Connecticut – Points of Interest

[Alex F]

We’re planning a trip to LI Sound and want to mix LI North shore along with CT ports. I got some good tips in the http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/26021-The-Long-Island-Loop-–-Points-of-Interest/page16 thread, but I think that some CT folks don’t follow LI thread. So, I thought it would be a good idea to have dedicated thread for CT destinations, which will be helpful to anyone who will be planning a trip to CT.

Originally we were planning to have the following stops in CT:
Greenwich CT
Stamford CT
Norwalk CT

But based on the suggestions from other members we think that we’ll cross Stamford and Greenwich off the list. We heard good things about Essex CT and Mystic CT, but before altering the plan to travel further East I wanted hear more opinions from other CT members.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[Turtlesboat]

I've been in Norwalk for two years and i'm still finding things to do. Lots of places to anchor, eat, beaches, pools, etc... Mystic is great, Essex is quiet but cool. depends on what you want to do. Just pick a place and throw the anchor.

 

[At Ease]

If you decide to come up the CT river go just a few minutes north of Essex and grab a mooring ball in Hamburg Cove. Great place to stay overnight or hangout for the day. Just stay in the channel. Depths are shallow in the cove.

 

[katricol]

Alex...the thimble islands are nice to see. I haven't boated there in 30 years, so I can't give you any specifics but I'm sure you can check your charts or activcaptain. I believe they are in Branford,ct

 

[Alex F]

I've been in Norwalk for two years and i'm still finding things to do. Lots of places to anchor, eat, beaches, pools, etc... Mystic is great, Essex is quiet but cool. depends on what you want to do. Just pick a place and throw the anchor.

Mike,

I'm not sure, but I think in mid June the temps in the sound might be chilly, so this creates slight comlexity if swimming would be too cold. This is why I'm thinking that it would be safer to look for more activities on shore and if we get warm weather than it will sure help us to enjoy more activities on water.

What would you suggest in Norwalk, stay at a marina or take mooring or anchor?

From what I'm reading the sound is rocky, so it doesn't sound like just find a place and throw the hook. Is this not true?

If you decide to come up the CT river go just a few minutes north of Essex and grab a mooring ball in Hamburg Cove. Great place to stay overnight or hangout for the day. Just stay in the channel. Depths are shallow in the cove.

Thanks At Ease, I'll add the Hamburg Cove to my plan as one of the options.

Alex...the thimble islands are nice to see. I haven't boated there in 30 years, so I can't give you any specifics but I'm sure you can check your charts or activcaptain. I believe they are in Branford,ct

Thanks Rick, I'll research on the Thimble Islands.

 

[Larry]

Alex,

Depending on your interests, I would throw Clinton into your options (specifically Cedar Island Marina), it is about 45 NM East of Norwalk and the marina there is VERY accommodating for transients (especially if you have kids). They have a pool with entertainment on the weekends and they even offer "camp like" activities for the kids and a shuttle van to take you to the Outlet stores or any were you need to go. Very large floating fuel dock with very attentive dock hands. As Mike said too, Norwalk has a lot to offer, if you are coming into Norwalk as a transient you would come to Norwalk Cove Marina (this is were Mike, Dave and myself are), they have a pool, restaurant, mini golf, and I heard this year they are getting a courtesy van as well (If I am there I would be more then happy to give you my car). There are may good anchorages in our area, and yes it can be rocky... but we can give you all the the local knowledge needed to avoid any "issues".

Don't get me wrong, the other places mentioned are worthy as well.

