2024 Best of New Haven

WinnersCircle

T‘Best of’ businesses offer a ‘New Haven’ for your summer staycation

BY ALYSSA SEIDMAN

heloyalreadersoftheNewHaven Registerhavecasttheirvotesonce againinthe“BestofNewHavenCounty” contest,andtheresultsarein.Fromtranscendentlocalestonationally-knownfare, thissectionshowcasesthe“who’swho”in localbusiness.

Attheheartofitaresevencategoriesthat encompassalltheindustriesthathelpNew Haventhrive:Arts&Entertainment,Food& Drink,Health&Beauty,Home&Garden, ProfessionalServices,Shopping,andTravel.

Thebusinesses,venues,spaces,and placesrecognizedinthisyear’sreader’s choicepollreflectthecounty’seclectic stayingpower,aswellasitsstatusasa summerstaycationdestination.Eachwinner isreadyandraringtowelcometheinfluxof touriststhatwillinundateNewHaventhis season,butit’sjustasfuntoenjoyifyou

callithomeyear-round

Plananexcursiontoalocalmuseumor liveperformancevenuetoaddsomeculture toyoursummerbucketlist;feastonallthe freshseafoodtheregionhastooffer;or breakasweatunderthesunwithsomeof thecounty’stopfitnesstrainers.

TreatyourhomeoasistosomeTLCwith thehelpofprofessionalgardenersand landscapers;shoptilyoudropatlocal businessesofferingthelateststylesand trends;orspendyourvacationasmany peopleliketodo relaxingbythepoolor onabeachwithagoodbook.

Howeveryouplantospendyoursummer, werecommendvisitingoneofthehundreds ofwinnersinthe2024“BestofNewHaven County”reader’schoicepoll.Readontosee howtomakethemostofthenextfew monthsrightinyourownbackyard.

ARTS& ENTERTAINMENT

BY SUSAN SHULTZ

From time traveling to the Jurassic period at Yale’s Peabody Museum to rockin’ out to today’s hits live in concert, there’s something for every era in New Haven. Like calling a friend to get ideas for your weekend plans, you can count on your opinionated neighbors who voted for these venues.

DISCLAIMER: Featuredbusinessesareoneofthe winnersintheirrespectivecategories.Thewinners ineachcategoryarelistedinalphabeticalorder Forafulllistofwinners,visitNHREGISTER.COM/ BEST/BEST-OF-NEW-HAVENorscanthecode totheright. >> MAY2024

MikeDeLuca Publisher

AshleySanderson SpecialSectionsDesigner

AlyssaSeidman MarketingContentWriter

SusanShultz SponsoredContentProducer

©2024 Hearst Connecticut Media Group

PAGE 4

DURING ITS 109-YEAR HISTORY, THE HISTORIC SHUBERT THEATER HAS PLAYED HOST TO MORE THAN 600 PRE-BROADWAYTRYOUTS, INCLUDING MORE THAN 300 WORLD PREMIERES & 50 AMERICAN PREMIERES.

Music Comes Alive in New Haven County

Twoyearsafteropeningtheirfirsttheater inNewYorkCity,theShubertBrothersbuilt Shubert Theatre inNewHavenonDec.11, 1914.Manyoftheworld’sgreateststars haveperformedontheShubertstage, includingMarthaGraham,LouisArmstrong, andEllaFitzgerald.

TheShubertTheatre’s2024-2025seasonincludesalineupofextraordinaryperformancesthatwilligniteyourimagination, accordingtothewebsite.PhotobyStevenLascheverPhotography,LLC.

TheShubertisownedandoperatedbythe ConnecticutAssociationforthePerforming Arts(CAPA).Itservesasaculturalcenterpiece forNewHaven,attractingmorethan100,000 audiencemembersannuallyandgenerating anestimated$25millioninrelatedrevenue. UnderthedirectionofExecutiveDirector AnthonyMcDonald,thetheatrecontinuestoengage, educate,andentertainbyprovidingexcitingandunique theatrical,musical,andeducationalopportunities.

TheShubert’scurrentseasoncontinuesthroughJune andincludes“STOMP,”GaryClarkJr.,“AnEveningwithAlex Newell,”“JohnCrist:TheEmotionalSupportTour,”andan all-newCountessCabaretstarringLuanndeLessepson June21.TheShubertSummerTheatre&ArtsCampwill >>

ORIGINALLYTHE ROGER SHERMAN THEATRE, BUILT IN 1926, NEW HAVEN HELD ITS FIRST MOVIE PREMIERE IN WHAT IS NOW THE COLLEGE STREET MUSIC HALL. “BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID” WAS ATTENDED BYSTARS PAUL NEWMAN, ROBERT REDFORD, JOANNE WOODWARD, & BARBRASTREISAND.

>>offertwosessionsinJulyforstudentsingrades3-8.Next seasonwillbethetheatre’s110th.

DirectorofAdvertisingandCommunityRelationsAnthonyLupinaccithankedpatronsfortheircontinuedsupport.

“Asanonprofitorganization,werelyupongenerous supportfromtheatreloverslikeyoutomakeourvisiona reality,”hesaid.“Yourcontinuedpatronagewillallowthe artstoflourishatShubertTheatre,whereartsand communitycometogether.”

CollegeStreetMusicHallopenedat238College StreetonthesiteoftheoldPalaceandRogerSherman TheatresinMay2015.Locatedintheheartofdowntown NewHaven’sartsandentertainmentdistrict,CSMHjoins thesceneasauniquehubforlivemusicperformancein NewHavenandallofsouthernNewEngland.

Thevenuefeaturesconfigurationsforupto2,000 patrons,whetheritbegeneraladmissionorseated audiences.Asamulti-capacitytheaterwithstate-of-theartproductionfacilities(includingworld-classconcert audioandlighting),CSMHattractsmajorlivetouring artistswhomightnormallythinkofConnecticutas merelythestateinbetweentheentertainmentmeccasof NewYorkCityandBoston.

9YEARS IN AROW

PAGE 7

“THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING US. WHILE THE LEGACYTHEATRE HAS BEEN AROUND FOR ANUMBER OF YEARS, WE’VE ONLY BEEN IN OUR BUILDING SINCE 2021. NOW IN OUR FOURTH SEASON IN STONYCREEK, WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE SOON!”

KIERSTEN BJORK TheLegacyTheatreManager

The theater was reborn as the Palace Theatre in 1984, which operated until 2002. During its heyday the Palace showcased artists including B.B. King, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blues Traveler, Robin Williams, and more. Today, CSMH features a combination of up-andcoming and established musicians, comedians, and more, making it popular with live performance fans in CT and beyond.

TheLegacyTheatreisaprofessional,state-of-the-art regionaltheatrelocatedinthequaintshorelinevillageof StonyCreekinBranford.Producingawiderangeof programming,fromdazzlingMainstagemusicalsto productionsforchildrenandfamilies,tocabaret-style concertsfeaturingBroadwaytalentandrivetingnew plays,thetheatrehassomethingforeveryone.

