It still hosts many races and events today, including televised spectator races, vintage car shows, and private track days. 99% of the Moon . It was first settled in 1692, and although it has a rich and interesting history, it offers plenty of 21st-century comforts as well; its rambling Main Street is lined with handsome 19th-century buildings that house boutique shops, fine dining restaurants, and impressive art galleries. where the community often puts on yoga classes and concerts. If you dont know where to start, here is a list of some of the best things you can do while in Old Saybrook: People know New England for its amazing lighthouses, one of which can be found right in Old Saybrook. You cant go wrong with free coffee refills and their famous rice pudding. Right on Main Street, Mirsinas Restaurant offers American and Greek cuisine for breakfast and lunch. Around the turn of the twentieth century, Florence Griswold was running a boarding house on the Lieutenant River banks drawing painters to the area. Tomorrow will be 0 minutes 48 seconds shorter . The 1.5-mile track is surrounded by lush green spectator fields instead grandstands, and it has hosted many of America's most significant races over the years, including the famous 1959 Formula Libre event. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. There's something here for everyone; families with young children might want to beeline out to the northern side of the peninsula to enjoy the tranquil waters of Cape Cod Bay, while anyone looking for classic New England charm should visit the seaside town of Chatham. . Knollwood Beach is a great place to experience the Long Island Sound, located at the southern tip of the town along Maple Avenue. more information Accept. Its a great spot to go swimming, but New England water tends to be cold a lot of the time. Founded in 1659, this town is a history and nature lovers dream. How would you like to putt a round by the Sound? Thats the adorable tag line for Old Saybrooks seasonal mini golf course! Founded in 1659, this town is a history and, to learn more about the areas history. Encompassing almost 1,000 acres along the Shepaug River, Steep Rock Preserve boasts some of the most spectacular hikes in Connecticut. 400 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, Phone: 860-529-8423. Parthenon Diner can be found along Boston Post Road. In 2009, the museum and theatre were opened to honor her, a Colonial Revival building with a Doric portico located in the 1911 historic former town hall on Main Street. We walked an easy loop with the stroller through . The menu at Livs evolves with the seasons to give guests a taste of the changing environment on the Connecticut coast. They begin to fish in March on the Housatonic and Connecticut Rivers for holdover and migrating striped bass, and through summer, they target big striped bass on Eastern Connecticut shores. When youre done visiting the castle, you can also walk around and explore the rest of the state park. Stunning water views are aplenty as this historic town is where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound! Visitors can also fish off the fishing pier, relax in the shade of the Devon Rotary Pavilion, and enjoy a snack or a drink from the concession. Many visitors who come here choose to stay the night, but there's no need to do so if you're short on time; the elegant restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or cap off a day of sightseeing. Old Lyme was also another of my favorite day trips. For quality Northeastern inshore angling experience, hire Reel Cast Charters, an experienced fishing guide service. There we find a band of pirates and their ship "The Becky Thatcher". Holes 2, 3 and 4 were added in 1895 and the full nine hole . BusTickets.com is your one-stop resource for reserving your bus ticket to Old Saybrook, CT. Save More, Travel More - Let's Go! The staff here are excellent, and the overall ambiance and atmosphere make it a great place for families. There are also plenty of ponds, which are well-populated with a wide variety of fish for visitors who happen to bring their fishing rods. There are three buildings to tour, including the house. 71 reviews. Best deep tissue massage by Jeff. Founded in 1654, Mystic is a picturesque waterfront village spread across both sides of the Mystic River. For great history and some time outdoors, look no further than Fort Saybrook Monument Park. Their Country Store is definitely worth a visit. Cozy Nails does a great mani-pedi -- the spa is clean and fast, with a good polish selection. Be sure to leave time for lunch on the veranda overlooking the river. Book your stay in our luxury resort, offering a, for groups and families of all sizes. No trip to the Connecticut coast is complete without a trip to the beach, and folks often hail Harveys Beach as among the best ones on the shoreline. I live in Boston, these are some really great things to see in CT. Trains run between the end of March and December, and special train rides are held on a seasonal basis, including the Easter Bunny Express in April and an October train ride that stops at a pumpkin patch. The regular train ride is only open to the public between June and October because New England can get unpredictable winter weather. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You can even book a tour of the area. Visiting the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is one of the best things to do in Old Saybrook. The course is on a peninsula at the mouth of the Connecticut River, and from every hole, it provides breathtaking views of the River, Long Island Sound, and the South Cove. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, freshly roasted specialty coffees, and yummy baked goods, breakfast, and lunch options for dine-in or takeaway. Prices on the high side but the items on sale were affordable. Old Lyme is pretty close to Old Saybrook, but I would definitely recommend Old Lyme to someone who is looking for a beautiful nature walk or chill hiking trails. Review of: Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center & Museum, Old Saybrook Hotels with Air Conditioning, Old Saybrook Hotels with Laundry Facilities, Hotels near Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Game & Entertainment Centers in Old Saybrook, Things to do near Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Professional - Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Tasting with a walking tour, Hol Chan, Shark Ray Full-Day Snorkeling Tour From San Pedro Belize, Ferry tickets from Phu Quoc to Rach Gia by Phu Quoc Express, Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Land Rover Tour Adventure, Sevanavank Monastery, Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, Private transfer from Casablanca to Marrakech. This was the Lyme Artist Colony, the beginning and hub of American Impressionism. Fishing, boating, and even swimming during low tide are some of the best things you can do here, but you can also simply admire the beautiful ocean from afar. day with the girls at Jonathan Edwards Vineyards. Charles Island can be seen from the beach, and low tide often forms a sand bar that allows visitors to walk over and explore the island. If youre looking for great year round activities in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, add antiquing to the list! We offer full and half-day fishing trips to various wrecks, reefs and surrounding islands. driving 300 miles from Old Saybrook Harveys Beach is said to be one of the top beaches in the entire state. The original fort was built in 1635 in honor of Lord Brooke, and Lord Say and Sele, the towns namesakes to whom these lands were granted. Open May through Columbus Day, if youre looking for fun things to do in Old Saybrook that are scenic and get you out in the fresh sea air, Saybrook Point Miniature Golf is a great choice. History and tradition abound giving the town's roots that generate stability and a sense of pride. A piled-up roast beef sandwich was common at the Inn in the 1960s, though its first focus was serving alcoholic drinks. weekend trips from Old Saybrook, Old Saybrook, Connecticut is atlatitude/longitude coordinates41 17' 30" N / 72 22' 36" W, places within 2 hours of me in Old Saybrook, places within 4 hours of me in Old Saybrook, cities within 10 miles of me in Old Saybrook. For a more leisurely thing to do in Old Saybrook, go straight to the towns Main Street. Located on Connecticut's Long Island Sound, the welcoming shoreline town of Branford offers plenty of things for visitors to see and do, including breweries, museums, and walking trails. Enjoy lunch on Main Street. It has a big city, fancy suburbs of New York City, a pretty coastline, and rural farmland. The site has held great historical significance for the Mohegan Tribe since 1643, when it was the site of an important battle against a rival tribe, but it's also a place of natural beauty that beckons visitors to explore. To caffeinate your visit, head to Ashlawn Farm Coffee, a welcoming rustic cafe that originated on Carol Adams Dalke and Glenn Chip Dahlkes family farm. 350 mile trip starting from Old Saybrook So there is a little bit of a connection for me, not much, but its enough for me to get myself into gear and visit CT again . The historic town center has hardly changed since it was originally built in the early 19th century, and it's full of beautiful wood-frame houses as well as significant public buildings like a church built in 1812 and an old town hall from 1840. If you need to book a flight, search for the nearest airport to Old Saybrook, CT. One can walk to the park to find plenty of markers with information about the fort, the settlement, the nearby river, marshlands, and trek boardwalks to see coastal birds and wildlife. Sometimes they even host significant paintings and put them on display, like The Schooner Yachts Dauntless and Coronet. Fenwick Golf Course. It is Connecticut's oldest golf course and the second oldest public golf course in the state, with the first three holes (5,6,7) finished in 1894 and the 9-hole course completely established in 1896. For anyone cherishing American art, this museum in the town of Old Lyme, 9 minutes from Old Saybrook, is an unmissable stop. Created to protect one of the biggest dinosaur track sites on the continent, Dinosaur State Park is an impressive natural history preserve located in the town of Rocky Hill. located 50 miles from Old Saybrook Other notable attractions include Roseland Cottage, the Palmer Arboretum, and the Quasset School. The standard route takes approximately an hour and a half, and it runs along the Naugatuck River and through a stunning state forest before crossing over the incredible Thomaston Dam. The compact, historic downtown area is packed with specialty stores, upscale restaurants, and historic buildings particularly on the pedestrian-only Church Street, where visitors will often find street