Welcome to “The Land of the Sleeping Giant” – Hamden, CT. It’s a cute, quiet little suburb of the city of New Haven, and it’s known throughout the state as a true blend of urban and suburban. Less than 10 miles away from Yale University and surrounded on all sides by gorgeous natural landscapes, it perfectly embodies “New England Charm.”
“There are lots of reasons to love this town,” says Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT. “The community was founded in 1786 and has seen so much history from its vantage point along the Quinnipiac river. Today, it’s a thriving community that balances small town charm and big city opportunities, gorgeous natural vistas and thriving urban downtowns and so much more. It’s simply the perfect place to live and visit, which is why we’re thrilled to be the premier Life Care community for this area. We make it easy for area seniors to strive for excellence, build a meaningful life and remain engaged in the community they know and love.”
Whitney Center residents are certainly not what you expect when you think of seniors, incidentally. Our active and independent residents are always out and about in the area, having adventures throughout all of greater Hamden County. Here are just some of the things that our seniors enjoy doing – even if it’s just to snap a selfie to show off to their friends back home.
- Poke the “Sleeping Giant”
The Sleeping Giant, a.k.a. Mount Carmel, is a 739-foot mountain that dominates the landscape of the Greater Hamden County area. It’s named after its uncanny resemblance to a sleeping figure, and has been a popular recreation destination for residents and visitors alike. The mountain is located in Sleeping Giant State Park, which includes more than 30 miles of hiking trails, along with areas for rock climbing, bird watching, horseback riding and more. In 2018, the park was damaged by severe storms and closed for nearly a year. The park re-opened again on June 14, 2019 – just in time for the summer season and ready for a new round of adventurous seniors to enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Page through ancient history
Just a few miles away from Whitney Center is the world-famous Yale University, known for many things (we won’t even begin to list all of them here) and home to theBeinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Built in 1963, this building holds one of the largest collections of rare books, medieval manuscripts, maps and modern limited editions (among other things). It’s dedicated to the collection and preservation of rare manuscripts, and contains many priceless artifacts, including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible and the famous, mysterious Voynich Manuscript.
- Take a cruise through the Thimble Islands
Contact one of the area tour boats and spend a sunny afternoon threading through the Thimble Islands, an archipelago of islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut. It’s a half-hour drive from Hamden, but definitely worth the trip. Today, the islands are mainly used for residential homes and conservation, but back in the day, it was a favorite roaming ground of the infamous Captain William Kidd. Rumor has it that some of his riches are buried there, so keep your eyes peeled.
- Take a step back in time
Walk the path of history at The New Haven Museum. This museum is filled with artifacts, art, historic objects, photography and other items that detail the history of New Haven from its first inhabitants to the present. Learn about local features like the Sleeping Giant, East Rock and Yale, and hear stories about famous residents including Eli Whitney, Noah Webster and Benedict Arnold
- Go ‘round and ‘round and ‘round again.
Grab your sweetie, walk the boardwalk, grab a bite to eat and take a spin around The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park. This beautiful historic building houses one of the few carousels from the 1920s that’s still in use today. The 70-figure carousel features two chariots and a figure of George Washington. Stroll along the beach and grab a bite to eat while listening to the waves.
- Discover the history of the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus Museum, located in downtown New Haven, is an archive for the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council and a plethora of knowledge about the organization, their work and their place in history. The building also houses a huge collection of artworks dedicated to the heritage of Catholicism.
- Eat your way across town
What better way to experience the greater New Haven area than by touring its streets? Taste of New Haven is a walking culinary tour organization that takes you to foodie hangouts that pair wine, food, fun and history for a one-of-a-kind adventure. You’ll never see the city the same way again (and you may discover many more favorite restaurants to come back to).
- Go hands-on at the Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop
The Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop isn’t just a place to learn about this famous New Haven resident and his invention, the cotton gin. It’s also an experiential learning workshop that pairs science and invention to unlock creativity and spur minds to higher purpose. The museum is located on the site of a gun factory created by its eponymous founder. Besides hands-on activities and projects, you can also wander the grounds to view water tables, hiking trails and a water reservoir.
If you’d like to learn more about Whitney Center and the adventures you’ll find in the greater Hamden County area, contact us today. We look forward to discussing how you can begin enjoying the benefits of our Life Care Community.
Discover Excellence in Senior Living.
At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where residents do what they love. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care community, offering not just an unparalleled independent living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing care and memory care Whitney Center even offers a home-based long-term care program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.
Choice. Freedom. Opportunity.
We believe that remaining engaged and striving for excellence builds a more meaningful life. That’s why residents experience a host of services and amenities, events and cultural opportunities and wellness programs designed to foster endless growth and personalized living. Backed by our first-rate hospitality and philosophy of continuous improvement, our residents are free to travel, learn, volunteer, set new goals and create the life they want to live.
Come Here to Thrive.
At Whitney Center, residents live in the midst of cultural arts and education and dignified connections to the greater community. Seniors thrive in pursuit of what brings them joy, with unlimited opportunities to create and contribute. And, with the confidence in quality care services available on site if health needs ever change, Whitney Center makes it possible for seniors to continue enjoying the freedom to embrace life at its fullest.
Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care Community!