Legacy’sprogrammingalsoincludesawiderangeof educationalofferingsforallagesandabilities,from toddlerstoadults.Thetheatreishonoredtohavebeen namedFavoriteLocalProfessionalTheatrefor2023by BroadwayWorldCT,aswellasNonprofitoftheYearbythe ShorelineChamberofCommercefor2024.

Thisseasonfeaturesanumberofsummerprograms, including“TheGreatAmericanMousical,”directedbythe oneandonlyJulieAndrewsinJuly.Therewillalsobea concertwithBroadwaystarandTonyAwardnominee KateBaldwinonJune30.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 10

Thoughtfully Curated Galleries for All Ages

BEST MUSEUM

Florence Griswold Museum

Yale Peabody Museum

Yale University Art Gallery

Left:TheFlorenceGriswoldMuseum’shistoricgardensand landscapeattractlocalsandvisitorseverysummer.PhotobyFlorence GriswoldMuseum.Right:TheAncientSculptureHalloftheYale UniversityArtGalleryinNewHaven.PhotobyYaleUniversityArtGallery.

Situatedalongthepicturesque LieutenantRiverinOldLyme,the FlorenceGriswoldMuseumembodiestheartisticspiritofitslegacyas thehomeoftheLymeArtColony.Fromtheimpressive Georgianarchitectureofthehomeofitsnamesake,tothe light-filledandmodernspacesoftheKriebleGallery,tothe rollinglandscapeofits12-acresite,themuseumisatruly specialplacethatisprivilegedtoserveasthehomeof AmericanImpressionism.

VisitorscangetupcloseandpersonalwithConnecticutart throughchangingexhibitionsandexploretheriverfront landscape,whichcontinuestoinspireartiststoday Themuseumcomesaliveeverysummerwithspecialprogramming, includingtheperenniallypopularoutdoorCaféFlo,freelive music,andmore.

ThisJuly,inpartnershipwiththeOldLymeSeniorCenter,the FloGrisweeklyconcertseriesreturns,featuringlocalbandsand foodtrucksontheterrace.Enjoyfood,friends,tunes,anda beautifulsummersunsetoverlookingtheLieutenantRiver,a freegifttosupportersandneighbors.

OldLyme’sMidsummerFestivalreturnstohonorthearts onFriday,July26,andSaturday,July27.Thefreeriverfront concertmarksthekickofftotheweekendonFridayat7p.m. OnSaturdayfrom9a.m.to3p.m.,attendeescanenjoyaday filledwithfamilyfunactivities,deliciousfood,andunique shoppingupanddownLymeStreet.

“WearehonoredtobeamongtheBestofNewHaven,” MarketingAssociateEmilyL.Clarksaid.“Themuseumhasso muchtoofferallagesthroughouttheyearwithspecialevents andprograms,beautifulandthought-provokingexhibitions,a stunninglandscape,andadeliciousseasonalcafé.”

TheYalePeabodyMuseumfulfillsimportantrolesonthe YaleUniversitycampusbyofferingapublic“frontdoor”tothe university.ItrecentlyreopenedtothepublicinMarch2024after afour-yearrenovation,andisanadministrativeunitofYale. Themuseumintegratestheacademicexpertiseofitsfaculty curatorswithaprofessionalfull-timestaff.Thedirector,aided>>

>>byseniorstaff,isresponsibleformanagement,accordingtothewebsite.

Thecollectionsareusedinundergraduateand graduatecoursesandresearchacrossYale,aswellas publicprogramsandexhibitions.Itscuratorsandstaff contributenewknowledgeandmakeitavailabletothe publicandtospecializedaudiences.Themuseumalso offerstours,familyprogramming,andmore.

Themuseumcurrentlyfeaturesavariedexhibiton dinosaurs,aswellasoneonearlyrecordsofEgyptand Mesopotamia.UpcomingexhibitsincludeNorthAmericanandConnecticutdioramas,andalivinglabfeaturing liveplantsandanimals.

TheYaleUniversityArtGallerycollects,preserves, studies,andpresentsartinallmediafromallregionsof theglobeandacrosstime,makingitafavoriteamong localvoters.

Foundedin1832,thegalleryistheoldestuniversity artmuseuminAmerica.Todayitisacenterforteaching, learning,andscholarship,andisapreeminentcultural assetforYaleUniversity,thewideracademiccommunity, andthepublic

Themuseum’soutdoorexhibitspansmorethana blockandfeaturesthousandsofworksondisplay,a rooftopterrace,andasculpturegarden.Thegalleries showcaseartfromancienttimestothepresent,includingvesselsfromChina’sTangDynasty,earlyItalian paintings,textilesfromBorneo,treasuresofAmerican art,masksfromWestAfrica,modernandcontemporary art,ancientsculptures,masterworksbyDegas,van Gogh,Picasso,andmore,accordingtothewebsite.

FOOD &DRINK

New Haven Stacks High in Deliciousness

HaywireBurgerBarinWestbrookopened itsdoorsinJuly2012.Itisownedbyahusband-and-wifeteamandremainsafamily-ownedandoperatedrestaurant.

Haywireofferseight-ounce,hand-formed burgersmadefrom100percentblackangus beefthat’sgroundin-housedailyandcooked toordereverytime.Thebeefcomesfromcattle raisedinahumaneenvironmentwithno antibioticsorhormones.

Haywire’sbarfeatures28craftbeerswithan emphasisonlocal,asseveraltapsarededicatedexclusivelytoConnecticutbreweries.There isalsoaselectionofredandwhitewinesanda fullbarformixeddrinksandcocktails.

Haywiretakesitsnamefromanoldfarming

tool.Attheturnofthecentury,“haywire”wasa farmer’stermforthelightwireusedtotightly bindbalesofhayorstraw.

“Thewirehadatendencytowhipintoawild andunrulytanglewhenitwascut,leadingto ourmodernmeaningofʻhaywire’ outof control,justlikeourburgers,”thewebsitesays.

Prime16inNewHavenwasfirstopenedin April2008byBobPotter,bringingthehighest qualitybeefburgersandcraftbeertodowntown.Inacityknownnationallyforpizza, alongwithbeingthebirthplaceofthehamburger,Prime16hasevolvedfromgourmet burgersandexpandeditsscratchkitchento offermoregastropub-stylefood,accordingto thewebsite.

Prime 16’s Belgian Bierhaus Burger was

Whether breakfast, lunch, dinner, or the occasional dietbreaking dessert binge, some things just taste better when someone else prepares them for you. Here are some of our readers’ favorites in the world of delicious bites.

BY SUSAN SHULTZ

Forafulllistofwinners,visit NHREGISTER.COM/BEST/BEST-OF-NEW-HAVEN

Local | Seasonal | Farm to Table

SeasonalCatering is afamily-operated Farm-to-Tablesmall businessknown forquality food and service. One of only2Green Certified Wedding and Special Event Catering Companies in Connecticut,each cateredevent is carefullycurated to engage your senses while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.

