Travel Experts Call One Connecticut City a Hidden Gem

According to Love Exploring, one of America’s most “underrated” destinations — a place they claim is “hiding in plain sight” — is… New Haven, Connecticut. That’s their pick. Out of all the small towns, scenic corners, and overlooked gems in the country, they decided New Haven is the sleeper hit we’re all missing.

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Their description is pretty much what you’d expect from a national travel site that Googled “New Haven attractions” and called it a day. They lead with the classic talking points: New Haven is a “quintessential coastal New England city,” home to Yale, packed with faux-Gothic buildings, Victorian architecture, and three major Yale-affiliated museums. And yes — the Peabody, the Yale Art Gallery, and the Center for British Art are all genuinely great. No debate there. Yale does museums extremely well.

Then they bring up Wooster Square, praising the pizza and pastries like they’ve stumbled onto a secret. Anyone who lives within 50 miles of this place already knows New Haven pizza has a cult following. There’s nothing “underrated” about it. It’s practically a regional religion.

But here’s where I start to lose the thread: the idea that New Haven as a city is somehow overlooked and begging for the spotlight. I get what they’re trying to do — big up an old New England city, sprinkle in some charm, call it misunderstood, boom, instant travel content. But let’s be real: New Haven isn’t underrated. It’s very rated. People know exactly what the rating is and it's accurate. The good parts are legitimately good, and the not-so-good parts are… well… they speak for themselves.

I’ve spent a decent amount of time in New Haven, enough to know that calling it a “hidden gem” is a pretty generous interpretation. So, if Love Exploring wants to paint it as some undiscovered treasure, that’s adorable — but wildly optimistic.

As someone who’s actually been there more times than I can count, let me be the first to say… no.

Yale's Mascot - Handsome Dan XIX

Gallery Credit: YouTube

10 Famous Actors and Filmmakers Who Attended Yale University

So, who are these Hollywood heavy hitters who once called Yale home? We dug into the facts — when they attended, what they studied, and if they actually graduated — to bring you a snapshot of some seriously impressive talent. From Academy Award winners to TV legends, this list proves that Yale’s influence on Hollywood runs deeper than you might think. Ready to meet the stars who got their start right here in New Haven?

Note: Yale College refers specifically to the undergraduate division of Yale University.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Inside Bridgeport's Fading Relic: Remington Arms

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Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

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