 

[Ididntdoit]

The thimbles are like a little slice of the Maine coast - its tough anchoring there as the bottom is all granite and there are a ton of cable crossings - also there is not much ashore in the "village" just a pizza place and a deli - no shops - and you can't land on any of the islands, they are all privately owned. Brewers Pilots Point in Westbrook would be a great stop before heading up the ct river - lots of activities for kids and Duck island is a great day anchorage just outside the entrance. Staying at the seaport in mystic is cool but make reservations NOW as they don't have a ton of slips - if not the best place would be seaport marine as you can walk to most attractions/downtown from there and don't have to deal with the drawbridge - just the railroad swivel bridge which is usually open - seaport isn't fancy and dosen't have a pool but the location is great - if you still want to be close to town but want a pool/amenities Mystic shipyard is Great. Brewers in mystic kind of sucks, the pool is always dirty and while it "appears" closer to town it is, in fact a pretty far walk. Fishers island (tecnically part of NY) would also make a great stop for a night there are a couple marinas there - not "a lot" to see there as half the island is private i would stop here instead of the thimbles though. Napatree beach/watch hill RI are nice stops too. Also, Niantic is nice - or you could go to the head of the thames and take a shuttle to one of the casinos - Mohegan sun has a great arcade/fun zone for kids (i'm sure foxwoods has somthing too) even if your not into gambling at all these places have a lot to do and are neat to see.

 

[Turtlesboat]

Just throw the anchor in between the rocks.

and don't be such a wuss about cold water. Shrinkage is not that bad. there's also a beach at Norwalk Cove along with the other stuff that Larry mentioned. Oh and a HUGE dog park. You can take your dink to the public dock in town and do the town stuff. We use the dink a lot in Norwalk buzzing around all of the islands and rivers.

 

[Alex F]

Alex,

Depending on your interests, I would throw Clinton into your options (specifically Cedar Island Marina), it is about 45 NM East of Norwalk and the marina there is VERY accommodating for transients (especially if you have kids). They have a pool with entertainment on the weekends and they even offer "camp like" activities for the kids and a shuttle van to take you to the Outlet stores or any were you need to go. Very large floating fuel dock with very attentive dock hands. As Mike said too, Norwalk has a lot to offer, if you are coming into Norwalk as a transient you would come to Norwalk Cove Marina (this is were Mike, Dave and myself are), they have a pool, restaurant, mini golf, and I heard this year they are getting a courtesy van as well (If I am there I would be more then happy to give you my car). There are may good anchorages in our area, and yes it can be rocky... but we can give you all the the local knowledge needed to avoid any "issues".....

Larry,

I looked up the Clinton CT and Cedar Island Marina, it looks great. It's just what I need.

I guess, when it comes to Norwalk all I need is to hook up with our CSR gang and I'll be all set. :grin: ...:thumbsup:. I'm thinking that the best way to do it is by planning to be in Norwalk on the weekend. I have to see how that plays out. BTW, it's very nice of you to offer your car.

The thimbles are like a little slice of the Maine coast - its tough anchoring there as the bottom is all granite and there are a ton of cable crossings - also there is not much ashore in the "village" just a pizza place and a deli - no shops - and you can't land on any of the islands, they are all privately owned. Brewers Pilots Point in Westbrook would be a great stop before heading up the ct river - lots of activities for kids and Duck island is a great day anchorage just outside the entrance. Staying at the seaport in mystic is cool but make reservations NOW as they don't have a ton of slips - if not the best place would be seaport marine as you can walk to most attractions/downtown from there and don't have to deal with the drawbridge - just the railroad swivel bridge which is usually open - seaport isn't fancy and dosen't have a pool but the location is great - if you still want to be close to town but want a pool/amenities Mystic shipyard is Great. Brewers in mystic kind of sucks, the pool is always dirty and while it "appears" closer to town it is, in fact a pretty far walk. Fishers island (tecnically part of NY) would also make a great stop for a night there are a couple marinas there - not "a lot" to see there as half the island is private i would stop here instead of the thimbles though. Napatree beach/watch hill RI are nice stops too. Also, Niantic is nice - or you could go to the head of the thames and take a shuttle to one of the casinos - Mohegan sun has a great arcade/fun zone for kids (i'm sure foxwoods has somthing too) even if your not into gambling at all these places have a lot to do and are neat to see.

