What Have We Done Lately?

Below is a sampling of the ways we've been working toward our goals, in the areas of special events, marketing, economic enhancement, and design improvements.

Courtyard Café

New London Main Street has partnered with Charlotte Hennegan, owner of the Thames River Greenery & Beanery, and with the owners of Union Plaza, to make the Courtyard Café a reality. Learn more about New London's new outdoor eating café.

Historic Waterfront District Food Strolls: Spring and Fall Strolls featuring downtown restaurants bring hundreds of food lovers to town and expand the customer base for the district.
Celebration of Lights & Song: Brought shoppers downtown to greet Santa as he arrived via Amtrak, and to enjoy the tree lighting ceremony, the Artists. Open Studios, and the Gingerbread Village at Union Station.
Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails attracted families to The District to explore boats, meet famous authors, and see interactive performances at this unique, educational children's festival.
Valentine Day Fundraiser: In collaboration with The Hygienic Art Park, held a successful dessert extravaganza fundraiser at The Crocker House ballroom.

Historic New London Map & Guide: Distributed 25,000 copies to 140 hotels, attractions, and visitor centers in the I-95 corridor.
Meet and Greet: Coordinated orientation for thousands of cruise ship passengers visiting New London.
Downtown Dining Guide: Now in its third printing, with 15,000 copies widely distributed.
Poster Program: Helps create a new image for downtown by capturing cityscapes as seen through the eyes of local artists.
Cooperative Ad Banner: Worked with downtown merchants to develop a one page cooperative ad during the holiday season.
Web Site and Newsletter: Promotes downtown events, the arts, and businesses. The Web site receives over 1,200 hits per day and is was recently redesigned.
Events Postcards: Distributed 3 to 5 times a year, promoting downtown events.

Holiday Window Decorating Contest: Store front windows are decorated adding holiday charm to the ambiance.
Downtown Database: To provide on-line available space inventory and other critical data.
"Don't Miss the Boat": A series of merchant workshops that bring local business owners together to network and learn about upcoming events.
Surveys & Analysis: Conducted surveys of various events to provide feedback to participating merchants.

Light Pole Banners: 50 colorful banners promote the district and its special features. This year's banner featured Waterfront Park.
Signal Flags Project: Signal Flags spelling out a special message were installed at Waterfront Park.
Outline Lighting: In collaboration with City Center District, expanded installation of line lights on crowns of buildings for holiday and special events impact.
Heritage Trail Project: Historic plaques are being installed in the sidewalks in front of 30 designated historic buildings.
Mystic Whaler Sign: A sign was created and placed at Waterfront Park to welcome the Mystic Whaler, a sailing schooner now homeported in New London.

Quick Links: