Things to Do in New Haven

Though its name does hint at the long, sharp-scented ranks of Christmas trees, Mark's Tree Farm acts as a gateway to many more of nature's marvels. In tribute to the powers of Mother Earth, Mark grows the trees without the use of any chemicals. The expert stargazer also invites groups to follow his laser pointer and the aim of his telescope during astronomy tours on the farm's enclosed viewing space. Shrieks drift, bent by velocity, from 600 feet of zipline throughout the woodland canopy as guests whiz past verdant foliage at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, the exact velocity of the prettiest sunbeams.

Among the whispering leaves, the sharp tang of evergreen boughs mixes with the aromas of hickory and apple wood in the cooling air. Mark lubricates all of his cutting tools, which slice chips and chunks for smoking meats with canola oil, rather than petroleum-based lubricants that can carry carcinogens. He also packages firewood in custom lengths to fit in different stoves and underwhelming time capsules.

With a repertoire shaped by the teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra, the yogi and monk who created the Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures, Dharma Yoga Center welcomes students to explore tranquil poses with a noncompetitive mindset. Heat radiates from shiny wooden floorboards as the studio’s certified instructors lead students through a sequence of playful or athletic poses and deep-breathing exercises that melt stress and pats of butter forgotten in the pockets of stretch pants. During Level I sessions, beginners can work toward cultivating flexibility and balance through basic poses and stretches. Level II, III, and IV sessions teem with challenging moves such as back bends, twists, and headstands, and students may incorporate zero-gravity swings and other innovative props to help achieve positions without risking injury. During meditation sessions, periods of laser-focused concentration can help strengthen students’ resolve and ability to sleep through an elephant stampede. In addition to teaching group classes, studio founder Tony Urbano leads private lessons for students seeking personalized guidance and encouragement.

Joker's Wild Comedy Club's stage showcases comics drawn from both the national touring circuit and the local scene. The intimate venue, which recently replaced its space-hogging booths with brand-new seats, features headlining comedians who fill Thursday–Saturday evenings with laughter during 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. shows. On Wednesday night, fledgling funny folk strive for their five minutes of fame at open mic night. Joker’s Wild also runs its own School of Comedy, where budding comedians can chase their dreams of cracking up audiences and keeping glasses of water on a stool. The club’s full menu of pub food mutes growling stomachs with appetizers and entrees for patrons hoping to perfect an onion-ring spit take.

From the road, passing cyclists glimpse rows of grapevines stretching across gently sloped hills and converging at the horizon under a beaming midday sun. The scene could easily be mistaken for Northern California or another storied wine-producing region, but it's how a normal day looks around Long Island’s North Fork area, where more than 50 wineries call the rolling vineyards their home.

Guides at Vintage Bicycle Tours bring two-wheeled travelers into the heart of the area’s wineries—as well as its many farm stands, boutiques, and views of Peconic Bay—through their signature bike tours and customizable à la carte tours. Passionate about both wine and cycling, guides supply visitors with thirst-quenching narration and all equipment, including a choice of Kent tandem comfort bikes for two or Diamondback mountain-comfort hybrid cycles. Alternatively, Vintage Bicycle Tours permits riders to bring their own bikes or all-terrain unicycles.

At Village Center for the Arts, director Sharon Kaufman and co-owner Jayson Roberts lead art classes that span the creative spectrum, layering in lessons that detail their respective specializations. Kaufman, a teacher for 19 years, uses the pottery wheel to shape most of her work, and Roberts excels in the art of wood building. To help maintain positive energy, the duo carefully selects teachers and staff members who can communicate artistic concepts in fun, engaging ways that don't require actual engagements or wedding DJ contracts.

The center's art classes, camps, and open studio hours put students in the same space as the painting and sculpting experts. And the studio itself—a large colonial house capped with a classical pediment—provides guests with the comforts of working in a home-like setting without home-like limitations of owning only one Bob Ross DVD or having plenty of face paint but only one grandmother.

North Fork Bike Tours leads wine lovers on foot-powered excursions through the picturesque farms, gardens, and vineyards of local wine country. Tours traipse across the North Fork of Long Island and offer a rare, on-the ground view into local wine culture. Riders progress at a leisurely pace over predominantly flat terrain and well-surfaced roads while stopping to enjoy sips at local vineyards. All riders are provided with bicycles that feature baskets for carrying home souvenirs and bottles freshly plucked from the vineyards' wine trees.