan sandwich, with smoky BBQ sauce and honey mustard adding some flavor to the chicken tenders, steak, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings that come packed into it. Add a plate of their loaded fries to your order if you've got room in your belly for them. 3. Whitney Donut Shop The sweet and fresh-baked donuts may have been what made Whitney Donut Shop so locally famous and well-loved here in our region, but it was their fantastic sandwiches that earned them a spot on this list. The classic chicken salad sandwich they offer is a personal favorite of ours. They let you customize your sandwich to have it your way, with your choice of veggies and dressings like dijon mustard or thousand island to add some flavor to every bite. 4. Freskos Greek All the freshest flavors of the Mediterranean are waiting for you right here in our town at Freskos Greek, and that includes some top-notch sandwiches. Their chicken souvlaki is one solid option, giving you cubes of tender marinated chicken breast that pack a mouthwatering flavor. Don't leave without trying any of the traditional Greek desserts you can find on the menu here, like flaky baklava or some authentic Greek yogurt. 5. Ray & Mike's Deli When we heard that Ray & Mike's Deli was home to the best steak and cheese sandwich in the county, we had to come in for a visit to see for ourselves. We tasted this well-reviewed sandwich, and we can tell you with confidence that the rumors are absolutely true. Along with the melt-in-your-mouth savory flavor of their steak and cheese, you'll find other great sandwiches like roast beef or tuna salad here. You've had the rest, now taste the best when you visit these local sandwich shops. To find the best inventory of vehicles in our area, come check out our dealership. Shop at Bob Thomas Ford today!

Barbecue fans will be pleasantly surprised by all the great options in the Hamden, CT area. Whether you are in the mood for barbecued chicken, pork, or beef, you will be sure to find what you are looking for in and around Hamden. Check out our list of some of the best barbecue in the area, from Kansas City to Carolina style, and everything in between. Where to Find the Best Barbecue Near Hamden, CT Ricky D's Rib Shack Founded on the premise of good old backyard barbecues with friends and family, the owner of this popular establishment started out with a small menu and a food truck. The restaurant opened in 2016 and has become a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Their original barbecue sauce, called Kansa-Lina, combines the vinegary flavor of Carolina style with the sweet and savory taste of traditional Kansas City barbeque sauce. It is the perfect accompaniment to beef, pork, fish, and poultry. A variety of ribs, wings, sandwiches, and salads are offered, as well as the ever-popular Kansa-Lina Fries. Piled high with your choice of meat and coleslaw, you can make a meal out of these fries. more Texiko BBQ & Tequila All of the barbeque sauces here are house-made and gluten-free. Choose from 4 different sauces, which include North and South Carolina, Texas, and Alabama flavors. Baby Back ribs are available on Friday and Saturday and are served with Texas slaw and hand-cut fries. In addition to their delicious barbeque offerings, Texiko has a wide variety of delicious foods on their menu, including Vegan and Vegetarian options. Enjoy a Prairie Manhattan or Buffalo Old Fashioned cocktail with your meal (please drink responsibly). Bear's Smokehouse If you are in town for a Huskie's game, be sure to visit this venue, which is the official barbeque of the UConn Huskies. Specializing in Baby Back ribs and chicken, you will have a hard time choosing from their wide variety of menu items. Meatloaf, turkey breast, sausage, and brisket are also offered. If you are in the mood for comfort food, why not try the famous Mac Attack, which is mac and cheese topped with meat. Take a week-night break from cooking dinner and order the Family Deal, which feeds 4-6 people and includes meat and 3 sides. Finish off your meal with apple crisp, peach cobbler, or bourbon pecan pie. Pig Rig BBQ This well-loved veteran-owned business operates a restaurant and food truck. Catering your next event is a breeze with Pig Rig. Choose to have the barbeque come to your event in the Hot Rod food truck or reserve space at the restaurant. In addition to their tasty rib and pork offerings, you will find some unusual side items on their menu as well. Cornbread or cinnamon sweet potato bread are very popular and pair well with coleslaw and Diesel Beans. If you are in the market for a new vehicle to get you to all these popular establishments, stop by Bob Thomas Ford today. Our team is looking forward to showing you our inventory of new and quality pre-owned vehicles.

Situated just north of New Haven, the charming town of Hamden, CT is a super place to go when you want to get away from it all and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Visitors here can spend hours exploring local lakes and parks, like Sleeping Giant State Park, or spend time in the town itself, visiting museums, historic homes, and botanical gardens. If you're planning a trip to the area, here are some of the best hotels to stay at. 5 of the Best Hotels for Visiting Hamden, CT 1. Clarion Hotel & Suites Hamden Situated just off I-95, the Clarion Hotel & Suites Hamden is a great place to stay when you want to explore the local area and really make the most of each day. Parks and lakes are mere minutes away, and the hotel itself has all the comforts and conveniences you need, including high-speed internet access, an on-site café, a business center, and a heated indoor pool, too. more 2. Whitney Inn & Suites If you're looking for a true home away from home for your stay in Hamden, the Whitney Inn & Suites is the place to be. This place has an authentic, homely feel, with very friendly service and some beautifully decorated rooms. You can also enjoy a tasty breakfast each morning at this hotel while reading through one of the free newspapers, or you can cook up some snacks in your own room thanks to the microwave and fridge. 3. Best Western Plus North Haven Hotel Best Western is a name that you can rely on, and the Best Western Plus North Haven Hotel is perfect for trips to Hamden and the surrounding area. It has plenty of great facilities and useful features, including an enormous indoor pool, a modern business center, and a 24-hour gym with all the workout equipment you could hope to find. Rooms here are clean and comfortable too, equipped with cable TV, work desks, and more. 4. La Quinta by Wyndham New Haven The La Quinta by Wyndham New Haven is situated in New Haven, only a few miles from Hamden. It's ideal for people who want to enjoy urban attractions like Yale University, while still having easy access to peaceful parks and tranquil lakes. You'll find free, speedy Wi-Fi at this hotel in all of the rooms, as well as cable TV, coffee makers, and plush, comfortable bedding. There's also an outdoor seasonal swimming pool and a fitness center with treadmills and bikes. 5. Courtyard New Haven at Yale The Courtyard New Haven at Yale is also located in New Haven, only a short drive from the sights and sounds of Hamden. There are also plenty of art galleries and cultural hotspots near this hotel. As for the property itself, it offers an on-site restaurant with breakfast and dinner service, a home theater area, a library, and a 24-hour fitness center. Rooms are equipped with marble and granite bathrooms, seating areas, and big work desks. So, if you're planning a trip to Hamden, there are plenty of cozy and comfortable places to stay, from luxury locations to affordable inns. If you need any auto work while in the area, the friendly mechanics at our dealership will be ready to help out. Visit Bob Thomas Ford for car servicing and repair in Camden.