Ididntdoit, great suggestions. It sounds like there are number of stops I should add for my future travelling optional list. I think places like Thimbles, Fishers Island, Westbrook I'll have to visit next time around. I can see why Jeff said in LI thread that my list is only scratching the surface. You guys have way too many cool places to visit.

Mystic sounds like a lot of fun, but I think for this time around I'll go to Clinton CT instead. I think that Mystic fits better for a separate trip to RI area along with Newport, Block, Napatree, Niantic, etc.....
I'm still debating about Essex.

Just throw the anchor in between the rocks.

and don't be such a wuss about cold water. Shrinkage is not that bad. there's also a beach at Norwalk Cove along with the other stuff that Larry mentioned. Oh and a HUGE dog park. You can take your dink to the public dock in town and do the town stuff. We use the dink a lot in Norwalk buzzing around all of the islands and rivers.

You're funny guy, Mike......I rather b##tch about the cold water and do some better advanced planning than hear my kids whine "...dad it's too cold, we don't know what to do...bla..bla..bla". If this was mid July or August I wouldn't care much at all and as you said would jusst pick a spot to throw the hook and just enjoy the area.

Taking a dinghy tour around Norwalk sounds like fun. I guess, I'll need to borrow your dink for this as mine only putters around (pik-pik-pik) at 3-4mph with that 4hp Tohatsu.

 

[Russ Calasant]

Alex, I think your making a mistake going to Clinton instead of Mystic. It's an aged overcrowded pool in the middle of a parking lot. There is not much else around, it's not a bad place but nothing like Mystic. You and the kids can't possibly see or do everything there is to see and do in one weekend in Mystic. Mystic as a destination is unique in so many ways with loads of activities for families to do together. A perfect stop back from Block on your way home in August. Let me know if you want more info or help planing, as you know it's my home port so I may be a bit biased!

 

[Turtlesboat]

We love going to Mystic, the seaport is a blast. I went twice last year and I still didn't see everything.

 

[jg300da]

Alex, I think your making a mistake going to Clinton instead of Mystic. It's an aged overcrowded pool in the middle of a parking lot. There is not much else around,

+1. Pool is old and in the middle of a gravel parking lot with nothing else around. If you do go be careful, shallow approach with some sharp turns. If it's a choice between Essex and Clinton, well Essex is paradise by comparison, as is Mystic.

 

[Alex F]

Alex, I think your making a mistake going to Clinton instead of Mystic. It's an aged overcrowded pool in the middle of a parking lot. There is not much else around, it's not a bad place but nothing like Mystic. You and the kids can't possibly see or do everything there is to see and do in one weekend in Mystic. Mystic as a destination is unique in so many ways with loads of activities for families to do together. A perfect stop back from Block on your way home in August. Let me know if you want more info or help planing, as you know it's my home port so I may be a bit biased!

Hey Russ,

I didn't hear from you for a long time buddy. Your comments are very timely. You're right, this time it kind of was between spending an extra (2nd) night somewhere in LI and going to Clinton vs. Mystic. I was thinking to do Mystic on a different trip, but it sounds like one can comeback to this place on nmutliple occasions and find new things to do.

I revisit the float plan with admiral and we both agreed that it makes perfect sense to alternate the plan to include Mystic (specially after reading several usefull links and some magazine articles. My final itenerary look like this:

1) NJ to Northport
2) Northport to Port Jefferson
3) PJ to Essex
4) Essex to Mystic
5) Mystic to Norwalk
6) Norwalk to NJ

Since this is your home port maybe you can share few tips on must do things on the first 2 day visit. I have one article that includes interesting cheat sheet, which has the following suggestions (I'm sure it'll be helpful for anyone who's planning their fisrt visit as well):

Things to do in 3 hrs:
1. Mystic river scale model
2. Charles W. Morgan
3. Shipsmith
4. Water Shuttle
5. Tugs Exhibit.
6. Figureheads

Things to do in 1 day:
All above +
7. Lunch at the gallery
8. Voyages exhibit
9. Breeches buoy demonstration
10. Ropewalk/Lighthouse
11. Print shop
12. Planetarium show
13. Sabino ride
14. Museum store

Things to do in 3 days
All of the above +

15. Boathouse
16. Araminta rental for the day
17. Mystic aquarium
18. Water taxi to downtown
19. Lunch at spouter tavern
20. Fudge from bakery shop
21. Boatbuilding
22. Marinatime art gallery
23. Pequotsepos nature center
24. Dinner at Lattitude 41

Obviously we'll have to reconsile our own list of activities, but I'd appreciate any thoughts on these activities.

