New London, CT

Referred to as Nameaug by its original inhabitants, the city of New London experienced its first taste of English influence when John Winthrop Jr. founded the first English settlement in 1646. However, it wasn't until over a decade later that legislation officially named the city "New London." The city served as a prime location for American naval operations during the Revolutionary War and was the second busiest whaling port during the 19th century. The installation of the New Haven and New London Railroad in the 1850s, in addition to numerous military installations during the 20th century, helped to usher in a new wave of residential and commercial influence.

The New London Maritime Society Custom House Museum serves as one of New London's primary museum locations. Be sure to catch Sparkle Holiday Boutique at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, featuring numerous local vendors and a night of holiday-themed entertainment.

A sundry assortment of small family-owned restaurants and specialty bistros characterize the dining experience in New London. Most restaurants can be found along Bank Street, Broad Street and Huntington Street.

Kamp Dog serves as the premier hot dog specialty restaurant of New London and creates traditional American dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As a family-founded establishment, Kamp Dog prides itself on its top-quality hot dogs that customers travel near and far to consume. Customers enjoy the gracious portions and variety of food served at this restaurant. The friendly and courteous staff combined with the uniquely decorated atmosphere creates a warm experience. Try the signature Kamp Dog, a premium-quality freshly grilled hot dog topped with cheese, onions and homemade Dynamite Sauce.

For the most authentic and full-bodied seafood New London has to offer, head to Captain Scott's Lobster Dock on Hamilton Street. The restaurant embodies a true New England seaside atmosphere, with its prime location along Shaw's Cove and its pleasantly simple decor. Customers enjoy carefully crafted cuisine, live entertainment and a serene waterside view. Try the lobster bisque, a creamy soup containing fresh savory chunks of lobster meat complemented by a near-perfect blend of spices; order it in a bread bowl for a real treat.

A fusion of pubs, bars and dance clubs define the nightlife scene of New London, dominantly located off of both Bank Street and State Street. Residents travel to Oasis Pub for a top-quality selection of craft beers and live musical entertainment provided by local indie bands and DJs. The small venue on Bank Street provides the perfect combination of lively and laid back, and thanks to its affordable prices and fully stocked bar, locals recognize Oasis Pub as a hidden gem within the community.

The primary means of transportation in New London consist of automobiles, public transportation and local taxi companies, with a light distribution of pedestrian traffic. The Estuary Transit District services New London with a number of bus routes available throughout the city. Additionally, numerous local taxi companies, several commuter rail services and cross-region ferries provide means of travel for residents of New London.

The Water Street Garage provides convenient and highly secure parking close to several points of interest in the community for as little as $1 per hour. A decent spread of privately owned lots and street side parking (metered and unmetered) can also be utilized by residents. Highway I-95 runs through the city, providing access to other major roads, including Interstate 395 and several smaller state highways. The majority of New London presents a fairly walkable atmosphere and houses over 18 official bike routes throughout its boundaries, offering a safe alternative form of transportation for cyclists.

The majority of parks in New London tend to focus on scenery and nature rather than exercise-centric amenities; however, a small spread of kid-friendly parks can be found throughout New London and surrounding areas. The Connecticut College Arboretum presents over 700 acres of natural beauty where patrons can stroll through a landscape of lush New England foliage for a unique viewing experience throughout all four seasons. The park provides a peaceful outdoor retreat and doesn't cost visitors a single cent. Come with your whole family and bring your dog.

Catch New London's annual Sailfest in the downtown area. This three-day celebration of fireworks, amusement rides and live entertainment attracts over 200 vendors. The event runs every summer.

The cost of living in New London stands at a mere 2 percent higher than the city average. Residents can travel to the city center for as little as $1.50 via public bus route. One-bedroom apartments rent at a median cost of approximately $900, while gas prices stand at around 14 percent higher than the national average. On the plus side, you can grab a pint of beer for as little as $6.

New London features an array of nationally recognized chain retail stores in addition to numerous independently owned specialty shops and boutiques. High-end retail stores mostly operate inside nearby malls, such as the Crystal Mall in Waterford. Golden Street and State Street host the majority of independently owned stores.

Sarge's Comics on State Street in downtown New London hosts an extensive collection of comic books, video games and novelty comic book merchandise. This independently owned shop garners respect among comic book fans and the local gaming community. Customers love the store for its affordable prices, diverse inventory and knowledgeable and amiable owner, Joe, who is always happy to make a recommendation.

The Telegraph sits on Golden Street and serves as the genuine neighborhood music store of New London. The store features a vast stock of new and used vinyl records and CDs, as well as a light selection of books. The Telegraph occasionally hosts live music events throughout the year.

Both national chain grocers and smaller privately owned grocery stores operate throughout New London. Residents travel to Fiddlehead's Natural Food Co-op on Broad Street for the highest quality produce and grocery selection in the area. Be sure to bring your own bags to this amply stocked and environmentally conscious neighborhood store.