Hamden is a suburb of the city of New Haven, Connecticut. Quinnipiac University has a significant impact on the town. The town's nickname is "The Land of the Sleeping Giant". It had about 61,000 residents in 2010.
The main industries in the town are retail trade, computer products, manufacture of wire and cable, concrete, pump mixer products, fabricated metals, construction and business services. Business services account for half of employment in the town, with retail trade accounting for about a quarter, and manufacturing accounting for about 10%. Hamden is a residential suburb for New Haven, with more residents commuting to work in New Haven than residents working in Hamden.
Hamden was purchased by William Christopher Reilly and the Reverend John Davenport in 1638 from the local Quinnipiack Native American tribe. It was settled by Puritans as part of the town of New Haven. It remained a part of New Haven until 1786 when 1,400 local residents incorporated the area as a separate town, naming it after the English statesman John Hampden.
Largely developed as a nodal collection of village-like settlements (which remain distinct today), including Mount Carmel (home to Quinnipiac University), Whitneyville, Spring Glen, West Woods, and Highwood, Hamden has a long-standing industrial history. In 1798, four years after Eli Whitney began manufacturing the cotton gin in New Haven, he made arms for the U.S. government at a mill site in Hamden, where a waterfall provided a good source of power. At that site, Whitney introduced the modern era of mass production with the concept of interchangeable parts.
Whitney constructed stone houses for his employees in the nearby area, which is still referred to as Whitneyville; this is believed to be the first example of employer-provided homes in U.S. history. In 1806, the dam that Eli Whitney built at the mill site was enlarged to create a reservoir, Lake Whitney.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hamden received a steady influx of immigrants, most notably from Italy and Ireland. During the post-war period, Hamden underwent significant suburban development. Much of the southern section of town is urbanized and is difficult to distinguish from neighboring New Haven. The northern section of town, however, retains a more rural character, and has the distinct neighborhood of Mount Carmel. This area of town is the location of the Sleeping Giant hill formation that is the source of the town's nickname.
The easiest way to get to Hamden from the surrounding towns is via I-95 (exit 48 to I-91 follow to exit 10) or the Merritt Parkway (exits 60-63).
The Wilbur Cross Parkway runs through the center of the town serving as a connection to Hartford to the north and the New York metropolitan area to the south. The town is connected to Interstate 91 via Connecticut Route 40, a spur expressway to the Mount Carmel section of town. The main route from the town center to New Haven passing through the commercial areas of Hamden is Dixwell Avenue (Route 10). Another route to New Haven via the Spring Glen and Whitneyville residential neighborhoods is Whitney Avenue.
CT Transit operates buses stopping in main areas such as the Hamden plaza, Hamden Hills/Centerville, Circular Avenue, and Putnam Place. Regular cash fares are $1.25 but you could also purchase a 3-, 5-, 7-, or 31-day pass. These prices range from $7.50-45. The main bus routes in the town are the Dixwell Avenue (238) and the Whitney Avenue (228/229) routes. Other secondary routes serving the town are the State Street (224), Winchester Avenue (234), and Shelton Avenue (237) bus routes.
The major thoroughfare through Hamden is named Whitney Avenue in honor of Eli Whitney, and it runs past Whitney's old factory, now the Eli Whitney Museum.
The Hamden Plaza Dixwell Ave. has come a long way since it was opened in 1978. There is a wide assortment of well-known chain and department clothing stores throughout the whole plaza. You can find a variety of stores such as Walmart, Kohl's, Marshall's, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Bob's, Bonton, and more.
Copa Cafe, 3500 Whitney Av, +1 203-281-0505. Spanish/Portuguese in the American style.
Glenwood Drive-In, 2538 Whitney Ave, +1 203 281-0604. If you miss the 1950s and have a craving for hot dogs? Then Glenwood is the place for you! Having been voted #1 hot dogs in Connecticut Magazine and being around since 1955, Glenwood Drive-In isn't going anywhere! Providing a blast from the past, every Wednesday Glenwood holds antique car shows in their parking lot for all those who wish to enjoy the classic menu and atmosphere of this Hamden institution.
Wentworth's Ice Cream, 3697 Whitney Ave, +1 203 281-7429. If you're in the mood for real homemade ice cream then Wentworth's is the place to visit. Located in a house about a century old and designed like an old-fashion ice cream parlor, Wentworth's provides parlor chairs around tiny tables. On those warm summer days you'll find people enjoying their ice cream in the charming white gazebo and benches located on the grounds.
Eli's Brick Oven Pizza and Market, 2402 Whitney Ave, +1 203 288-1686. Eli's Pizza offers thin-crust brick oven pizza like no other in town. Dine in and enjoy anything from pizza to salads and fine Italian cuisine, or take something home from the spacious take-out room like stuffed breads and pre-packaged dinners. Prices are very low and most entrees are under $15.
Ristorante Luce*, 2987 Whitney Ave, +1 203-407-8000. Ristorante Luce serves regional Italian cuisine and has a large selection of fine wine. It has a relaxed Tuscan atmosphere and was awarded "The most romantic restaurant in New Haven County" by Connecticut Magazine.
Eli's On Whitney, 2392 Whitney Ave, +1 203-287-1101. Eli's is an American style restaurant that serves anything from fresh fish and steaks, to their signature buffalo wings. Eli's also has a popular bar with a large selection of drinks. Downstairs Eli's offers a large banquet room available to be rented for various functions.
The Corner Deli, 2773 Dixwell Ave, +1 203 288-9800. The Corner Deli is very popular, especially with Quinnipiac and Hamden High School students. The Corner Deli offers an array of sandwiches and salads such as the "Pastrami Monster" and the "Chicken Fajita Wrap." During the week the deli gets very busy during lunch hours so call ahead for your order.
Ixtapa Grille, 2547 Whitney Ave, +1 203 230-2586. Ixtapa Grille serves authentic Mexican cuisine, ranging from the standard tacos and burritos to more exotic dishes. Ixtapa has a small bar in the back and offers various mixed and frozen drinks. The desert menu also has many authentic Mexican deserts such as their well known fried ice cream.
Ashley's Ice Cream, 2100 Dixwell Ave, +1 203 287-7566. Ashley's ice cream Was voted the #1 ice cream parlor in Connecticut, with up to 24 flavors daily and a weekly special. Ashley's also makes ice cream cakes and various other ice cream deserts available to purchase in store or have made.
Ray & Mike's Deli, 3030 Whitney Ave, +1 203 287-8710. This take-out counter style deli/convenience store is home to some of the most talked about subs in town. From buffalo chicken, to steak & cheese, you can get any sandwich you want from the size of a small roll up to the giant sub which is about a foot and half long. Quinnipiac students often occupy the deli and it's great for a quick stop on your break from work.
If you would rather stay in a B&B type setting, Hamden's neighboring town, New Haven offers a few.
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