Things To Do In Old Lyme Ct

Cedar Ridge Golf Course

If you need to squeeze in a round theres a well-reviewed public course in East Lyme.

Cedar Ridge is an executive par 3 but has 18 holes instead of nine.

Youll have to use every iron in your bag, as five or six of the holes are more than 200 yards.

The fairways are forgiving, framed by light rough, and with bunkers and water that wont come into play too much.

But the greens are not to be trifled with, being ultra-quick and laid out on surprising slopes.

As a par 3 Cedar Ridge is great for beginners, but will test seasoned golfers putting, pitch shots and iron-play.

Green fees range from just $15 for 9 holes, walking, Monday to Friday, to $40 for 18 with a cart on weekends.

Enjoy Art And The View At The Robert And Nancy Krieble Gallery

The magnificent Krieble Gallery sits on the Florence Griswold Museum campus, just past the Historic Barn and Hartman Education Center. Behind it, the Lieutenant River sparkles in welcome, inspiring guests to relax. Waves of aluminum greet visitors at its entrance, evoking watery ripples from the neighboring river.

A welcome addition to the museum, the Krieble Gallery opened in 2002. Inside this 10,000 square-foot state-of-the art building lies a vast collection of American art that changes with new exhibits three or four times each year. Special skylights allow natural light to highlight the works on display.

This is also home to the museum shop restrooms collection storage and Café Flo, a quaint restaurant featuring a veranda with a picturesque river view.

Insiders tip: Ask for a Can You Find Me? card in the gallery. Kids will love finding the noted details in exhibited paintings.

Address: 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Connecticut

Popular Types Of Attractions In Old Lyme

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The Dinosaur Place At Natures Art Village

Children will be in awe of this Jurassic-themed attraction at Natures Art Village, where some 50 life-sized dinosaur models prowl in 60 acres of woodland.

These beasts are on a well-kept trail here, 1.5 miles long, and arcing around the lake, Raptor Bay.

Across the water is the parks own volcano, which rumbles and smokes on the hour between 13:00 and 17:00. Kids can have a wild time, let loose at the largest splashpad in New England, at the massive T. Rex Tower Playscape, on Montys DINO-Sized Playground or sliding from the mouth of a T. Rex at the MAZEasaurus.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 578 reviews

Take one or both tours in combination for a delightful sightseeing excursion through some of the most scenic areas of Connecticut: scenic train ride in restored railroad cars pulled by a coal-fired locomotive and a ride up the Connecticut River by riverboat.

Reviewed By MrsS0613 – Branford, Connecticut

First class car definitely worth the upgrade. Very spacious and comfortable. Santa and friends each visited with every child. There was a sing alone at the end and the entire crew was super friendly.

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Soak Up Nature In The Preserve

Theres nothing better than a hike to clear your head. And theres no better place to wander in Old Saybrook than the nearly 1,000-acre coastal forest known locally as The Preserve. Its vast expanse blankets a large section of land in this quaint town, as well as Essex and Westbrook.

Up until the spring of 2015, this natural wonderland was deemed the largest remaining area of unprotected coastal forest lying between Boston and New York. Since then, its become a protected environment well loved by locals and tourists alike.

This massive preserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna which are on full display within its densely canopied forest, freshwater seeps, wetlands, and ponds. Over 57 types of birds, 30 species of mammals, and 25 breeds of amphibians and reptiles have been spotted in this area.

Multiple trails wind their way through The Preserve, leading hikers past Oyster River, as well as the Mud and Trout Brook Rivers, which are both tributaries of the Long Island Sound.

Parking can be found at 1278 Essex Road in Westbrook, or there are five spaces available on Ingham Hill Road in Old Saybrook.

Official site:

Before You Travel To The United States

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For information about COVID-19 requirements for land travel, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals.external icon

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Skiing & Snowboarding Guide

Planning a family getaway or a trip with old friends? Now’s the time to hit the slopes in Connecticut. If you’re thinking about a vacation this winter that doesn’t involve warm weather and crystal clear waters, discover some of the best skiing and snowboarding resorts near Old Lyme, CT. Looking to purchase your own gear? Check out your local ski and snowboard shops. Not ready to commit? Find the best rental shops in CT. Here’s how to prepare for the ski and snowboarding season.

• Where can I rent skis and snowboards in Old Lyme, CT?

Best Things To Do In Old Lyme Connecticut

A coastal town in New London County, Old Lyme, CT is a glorious place to venture into if youre looking to delve into art and the outdoors. Having been the birthplace of American Impressionism, it continues to be a haven for artists from all over the world. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.

