Branford, Connecticut Attractions
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James Blackstone Memorial Library
, 758 Main Street, The James Blackstone Memorial Library isn’t just a place filled with books. Built between 1893 and 1896 by railroad magnate Timothy Beach Blackstone, its stunning rotunda is decorated with Oliver D. Grover murals, making it one of Connecticut’s finest public buildings — and a truly novel place to visit. Please visit the website for complete information. , 203-488-1441 , www.blackstonelibrary.orgThimble Islands Cruises: Nightjack Sportfishing
, Branford Landing Marina, Join Captain Jack aboard the 32’ Levy downeast known as Nightjack for inshore and offshore fishing charters, as well as custom trips. Equipped with a live well for bait, a fighting chair, as well as USCG-approved safety equipment for when the waters get choppy, the vessel comfortably fits six, with inside seating. The Nightjack is also available for parties as well as for a Thimble Island cruise. Please visit the website for complete information., 203-410-0462 , www.nightjacksportfishing.comThimble Islands Cruises: Sea Mist
, 4 Indian Point Road, Also providing cruises through the Thimbles is Captain Mike Infantino, whose 45-foot Sea Mist is berthed at Stony Creek’s town dock. And if you get thirsty while on board, just visit The Sand Bar, where they serve wine, cold beer, rum punch, and spirits (ID REQUIRED!) as well as bottled water and soda. In addition to day cruises in season, The Sea Mist is available for two-hour evening charters and winter seal-watching cruises. Please visit the website for complete information., 203-488-8905 , www.thimbleislandcruise.comThimble Islands Cruises: The Islander
, 4 Indian Point Road, The third in Stony Creek’s popular trio of Thimble Island cruises is captained by Dave Kusterer, whose 26-foot port launch, The Islander, affords sightseers a peek at many areas of the Thimble Islands not accessible on larger vessels. It carries 18 passengers at a time on 45-minute excursions from mid-June to Labor Day. Please visit the website for complete information., 203-433-2233 , www.thimbleislander.netThimble Islands Cruises: Outer Island
, A vital part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge since 1995, Branford’s Outer Island, the outermost of the Thimble Islands — and its jewel, is more than simply an unspoiled ecological preserve and refuge for migratory birds. Thanks to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Southern Connecticut State University, and Central Connecticut State University — all of which have partnered to conduct research, provide education, and develop public programming, Outer Island is a place where students and non-students alike can enrich their connection to the natural world while building an understanding and appreciation for Long Island Sound’s unique resources. Please visit the website for complete information., www.outerisland.org
