With its tide-washed marshlands, thousand-acre forest, two beautiful coves, and wide sandbar at the mouth of the Connecticut River, Old Saybrook is one of the state’s most precious natural environments. It’s also a beautiful place to spend some time, with enough browsing and buying opportunities for suburban landlubbers who like to shop — and all the marinas and other nautical venues sure to delight both sailor and anyone who loves the sea. Book rooms at the Saybrook Point Resort or the Deacon Timothy Pratt B&B. One is swanky — the other homespun, but both offer comforts for body and spirit. For breakfast, count on Mirsina’s. Then tour the town at a leisurely pace. Any morning is well spent hiking the shady trails of Great Cedar Conservation Area, one of the last coastal forests in New England, or kayaking the North and South Coves, where shorebirds, lighthouses, windmills, and picturesque cottages offer a close up look at the true charm of life on the shore. After lunch at Johnny Ad’s quintessential seafood shack, do some browsing at Burgundy Books on the Boston Post Road, then spread out a blanket at Harvey’s Beach and do a little reading — or simply watch the waves come and go ‘til the sun slips into the sea. You might even want to spend some time at Essence Center for Beauty and Wellness on Main Street being indulged. For dinner, think Liv’s Oyster Bar, an experience that should cure anything that ails you — or Nancy’s Rosemary & Sage for its traditional charm, warm service, and savory American cuisine. A round of mini-golf at Saybrook Point Park is the perfect way to end the evening. And as you nod off to sleep, imagine the fun that’s in store tomorrow — especially if you begin it with a river cruise. Take your pick. There are many.
Expanded tour
of Old Saybrook
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- Harvey’s Beach
29 Plum Bank Rd., 860-395-3152

- Action Sports (kayak rentals)
1385 Boston Post Rd., 860-388-1291
actionsportsct.com
- Eden Charters (sportfishing)
7 Cricket C., 860-388-5897
edencharters.com
- Captain John’s Sunbeam Fleet (sportfishing)
15 1st St., Waterford, 860-443-7259
sunbeamfleet.com
- Captain Peter Wheeler’s Sea Sprite (sportfishing)
200 College St., 860-669-9613
captainpete.com

- Great Cedar Conservation Area
Ingham Hill Rd., 860-395-3152

- General William Hart House
350 Main St., 860-395-1635
- Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate)
300 Main St., 860-510-0473
katharinehepburntheater.org
- Essence Center for Beauty
and Wellness
121 Main St. #1, 860-388-1002
essencewellness.com
- Saybrook Point Park & Fort Saybrook Monument Park
College St., 860-395-3123
- Fenwick Golf Course (9-hole, public)
580 Maple Ave., 860-388-2516
fenwickgolfcourse.com


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