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Build A Sandcastle At Harveys Beach

Soft white sand and the most remarkable sunsets reward visitors to Harveys Beach. A wonderful spot to relax, this lovely strand has been deemed one of the best beaches in Connecticut. Popular with families, this shore boasts the calm, shallow water of the Long Island Sound.

One hundred yards of pristine shoreline a playground and clean, clear water welcome visitors looking for a fun day out at this strand. If you are hoping for more space, visit during low tide, when even more sand is revealed, as well as amazing marine creatures.

Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and seasonal amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, changing rooms, and a concession stand. During this time, the towns parks and recreation department puts on fun programs such as movie nights and beach yoga.

Address: 29 Plum Bank Road, Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Get Creative At The Lyme Art Association

A vibrant gallery lies next door to the Florence Griswold Museum, inviting visitors to marvel at its impressive works. Inside its walls, youll find creations made by artists of all talents from full-on beginners to experienced professionals.

Incorporated in 1914, the Lyme Art Association has been exhibiting the works of its members since 1902, when Lyme Impressionist paintings were put on display each summer. These shows were held in the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library until the current gallery space opened in 1921.

Today, the building hosts seven annual exhibitions and displays close to 1,500 works every year. Looking to up your artistic talents? Book a class or workshop. You can learn everything from beginner oil painting techniques to portrait drawing to figure painting.

Address: 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Connecticut

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Hideaway Restaurant & Pub

Overall Ratings

3 based on 157 reviews

**Friday & Saturday Night Music** * Friday – Jazz 6:30-9:00 * Saturday – Piano 6:30-9:00 * Wednesday – Acoustic Guitar 8:30-11:30, In Lounge

Reviewed By didr

Don’t know why we we’ve made four visits to this place over the past 10 years, only to be disappointed each time. Perhaps it’s because the location would be ideal, and it seems like a local hangout ought to be able to serve standard comfort food with some reliability. But, the service is only tolerable the menu sounds attractive, but the food is served with a very ordinary presentation and with marginally acceptable flavors.

Barn For Artistic Youth

The BAY is a private art studio located in Niantic that provides weekly art lessons to kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, and home school students. Adult lessons, Mommy/Daddy & Me classes, parties, and special events are also offered.

Summer art programs at the BAY are designed for students in grades 1 through 12. Each week focuses on an artistic theme and materials appropriate to that particular age group. All programs provide a structured environment with two experienced artist-teachers who will creatively challenge the students. This summer all weekly themes include work in various mediums to take advantage of the long studio sessions that summer programs provide.

Visit the BAY website for additional info: Barn for Artistic Youth website

Walking & Hiking

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Fun Things To Do In Old Lyme

Since 1986 the Town Planner Calendar has been keeping families across America up-to-date about events and other fun things to do right in their hometown.

Delivered free of charge every December to millions of homes across America, our full-sized, full-color calendar is a time-tested and beloved tool for helping families stay organized. The large date blocks are not only loaded with lots of nearby events and fun things to do, there’s plenty of room for you to record your own family’s important events like birthdays, anniversaries, parties — anything you have planned — so everybody in the house can see them whenever they go to the fridge, out the front door, or wherever you choose to display it.

But there’s more! Every calendar is full of coupons from popular local merchants, so you can save money while supporting small businesses right in your hometown.

And don’t miss our beautiful full-color photography! Every month you’ll recognize a new photo from someplace close to home, submitted to us by a local photographer. If you’d like to have your own hometown photos included in our calendar, please contact your local publisher for more information.

If there’s something happening close to home that folks in your neighborhood need to know about, why not submit it to us today? Please note that publication of your event is subject to approval by your local Town Planner publisher.

Steep Yourself In History At Fort Saybrook Monument Park

Fort Saybrook Monument Park stretches across nearly 18 acres to the mouth of the Connecticut River. Found at the end of Saybrook Point, this impressive area, 11 acres of which are marshland, is home to one of the least developed large river tidal systems in the United States.

In addition to its natural wonders, this park offers visitors a history lesson in the form of informational signs spanning the areas development in the late 1500s to the Forts leveling and transformation into a track and roundhouse for the Connecticut Valley Railroad.

The original fort, which included a windmill, was built in the 1630s in honor of Connecticut Viscount, Saye & Seale and Lord Brooke the towns namesakes. It was sold in 1808 and renamed Fort Fenwick in 1812.

