Hometown of the venerable Yale University, New Haven has suffered through a period of urban decline. The presence of the eminent ivy league school and the educational and cultural gifts that it bestows on the community are very important to New Haven.

Yale is the heart and soul of New Haven. Its cultural influence upon the city is considerable. Within its ivy-covered buildings, this institution has some of the greatest collections on earth and is well worth a visit.

Yale University's Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library houses one the world's largest collection of rare books, including an original copy of the Gutenberg Bible. Its Peabody Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and oldest such museums in the country. Other points of interest at Yale include: Center for British Art, Collection of Musical Instruments, and University Art Gallery.

A great way to tour Yale University and get some exercise at the same time is to take the Yale Campus Walking Tour. Similar tours are offered of the town by civic and historical groups. And a canoe tour of New Haven is fun way to take in the sights with a twist of adventure

Dozens of theatrical venues exist in town from dinner theaters to professional troupes. There are just as many musical and dance companies as well as art galleries. Culturally speaking, New Haven has a lot going on.

Between college sports and the New Haven Ravens professional baseball team, there are enough spectator sports to keep the bleachers warm year-round. Active sporting takes on many forms ? golfing at the municipal green; trekking the trails of Beaver Pond Park; tennis, basketball and track at East Rock Park; inline skating at East Shore Park; biking at Egerton Park; swimming at Lighthouse Point Park; and observing wildlife at the West Rock Nature Center.

The recuperating city of New Haven is about 40 miles south of Hartford on I-91.