FOOD & DRINKS

FROM PAGE 12

recently featured on the New Haven episode of Food Network’s “Best Bites.” The staff makes all the sauces, dressings, and specialty ketchups and mustards in-house They use all-natural beef raised by a family of farmers, who are committed to sustainable and humane practices.

Prime16alsosupportsareabusinessesand haspreviouslypartneredwithlocalbakeries, breweries,creameries,andbeveragecompanies.

Ted’sSteamedCheeseburgersinMeriden hasbeenfamily-ownedandoperatedsinceit openedin1959.WhenTedpassedaway,the restaurantwaspasseddowntohissonPaul. OvertheyearsPaulmadeverysubtle changestothecheeseburger.Hebeganusing twice-groundmeatsotheburgerhelditssize throughthecookingprocess,aswellasatype ofcheddarthatbetterheldtogetherwhen steamed.Paulalsohelpeddevelopthesteam boxesandtraysthatarestillusedtoday.He thenpassedtherestaurantontohisnephew, BillForeman,inMarch2008.

Ted’sistheonlyknownrestaurantinthe UnitedStatesthatexclusivelysellssteamed cheeseburgers,accordingtothewebsite Steamingaburgermadewithfresh,never-frozenmeatisauniqueprocessallowingforthe bestpossibleflavor.Thespecialcheddar cheesealsogetssteamed,andcustomerscan customizetheirburgerwithtoppings.

“Ourgoalistokeepthistime-honored traditiongoingexactlythewayithasbeen doneforthepast50-plusyears,”Foremansaid. “Althoughtheoperationmaychangethebasic principleremainsthesame:takecareofthe customerstothebestofourability.”

Where Everyone is Fed like Family

Katz’sDeliinWoodbridgepridesitselfon beingatrueNewYorkDeliinConnecticut.Its extensivemenuoffersbreakfastalldayaswell asJewishdelispecialtiessuchasMatzoball

soup,borscht(beetsoup,)potatopancakes, stuffedcabbage,andanassortmentofsmoked fish.Katz’salsooffersfoodto-go,includingdeli coldcuts,homemadesoups,pickles,and homemadesalads.

Liuzzi’sGourmetFoodMarketinNorth HavenwasfoundedbyPasqualeLiuzziandhis brotherNickin1981.Thebrothershailedfrom theSouthernAdriaticregionofItaly,and dreamtofbuildingtheirownbusiness.Carryingontheproud,hardworkingtraditionsof southernItaly,thefamily’spersistenceand tenacitypaiddividends.

Upholdingmorethanfivegenerationsof familytradition,Liuzzi’sstaffallowsthefamily tomaintainitsrichItalianheritagewhile educatingcustomersaboutthehigh-quality productstheycarry.Themarket’smission,as statedonthewebsite,is“toserveourloyal customerstothebestofourabilitiesandto providesuperiorproductsatafairprice.”

BEST DELI

Katz’s Deli

Liuzzi Gourmet Food Market

Provenzano’s Deli

BEST BAR

Chacra Pisco Bar

The Cannon

The Playwright

BEST BBQ

Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue

Nick’s Char Pit

The Rib House

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar

LongHorn Steakhouse

Prime On Whitfield

BEST CHEESES

Calabro Cheese

Liuzzi Gourmet Food Market

Madison Cheese House & Café

BEST LOCAL FOOD MARKETPLACE

Bishop’s Orchards

Edge of the Woods Market

Liuzzi Gourmet Food Market

BEST ICE CREAM

Ashley’s Ice Cream

Elena’s on Orange

Wentworth Homemade Ice Cream

BEST PIZZA

Frank Pepe’s

Haven Pizzeria Napoletana

Modern Apizza BEST ITALIAN FOOD

Café Fiore

Haven Pizzeria Napoletana

Pasta Cosi

Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill

Jalapeño Heaven

Puerto Vallarta BEST ASIAN FOOD

Hanmi Oriental Food & Gift Shop

Mr. J’s Asian Bistro

September in Bangkok

Photo by Paul Castle

FROM PAGE 14

Thestoreoffersavariedselectionofcheese, tastydelimeat,sandwiches,andmore The marketalsoofferscateringaswellasItalian specialtyingredientsforyourpantry.

Provenzano’sDeliinWestHavenisafamily businessthatcookseachhotsandwichper order;nothingisprecookedorwaitingforan order.Theyareknownfortheirfresh-made chickencutlets,whichgetbutterflied,pounded,andbreadedwiththeirhomemadebreadcrumbs.Theirsauceismade20quartsata time,twiceaweek

NinetypercentofProvenzano’ssalescome fromregularcustomers.Thissummer,thedeli willstartofferingsinglehotdishessuchas stuffedshells,eggplantrollatini,chicken Marsala,andmanymore.Provenzano’salso offerscatering,andalloftherecipesarefrom familypasseddownthroughthegenerations.

“Wewanttothankallofourcustomersfor oursuccessandvotingforourfamilyyearafter year,andsuggestingourdelitoothers,”the Provenzanossaid.“Thisiswhereourgrowth comesfrom.”

This is How New Haven Rolls

Lenny&Joe’sFishTalebeganin1979asa seasonalroadsidestandonRoute1inMadison. Withjustfourpicnictablesonasmallporch, thebrothersofferedfriedseafooddelights. Overthenextfewyearstheyexpanded,adding alobsterareaandmoreoutdoorseating.In 1989,thecozyshacktransformedintoa moderndrive-in.

In1981,Lenny&Joe’sopenedasecond locationinClinton,asit-downrestaurantwith 80seats.However,theirpopularitysoon outgrewthisspace.Luckily,1986broughttheir currentWestbrooklocation,boastingaspacious,120-seatdiningareaandafullbar.An all-seasonporchfurtherexpandedseatingin theyearsthatfollowed.

Whilefriedseafoodremainedastar,Lenny&

Joe’sbroadenedtheirmenutoinclude broiled,steamed,baked,andsautéed options,pluscoldseafoodsaladandaraw bar.Throughitall,theirdedicationtofresh ingredients,afunatmosphere,generous portions,andaffordablefamilypricesnever wavered.Theircommitmentculminatedin acompleterenovationoftheWestbrook locationin2014

Thissummer,visitorscanenjoyafull returnofLenny&Joe’sclassicoutdoorfun attheMadisonrestaurant Thiswillinclude extendedhoursforthebelovedcharity carousel,charming,improvedoutdoor diningareas,theever-popularpicnic pavilion,andtheoutdooricecreamstand.

“Withtheunwaveringdedicationofour amazingstaff,manyofwhomhavebeenwith usformostofthisjourney,wenowserve>> BEST LOBSTER ROLL

Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale

Lenny’s Indian Head Inn

Lobster Landing

BEST CHOWDER

CT Chowder Co.

Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale

Lenny’s Indian Head Inn

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

Café Allegre

Café Fiore

Chacra Pisco Bar

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Chacra Pisco Bar

Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale

Lenny’s Indian Head Inn

BEST SEAFOOD STORE

#1 Fish Market

Star Fish Market

Stowe’s Seafood

BEST FINE DINING

Café Fiore

Chacra Pisco Bar

Ludal’s Italian Restaurant

BEST CATERER

Chacra Pisco Bar

Provenzano’s Deli

Seasonal Catering

>>over10,000loyalcustomersonabusy summerweekend,”theownerssaid.“Your continuedsupportiswhatfuelsourpassion, andwecan’twaittocontinuethistraditionfor generationstocome!Thankyouforbeinga partofourstory.”

Lenny’sIndianHeadInninBranfordhas beenaShorelinefavoriteformorethanfour decades.Therestaurant’sproximitytoLong IslandSoundhasmadeitapopulargatheringspotforboaters,vacationers,andaloyal followingoflocals.

Therestaurantwasopenedin1968by LennyConlinandhiswifeTheresa.Astheir childrengrewolder,sonsTomandChristopheranddaughterKimbecameactivein theday-to-dayoperationsatLenny’s,whose outdoordeckandboatbarofferabeautiful viewofSybilMarsh.

Lenny’ssourcesthebestseafoodNew Englandhastooffer,accordingtothe website,fromhouse-madechowderstofresh

lobsterstosucculentsteamerstoclamsand oystersonthehalfshell.Thefriedseafoodis gentlybreadedandcookedtoorder Fortheland lubbers,theirmouthwateringsteaksandfamous ribshavebeenafavoriteformorethan40years. LobsterLandinginClintonislocatedrighton thewater.Whilethemenuisnothuge,itpromises thateverythingonitis“delicious,”because…

“GREAT INGREDIENTS MAKE GREAT FOOD!”

Themenuoffers“thebestlobsterrollinNew England,”availableasasingleoradouble,sausageandpeppersubs,cornonthecob,hot dogs,coleslaw,clamchowder,andlobster bisque.Visitorsarewelcometobringbeer, wine,desserts,oranythingLobsterLanding “doesnotserve.”

NOMADfocusesoninclusiveandaccessiblepoweryogaandbarre, accordingtothewebsite.PhotobyNOMADYoga+Barre.

HEALTH&BEAUTY

As the weather warms up, many people will be looking for opportunities to break a sweat under the summer sun. But just as important as exercising the body is taking some quiet time to exercise the mind. This is where our Best of Health & Beauty winners step in. From specialized routines for gymgoers 50 and older to classes and workshops that foster community, residents of all ages and abilities can find a business in New Haven County that best suits their health, fitness, and wellness goals.

BY ALYSSA SEIDMAN

Getting Fit in New Haven

JointEffortinGuilfordisasmall,comfortable,and enjoyableplacewhereadultsover50canexerciseattheir ownpace.Thoseseekingtoimprovetheirstrength,balance, stamina,energy,andoverallfunctionalitycandosoinasafe, fun,andmotivatinggroupenvironment. Thegymisopeningtwobrand-newlocationsinMilford andMysticthisyear.Theywillofferchartermembershipsto thefirst20peoplewhowanttostartlivinghealthierand moreactivelives.Chartermembersenjoyalltheservices

andamenitiesoftheJointEffortprogramatalmosthalfthe monthlycostofaregularmembership Formoreinformation, email info@jointeffortexercise.com

“WewouldliketosincerelythankallofourʻFitnessFamily Members’andfriendswhovotedforustoreceivethis wonderfulaward,”OwnerGeorgeNordensaid.“Wewill continuetoworktirelesslytoprovideourclientswithnot onlythebestservicesandresultspossible,butalsothebest experiencewhileyou’rebetweenourwalls.”

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FROM PAGE 20

mActivityinNewHavenisdubbedasa communityhubthatimprovesphysical,social, andemotionalwell-being.Thefacilityoffers personalizedfitnessoptionsandhigh-tech equipment,helpinggymgoersoptimizetheir individualworkouts,accordingtothewebsite.

NewmembersreceiveaStartingPoint SessionwithoneofmActivity’scertified personaltrainers.Theyalsohaveaccessto indoorcyclingclasses,groupfitnessclasses, andcircuittrainingworkoutsontheturf.

ButmActivityismuchmorethanjusta fitnesscenter Itoffersawelcomingcoworking loungeformembers,aswellasanartgallery that’sopentothegeneralpublic.Curator BarbaraHawesorganizestwoexhibitionsper year.Currentlyondisplayistheworkofartists GrahamHonakerandAndrzejDutkanicz.

NorthHavenHealth&Racquethasimprovedthelivesofthousandsofpeoplesince 1974,andisthelargestfitnesscenterinNew

HavenCounty,accordingtothewebsite To accommodateitssteadyandconsistent membershipbase,itoffersmuchmorethan justracquetball.

Thefacilityboastssixtenniscourts,four racquetballcourts,twofitnesscenters,anda basketballcourt.There’sevenroomtoplay pickleball,thelatestsportsweepingthenation. Memberscanworkwithapersonaltraineror takegroupclasseslikespin,yoga,andZumba.

NorthHaveniscurrentlypromotingits2024 SummerProgramforchildrenages5-17.From mid-JunetolateAugust,camperswillgrow togetherwhilelearninghowtoplaytennis,soccer,orbasketball.Theprogramisopento non-members,andmemberdiscountsare available.Formoreinformation,visit NHHRCT.

COM/SUMMER-PROGRAM-2024.

PureBarreinGuilfordoffersgroupclasses thatfocusonlow-impact,high-intensity movements.Thesemaneuversliftandtone

BEST FITNESS CENTER OR GYM

Joint Effort

mActivity

North Haven Health & Racquet

Pure Barre

Forafulllistofwinners,visit NHREGISTER.COM/BEST/BEST-OF-NEW-HAVEN

musclewhileimprovingstrength,agility,and flexibility.Inspiredbyyoga,Pilates,andballet, thisempoweringfull-bodyworkouttransforms guestsbothphysicallyandmentally,according tothewebsite.

Anybodywithanybodyiswelcometothe Guilfordstudio,whichisstaffedbyateamof highly-trainedteachers.LedbyLeadTeacher MeaghanL.,eachinstructorinspiresmembers andgueststoworkthroughthemotionsno mattertheirfitnesslevel.Thefive-starreviews speakforthemselves.

“ThesecondIwalkedinformyfirstclass,I wasimmediatelygreetedbyLindsi,thenew owner,”AmayaHernandezwrote...

Transform Your Body with Pilates

GlowFitnessinNorthHavenisaboutique fitnessstudioofferinggroupPilates,barre,and yogaclasses,aswellasprivatesessions. >>

>>ThestudiospecializesinMATPilatesand all-levelsbarre,andwillbecelebratingits fourthanniversarythisSeptember Glowisknownforcreatinganupbeatand friendlyenvironmentforeveryparticipant,no matterwheretheyareintheirfitnessjourney. Thestudioalsohostsmonthlyevents,includingin-houseactivitiesandcollaborationswith localbusinesses.