Cheers,
Alex.

 

[Alex F]

.... Staying at the seaport in mystic is cool but make reservations NOW as they don't have a ton of slips - if not the best place would be seaport marine as you can walk to most attractions/downtown from there and don't have to deal with the drawbridge - just the railroad swivel bridge which is usually open - seaport isn't fancy and dosen't have a pool but the location is great - if you still want to be close to town but want a pool/amenities Mystic shipyard is Great. Brewers in mystic kind of sucks, the pool is always dirty and while it "appears" closer to town it is, in fact a pretty far walk. ....

Ididntdoit,
Now that we're looking to do Mystic what would be you choice of marina?
1) seaport in mystic
2) seaport marine
3) Brewers
4) Any other?

Based on marinas.com Brewers doesn't look very exciting. They don't have Seaport Marine and Mystic Downtown Marina doesn't have any reviews there.

 

[Ididntdoit]

I just typed in a whole response and lost it.........I'll give you the short version now and elaborate later
#1 - Mystic Seaport
#2 - Mystic Shipyard - if you dont mind fixed docks (3ft tidal range) - has pool - clean bathrooms/showers
#3 - Seaport Marine - run down except new floating docks in one section - best location

Mystic is dinghy heaven - lots to see and do - beaches, exploring, fishing, etc

 

[Alex F]

I just typed in a whole response and lost it.........I'll give you the short version now and elaborate later
#1 - Mystic Seaport
#2 - Mystic Shipyard - if you dont mind fixed docks (3ft tidal range) - has pool - clean bathrooms/showers
#3 - Seaport Marine - run down except new floating docks in one section - best location

Mystic is dinghy heaven - lots to see and do - beaches, exploring, fishing, etc

Thanks Ididntdoit!

It's sounds like Mystic Seaport is winning due to location. Being right at the footsteps of the village day and night is a great plus. I'll call them and see if they still can take my reservation.

If you have some more local knowledge, please share.

BTW, sorry about data loss. I've had it on several occasions. Ever since then, if I type a bit long response I do ctl+a (or just highlight only your response) and ctl+c to have it all on the clipboard before I click on any buttons. For much larger ones I just use Word to be on the safe side.

 

[Ididntdoit]

The seaport itself will be nice - you can even "explore" the grounds after hours when everyone has left - look into a family membership - not only do you get in the seaport "free" you also get a discount on docking and passes to the aquarium as well - I forget what it costs but do the math - it may be worth it. Close by is "olde mystic village" it is a glorified outdoor shopping center with nice grounds and great shops - downtown mystic (where the drawbridge is) does not have a lot of shopping as a fire destroyed half the waterfront years ago and it has never been rebuilt - it does have some good restauraunts though - like Azu and Bravo Bravo (expensive) - Mystic Pizza (of movie fame) is there too but if its pizza you want go to Angies (ask a local)

As far as getting there is concerned........The channel is well marked it will take you about 30 mins (not counting any wait for the bridges) to get from the "mouth" of the "river" to the seaport - the chanel makes an "s" turn about half way down the river when it straitens back out the area to starboard is quite shallow - stay in the well marked channel - the railroad swing bridge is usually open and the drawbridge opens on a set schedule (I believe every hour on the 1/4 hour - but check its been a while) if you miss the bridge the current is manageable and the river is quite wide - you are also allowed to "wait" on the town pier if there is room - once your through STAY IN THE CHANNEL the water off to port is knee deep all the way down to the seaport. Others can comment on fuel but your best bet is probably Noank shipyard or Mystic River Marina.

