Demolition on Upper State Continues

If you're like me, then you think of construction as a modern mechanical version of watching dinosaurs roam the earth. Productive, mechanical dinosaurs with pummeling capabilities.

The warehouse space which has not been in use for quite some time is getting removed from the earth to make way for a vast assortment of new residences in the Upper State Street section of East Rock. This is exciting because, you never know; they might actually someday fix that bridge across the Mill River on State Street too someday and that entire area could function like an actual neighborhood again. Here's some classic footage from today in 1080p.

Creative Holiday Gifts at The Haven Collective

If you really want to get your friends and loved ones something entirely original and creative, give some thought to visiting the Haven Collective at 938 State Street in the Upper State neighborhood of New Haven.

The collection there is mainly vintage, but there are also a whole lot of customized screen printed featured work in the front room, like this teeshirt collection from Jimi Patterson, who has received praise for his Joy Division album cover tee shirt idea from members as astute and observant as a certain managing director of a certain symphony orchestra.

Check out the whole collection. Here's a map in case you get lost.

Under91Project in Development

Mysterious unknown artists paint on highway underpasses last night. Photo By NHVMusic

The Interstate 91 Underpass at Humphrey Street has never been more inviting. We hope you like giant monarch butterflies. See the time lapse for a better take on that.

If you'd like to see the groups paint, grab yourself a lawn chair or two and a pizza from Da Legna on State Street, which is nearby and make yourself at home. Or maybe a coffee from the Coffee Pedaler, also nearby.

The Under91Project, which has been in development since February this year is finally getting painted. The artists began priming the wall with an industrial-strength sprayer. That took place on Saturday.

The rest of the work last night involved using a large projector, by displaying the art on the wall and using the imagery in the plan submitted for the public vote, which RCMurals won over the summer. You can also watch the Instagram Hyperlapse.

Happening All Day + This Week
Painting of the Under91Project at Humphrey and State St.

View Larger Map - Here is how the area formerly appeared, as seen on Google Street View. 

Coffee Pedaler: Open

If there's a snowstorm, feel free to swing on by the Coffee Pedaler on State Street. One of the most economical things is to pick up a carafe of coffee for six bucks. It makes like 8 cups of coffee and that's more than enough for you and a couple of friends. Comfortable ambient atmosphere and friendly staff make this coffeeshop the only five-star rated on Yelp in the area, and the best place for you to get some work done, and be semi-sociable in the process.

It's more than worth it. I found myself surrounded by birds, with highway traffic on the Interstate in the background. Not many souls dared to trek to the pedaler this afternoon, but it was an acceptable tour of the neighborhood for myself and Willowbee, my dog, this morning.

I suggest you get some fresh air and enjoy the global warming happening out there too.

Oak Haven Brunch Now Available

932 State St. Oak Haven

Folks in New Haven are often searching for a decent brunch location.  Oak Haven is a new Farm-to-Table restaurant in the Upper State Street section of town.  They start serving brunch for the first time today at 11am.  The menu is vegetarian-friendly.  See below for their recently-announced brunch menu.
Visit their website
Visit their facebook page

An example of a farm-to-table brunch.  Greens from Litchfield county "Waldingfield Farm"

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Coffee Pedaler - Now Open! (Video)

New Coffeeshop at 605 East Street - New Haven, CT.  

With plenty of spacious seating and a brand-new interior, The Coffee Pedaler is ready for business.  Proprietor Ryan Taylor makes delicious coffee 7am-5pm at the new shop, located on East St. near the corner of State Street and Mechanic (next to Gloria's, across from the Pantry).  They've got great wifi, even outdoor seating with a couple benches.

With enough of the same bicycle-friendly atmosphere going on in the Upper State Street neighborhood nowadays, and some entrepreneurial finesse, Ryan counts the beans (in real life, with a digital weight measurement device) of each cup he makes.  You can select from any of his variety of beans for your morning coffee.  Read more for video.

New Bicycle Themed Coffee Shop Coming Soon

How soon?  Very soon.  Ryan Taylor, local musician, cyclist and now coffee shop owner is preparing to open his doors very soon.  Take a look at some of the interior of his beautifully decorated coffeeshop by following his Instagram profile (@thecoffeepedaler on Insta).  Nice job, Ryan!