“Pinot&Pilates”kicksoffGlow’ssummerof eventsonJune1.TheclasswillbeheldatValor WinesinNorthHaven.Formoreinformationor tickets,visit GLOWFITNESSCT.COM.

“Thankyoutothosewhohavemadethis studioabrightandlivelycommunity Ilove seeingitgrowandwatchingstrangersbecome friendsinweeklygroupclasses,”OwnerJessica Glynnsaid “GlowFitnesswillsoonundergo constructionandexpansion,allowingmore peopletosignup.Ilookforwardtoseeing whattherestoftheyearbrings,andhopeyou allcontinuetofindjoyinexercisingtogether.”

NewHavenPilatesisagroupfitnessstudio dedicatedtobodymovement Usingclassical Pilatesandmoderncorrectivecoreexercises,clientsbuildinnercorestrength,overallstrength, andconfidence,accordingtothewebsite.

Thestudiooffersexerciseapparatuslike Tower,Mat,Chair,andotherequipment.Owner KristaJ.Aloiisalsoaninstructor,andhas beenteachingPilatessince2010.

“OwningandoperatingaPilatesstudiorequires dedication,devotion,andloyaltytopeoplewho wanttoexercise,”herbioreads.“Ihaveenjoyed teachingfitnessandhelpingpeopleachievetheir healthgoalsforthepast14years.”

NewclientsandmembersmustcontactAloifor permissiontojoinanyoftheclasses.Formore information,emailkrista@newhavenpilates.com. PrivéSwissFitnessinMadisonoffersa widevarietyofgroupclassestaughtbyseasonedprofessionals,whofocusonmind-body integration.Guestscanparticipateinthe classics barre,yoga,andPilates ortry workoutsthatyouwon’tfindanywhereelse BarefootBands™andBandsandBarre

Thisboutiqueexercisestudioofferscustom instructionandluxuryamenitiesthat,when combined,strengthenthemind,body,and spirit.Itsconciergeteamhelpsguestsdesigna scheduleofmotivatingfitnessclasses,educa-

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FROM PAGE 23

tionalworkshops,andpersonaltrainingso theycanachievetheirindividualhealthgoals.

“WebuiltPrivéSwissFitnessasacommunity toinspireindividualstofeeltheirbest,”the websitereads.“Thisholisticapproachto improveoverallwellnessisthefoundationof everythingweoffer.”

More than Just Yoga

CENTERYoga+WellnessinGuilfordhas cultivatedavibrantyogacommunitysinceits foundingin2012.Thestudiohostsacclaimed teachersandauthors,yogateachertrainings, specializedworkshops,andall-inclusiveyoga retreatsandvacations.

CENTERspecializesinflow-basedyoga, whichcaterstostudentsofallabilities.Its classeshavenosetsequenceofposesthanks

toitsteamofinstructors,whocomefrom diverseteachingbackgrounds.

Thestudioispreparingtohostanotheryoga teachertrainingthisSeptember,blendingthe historyandphilosophicalteachingsofyoga withtheessentialcomponentsofanatomy, sequencing,andasana.OwnerPetraHaynes saidthecurriculumwillhelpparticipants developnotonlytheirteachingskills,butalso theirpersonalpractice.

“Weaimtobeanaccessible,community-drivenyogastudiowithofferingsforeveryone,”sheadded.“OurhopeisthatCENTER Yogabecomesaplaceyoucomehometo,an actionyoutakewhileyou’rehere,andan essenceyoukeepwithyouasyoumakeyour waythroughtheworld.”

NOMADYoga+BarreinNorthHavenisa movementcommunitythatoffersweekly groupclasses,specialevents,andprivate

practice.Beyondyogaandbarre,thestudio offerssignaturestrengthtrainingwithBala equipmentandrecoveryclasseswithfoam rolling,breathwork,andstretching NOMADinvitesalltojoinandmoveexactly astheyare,whichiswhyinstructorsare deliberateandintentionalwiththelanguage theyuseonandoffthemat.Therearealsono mirrorsinthechic,plant-filled,boho-inspired space,FounderJustyneMouningsaid.

Thissummer,NOMADisofferinganunlimited 60-daypassforareducedrateof$259,which canbepurchasedanytimeinthemonthofJune. Interestedpersonscanbookthroughthefree MINDBODYapp,oronthestudio’swebsite.

“WE WERE SO HONORED TO BE NOMINATED BY ONE OF OUR CLIENTS, & EACH VOTE PLACED WAS ALITTLE LOVE NOTE TO OUR STUDIO,”

...Mouningsaid

“NOMADhasbeenbuiltonand continuestothrivebecauseofourcommunity, andwethankyouforcontinuingtoshowupfor yourselves,eachother,andforNOMAD!”

Raven’sWingYogainBranfordopenedin 2004asacommunityspaceforthosewhocrave positivechange.Itoffersmorethan20yoga andmeditationclassesforguestsofallabilities,aswellasworkshops,specialin-depth series,music,dance,andcommunityevents. Thestudiowillcelebrateits20-yearanniversaryonJune1withaspecialworkshopfocused ongratitude,connection,andhealing.Later thatmonth,itwillmarkthesummersolstice withaspeciallivemusicandyogapractice.

OwnerSallyNoelcreditedthestudio’slongevitytothecollectiveexperienceofitsteachers.She describedthemaswell-trained,sensitive,and compassionatepeoplewhoholdspacefor everyonethatcomesthroughthedoors.>>

BEST YOGA

Center Yoga Wellness

Nomad Yoga

Raven’s Wing Yoga

BEST HAIR SALON

Captiva Salon

Hair’s Talent

Soho Hair Group & Day Spa

BEST MED SPA

Milford Med Spa

Nolla Wellness

Vanity Medical Spa

BEST URGENT CARE

AFC Urgent Care

East Haven Priority Urgent Care

FAMILYDENTISTRY

MAKEOVERS

TREATMENT

DENTISTRY

>> “AllofushereatRaven’sWingholdsomuch gratitudeforthemanystudentsthathavejoined recentlyandovertheyears.Withoutthemwe wouldhavenocommunity,”shesaid.“Wethank youandhopetocontinueupliftingpeace,awareness,andwell-beingwithineachofourselvesand outintoourcommunities.”

HOME&GARDEN

The prevalence of sun during the coming summer months will no doubt inspire some to try and develop a green thumb. But if you want the help of a trusted professional to turn your front or backyard into a sprawling landscape, our Best of Home & Garden winners are the ones to call. When your outdoor space needs a little sprucing, seek the help of a local landscaper. To make sure your lawns are adorned with all the right flora and fauna, head to your community garden center for the best selection. And since you’ll be running that AC all summer long, make sure to contact your experienced HVAC expert to see if you need an upgrade.