As I said its dinghy heaven in Mystic - If you have one that planes - take it to napatree beach - and there is a great restauraunt in stonington borough called skippers dock - ther are small islands to land on and coves to explore - you will pass Abbot's waterfront restauraunt on your way down the river (a popular cleat and eat place) the dock is more suited to runabouts and dinghys - tie up and have a hot lobster roll on a picnic table out back - a school of stripers is always under the dock waiting for oyster crackers! I could go on and on.........I will be in Mystic for the better part of 2 months this season - let me know when you will be there

 

[Weave]

+1 on Napatree and Skippers Dock!!!

The seaport itself will be nice - you can even "explore" the grounds after hours when everyone has left - look into a family membership - not only do you get in the seaport "free" you also get a discount on docking and passes to the aquarium as well - I forget what it costs but do the math - it may be worth it. Close by is "olde mystic village" it is a glorified outdoor shopping center with nice grounds and great shops - downtown mystic (where the drawbridge is) does not have a lot of shopping as a fire destroyed half the waterfront years ago and it has never been rebuilt - it does have some good restauraunts though - like Azu and Bravo Bravo (expensive) - Mystic Pizza (of movie fame) is there too but if its pizza you want go to Angies (ask a local)

As far as getting there is concerned........The channel is well marked it will take you about 30 mins (not counting any wait for the bridges) to get from the "mouth" of the "river" to the seaport - the chanel makes an "s" turn about half way down the river when it straitens back out the area to starboard is quite shallow - stay in the well marked channel - the railroad swing bridge is usually open and the drawbridge opens on a set schedule (I believe every hour on the 1/4 hour - but check its been a while) if you miss the bridge the current is manageable and the river is quite wide - you are also allowed to "wait" on the town pier if there is room - once your through STAY IN THE CHANNEL the water off to port is knee deep all the way down to the seaport. Others can comment on fuel but your best bet is probably Noank shipyard or Mystic River Marina.

As I said its dinghy heaven in Mystic - If you have one that planes - take it to napatree beach - and there is a great restauraunt in stonington borough called skippers dock - ther are small islands to land on and coves to explore - you will pass Abbot's waterfront restauraunt on your way down the river (a popular cleat and eat place) the dock is more suited to runabouts and dinghys - tie up and have a hot lobster roll on a picnic table out back - a school of stripers is always under the dock waiting for oyster crackers! I could go on and on.........I will be in Mystic for the better part of 2 months this season - let me know when you will be there

 

[Russ Calasant]

Alex I sent you a pm, call me when you can.

I like the seaport but you are captive to the draw bridge that opens at 40 min past the hour if you call and its a walk into town. The swing bridge will open upon request, channel 13, as long as a train is not coming. Seaport Marine is by the far the best location C and D dock are new floating cement docks, 50 and 60 ft slips you could land a plane in- very protected. They don't have a pool, but who needs one, you won't be there long enough and there are so many better places nearby to swim if you were. There is also a dingy dock in town and access just about everywhere by dingy, including Abbotts (tourist spot). Noank Shipyard is the sister yard to Seaport Marine and the best place to fuel for access, price may be better at Nymans- a fishing dock a little further down river. It's maybe best to note prices as your cruising the 30 minute no wake cruise up river and plan to stop on exit. There is so much to cover here it's difficult to write it all.

 

[Alex F]

Thanks for great info guys.

Can anyone comment on Steam Train ride in Essex, is it fun or a boring ride that just sounds good?

.....As I said its dinghy heaven in Mystic - If you have one that planes - take it to napatree beach - and there is a great restauraunt in stonington borough called skippers dock - ther are small islands to land on and coves to explore ........

Great, I'll use this as a selling point for admiral to upgrade our dinghy....LOL

We're scheduled to be in Mystic 6/22-6/24