New Englanders populate many of the beautiful islands around the area during the summer months. From Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts to Block Island in Rhode Island and Peaks Island of Maine, there is something for tourists and locals alike looking for a fun getaway. If you are looking for a unique escape to an uncongested area complete with seaside beauty, luxury accommodations and an abundance of things to do, a visit to Old Saybrook, Connecticut is a must this summer.
Where to stay:
Located where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound is the beautiful seaside property Saybrook Point Inn & Spa. Just two hours south of Boston lies a gorgeous intimate hotel that features 82 guest rooms, each with a different décor. Stay in the spacious Katharine Hepburn suite at the eight-room historic Three Stories Inn guest house or a two-story villa designed for families complete with full kitchens, fireplaces and a private deck. For an unforgettable visit, book the lighthouse suite, which is literally perched on the main dock (the only one of its kind on property). This roomy suite features cathedral ceilings, two flat screen TVs, a pull-out sofa and oceanfront views from every window inside the living room, kitchenette (with all of the modern amenities including granite countertops, a dishwasher and microwave), dining area and master bedroom. Take the binoculars and check out all of the unique species of birds that inhabit the area during the warmer months or relax inside and spin some records. There is even a cozy two-person balcony where you have a front row seat to every spectacular sunrise and sunset.
Where to Eat:
Photo Credit: Saybrook Point Inn & Spa
Fresh Salt is one of the best oceanfront restaurants in the area. Sit back and enjoy a taste of Connecticut with a sampling of local oysters or signature tuna triangle appetizer (sushi made into delicious bite-size sandwiches). For main events, don’t miss the swordfish chop or the enormous cioppino filled with shrimp, scallops, calamari and mussels in an addicting tomato saffron broth served with a side of ciabatta bread for dipping. If you come here for lunch, the warm lobster roll smothered in warm butter served on a brioche roll is worth every indulgent calorie.
What to Do:
Head to Main Street in Old Saybrook for some local shopping. Book stores, home décor shops, bakeries and restaurants line the historic street.
Book a super relaxing Swedish massage at SANNO Spa customized to target specific areas of tension. Arrive early and take a step back in the Relaxation Room before your treatment and unwind with a chilled glass of water. The quaint day spa offers Shellac manicures, spa pedicures, brow waxing, body polishes and organic facials.
For a day of fun and adventure, book a charter with US Coast Guard licensed Captain Wayne Goldsmith of Islander Sport Fishing Charters aboard a 30-foot Blackwatch or 42-foot Bertram. They can customize an intimate charter for up to six people to include tuna, bass, bird watching, sightseeing and even a sunset cocktail cruise. Goldsmith recently chartered a special cruise for a teenager diagnosed with terminal blood cancer. He wanted to catch a shark so Goldsmith set up the line so he could reel it in on his own when he caught one (which Goldsmith made sure he did). Cruises sail between the Bridges Marina, Southyard by some of the area’s most historic sites, including Gillette’s Castle and Goodspeed Opera House.