BY ALYSSA SEIDMAN

Cultivate Your Green Dreams

Cheshire Nursery Garden Center & Florist was established in 1906, making it one of the town’s oldest continuallyoperating establishments. It is one of the state’s leading garden centers, carrying all your gardening needs.

Whetheryou’relookingfortreesforyour yard,flowersforyourgarden,oracenterpieceforyourtable,thestaffistheretohelp Thebusinesstakesprideinitsincomparable customerservice,nottomentionthatthey deliverfresh-cutflowersnationwide.

TheGardenCenter’sgreenhousesboasta vastselectionofplants,includingseasonal annuals,morethan1,500varietiesofperennials,

FROM PAGE 26

andtreesandshrubsfromthebestsuppliers ontheEastCoast.Italsoofferspremium fertilizers,pestanddiseasecontrols,and gardentoolsandaccents

TheFlowerShopfeaturesafull-service floristoperatedbyanexperiencedstaffwith uniquestylesunparalleledincreativity,the websitereads.Theseartistsareeagertohelp youexpressanyemotionintheformofbeautifulfresharrangementsorfoliageplants.

VanWilgen’sGardenCenterisa fourth-generation,family-ownedcompany whosefifthgenerationisnowgettingtheir handsdirty Establishedin1920,VanWilgen’s rootsrundeep ItsmainlocationisinNorth Branford,butitalsohasgardenmartsin GuilfordandMilford.

Thecompanysellseverythingonemayneed togettheirgardengrowing.Fromhouseplants totreesandshrubstoannualsandperennials

andevenherbsandveggies,theteamatVan Wilgen’sisdedicatedtohelpingyousowthe gardenofyourdreams.

“EveryoneatVanWilgen’ssharesthispassion forplantsandeverythingtheydoforus,the websitereads.“Behindourgreatplantsare greatpeople....

“BEHIND

VillageGreeneGardensinGuilfordhas helpedresidentsgrowsince2011.Asaprevious three-timewinnerofthe“BestofShoreline” readers’choicepoll,thisbusinessknowsa thingortwoaboutbeingthebestinthebulbs. Thecenterboastssevengreenhouses,which arenowopentothepublictoperuse.Itsplant selectionincludesannuals,perennials,grasses, groundcovers,houseplants,fruits,vegetables, herbs,andevenbamboo.Fromcomposttopeat mosstosoilandmulch,VillageGreeneoffers everythingyouneedforyourplantstosucceed

JUST

BE THE SAME WITHOUT OUR TEAM.”

Crafting a Beautiful Yard

Country Landscaping in Hamden offers full-service landscaping and excavation. Owner and Founder Nicholas Onofrio built his reputation and the business based on customer satisfaction, according to the website. Asasingle-sourcecontractorforabroad spectrumofcommercialandresidential customers,Countryhandlesprojectsofall sizes,minimizingthehassleforhomeand businessownersbyhandlingitall. >>

BEST LANDSCAPER

Christensen Landscape Services

Hands On Landscaping

J&J Landscaping & Recycling

BEST APPLIANCE DEALER

Arts TV and Appliance

Foucault’s Furniture Appliance

Page Hardware

BEST ELECTRICIAN

L&M Electric

Thomas Electric

Viscuso Electric

BEST FURNITURE

Comfort Sleep Systems

Fair Haven Furniture

Jordan’s Furniture

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

Design by the Jonathans

KH Home Design

Roberta Ann Interiors

>> Frompullingthepermitstoclean-up andeverythinginbetween,theteamtakes prideinwhattheydoandhowtheydoit, thewebsitereads.

“Wemakeeveryefforttoensureour customersaresatisfied,”Onofriosaid. “Withattentiontodetailwhileworking withinyourdeadlinesandbudget,we strivetoincreasethepleasureandenjoymentyoutakeinyourproperty.”

HandsOnLandscapinginWestHaven isalawnandlandscapemaintenance companythatoffersexponentialexperienceinthelandscapeindustry,according tothewebsite Itsmissionistohelp clientsrediscoverthebeautyoftheir propertythroughcutting-edgeservices Theseincludelandscapedesign,mulching,snowclean-up,powerwashing,and guttercleaning.Asitsnamesuggests,the

companybelievescollaboratingwith clientsiskeywhencreatingfunctionaland uniquedesignsthattheycanenjoyfor yearstocome.

“Alloftheseservicestakeintoaccount thedifferentneeds,requirements,and budgetsofourclients,whichwesatisfyin uniqueandpersonalizedways,”the websitereads.“Nomatterwhatyou’re lookingfor,wewillprovidethehighest qualityserviceintheindustryandensure you’resatisfiedwiththefinalproduct.”

J&JLandscaping&RecyclinginEast Havenhasbeenfamily-ownedandoperatedsince1999.Thebusinessservicesboth residentialandcommercialcustomers withthefollowing:dumpsterrental,junk removal,snowplowing,hydroseeding, springandfallclean-ups,mulching,shrub trimming,downedtrees,andmore.

Keeping Your Comfort in Check

AccuRayMechanicalinNewHavenisaprofessionalcontractorwith22yearsofexperiencein residentialandlightcommercialwork Themission ofthefamily-runbusinessistoprovidetop-quality servicesatpricescustomerscanactuallyafford.

Accurayofferswarrantiesandpromotions,as wellasfreeestimatesonallservices.Whatsets themapart,accordingtoLouisGentile,isthat customersreceiveundividedattentioninfindingthe bestsolutionfortheirhomeorbusiness.

AccurayiscurrentlyofferingafreeWi-Fithermostatand5percentoffacustomer’spurchaseprice whentheymention“BestofNewHaven.”This promotionisvalidthroughtheendofsummer2024.

“Tothevoterswhomadeitpossibleforustobe amongthetopvote-gettersforthesecondyearina row,wewouldliketothankthemfromourfamily atAccuraytotheirs,”Gentilesaid...

“IF IT WASN’T FOR THEM, WE WOULDN’T BE HERE.”

MurgoMechanicalinEastHavenhasservedthe greaterNewHavencommunityforalmost20years. Itspecializesinheatingandcoolinginstallations fortheresidentialandlightcommercialmarkets, accordingtothewebsite.

OwnerRickMurgohasbeenintheHVACtrade since1984.Heperformsmanyofthebusiness operationshimself,includingpricing,designing, receiving,fabrication,dispatching,scheduling,and on-sitesupervisionofeachandeveryjob

InOctober2008,Murgoopenedanewly-built shopinEastHaventoprovidebetterworkmanship andeasieraccesstothecommunity,accordingto thewebsite.Prospectivecustomerscancallthe businesstoscheduleafreeestimateforacentral airconditionerinstallation.

QualityMechanicalCorporationinEastHaven isafull-servicemechanicalcontractorthatis >>

>> family-ownedandoperated.Itspecializesinthe installation,repair,service,andmaintenanceofheating, airconditioning,ventilation,andplumbingsystemsin residential,commercial,andlightindustrialapplications.

