We’re sure by now almost everyone has read (or at least heard about) the article “Shame on Connecticut College” written by David Collins in The Day, or the read the response published in The Voice (and later, The Day) by Sam Norcross last week. And we’re sure some people may feel a sense of animosity between New London and Connecticut College. Despite this recent debate, however, we have found that the community of New London is extremely welcoming of and eager to get to know Conn students. And we believe, now in our fourth year at Connecticut College, it extremely important for students to get to know the greater community.
Because of our geographic location, high up on this hill, separated by Route 32, it is easy to feel a bit disconnected from downtown New London. This, however, should not be a reason to stay away, but rather, a reason for the students of the College to make a more conscious effort to engage with the community. Obviously, many students already frequent a few of the favorite spots. But are we covering all the bases? No. So we are sending out a plea. A plea to venture down the hill and discover all that New London has to offer.
Last month, I, Kat, sat down with two restaurant owners, John, the owner of Angie’s Pizza in Mystic, and Mario, the owner of Prime 82 Steakhouse in Norwich—and although the reason for my visit was to discuss the TEDx conference that took place a few weekends ago, we inevitably strayed off topic. At one point they asked me, “Where do Conn students typically go out to eat or drink?”
My answer was predictable. I found myself listing off some of the usual suspects, to which they quickly and eagerly pointed out my oversight of a number of other places; “You have to go check out so many other places!” They mentioned Mi Casa first, a traditional, hole-in-the-wall Mexican place right off of Bank Street, followed by Northern Indian, an Indian restaurant right in downtown New London. How had I never heard of these places? When I confessed, they were shocked. I had gone through nearly four years at Conn and had failed to step outside of my “off-campus comfort zone”.
It’s not unusual to hear “Tiki” or “Exchange” buzzing around campus on a Thursday, nor is it unusual to find yourself returning to the same breakfast spots every Sunday morning. It is to be expected that every college town has its favorites. There are reasons why people like these places: we have a good time, we know our friends will be there. But have you ever thought to try something different? Think about it.
As seniors with very little time left in New London, we have recently found ourselves eager to get out of our normal routine and to try new things. And we’re wishing now we had three more years to cover all the bases. Just last week, we decided to check out the “Fire Ball Whiskey Spring Fling” party at Oasis Bar—a first time for both of us at this local hot spot. Locals outnumbering the Conn Students, we danced the night away to ‘90s pop music. This “unusual” adventure sparked our interest to find out more.
We talked to a good friend of ours, Georgia Naumann about the issue. Keep in mind, this is our roommate who comes home practically every day with a new flyer from a restaurant we have never heard of or from an art gallery with a show downtown. She not only lives by this standard herself, but also urges other students to “combine your passion with your surroundings—it will make you that much more connected with the community creating a relationship of mutual gain. If your passion is art, go with it. If your passion is international cuisine, you couldn’t have picked a better city to go to school in.”
So, whether you have three years or less than a month left in New London, find your passion in this city and run with it. Here are just a few of the fun ways that you can engage in the community.
To eat: Mi Casa – a tiny, authentic Mexican restaurant right downtown. If it’s your birthday, you’re in luck. I won’t spoil the surprise, go find out for yourself. Eat a goddamn breakfast sandwich, or anything for that matter, from Sweeties. Everything is homemade and everything is delicious. They give students discounts, and deliver too! Eat at Pollos a la Brasa. If the name doesn’t sell you, the food will. Enough said. Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock, whether you’ve been 100 times or once, go again and again and again. Always a good time and the food is always super fresh. Washington Street Coffee House has $2 taco nights every Friday and Saturday. Their menu is one of the most impressive and diverse we’ve ever seen for your standard coffee shop, and it’s always BYOB. And as we mentioned above, Northern Indian is always a great place to get your Tikka Masala fix.
To go outdoors: The beach. You can’t be a student and live so close to the ocean and not go for a long walk on the beach or a quick dip in the fresh Connecticut saltwater. Harkness Beach has it all. The sand dunes, the large rock faces and the quaint feel make it the perfect sandy destination. Ocean Beach Park is a different scene, but a good one. With an old abandoned amusement park at your back, the ocean at your front, it’s a must for an alternative beach experience. Fun fact: there’s a Brew Fest at Ocean Beach Park that features over 150 beers representing virtually every style of beer made throughout the world. It happens next Friday, May 9 and there will be live music, beer and food. Riverside Park is a beautiful park located right near Hodges Square. With plenty of trails, it’s a great place to go for a bike ride or a run and a great place to get involved with the community if you choose to attend one of their trash pick-up days.
To get cultured: Visit Hygenic Galleries. They always have an interesting installation and will often have fun events centered on the art exhibits with wine and cheese and mingling. Did we mention it’s super cool-looking inside? Go to a New London Food Stroll. Every Fall and Spring, New London puts on these events with the local restaurants. Just buy a ticket and you’re free to eat whatever! CT Wine Trail – Two locations right near Conn – one in Stonington Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Maugle Sierra Vineyards. So many others in the area as well – both offer tastings and live music. I bet no one knew that one of the largest indie music festivals happens every Fall right here in New London. It’s called I AM music festival. According to their website: it’s “One of Connecticut’s biggest indie music festivals.” The problem is that it’s hard to advertise because it happens during the first two weeks of school, but it’s free.
To drink: Oasis Bar. Although we’ve only been once, I’ve heard that it’s always a good time and you never know what you may stumble in to. Whether it be “Spring Fling” night with a rockin 90s DJ, or just a relaxing night of pool with some locals it’s a must visit. Did you know that there’s nightlife that exists the opposite direction down Route 32 (and we’re not talkin’ Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun)? We’re talkin’ the Brown Derby Lounge. If you want to hear some locals belt out with their vocals over some karaoke machines, this is the place for you! Awesome food and awesome vibes.
If you want to go above and beyond, get involved with SVA – Student Volunteer Army – a student-led initiative that is centered around strengthening the relationship between Connecticut College and New London. Their first project is the revitalization of Hodges Square. If this is something that interests you, contact Ryland Hormel or Lily Plotkin.
So go. Venture down the hill beyond Bank Street. Get to know the town, the people, and its culture. It won’t only mean a lot to you, but to the locals as well. For four years, New London is our home, and trust us, they go by fast.
