1. Norm’S Diner
City: Groton, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (860) 445-5026
Address: 171 Bridge St.
Description: This is a 1954 vintage metal-sided diner with a barreled roof, a neon sign, and Formica tables inside. Simply put, stepping inside Norm’s is stepping into the past. And that past was once full of greasy spoon diners like this, a vanishing breed in the American landscape. This is still the real deal, a 24-hour hangout with cramped booths and huge portions. For breakfast, try the biscuits and gravy, considered by many to be the best in the state. For lunch or dinner, try the locally famous beef stew, and cheesecake for dessert. If you’re still awake at 3 in the morning, this is the place to go for pancakes and coffee.
2. Fort Griswold
City: Groton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 449-6877 (seasonal)
Description: At this spot on September 6, 1781, Benedict Arnold and his British forces massacred 88 of the fort’s defenders during his treacherous assault on the New London harbor. Walk around the battlefield site and check out the old ramparts, battlements, and historical displays in the Revolutionary War museum. The 1750 Ebenezer Avery House, which sheltered the wounded, has been restored in the park (it was originally on Thames Street), and you can tour it. During Sept, Fort Griswold is the site of reenactments of the battle. Many come here for the 134-foot granite tower that gives amazing views of the entire coast. But we shouldn’t forget that this is the site of a massacre. The fact that Arnold could come back to his home turf and burn 150 homes and slaughter men who surrendered (including Colonel William Ledyard) is why his name is synonymous with “traitor” today.
3. Uss Nautilus Submarine Force Museum
City: Groton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (800) 343-0079
Address: 1 Crystal Lake Rd.
Description: Just off I-95 in Groton you can see the first nuclear-powered submarine in the world, which was also the first to reach the North Pole. The submarine was named for the boat in the 1850 book by Jules Verne, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which predicted this invention over a hundred years earlier. That boat, in turn, was named for American inventor Robert Fulton’s submersible vessel. But it is not only the Nautilus that is the attraction here. Inside the museum there are large and small models of submarines, theaters, and a World War II attack center from the Sturgeon-class vessels. They are only closed on Tues, and admission and parking are free. But it could cost a bundle and still be worth it; whether you are a submarine fanatic or not, this is a great attraction for everyone, and highlights the importance of the submarine industry to Connecticut. Check out the nearby memorial to the 3,600 seamen who lost their lives in World War II, set at the place most of those men last touched dry land.
4. Bluff Point State Park
City: Groton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 444-7591
Address: 1 Depot Rd.
Description: This peninsula between Groton and Noank is one of the few wild areas left on the Connecticut shoreline. Hiking out to the cliffs from the parking lot takes about half an hour, and the reward is views out to Watch Hill and Fisher’s Island. You can also walk down from the bluffs to Bushy Point Beach, a sliver of sand out in the mouth of the Poquonock River. There is great fishing, shellfishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving here as well, but there are no lifeguards, so be careful when heading out to (or into) the water. The ruins of the historic home of former governor John Winthrop are just by the park road as you walk in. You can also bicycle or horseback ride the 4-mile loop of old horse-cart paths, and in the winter these are popular among cross-country skiers as well. This is a real insiders’ place to come—you might have the Bushy Point Beach all to yourself on a summer weekday.
5. Project Oceanology
City: Groton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 445-9007
Address: 1084 Shennecossett Rd.
Description: This cruise leaves from the Institute of Marine Science at the UConn Avery Point campus, but unlike some, it is an active cruise. You will sail off Groton and spend 2.5 hours measuring and recording geological and biological data, as well as learning how nautical charts and navigation works. You can collect and test water and mud, or pull in the large trawl nets to examine the sea life. The vessel is staffed by marine research scientists and teachers. Depending on the day, you might catch lobsters, to study, not to eat. Project Oceanology runs from the middle of June to Labor Day, with two cruises a day for ages 6 and up. They also run seal observation cruises in Feb and Mar, and a trip out to the wonderful New London Ledge Lighthouse. Of course, like any cruise, this has nice views and the snap of salt air, but what makes this one special is your opportunity to become part of the grand march of science.
6. Hel-Cat Ii
City: Groton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 535-2066
Address: 181 Thames St.
Description: Captain Brad Class takes fishing trips for striped bass and bluefish from May to Oct, and cod, mackerel, and other fish the rest of the year. This 114-foot party boat leaves at 9 a.m. and comes back around 3 p.m., what they call the banker’s hours special, and is not a charter, but rather a one-person, one-price daily trip. If you’re not fishing you can pay half fare, but that just seems silly. Even if you’ve never fished before, this is an exciting introduction, with a substantial indoor area to get out of the sun, beers on draft, food, and a huge deck with plenty of space for everyone to fish. You can also charter this boat for parties or night-fishing expeditions.