A Food Stroll in New London

Connecticut College freshmen got their first taste of New London upon participating in New London 101 during Orientation, a day-long crash course in the attractions of the area.

After this event, it is up to each individual to get motivated to explore all that this city, mere minutes from campus, has to offer.

The chance to do just that — experience the sights, sounds, and especially the many tastes of New London — is coming up fast. The tenth annual Fall Food Stroll of New London will take place in October.

This event, organized by the nonprofit organization New London Main Street, will feature 47 shops and restaurants, as well as three or four local music groups.

“It is a way to get to know the downtown district,” said Betty Cole, a volunteer for New London Main Street.

For a nominal fee, attendees will be given a Stroll Ticket, admittance buttons, a list of the venues and a variety of coupons. Each business taking part in the event will be marked with a plant or pumpkin outside the door. Many restaurants will be handing out samples of tasty signature dishes, and some downtown stores will extend their hours.

“We have gotten some great responses. People are surprised to find out we serve food, but they’re happy about it- and they come back,” said Caici Griffin, an employee at Washington Street’s Bean and Leaf Café and Roastery, one of the venues.

In the past, the Food Stroll has drawn 800 to 900 food connoisseurs, mouths watering, to New London’s many eateries.

Dean Hanafin of Hanafin’s Irish Pub on State Street said of the Stroll, “There are new faces that might not normally visit restaurants and businesses downtown.”

The 2009 Fall Food Stroll will take place on October 14 between 5:30-8:30 PM. Tickets bought in advance will be $20, tickets bought on the day of the event will be $25 and groups of fifteen or more bought in advance are $15 per person. Information on Connecticut College-specific sales is coming soon.

Photo by Karam Sethi