1. Cottrell Brewing Co.
City: Pawcatuck, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 599-8213
Address: 100 Mechanic St.
Description: Nicholas Cottrell was one of the early settlers who founded Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1666, and his descendant Calvert Cottrell formed a manufacturing company across the river in Pawcatuck, making printing presses that soon dominated the world market. The great-great-grandson of Calvert, Charles, and his wife, Ann, began the Cottrell Brewing Co. in 1996, brewing and bottling Old Yankee Ale in the old factory walls. They formed the company 330 years after Charles’s ancestor helped found Westerly, a staggering number that really shows how old this area of the country—and the long tradition of Yankee ingenuity—is. One of the country’s best water supplies provides the crisp, clean taste, and the dry finish is a classic. You can take tours Thurs at 3 p.m., Fri on every half hour from 3 to 6 p.m., and Sat from 1 to 5 p.m. And, of course, taste the excellent beer.
2. Elmridge Golf Course
City: Pawcatuck, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 599-2248
Address: 229 Elmridge Rd.
Description: On a hilltop at the Rhode Island border, the Elmridge Golf Course is a challenging par 71 course that opened in 1966. Designed and built by Joseph and Charles Rustici, there are actually 27 holes to choose from here, all set on a former dairy farm (note the large grain silo behind the first tee on the white course). The fields have extensive views to the west, and the breezes off the ocean make for a pleasant game. At the 19th hole is a modern clubhouse, and the Restaurant at Elmridge is full service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check the pro shop for discounted supplies, and relax on the covered deck that overlooks the course. They also offer lessons by a PGA professional, because no matter how good we think we are, we can always use some great advice.