performers, live music, and local vendor stalls. Showing 1-10 of 804. Look for wildlife at Rocky Neck State Park, Play Mini Golf at Saybrook Point Miniature Golf, Visit the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, See the collections at Florence Griswold Museum, Discover the beauty of the Lynde Point Lighthouse, 10 Small Towns in Connecticut You Might Fall in Love With, 8 Summer in Connecticut Ideas: Where to Go and What to Do, 12 Wonderful Antique Stores in Connecticut: Antiquing CT, 7 Best Coffee Shops in New Haven CT (+ Nearby! In the fall, they target surface-feeding false albacore, striped bass, bonito, and bluefish with light spinning and fly rods, and they also have inshore bottom fishing trips for blackish. The biggest attractions include the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, the scenic Staehly Tree Farm & Winery, and the Goodspeed Opera House, where summer visitors might be lucky enough to catch the weekly Music on the River event. Reel Cast Charters carved its own niche in Northeastern sports fishing, giving anglers a one-of-a-kind experience in fishing for trophy-sized striped bass with light tackle. Take a seat in their comfortable Adirondack chairs and it may be hard to leave without one! Reservations are required, and $200 deposit is needed to confirm your trip. Be on the lookout for the wildlife, including the birds! 2. This is largely due to its agricultural background, which has blessed the area with an abundance of shops selling local produce, honey, flowers, and wine. Like many of the best towns along the Connecticut shoreline, Old Saybrook is a haven of sandy beaches, natural delights, thriving culture, historical antiquities, culinary adventures, and artistic flourishes. Parthenon Diner is one of the most visited restaurants in Old Saybrook, famous for its breakfast platters and friendly atmosphere. Length of Day . 1 bath. TripBuzz found 239 things to do with kids in or near Old Saybrook, Connecticut, . In the early 1960s, the innkeeper asked a customer to watch over the Inn, who then famously replied, Theyll let anyone work here; this place is nothing but a Monkey Farm, sealing its name. Take in crisp water views of the Connecticut River from all sides at. 5 hour drive from me in Old Saybrook When planning your itinerary, be sure to leave time to fully experience the area with some of the best day trips in CT. Just 30 minutes away from Old Saybrook rests the town of, . He even stayed out a little bit extra to ensure we all caught. Art Gallery 188 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 6475. I have only done Mystic and its outdoor seaport museum in my only day in CT and I really do need to go back to the state to check out the natural beauty (or maybe the changing of the colours in the leaves in the fall). Its an interesting shop thats is full of stuff. Hike the trails in, . Between 1899 and the 1930s, over 130 boarded in this home, some of whom were invited to paint panels on the doors and walls today almost 41 painted panels are displayed. Travel 100 miles (161 km) by bus or train to Boston from Old Saybrook, CT. One of their most popular pizza is the white clam. Old Saybrook, Connecticut, United States. Whether youre exploring Old Saybrook or taking day trips to surrounding areas in CT, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina is the perfect place to relax after a long day of adventures. Here you can find almost any store you can think of. Just be sure to buy tickets well in advance, as this is one of the most popular Old Saybrook things to do! Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ab0cb44e333282fa2861d7392d72e3da" );document.getElementById("h7660800db").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One of the oldest road racing tracks in the world, Lime Rock Park has remained completely unchanged since it was opened in 1957. It opened in the 1800s and serves as a famous educational museum for those visiting the area who want to learn more about maritime history. That is cool that you live near our founder. It was built in 1767 for politician and colonial military leader William Hart who dedicated it to his bride Esther Buckingham. After lunch we drove about fifteen minutes from Old Saybrook to Essex for ice cream at Sweet Ps and iced coffee at the Essex Coffee & Tea Company, which we enjoyed at Essex Park, another dreamy spot with a gazebo and a rolling lawn overlooking the water where I could have happily camped out all day if it werent for two increasingly sleepy toddlers. I would first explore Devils Hopyard. This is a scenic place as well where you can simply do some light exploration via canoe or kayak, allowing you to enjoy the waters of Old Saybrook first-hand. 500 miles from Old Saybrook Old Saybrook hosts a thriving business environment, eclectic shops, unique restaurants, and beautiful natural resources from the beach to the coastal forest. After hiking, stop by Hogans Cider Mill to enjoy locally made cider or Lamothes Sugar House to see how maple syrup is made. ), owner and editor of New England With Love. We walked an easy loop with the stroller through the historic Fenwick neighborhood (where Katharine Hepburn once spent her summers) and then headed Fresh Salt at the Saybrook Point Resort for a kid-friendly lunch on the water. Livs Oyster Bar and Restaurant opened in 2006, and fast became a prime dining destination in Old Saybrook. If visiting during the summer, be sure to check out our live music series, the perfect way to unwind before turning in for the night. I didnt know the origin of the name Hartford. Honestly, no trip to a coastal Connecticut town is complete without a stop at the beach, and Harveys Beach is perfect for that. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Here you will find a relaxing barroom ambiance with old exposed beams and dartboards lining the wall. (860) 395-2000, 2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook CT 06475860.395.2000, Whether youre visiting Old Saybrook for a long weekend or an extended vacation, theres no shortage of places and attractions to discover. Im sure my pup would enjoy this hike as well. Absolutely one of the top things to do in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is to stop by Livs Shack. with coffee, espresso, and root beer on top, the Old Saybrook location of this Mystic, CT destination completes your day. For those interested in genealogy and history, this is your spot for local interest books. DAY TRIP TO ESSEX AND OLD SAYBROOK. Fenwicks basic purpose is that golfers of different skill levels can enjoy its strategic, unique link design. The hotel has truly created a perfect balance of northern lavishness and southern hospitality for its eager guests. Old Saybrook CT Sportfishing Parties & Fishing Charters Schedule & Rates. The food here is very affordable too, and outdoor seating is abundant so you can enjoy the beautiful New England weather. These are natural habitats for ducks, swans, cormorants, Greenland geese, blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, and egrets. The main attraction here is the incredible hiking; one of the most popular trails leads up to the top of Mt. 6:12 AM. 76 . The street is home to Maximus Antiques, where you can find a showroom bursting with quaint finds: jewelry, dishes, old chairs, and more. 1.1 Miles . For more relaxation, there is a huge pavilion with picnic tables and shade, a free library that offers reading material, and food trucks where you can get desserts. Click here to show map Major cities near Old Saybrook, CT This is a list of large cities closest to Old Saybrook, CT. A big city usually has a population of at least 200,000 and you can often fly into a major airport. Will Evans from Naked Truth had a concert date on the Saturday evening of our stay and so we decided to get tickets. Vincent Oneppo (http://www.katharinehepburntheater.org/images/ Vincent-Oneppo-Permission.gif). Selectmen's Office: 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 PH: (860) 395-3123 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Website Disclaimer . Inshore charters can be half or full day and offshore can be 1 or 2 days. Located in the town of Milford, Walnut Beach is a welcoming stretch of sand that invites visitors to swim and sunbathe to their hearts' content. As you enter, you are met with a gorgeous mural of the coast and the sight of the brick dining room resplendent with pristine mirrors, chandeliers, and tablecloths. , the perfect way to unwind before turning in for the night. Fenwick Golf Club is on the southeastern tip of Old Saybrook and is open to the public year-round. The menu features seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, although it's typically open only for dinner, an indulgent brunch menu is available on Sunday mornings. Be sure to check the local Old Saybrook Town Green calendar to see whats happening during your visit. The building is a great example of Georgian residential architecture: a 2.5 story wood-frame structure with five bays and a gabled roof, two chimneys, a clapboard exterior, and a central entry framed by a gable-roofed portico and Doric columns. We all loved the concert! From Artisans Harbor to The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Old Saybrook offers a variety of rainy day activities and other fun things to do indoors including 174 indoor attractions with ratings over 90%. Email hello@themontclairgirl.com with any story updates, edits, or fixes. Parking can be tricky during the peak season, but if you bring your bikes, you can park at the nearby Esker Point Beach and easily cycle along the length of the point. The best place to spot it is by boat, and you can even catch the sunset on the lighthouse as it stands over the water. Its great just to go down and spend time there walking around to see what you stumble upon. Rocky Neck State Park is one of the absolute musts on the list of things to do in Old Saybrook. And one can relax in its 110-meter Rustic-style pavilion, built in the 1930s during the Great Depression. Amy has been a full time blogger since 2012, and is also the publisher of Two Drifters, where she writes about couples travel and relationships, as well as Lets Adventure Baby, a family travel site. Now outdoor and indoor seating is available along with beers on tap and in cans. 60 White Hollow Rd, Lakeville, CT 06039, Phone: 860-435-5000. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the hook-shaped peninsula of Cape Cod has been one of the country's most popular vacation spots for generations. Look it up! In its 713 acres, hike through diverse trail systems of varying difficulty, salt marsh platforms, rocky shoreline, a tidal river, a shipyard, and a cave. 1 hours from Old Saybrook The town of Litchfield is full of fine dining restaurants, historic homes, and high-end boutiques, but if you're hunting for antiques or collectibles, the town of Woodbury is the place to be.