Here’s Unlocking The Shoreline, a mashup of some of our favorites coastal CT spots!
Our “Day Tripping” posts happen to be one of our most popular features. Making itineraries for a perfect day out with your besties is our thing! There’s always eating and some kind of cocktail involved…a bit of culture, a spot of shopping, new experiences, and most of all a ton of fun!
New Experiences
Pedego Electric Bikes – Norwalk
Pedego in Norwalk rents and sells electric bikes exclusively in Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex Counties (so fun!!). They also stock and specialize in folding bikes. Go have fun – ride it electric or “old school” manual – guess which we chose?
Submarine Force Museum – Groton
Check out USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Do a self-guided tour, admission and parking are free!
Maritime Aquarium – Norwalk
In addition to the aquarium and IMAX theater, check their website for sunset cruises. Aquarium staff points out sites and wildlife. Bring a cooler!
Picturesque spots
Up your Instagram game with these scenic spots along the shoreline.
The Old Lighthouse Museum – Stonington
Looking good for being 170 years old! The Stonington Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1840 and it’s now a history museum. Admission is only $10!
Silver Sands State Park – Milford
We love us some boardwalks, dunes, beaches, and salt marshes. Take a walk and enjoy the sun!
Hammonasset Beach – Madison
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a two-mile stretch of beachfront on Long Island Sound in the town of Madison. It’s the state’s largest shoreline park, and a perfect spot to park and take a stroll no matter the season.
Fenwick Golf Course – Fenwick (Old Saybrook)
Fenwick Golf Course is a lovely spot to start your day in Old Saybrook, or Fenwick to be exact (a borough of Old Saybrook). Whether you play or not, do take a drive over the bridge to check out this beautiful gem.
Katharine Hepburn had a stunner of a home in Fenwick, which happens to abut on to this public golf course (the oldest in CT).
Eats worth driving for!
Meriano’s Bake Shoppe – Madison
The made-from-scratch bakery is a favorite with locals and out-of-town regulars. We couldn’t resist the half dozen different cannoli flavor choices, the pignoli cookies, and the sfogliatella (ask us to say it)…oh, and the stuffed bread. Your taste buds will thank us. You’re welcome.
Dagmar’s Desserts – Old Saybrook
Dagmar’s Desserts is famous for their scones and offer more than 10 different varieties. Their most popular cakes are flourless chocolate cake, key lime pie, and apple strudel. Prepare for the smell of heaven to hit you moments before you walk through the door. What would you choose?
Bill’s Seafood – Westbrook
Lobster rolls are trending heavily right now on Instagram if you haven’t noticed. The lobster rolls at Bill’s Seafood are as delicious as they are pretty! Sit on the outside deck and enjoy the sun and people watching while you chow down…
Stay the night
Make a day and night of your trip along the coast! We love both of these New England inns!
The Inn at Stonington
You can’t help but feel carefree from the moment you step through the red front door at this 18-room boutique hotel. Maybe it’s the views of Fishers Island Sound from the comfortable lounge area where a wine and cheese reception is served daily. Perhaps it’s the gas fires and oversized soaking tubs in the rooms. It could be the warm hospitality. We’re not sure; we just know we wanted to check in immediately when we visited.
We also love a good celeb story and were happy to hear that Meryl Streep enjoyed her stay very much when she was in the area filming.
The Deacon/The James Pharmacy B+B – Old Saybrook
The Deacon and James Pharmacy Bed and Breakfast are two of the highest-rated B+Bs in the country and are located side by side on Main Street in Old Saybrook.
Whichever B+B you choose (The Deacon, built in 1746, is a modern quaint NE Inn, and The Pharmacy is more boutique-contemporary-luxury), prepare to have an exceptional experience.
Shoreline Shopping
They sell way more than seashells on the seashore. Some of our favorite shopping experiences, both clothing and home furnishings, can be found on the shoreline.
West – Westport
WEST is filled with easy to wear, make-a-statement, fashion-forward clothes. Lines that you’ll fall in love with immediately. Mostly designers from LA, but also some fantastic Australian designers, and a sprinkling of other random super cool lines. “The hi-low vibe” is the feel. We’re in!
Fred – also Westport
Fred is a women’s contemporary clothing boutique that sells beautiful clothing and accessories to match our every fashion mood swing, PLUS, a coffee bar combined! Insert *singing angels*
Adore – Mystic
Adore sells a blend of vintage and modern furniture, decorative products, and gifts that have been collected from around the world. We really do adore everything about this store, including the building and location. Go, you’ll see what we mean.
Words: Bev / Pics: Lora