Good Stuff:
Located within an easy 50 minute drive of Hartford and 2 - 2 1/2 hours from New York and Boston, this beach community evokes feelings of times gone by when whole families strolled together after dinner or kids rode their bikes to Dairy Queen or gathered on the beach in the evenings while parents relaxed at home. When it is Parents' Night Out, the casinos, live theatre (Goodspeed and Ivoryton) or dining options ranging from the romantic Copper Beech Inn and Water's Edge to Pazzos and Cafe Routier to Lenny and Joes and several other offer something for everyone. For live music afficianados, Bill's or Ray's offers eclectic music and the Tap Room at the historic Gris in Essex is known for its weekend banjo singalongs. Beautiful drives along the Fenway Causeway to Saybrook Point or exploring the seacoast towns of Madison and Guilford or the Thimble Islands provide further dalliance. Historic Newport or Mystic Seaport are both wonderful day trips as well.
Shopping:
A good rainy day activity (or any day for some), Clinton Premium Outlets and Westbrook Factory Outlets are both within a ten minute drive of our home. The outlets in Westbrook are also home to a multiplex theatre complex. If smaller, artistic shopping is your cup of tea, Essex and Old Saybrook provide a wonderful Main St. experience. Think the Hamptons without the attitude. For antique buffs, this area is a treasure trove. The Sunday flea market, a mile away, is a fun way to start the day. Pick up some doughnuts at Soundview Doughnuts - a stone's throw from the flea market and it's an even better way to begin your day. Several other antique shops or collectibles throughout the area are within a twenty minute drive. And don't forget the wonderful farm stands scattered here and there.