ThecompanyhasservicedsouthernConnecticutsince 1947,andoverthose77yearsitscustomershavealways beentheno.1priority,accordingtothewebsite.Quality Mechanicalemploystrained,industry-certifiedinstallers thatcanoftenfixwhatotherscan’t.

Thiscompanyisathree-timewinnerinthe“Bestof NewHaven”readers’choicepoll.

OIL COMPANY

East River Energy

Forbes Fuel Oil

Libretti & Son Fuel & Pool Water

BEST REALTOR

Carbutti & Co. Realtors

GRL & Realtors

Jonathon Corriveau, Carbutti & Co. Realtors

BEST REMODELING COMPANY

St. Peter’s Home Services

Tancreti Construction

BEST SEPTIC SERVICES

Sanitrol Septic

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ROFESSIONAL

In New Haven County, there are plenty of places to go where “everybody knows your name. ” Whether it’s deciding on a school to enrich your child’s education, taking care of your personal finances, or having an expert assist you with certain tasks, these Best Professional Services institutions puts the community’s interests ahead of their own.

BY ALYSSA SEIDMAN

SHOPPING

All that spring cleaning probably freed up some space in your closet to make room for the most fashionable summertime styles. But instead of endlessly scrolling web page after web page, we recommend browsing one of these Best of Shopping businesses in person. Whether you’re vacationing or staycation-ing this summer, these local shops will help you look your best while setting trends. Don’t forget to pick up a beach read at your neighborhood bookstore. And if you’re in the market for a gift, New Haven County offers plenty of places to pick up unique knick-knacks.

BY ALYSSA SEIDMAN

Grab a Book & Cozy Nook in New Haven

AtticusBookstoreCafeinNewHavenopenedin1975in thefirstflooroftheYaleBritishArtMuseum,whereitremainstothisday.Sincethenthebusinesshasspawnedtwo bakeriesandagrocerystore,whichareequallyaspopular withlocals.Thebookstoreoffersdelightfulreadsand delectableeatstopatronsonadailybasis,andalsohosts monthlyartinstallations.

BreakwaterBooksinGuilfordwasopenedin1972by MarionYoungandMarionHarold Itsoriginalmissionwasto

providebooksforchildrenandadultswiththehighestlevel ofcustomerservice,accordingtothewebsite.

Whileit’smainlyknownforitscuratedselectionofbooks, visitorscanalsofindpuzzles,playingcards,games,plush animals,fingerpuppets,stickers,magnets,cards,calendars, bookishChristmasornaments,candles,writingutensils, stationery,andmore.

DaniandRobHowardtookoverinApril2023withavision ofbroadeningthestore’sinvolvementinthecommunity.

RJJuliaBooksellersoffersawarmand welcomingambianceandhighly-curated selectionofbooksforreadersofallages. PhotobyRJJuliaBooksellers.

PAGE 34

“WE’RE SO GRATEFUL THAT WE CAN BRING YOU STORIES, KNOWLEDGE, & MEMORABLE OUTINGS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. WE TAKE SO MUCH PRIDE IN OUR BOOKSTORE AND SERVING THE GREATER CONNECTICUT COMMUNITYWITH OUR SMALL BUSINESS.”

LIZ BARTEK RJJuliaBooksellersMarketingManager

Tothatend,Breakwaterhostsauthorevents,playreadings, musicevents,openmics,andbookclubs.

“Pleasecomeintobrowse&exploreourstore,”the websitereads.“Youneverknowwhatyoumightfindorlearn, andyournewfavoritebookmayberightaroundthecorner.”

RJJuliaBooksellersinMadisonoffersawarmand welcomingambianceandhighly-curatedselectionofbooks forreadersofallages theperfectatmosphereforserendipityanddiscovery.Visitorsareencouragedtobrowsethe cozynooksofthestorewhilepausingtoreadorenjoyacup ofcoffeeinthecozycafé.

RJJulia’sStorybookSummerincludesgreateventsand activitiesforthewholefamilytoenjoy.Don’tmissSummer StoryTimeonTuesdaysandThursdays,SaturdayMorning StoryTimewithspecialguestauthors,andevenaBluey party AlsoonofferisWhere’sWaldoinMadison?,summer readingbingo,andsomuchmore.Checkoutthefullscheduleat RJJULIA.COM/EVENTS.

Find the Perfect Gift

TheFlowerNookinNorthHavenopenedinSeptember 2023asacollaborationbetweenbusinessmenMikeVitale andFrankCapuanoandfloraldesignerSharonKohary.With morethan25yearsofsuccess,thetriocombinedtheir individualstrengthstobringtheirvisiontolife.

Theboutiqueoffersauniqueassortmentoffreshly-cut seasonalflowers,assortedhouseplants,gourmetchocolates,andsmallgifts.Customerscanpickupitemsinthe showroomorarrangeforascheduleddelivery.

Needafloralconsultation?BookanappointmentatThe FlowerNook Theteamwelcomesopportunitiestocustomize anyitemforacustomer’sconveniencethankstotheirservice-orientednature.Theboutiqueoffersthelatesttrendsin thefloralindustrywhilegoingaboveandbeyondexpectations

“ESTABLISHING LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPSWHERECUSTOMERS ARE VALUED LEADS TO LONG-TERM SUCCESS, AVALUE THE FLOWER NOOK STRONGLYUPHOLDS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TODAY, TOMORROW, & ALWAYS.”

KRISTA CAMPUTARO TheFlowerNookManager

“THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING OUR SMALL BUSINESS & VOTING FOR US. WE ARE BLESSED WITH AMAZING CUSTOMERS.”

KRISTINA KAOUD MaterialGirlsCo-owner

MaterialGirlsBoutiqueinOrangecarriesjewelry, clothing,accessories,gifts,andotheritemsmadein theUSA.Ithasalargeselectionofenewtonjewelry, Lyssébottoms,andmessengerbagswithinterchangeablestraps.

Thestaffassistscustomerswithfindingperfect piecesforevery-day,work,vacation,orspecial occasions.Co-OwnerKristinaKaoudsaidthepersonalizedcustomerserviceherteamprovidestrulysets thestoreapart.

Customerscansaveupto70percentoffwhen shoppingMaterialGirls’ongoingClearanceSale.The businesswillalsohostSip&ShopGirls’Nightsand otherspecialeventsthroughoutthesummer.Kaoud directedreaderstothewebsiteandsocialmediato learnmore.

(MaterialGirlswasalsoatopvote-getterinthe “BestWomen’sFashion”category.) >>

BEST WOMENʼS FASHION

Camouflage Boutique

Consignment Originals

Material Girls Boutique

Women’s Fashion That’s Never Out of Style

>> CamouflageBoutiqueinNorthHavenopened14 yearsagoandhassinceflourished.Itoffersever-changingstylesandtonsofinventorytokeep customerssatisfiedinthesearchfortheperfectgo-to itemsfortheirclosets,accordingtothewebsite. Duetooverwhelmingdemand,theownerintroduced CAMOINMYCLOSET.COM tohelpevenmore womenfeeltheirprettiestevenwhentheyaren’tin store.Thebusinessiscommittedtostayingaffordablewhileofferingthetrendiestfashionsallsummer (andyear)long.