In 1981, high school students purchased the land for $1.27 and deeded it to the Town of Old Saybrook who continues to run it as a park today.

Nearby lies the popular Mini Golf at Saybrook Point, which is open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day Weekend.

Address: 150 College Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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Welcome To The Historical Homes And Places Of East Lyme

Hike the Oswegatchie Hills or walk the shores of Niantic Bay or Pattagansett Lake and youre visiting winter and summer campgrounds of East Lymes first settlers, the Nehantic Indians.

Visit the 1660 saltbox home of Thomas Lee and the 1734 Little Boston School, both on West Main Street, and youre a young settler and student in Connecticut colony.

Trek from Bride Brook to Plants Dam Road to find the 18th century gambrel-roofed Samuel Smith Farmstead and check out how local farmers worked the land in our infant nation.

Then follow Society Road to Thomas Averys 1845 Greek Revival home, now Smith Harris House. Have a picnic and imagine living here when the surrounding 300 acres of library, sports fields, and schools was Brookside Farm.

The historic homes below are open throughout the summer and for special events throughout the year.

Fun Things To Do In Lyme

Since 1986 the Town Planner Calendar has been keeping families across America up-to-date about events and other fun things to do right in their hometown.

Delivered free of charge every December to millions of homes across America, our full-sized, full-color calendar is a time-tested and beloved tool for helping families stay organized. The large date blocks are not only loaded with lots of nearby events and fun things to do, there’s plenty of room for you to record your own family’s important events like birthdays, anniversaries, parties — anything you have planned — so everybody in the house can see them whenever they go to the fridge, out the front door, or wherever you choose to display it.

But there’s more! Every calendar is full of coupons from popular local merchants, so you can save money while supporting small businesses right in your hometown.

And don’t miss our beautiful full-color photography! Every month you’ll recognize a new photo from someplace close to home, submitted to us by a local photographer. If you’d like to have your own hometown photos included in our calendar, please contact your local publisher for more information.

If there’s something happening close to home that folks in your neighborhood need to know about, why not submit it to us today? Please note that publication of your event is subject to approval by your local Town Planner publisher.

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Mccooks Point Park Beach Currently Residents Only Due To Covid

McCooks Point Park, is located 2 miles east of Rocky Neck State Park, is a town-owned park with picnic areas, a pavilion, a childrens playground, restrooms with outdoor showers and two white-sand beaches. The park is within walking distance of shops and restaurants in the Village of Niantic. Passes are required to enter the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Contact Information All Travelers

All air passengers to the United States will also be required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States. This strengthens a travel process already in place to rapidly identify and contact people in the U.S. who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, such as COVID-19. Access to travelers contact information will allow U.S. federal, state, and local health departments, and agencies to share appropriate health and public health information necessary to help keep the public safe.

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Appreciate Impressionist Art At The Florence Griswold Museum

The next biggest attraction in Old Saybrook lies just outside its borders. The Florence Griswold Museum is set about five miles northeast in the attractive town of Old Lyme. It stretches across 12 acres and is highlighted by the sparkling Lieutenant River.

A Georgian masterpiece designed by Samuel Belcher in 1817, the bright yellow Florence Griswold House is the star attraction of this museum compound. Once a boarding house run by its namesake, this structure hosted numerous artists who later founded the American Impressionist Old Lyme Art Colony.

More than 130 artists boarded in this pretty home between 1899 and the 1930s, some of whom were invited to paint panels on the houses walls and doors. Today, over 40 uniquely painted panels can be found on display.

Artworks created by over 200 acclaimed artists like American Impressionists Matilda Browne, Childe Hassam, and Willard Metcalf are also on display.

Insiders tip: Ask for a Scavenger Hunt. This fun list, which provides visitors with objects to find throughout the house, is a great way to keep kids interested.

Address: 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Connecticut

Official site:

Stay At The Saybrook Point Resort & Marina

If youre looking to lap up some luxury during your stay in Old Saybrook, youll want to book a night at its most raved about hotel: the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina. Home to unbeatable views, this gorgeous spot is easy to love.

A bright yellow blip on Saybrook Point, this captivating hotel boasts 82 comfortable rooms in its Main Inn, as well as two large, historic guesthouses across the street. Pamper yourself at the lavish spa or enjoy a scrumptious meal on the outdoor patio at Fresh Salt.

For those hoping for a truly memorable experience, opt for a stay in the Lighthouse Suite. Dubbed the Most Romantic Place to Stay, this picturesque spot provides incredible vistas of the Sound from its optimal location on the main dock.

Address: 2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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