Old Lyme, Connecticut Attractions
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Florence Griswold Museum
, 96 Lyme Street, A National Historic Landmark, this celebrated museum, which is set on 13 acres along the Lieutenant River, was built in 1817 and eventually became home to Florence Griswold. Having been run by Miss Griswold as a boarding house for gifted painters, the house has long been considered the home of American Impressionism. Indeed, the museum features an outstanding collection of American Impressionist works — including the original artworks her talented lodgers painted directly on the dining room wall panels. Guided tours provide a wonderful accompaniment to the visual riches, while Café Flo offers visitors and guests an elegant spot for lunch. Please visit the website for complete information. The first floor of the main house is wheelchair accessible. , 860-434-5542 , www.florencegriswoldmuseum.orgGreat Island Estuary and Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife Area
, 33-99 Smith Neck Road, They call it the “great” outdoors — and here are a just four of the many reasons why. This shallow saltwater estuary is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. The beautiful sand spit, a protected nesting site for piping plovers and least terns, offers wonderful hiking. Visitors can observe Connecticut’s largest colony of osprey from late March through the autumn months. And just feel those sea breezes! Open year-round dawn to dusk. Great Island is accessible only by boat. Please visit the website for complete information., 860-598-4218 , www.ctaudubon.org/rtp-estuary-homeThe Carousel At Old Lyme
, 75-79 Hartford Ave., Grab a seat on the vintage Allan Herschell Carousel at Old Lyme’s Sound View Beach, Connecticut’s best public beach — then get ready for some fun! With this summer markng the Carousel second century in operation, this beautiful merry-go-round features twenty carved horses on which to ride, along with two stationary seats. And yes! There are brass rings just waiting to be grabbed by those flying by! Walk next door and there’s more fun, because The Carousel Shop offers 40 flavors of premium ice cream, yogurt, premium soft serve, sherbet and sorbet, as well as gifts and beach items — with some neat casual clothing at the Carousel Shop Too. A splendid time will be had by the kid in everyone. Please visit the website for complete information., 860-434-3908 , www.ctvisit.com/listings/carousel-old-lymeThe Chocolate Shell
, 16 B Lyme Street, Appropriately self-described as “the sweetest destination in Old Lyme,” The Chocolate Shell is where those addicted to the melt-in-your-mouth wondrousness of chocolate in any and all of its many forms flock year round — and a heavenly little place where kids can stock up on vintage candies like Abba Zabba, Air Heads, Bubble Tape, Double Bubba, Candy Necklaces, Ice Cubes, Peanut Chews, Soda Bottles, and Swedish Fish. For the young at heart, there are nostalgic candies, hot chocolate, gourmet Belgian chocolate, gifts, as well as a whole line of event favors and corporate gifts — plus gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and even sugar-free confection collections, so no one ever goes home disappointed! Just follow the sticky fingerprints. Please visit the website for complete information., 860-434-9727 , www.chocolateshell.com
