New Haven, Connecticut was founded in 1638 and is one of the earliest planned communities in North America. Today the city is best known as the home of Yale University. Partly due to its planned development (and probably the college atmosphere) the city is easily seen on foot.
The Green is the public park in the center of New Haven. The area is over 350 years old and one of the top public spaces in the United States. Yale University is home to several museums and galleries and some of the most amazing architectural structures around. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra performs a number of times throughout the year (including several free concerts on The Green).
The climate around New Haven is typical for the region. The summer highs stay below 90F. Winter lows can get chilly and often fall well below freezing. Rainfall averages are fairly consistent throughout the year (around 5 inches each month).
You can find many cheap flights to New Haven throughout the year. Cheap airline tickets from San Francisco to Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) can start just over $350 US. Flying in from Chicago will cost much less with cheap airline tickets starting around $175 US.
There are plenty of cheap hotels in New Haven no matter what you desire or where you might be looking to stay. You can find a variety of accommodations in the city and in the surrounding community - one to fit every need and taste. Cheap hotel rooms near the main attractions can start well under $100 US.