Blog / Hamden

Hit the Road! 3 Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Hamden, CT

Photo by David Kanigan
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. 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.
Posted in:

Related Posts

Photo by Rajesh TP

5 of the Best Sandwich Places Near Hamden, CT

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!

sunny side up egg and toast on a blue plate with silverware to the left and a glass of orange juice to the right

Favorite Local Brunch Spots Near Hamden, CT

Why not take some time out of your morning to treat yourself to a tasty meal? Hamden, CT has several brunch spots where you can sit back and relax with family and friends while munching on homemade cuisine. The following are some popular places that the locals like to frequent. Favorite Local Brunch Spots Near Hamden, CT 1. Three Brothers Diner Three Brothers is known for their freshly brewed coffee and high-quality food made with only the freshest ingredients. You'll find the menu to be extensive with all of your favorite items. From omelets to French toast, benedicts to wraps, and waffles to breakfast quesadillas, there's something for everyone in your party. We like the egg meals, which come with your choice of nearly two dozen sides, such as corned beef hash, beef sausage, or turkey bacon. There are also more than 20 varieties of pancakes, including chocolate chip, avocado, strawberry, gyro, and Nutella. We also recommend one of the specialty omelets, such as the vegetarian, the farmer's, the Mexican, or the spinach omelet. For those watching their diet, they offer healthy omelets as well. Visit here at 1038 Dixwell Ave. more 2. Hamden Town House This family-owned venue is proudly operated by a Greek brother and sister team who simply enjoy providing good, wholesome food in a friendly environment. Start with a classic mimosa or a cup of steaming coffee while your three-egg omelet, eggs benedict, breakfast burrito, or Belgian waffle is being prepared. For those with large appetites, try one of the egg platter specials. For a lighter meal, we suggest the avocado toast and eggs or a bowl of grits. Vegetarians will have no problem finding a great meal here. The spinach and feta omelet, the garden omelet, and the veggie burrito are popular choices. If the little ones are tagging along, this locale has options just for them. The restaurant is located at 2256 Whitney Ave. Please drink responsibly and in moderation, and do not drink and drive. 3. Barbara's Barbara's is an unassuming traditional diner that serves tasty dishes at affordable prices. We appreciate the friendly servers as well. We recommend the Virginia ham and eggs, the pastrami omelet, the apple pancakes, the fried fish filet and eggs, or the liver and egg breakfast sandwich. Additionally, all of the egg and omelet dishes are served with either home fries or grits, toast, and either coffee or tea. You'll find this establishment at 962 Dixwell Ave. The next time you go out, why not cruise there in a 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum? Visit Bob Thomas Ford Inc. and go on a test drive in this fine SUV today! We have lots of specials on both new and used vehicles. You'll find us conveniently located at 2215 Dixwell Ave. Image by JillWellington via pixabay.

Image by Дарья Яковлева from Pixabay

4 of the Best Pizza Joints in Driving Distance of Hamden, CT

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.