Ponyboy had only two things on his mind when he traded the darkness of the movie house for the bright sunlight. However, S. E. Hitton would have been challenged to narrow the thoughts of her OUTSIDERS character had he been leaving one of the Film Fest New Haven venues. And you will be challenged too. While New Haven is host to the 6th annual independent film festival, it is also a town filled with the cultural options of a city, and a municipality that enjoys the close proximity of nature.

Feel the need to quench your thirst in between your viewings? Saddle up to one of the many watering holes in the downtown New Haven area. There's an authentic Irish Pub (Anna Liffey's), a 143-year-old tavern (Richter's), and a brew pub (pizza joint, night club, and acoustic music venue - BAR). And don't forget the more than 8 coffee shops within walking distance to all the FILMFEST venues. They range from the independent KOFFEE? to the local chain Willoghby's.

And if you are hungry, why not step out for Italian (Tre Scalini), or Chinese (House of Chao), or Thai (Bangkok Garden), or Japanese (Miya's), or Turkish (Istanbul Café), or Greek (Mamoun's), or Ethiopian (Café Adulis) cuisine. Or keep it simple by going for Pizza. There your only choices are slice or pie, red or white, thin or thickŠbut always from a brick oven. Presidents (Clinton, Bush) and cartoon characters (Doonsbury) alike have enjoyed the pies from Wooster Street. But don't worry; if it's pizza, and it's New Haven, it's bound to be good.

Or maybe your eyes need a break from the moving picture and would like to settle on something more stationary. We have museums ranging from the well-endowed Yale Art Gallery to the cutting edge Untitled Space. And the Chapel Street stores can entice the eye (and pocketbook) with jewels, fibers, books and sundries from around the world as well as local craftsmen.

Needing to take some space from the hubbub of the festival and the city? It's a long walk or a short ride to Edgerton Park where you can enjoy a tranquil setting or East Rock Park where you can stretch your legs and hike to the summit. From there you can view all of New Haven and its harbor. But there's no need to leave down town. The New Haven Green, established prior to the Yale Campus, which started surrounding it 300 years ago, offers acres of grass to lay on, run, or throw a Frisbee (the game was invented here, you know?).

If you plan to stay for the weekend the city offers many fine hotels in the downtown area that are close to the festival as well as the shopping and night clubs. The Colony Inn and the Hotel Duncan are located on Chapel Street and the Holiday Inn, on Whalley Avenue, is across the street from the York Square Cinema, which is the location for the festival's opening night event.

So, be it good food, nightlife, shopping, or taking in some fresh air and nature, New Haven has almost as many choices to offer as will the many screens of Film Fest New Haven. But, if like Ponyboy, you still have Paul Newman on your mind, there are no guarantees. However, you never know who might pop up, on screen or off.

For more information about what the city of New Haven has to offer please contact the Greater New Haven Convention and Visitor's Bureau at (800) 332-STAY or (203) 777-8550. You can also visit them on the web at http://www.newhavenchamber.com.