The town took a deep dive into urban renewal about thirty years ago and though it had its critics at the time, the results seem to have caught the zeitgeist. People from surrounding towns seem to appreciate the street ambience, having actual sidewalks to stroll instead of the constant climbing up and down of escalators you find in a typical mall. Even the relatively poor section of town, the North End, has its attractions including a very well-appointed natural food store, a pub-style bar that serves a young crowd and some of the best chicken wings I’ve ever tasted. And, of course, there is that venerable Wesleyan favorite, O’Rourke’s Diner which Old Cards will be disappointed to learn no longer serves customers 24/7 (be sure and get there before 3PM.)
Ironically, the place really comes alive during the summer when the college population shrinks, but the weather warms up, the days are long and the spicy fragrances from all the open restaurant kitchen doors escape and mingle in the air.