Location: Old Lyme
Top Things to do in Old Lyme
Top Restaurants in Old Lyme
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Old Lyme, United States
Old Lyme is a coastal town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. The Main Street of the town, Lyme Street, is a historic district. The town has long been a popular summer resort and artists' colony. The town is named after Lyme Regis, England.
Restaurants in Old Lyme
1. Florence Griswold Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
A 13-acre museum campus with a historic home museum, a modern art gallery with changing exhibitions, and gardens and river frontage along the delightful Lieutenant River. Visitors enjoy seasonal events including June's GardenFest and October's Wee Faerie Village. Discovery Sundays (April - September) give visitors of all ages the opportunity to take a mini-lesson in landscape painting and create their own masterpiece on the extensive grounds of the Museum. Visitors can enjoy lunch on the veranda at the outdoor Cafe Flo (May-October), and find unique gifts, exhibition catalogs and more at the Museum Shop. The Museum is named for Miss Florence Griswold, who at the turn of the 20th century opened her home as a boardinghouse which quickly became popular with American artists including Childe Hassam and Willard Metcalf. Museum docents share tales of the Lyme Art Colony and this home of American Impressionism. Check FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org for a calendar of events and exhibitions.
Reviewed By ZCC414 - Sevenoaks District, United Kingdom
I really enjoyed my visit to Florence's home and boarding house. The volunteers interpreting the house were great with wonderful stories about the house and paintings. The dinning room is amazing- a magical room.
I wasn't so keen on the art gallery with the exhibitions although some of the paintings on display had interesting stories.
I felt the introductory video was long, repetitive and I didn't stay to see it all as a result which I then discovered meant I missed the explanation about the panel paintings. The introductory video at Olana is brilliant at setting the scene if the museum is thinking of doing a new one...
2. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Take one or both tours in combination for a delightful sightseeing excursion through some of the most scenic areas of Connecticut: scenic train ride in restored railroad cars pulled by a coal-fired locomotive and a ride up the Connecticut River by riverboat.
Reviewed By MrsS0613 - Branford, Connecticut
First class car definitely worth the upgrade. Very spacious and comfortable. Santa and friends each visited with every child. There was a sing alone at the end and the entire crew was super friendly.
3. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By SandyKNA - Old Saybrook, Connecticut
The Kate is a wonderful, intimate venue offering a wide variety of entertainment in Old Saybrook. There is almost always something happening at The Kate. We have enjoyed a number of excellent tribute bands and plays and look forward to returning often.
4. The Book Barn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By Brian G - Middletown, Connecticut
This store has 10,000's of books on numerous subjects, distributed throughout at least three different locations in Niantic. You can find many obscure titles here. Prices are very reasonable, and books are in good condition. If you want to take your old books to a place besides your local town dump, perhaps you should consider trading them in here. Brian Ghilliotti
5. Ivoryton Playhouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By aeschillaci - Old Lyme, Connecticut
Once a summer stock stalwart, this now Equity professional year round theater has been enjoying raves from audiences with this year's productions of WEST SIDE STORY and SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER....among a plethora of other hits. Go for a balcony seat..wonderful views of stage. Next up I HATE MUSICALS, THE MUSICAL!
6. Connecticut River Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
The museum covers the maritime history of the Connecticut River Valley.
Reviewed By yellowbirdVermont
Our group learned a lot about the history of the area and the Connecticut River. We got to see an amazing mural along the back staircase. There are some unusual exhibits to enjoy.
The beautiful fall day with refreshments on the lawn facing the river added to an exceptional visit for our group. The roses were in bloom across from the museum and the boats were cruising along into the marina. There is even a small gift shop at the museum.
7. DEEP Marine Headquarters - Ferry Landing Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By BillP1123 - Plainville, Connecticut
This is a great spot for a 30 minute visit or longer if you go crabbing. You get to see the Sound and the estuary as well as the train bridge to Old Saybrook. As you walk along the boardwalk you can see the local ecosystem and many crabs. If folks are crabbing and you are lucky you get an up clause view if a blue crab. Osprey have a best with young on top of the bridge right now. You can view other birds flying over the river and the estuary/wetlands. A quiet nice walk perfect for all especially little ones. It is very exciting when the train roars overhead.
8. Harvey's Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Mary M - Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Ok, we are new to the area and were a bit disappointed to find that it was mostly a kids/parents type of a beach. And there is a a big area that looks like a black hole and has some kind of swampy looking grass in it? Town Beach is a better option but it is also very small and at high tide there is NO beach to speak of. But it's much nicer than Harvey's. We were impressed with a steel band one night and they do have movie nights but they are mostly geared towards kids.
9. Rocky Neck State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By MarknJulie51212 - Connecticut
We went to this beach recently and was glad it wasn't closed due to bacteria. Parking is pricey and if you like brown cold water, this is the place for you. No toys or rafts allowed in the water....I'm 34 years old and I was disappointed. Try Harkeness park instead.
10. Sculpture Grounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Gerald G - Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States
Gil Boro is an incredible artist and person. We have visited his sculptor ground quite a few times, by ourselves, with visiting family, and shown guests as well. Simply put both the site and the sculptor are treasures. He adds stature to our community.
We feel blessed to have one of his sculptures. It is always a pleasure to enter that room and see it anew.
You will be enriched by visiting this extraordinary place.
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