LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
We have a wide variety of attractions in our part of Connecticut.
WINERIES
Chamard Vineyards is a farm, winery, and bistro with breathtaking grounds open to the public. Just 6 miles from the Inn, you can enjoy a day in the tasting wine or join them in their cozy Bistro for dinner. Make it a weekend of wine! Download a passport from the Connecticut Wine Trail and visit some of the wineries close to the Inn. There are dozens to explore, including Priam Vineyards, Salt Water Farms, Johnathon Edwards, and Stonington Winery. https://ctwine.com/events/passport/
CRAFT BREWERIES
There are so many interesting little craft breweries to try. Coastline Brewing is just 2 miles from the Inn. It features seasonal beers, ciders, and seltzers and offers live music and brick-oven pizza. Little House Brewing Company creates local craft beers in their almost 200-year-old building. Stop in for an ice-cold beer and a good time. Stoney Creek Brewery serves craft beer and food from food trucks overlooking the water. Surfridge East Brewing is a gem with an extensive menu, all cooked in an authentic coal-fired oven. The beers and mixed cocktails are delicious!
ORCHARDS, FARM MARKETS AND FARMS
With a rich history in agriculture, Connecticut offers a harvest of fun ecotourism destinations to explore. Bishops Orchards Winery is a family-owned farm that doubles as a farm market and a winery. Pick your own berries in the summer and transition to apple orchards in the fall. Festivals happen throughout the year, and a stop in their market will provide you with homemade pies and wines. If you enjoy exploring local farm markets, the Chester Farm Market is a fun place to visit. It's each Sunday spring to call in downtown Chester, CT. Scotts Farm and Greenhouses in Essex is a nice place to pick your own flowers, as is Wicked Tulips or Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth.
THE ESSEX STEAM TRAIN
The Essex Steam Train is a Connecticut Vintage train that has been operational since 1968. While it once carried supplies from place to place, the train's primary function today is taking passengers on an unforgettable rides. They offer combination sightseeing trains and dinner cruises on an authentic steamboat. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise down the Connecticut River. You also can book a lunch excursion and, of course, the very popular Essex Steam Train North Pole Express.
GILLETE CASTLE
Gillette Castle sits high above the picturesque Connecticut River. It looks like a medieval fortress, but a step inside the stone castle reveals the built-in couches, table trackway, and woodcarvings that all point to the creative genius that was William Gillette. Its an engineering wonder worth seeing. While there, you can hike the property and soak up the views. https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Gillette-Castle-State-Park
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER MUSEUM AND RIVERQUEST CRUISE
Nestled in the historic town of Essex, CT, The Connecticut River Museum sits on the banks of the majestic Connecticut River. There are many sights and adventures to both on land and sea. Spend the day enjoying the museum or book an Ecotour on the Connecticut River via the 65-foot Riverquest exploration vessel. If a relaxing sunset cruise is what you are looking for, book an evening sail on the Onrust, a re-creation of the vessel Adriaen Block built in 1614. Onrust is available for public cruises and private charters through October 25. https://ctriverquest.com/portfolio/sunset-cruises/
MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM, AQUARIUM AND DOWNTOWN
Step back in time and be transported to colonial New England with a visit to Mystic, CT. The Mystic Seaport Museum is a working Colonial town on the banks of the Mystic River. With a rich history of shipbuilding, you will experience what it was like to be part of a thriving 1600s community. The quaint downtown area is brimming with shops and restaurants. Not far away, The Mystic Aquarium is home to all kinds of aquatic creatures, including sea lions and a beluga whale. It's located next to Olde Mystic Village, where you can find treasure to take home from your trip. https://mysticseaport.org/
USS NAUTILAUS
Nearby Groton is an active submarine-building community. Electric Boat is the main submarine contractor for the US Navy. Visit The USS Nautilus, which was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. Guests can visit the sub and the museum nearby.
SHORELINE TROLLEY MUSEUM
The Shoreline Trolley Museum is the oldest operating trolley museum in the United States. It preserves the heritage of trolley cars.
MOHEGA SUN AND FOXWOODS CASINOS
Much more than casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos are Vegas-style resorts. Premier live music, professional sports, Celebrity Chef restaurants, boutiques, and festivals entertain, while guests who like gaming can play the slots, dine, visit the spa, or golf. Less than 30 minutes from the Inn, another world awaits!
DAY CRUISES AND SIGHTSEEING CHARTERS
The CT Shoreline shines brightly from the water. A day on the Long Island Sound will center you and give you breathtaking views of the quaint New England towns that dot its Shoreline. Mystic Sailing Whaler & Lobster Cruise is an opportunity to get away from Urban life. And enjoy dinner on the water. For sightseeing off the Branford Coast, take a ferry ride to the Thimble Islands with a Thimble Island Cruise. This relaxing ride only takes 45 minutes and will give you a narrated tour of the tiny islands. Joyride Charters offers one-of-a-kind adventures on the blue waters off the coast of Westbrook. They also teach sailing lessons for those wanting to find their sea legs.
SEA MIST THIMBLE ISLAND CRUISES
Take a ferry ride to the Thimble Islands with a Thimble Island Cruise. This relaxing ride only takes 45 minutes.
JOYRIDE CHARTERS
Joyride Charters offers one of a kind adventures on the blue waters off the coast of Westbrook. They also teach sailing lessons for those wanting to find their sealegs.
STONINGTON VINEYARDS
Stonington Vineyards is open year-round for wine tastings and tours. Discover their event calendar on their website.
LITTLE HOUSE BREWING
Little House Brewing Company creates local craft beers in their almost 200-year-old building. Stop in for an ice-cold beer and a good time.
STONEY CREEK BREWING
Stoney Creek Brewery serves craft beer and food. They offer a featured beer seasonally for guests to discover.
Lyman Orchards
Connecticut’s premier orchard with family-friendly events, pick-your-own fruit, farm market, award-winning pies, sunflower and corn mazes, and a year-round golf course.