“Ihavemetthemostwonderfulpeopleandtruly havethemostloyalcustomersanyonecouldeverask for,”theownersaid.

ConsignmentOriginalsinCheshireandMilford hasdeliveredvalue,quality,andstyletosavvy, socially-consciousshopperssince1982.WithadditionallocationsinAvonandRockyHill,thebusiness hasbecomeadestinationforfinename-brandlabels anddesignergoods.

FounderJeanThomson’spassionforbringingjoy toothersthroughconsignmentcontinuestodaywith thisprinciple:createlasting,personalconnections. Whetheryouwanttodiscovertheresalevalueofyour treasuresorneedhelpstylingahiddengem,ConsignmentOriginalsishereforyou,thewebsitereads.

Withmorethan100,000consignors,Consignment Originalsoffersclothing,accessories,homegoods, andmorefortheentirefamily.Shoppinghereisnot onlyeconomical,butalsoenvironmentallyfriendly, accordingtothewebsite.

Christensen Landscape Services is afull-service landscape firmwidely recognizedfor innovative, sustainable design and qualityinstallations. Their expertise enhances your home with a broad complementoflandscape options. Because theyoffer completehardscape capabilities, includingstone masonry, concretefinishing, and on-site carpentry, thereisvirtually no limit to what theycan create in your landscape. Whether your plan calls forintricate stonework,native planting, or aluxurious water feature, the professionals at Christensen Landscape Servicestakepride in providing quality and excellence.

Thefamily-owned business has earned numerous awards fordesign, installation, and maintenance. Owner David Christensen and lead designer Donna Christensen work with ateam of managers, designers, carpenters, masons, and certified landscape gardening professionals who takegreat pride in upholding their tradition of building and maintaining beautiful, functional,and long-lasting gardens. Their services include full garden and estate maintenancethroughout New Haven, Middlesex, and Fairfield counties. They provide custom fertilization and weed controlpackages and areNOFA Certified OrganicLandscape Supplier specializing in sustainableand organic landscape design and maintenance. DesignersatChristensen enjoyworking with manyclients to enliven their landscapes by transforming forgotten outdoor areas into meaningful living spaces that invite interaction, nourishment, and reflection.

Anthony’sOceanViewinNewHavenwas votedasoneoftheBestWeddingVenues inNewHavenCounty,perreaders. PhotobyAnthony’sOceanView.

TRAVEL

Seaside inns with lighthouse suites, authentic castles, and award-winning wedding venues are only the beginning of the adventures that await at these fanfavorite locations. Whether you’re saying “I do” or “I need a staycation,” you can do it all without straying far from home. BEST INN Inn at Lafayette BEST WEDDING VENUE

Anthony’s Ocean View Woodwinds

Forafulllistofwinners,visit

BY SUSAN SHULTZ

Staying in New Haven can Still Feel like a Vacation

TheInnatLafayetteinMadisonisaneasywalkupstairs fromthefamedCafeAllegre.Thistraditionalinnboasts uniquelydesignedsuites,elegantmarblebaths,anda peacefulnight’ssleeponfinecottonlinens. >>

AtAnthony’sOceanView,stringsoftwinklinglightsandcracklingfirepits canbepartofyourweddingdaydecor.PhotobyAnthony’sOceanView.

“THANK

Anthony’sOceanViewStaff

>> Foryourconvenience,businessservicesareavailablebothintheInnandwithinwalkingdistance Each roomisequippedwithWi-FiandCable.Thesmallsize oftheInn,onlyfiverooms,meansyouandyour travelingcompanionswillhaveanintimateexperience.

TheInnislocatedintheheartofhistoricalMadison. ThisShorelinetownhasauthenticcolonialhomes, nearbybeaches,andatrulyuniqueSculptureMile withchangingoutdoorexhibitionsoftraditionaland abstractworksbyprestigiousartists.

Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven has been Connecticut’s premier destination wedding and event venue for nearly 40 years. It offers elegantly appointed ballrooms, tropical gardens, and a beautiful sandy beach with live palm trees for the backdrop of your ceremony.

Ronald J. D’Andrea, DMD • Brett M. Pantera, DMD • Kevin B. D’Andrea, DMD

Voted Best Dentist in NewHaven County

2675 WhitneyAvenue, Hamden, CT 06518

Well-known and highly regarded as among the finest and most successful wedding and event venues in Connecticut, Anthony’s and the Delmonaco family have been actively involved in the community for decades. They support numerous nonprofits, local events, and charitable causes while

quietly assisting families in need, donating time, food, and gift certificates.

Anthony’shasalsobecomeapopular gatheringplaceforfamilies,friends,and businesseslookingtogathertoenjoy fabulousfoodandmemorableoccasions. Thevenueoffersspecialeventslikea Valentine’sdinnerdance,agrandbuffeton EasterandMother’sDay,apigroaston Father’sDay,holidaygatherings,andaNew Year’sEveBashattheyear’send.

TheWoodWindsinBranfordboastsan impressiveEuropeancountrymanorsetting andaward-winningcuisine,makingthema favoriteinthetristateforweddingreceptions,banquets,corporateevents,and otherspecialoccasions.

Overtheyearscountlessbridesand groomshavelaudedtheroyaltreatmentthey receivedfromtheteam.Thevenueoffersplentyofopportunities totakephotosonthebeautifulgrounds,nearthegrandstaircase underthetwinkleofAustrianCrystalchandeliers,orinamagnificentgardensetting Yourspecialdaywillbemostmemorableat theWoodWinds.

WhatsetsWoodWindsapartisanaward-winningcuisinethat trulystealstheshow.RenownedMichelinchefsfromalloverthe worldincorporatethevenue’ssignaturesauceintotheirown recipes,whichisatestamenttoitsexceptionalquality.

TheculinaryexcellenceoftheWoodWindsisfurthershowcasedin“Legacy,”acookbookfeaturingChefSilvio’ssauces,a prestigiousrecognitionthatspeaksvolumesaboutthevenue’s culinaryprowess.Whileguestsmayforgetwhotheywere seatedwith,they’llalwaysremembertheexquisitefood.

“WE ARE THRILLED & DEEPLYGRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE ‘BEST OF NEW HAVEN’ AWARDS! YOUR VOTES MEAN THE WORLD TO US & INSPIRE OUR TEAM TO CONTINUE PROVIDING YOU WITH EXCELLENT SERVICE & CUISINE FOR ALL YOUR EVENTS.”

WoodWindsLeadership

Above:AcouplesharesakissinthescenicgardensofTheWoodWindsinBranfordduring theirspecialday.Below:TheWoodWindsinBranfordwasvotedasoneoftheBestWedding VenuesinNewHavenCounty,perreaders.PhotosbyTheWoodWinds.