Abate's Apizza, New Haven, Connecticut

Wooster Square is a neighborhood in New Haven named for the American Revolutionary War hero, David Wooster (who was the mastermind behind the capture of Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain in1775, even though Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold got the credit.)

But the neighborhood is more famous for the food, especially the world's best apizza and other Italian delicacies.

Abate's piping hot pizza - oh my. Located at 129 Wooster St., Abate's Apizza & Seafood Restaurant, is a personal favorite. Yes, they deliver and also offer a full menu of good food.

(People may quibble about which pizza is best, but as with anything, it's a personal choice. Lines form outside of Frank Pepe Pizzeria and Sally's Apizza. Sunday, the latter was closed.)

Wooster Square even offers a farmer's market (CitySeed) in winter (held every other Saturday, until is gets a little warmer, so check the web site before heading over.)

The architecture of homes in the area is just inspiring. Drive or walk to notice the beauty in brownstone, brick, wrought iron details such as spires, turrets, decorative touches, and much more. There are many other restaurants and businesses along the way.

Trivia: During the Mayor Richard C. Lee administration (1954-1970) the Wooster Street/Square area was one of the first neighborhood federally funded urban renewal projects in the nation.

Nearby is Yale University, worth another whole day to explore solo or in a group (informative tours are offered). The New Haven Preservation Trust offers a richness of details about history in the city and region to explore even more.

Northfordy Farm, Wooster St. Market, CitySeed

Farm-fresh eggs produced by free-range chickens, Connecticut maple syrup, garlic - all naturally grown - plus sheep, lamb, and llama wool in earthy colors, were part of the products of the Northfordy Farm, owned by Peter and Judith Rothenberg.

The subtle color skeins of yarn were spun into yarn at Twist of Fate Spinnery in Portland, Conn., and are just some of the beautiful items available at the recent NOFA CT conference.

Peter Rothenberg noted that the Northfordy farm goods may be found at the Wooster Square farmer's market in New Haven, which is open year-round, every other Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In May, the market is open every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To see a calendar listing online, visit this CitySeed link.

There are four markets in New Haven, part of CitySeed - a local food system that "engages the community and promotes economic development, community development and sustainable agriculture."

To contact Northfordy Farm, call (203) 494-8408.