1. Bee And Thistle Inn
City: Old Lyme, CT
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (860) 434-1667
Address: 100 Lyme St.
Description: In this 1756 homestead on the Lieutenant River are 11 guest rooms, only one of which does not have a private bath. There are also 6 fireplaces and gardens around the house. The inn also has a cottage with a full kitchen, and a deck to look out over the landscape. In the winter you can get afternoon tea on Wed through Sat afternoons, and the on-site spa room offers scrubs, facials, and a variety of massages. But these facts don’t really seem to do the Bee and Thistle justice, nor does describing its stenciled walls, wooden floors, harpist on Sat evenings, and the most romantic dining room in the state ($$$$; reservations required). Instead, think on this. If you choose their “fall in love” package for couples, you may fall in love, but not with each other. You’ll fall for the Bee and Thistle, and perhaps for Connecticut.
2. Old Lyme Ice Cream Shoppe
City: Old Lyme, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (860) 434-6942
Address: 34 Lyme St.
Description: Owners Lou Mae Albert and her son Steve make 35 flavors, 16 of which are available at any given time. You can get them in all the usual ways, with some additions like the “Waffe-up-pa-gus,” one or two flavors in a waffle cone with hot fudge or hot caramel and a choice of toppings. You can also find other takeout here, like soups and sandwiches (including an all-day breakfast sandwich). The homemade Italian ices are a different treat, and a hundred times better than that stuff you got at the community pool as a kid. Why does everyone love their ice cream? It could be the 16 percent butterfat content. Or it could be the fun, friendly atmosphere you’ll find every time you come to this Old Lyme shop.
3. Florence Griswold Museum
City: Old Lyme, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 434-5542
Address: 96 Lyme St.
Insider Pick:
Description: On the Lieutenant River in Old Lyme is a beautiful mansion filled with the works of American Impressionists. In the back is an interestingly designed modern building containing changing exhibits. But this is not just a museum. This house was the boardinghouse and artist colony of Florence Griswold, the patron saint of American Impressionism, and the artists whose work you’ll see here actually stayed here, painted here, and even painted parts of the house. The restored studio of William Chadwick is also on the grounds. In July an annual 2-day art show is held along the streets of town, and other than parking, is a great time to visit, though the museum itself is open year-round. While you’re here, check out the lovely First Congregational Church in the center of Old Lyme, built in 1816 and painted by many of the American Impressionists, including Childe Hassam.