A new kind of social space has just arrived in New Haven! The Grove, located at 71 Orange Street, is a really really exciting and innovative concept.  More inspiring than a coffee shop, it is a co-working space where any entrepreneur, small organization, artist, or individual can come to work and play.  The environment, complete with boardroom, WiFi, break-out space, outdoor courtyard, and work stations, is way more connected than your typical office.  It is an open environment where people communicate with one another to bring about effective change. 

The work meets play meets mini conference atmosphere will prove to be far more innovative than working at home.   On a recent stop by to “work for a little while”, I ran into a friend who runs a really large non profit organization in South Africa.  After a few moments of catching up, we both dove into our individual work.  I tapped into the online world, while he donned  headphones to listen to some video content.  While posting some tweets, I see that co-founder, Slate Ballard, has sent out a tweet that I am at The Grove working.  I, of course, re-tweet in response because it is too fun to miss out on all the fun.  This game of twitter launches the two of us into a discussion of effective ways to create and tag a tweet for maximum audience exposure.  Both armed with a couple of new ideas about twitterland, we both go back to work.  Somehow I am getting through my load of emails and having fun.  Moments later an IT guy from Yale pops in, suddenly I am pulled into a conversation about which platform may best serve my swiftly evolving blog, followcb.com.  Who knew so much could happen in slightly over and hour?

Who thought work could be so painless?

This not for profit space offers memberships based on the amount of time you think you might or want to spend there.  There are plans based on the number hours, weeks, months, etc.  There will be all kinds of social and community related functions on site as well.  Need a boardroom or space to impress that special client or potential customer?  Not a problem… It is all possible here at The Grove, a space where it would appear to be as fitting to be sipping on a coffee or nipping on bourbon.  It is an instant office(just add fun) with none of the hassles or expenses associated with the typical work space. 

The Grove does more than imagine the future!  It delivers it to our New Haven area community in 2010!!

“The Grove is a new kind of space that encourages and supports people in their work and the development of new ideas that are solving the social, environmental, economic, and urban problems we face today. The Grove is more than just a space, it is a dynamic community of social innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, and thinkers that are the new face of New Haven.”

I highly encourage everyone who is passionate about work, mixed with a dash of play, to get into the groove.  And get into The Grove!! 

New Haven rises to the top becoming the crown jewel of Connecticut.  Where New York is sprawling and overwhelming, New Haven is neatly tucked into  a walkable and more subdued atmosphere.  Occupying an area that stretches from the cliff like faces of East and West Rock to the deep harbor on Long Island Sound, New Haven offers the best of everything Connecticut, and more.

Below an eclectic skyline, which is a panorama of old European spires, quintessential New England rooftops , and modern American skyscrapers, are streets lined with elm trees and diverse architecture.  New Haven is probably one of the few cities that offers hiking trails and a beach, in addition to its beautiful parks.  Downtown centers around the green with its historic three churches.  Here one finds a more hectic pace of people working, shopping, eating, playing, and biking.  People on the move.  Out on the streets. 

New Haven is the epicenter of all things Connecticut.  Home of Yale University,
it’s a college town with an international component that is woven right into the fabric of the culture. New Haven is  an  unrivaled hub for its medical and educational  institutions.  The arts, museums, diverse festivals and events, offer an exciting and dynamic cultural flair.  Arts and ideas.  This is a city where live music, plays, shows, theater, and sports takes stage year round in its many unique and historic venues.

To know New Haven is to taste its many amazing restaurants. The great coffee houses.  The breakfast haunts.  The world famous pizza places. The home of the hamburger.  The neighborhood bars and pubs.  The farmers markets.   The food here knows no limits nor ethnic boundaries.  From top notch world class five star restaurants to food trucks located around town, New Haven is Connecticut’s food destination.

A city of diversity, where the working class walks the streets with students from around the globe. While facing the same challenges many cities face, New Haven still has it all.  There is something  here…for me and for you.

If you get to know New Haven…you will discover there is so much to explore, see and do. 

If you knew New Haven like I do, you would understand that this city is a playground for you…for New Haven is a diamond in the rough. A gem.

So, let’s hear it for New Haven!

Cause it’s right here for me and for “You” Haven!!