A good breakfast is the first step on your way to a great day. And a great breakfast restaurant is an essential part of every trip. Fortunately, the town of Hamden, CT takes breakfast seriously. So whether you are looking for something savory or something sweet, check out our list of six of the best breakfast places this town has to offer. Six of the Best Breakfast Places Near Hamden, CT 1. Hamden Town House Our first stop is a classic New England “Greek” diner that has been family-owned and operated since 1987. Their doors open for breakfast at 6 am and they continue serving it all day. They also have a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials every day of the week so definitely check out their website. Everything comes from local vendors and they've recently remodeled in order to accommodate larger groups which is a plus. more 2. Brown Stone House Breakfast Restaurant This next place is a favorite with locals and has its fair share of regulars. The booths are cozy and the counter has plenty of stools for the solo diner. It can't get any more classic diner than this. The service is friendly, the food comes out fast, and the coffee is delicious. What more can you ask for? And if you have a sweet tooth, definitely go for the chocolate pancakes. 3. Breakfast Nook Our next spot is in North Haven but it's well worth the visit. Breakfast Nook has a cozy atmosphere serving up all the American breakfast classics. They bake muffins fresh in-house and their french toast is beyond decadent. And if you prefer the savory we recommend ordering the hash or any of their omelets and breakfast burritos. It's a great place for the whole family. 4. Funcle's Cafe If you're looking for a cafe with a bit of character, then you'll love Funcle's for sure. There aren't many places in Connecticut where you can get chicken and waffles but Funcle's does and they do it right. The eggs benedict are also delicious and come with a healthy serving of home fries. Their frozen coffee drinks, especially the salted caramel, are excellent. 5. Barbara's Restaurant This is another homey spot that focuses on friendly service and classic breakfast dishes. They have a huge menu of options from pancakes to every imaginable variation of the egg. It's a small place but it's family-friendly and the food comes quick. 6. State Street Cafe The last spot on our list likes to put a twist on the standard breakfast. Their omelet menu has 16 different options. From the Western to the Polish to the Old Timer's, you can't go wrong. Their eggs benedict are also served up in a variety of ways that you might not expect. And whenever the breakfast tacos are on the special menu, order them. If you have a sweet tooth we recommend their Bananas Foster French Toast or the Belgian Waffles. They also mix a delicious iced tea. So that's our list and we hope you found it helpful for your next stop in town. If it left you for a hankering for diner food, then now you know exactly where to go. And while you're out and about, stop by Bob Thomas Ford for all of your Ford automotive needs.

There's a lot of reasons why the residents love living in Hamden, CT. The town presents the perfect urban lifestyle, offering many of the big city's conveniences and opportunities while still being small enough to avoid the associated problems. 8 Reasons to Love Living in Hamden, CT 1. Annual Fireworks on the Green Hamden's annual fireworks display on the green is one of the highlights residents look forward to each summer. In the early part of the evening, there is a chance to socialize with friends while enjoying the live music and culinary treats on offer. As the night turns to black, the main event proves to be well worth the wait as the night sky becomes ablaze with color. more 2. The Bobcats Hockey Team Quinnipiac University's Bobcats are a firm favorite among the locals. Most of the locals agree, its pretty cool when your hockey team from a small town half the country hasn't heard of can foot it among the big boys. 3. Sleeping Giant State Park Just outside the town is the Sleeping Giant State Park. A favorite activity for families is spending a warm summer's day hiking up the Sleeping Giant Mountain (also known as Mount Carmel) to take in the sights from the castle at the top. 4. The Field of Dreams For those that love the movie, there's the chance to visit the field of dreams. It may not look quite like it does in the movie, but the short hike following a path through the woods and the surrounding beauty of the hills, lake, and even the occasional deer passing by make it a fun activity enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. 5. Paradise Country Club A firm favorite for an end-of-year field trip among the district's schools, the Paradise Country Club has plenty of activities on offer for the entire family. With the nearest beach some distance away, Paradise and its two swimming pools, tennis courts, and lake aren't a bad substitute over the summer months. 6. Brooksvale Park Brooksvale Park offers a whole range of seasonal activities, including a fall festival, sledding down the big hill, and maple sugaring. For the younger family members, there's the chance to get up close with the animals on the grounds. 7. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Home to one of the largest collections of rare books, medieval manuscripts, maps, and limited edition books, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library is a source of pride for locals. The collection includes the Voynich Manuscript and a copy of the Gutenberg Bible. 8. Yale University Located just 10 miles from Yale University, the town has one of the top schools in the country right on its back doorstep, providing students the chance to study among the academic elite. Not many towns can boast the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle along with the conveniences of a big city. This is perhaps one of the many reasons locals love living in the town. In the market for a new vehicle to get around town, call in and see the team at Bob Thomas Ford.