Studio FOUR Guidebook for Old Lyme and the surrounding CT River Valley

Susan
Studio FOUR Guidebook for Old Lyme and the surrounding CT River Valley

Food scene

Breakfast and Lunch on the Lieutenant River in downtown Old Lyme, minutes away from our home. Great food, wonderful service and a wonderful view.
7 locals recommend
The Hangry Goose
11 Halls Rd
7 locals recommend
Breakfast and Lunch on the Lieutenant River in downtown Old Lyme, minutes away from our home. Great food, wonderful service and a wonderful view.
A great place to dine, and enjoy a cocktail in the heart of the historic district in Old Lyme. Across from the Lyme Art Association and the Florence Griswold Museum. A great menu and excellent atmosphere. Side Door Jazz Club is also here.
13 locals recommend
Old Lyme Inn
85 Lyme St
13 locals recommend
A great place to dine, and enjoy a cocktail in the heart of the historic district in Old Lyme. Across from the Lyme Art Association and the Florence Griswold Museum. A great menu and excellent atmosphere. Side Door Jazz Club is also here.
The best sandwiches and gourmet to go. Pick up Coffees and take it to our private dock association on the CT River at Lords Cove and Goose Island (pass required) or to White Sands Beach (we have beach pass for our guests). A perfect way to enhance your day!
20 locals recommend
Coffees Country Market
169 Boston Post Rd
20 locals recommend
The best sandwiches and gourmet to go. Pick up Coffees and take it to our private dock association on the CT River at Lords Cove and Goose Island (pass required) or to White Sands Beach (we have beach pass for our guests). A perfect way to enhance your day!
On the grounds of the Florence Griswold Museum, this seasonal restaurant is the perfect place to take in the beauty of the historic Old Lyme art scene on the Lieutenant River. Sit in the Adirondack chairs riverside, relax and enjoy!
Cafe Flo
96 Lyme Street
On the grounds of the Florence Griswold Museum, this seasonal restaurant is the perfect place to take in the beauty of the historic Old Lyme art scene on the Lieutenant River. Sit in the Adirondack chairs riverside, relax and enjoy!
Always a favorite spot to get ice cream after a day on the beach. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Lobster Rolls and Friend Clams too! Great outdoor seating area. A local favorite!!!
16 locals recommend
Hallmark Drive In
113 Shore Rd
16 locals recommend
Always a favorite spot to get ice cream after a day on the beach. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Lobster Rolls and Friend Clams too! Great outdoor seating area. A local favorite!!!
A night out for dinner and drinks at Saybrook Point Inns Fresh Salt. Located on the waterfront, good food and great cocktails make this a vacation must.
25 locals recommend
Fresh Salt
2 Bridge St
25 locals recommend
A night out for dinner and drinks at Saybrook Point Inns Fresh Salt. Located on the waterfront, good food and great cocktails make this a vacation must.
Best food in the area, amazing craft cocktails, attentive service and amazingly talented chefs. A splurge, but it is a scene.
14 locals recommend
The Essex
247 Main St
14 locals recommend
Best food in the area, amazing craft cocktails, attentive service and amazingly talented chefs. A splurge, but it is a scene.
On the CT River!! Amazing food and incredible atmosphere. A MUST SEE for sure. You will feel like you are on vacation!!
6 locals recommend
Marker 37
72 Railroad Avenue
6 locals recommend
On the CT River!! Amazing food and incredible atmosphere. A MUST SEE for sure. You will feel like you are on vacation!!
Yummy all around!! Foodie paradise! Make sure to order the Date Pudding! TRUST ME!
26 locals recommend
River Tavern
23 Main St
26 locals recommend
Yummy all around!! Foodie paradise! Make sure to order the Date Pudding! TRUST ME!
The sister restaurant to River Tavern in Chester. Otto is for pizza. Hip, fresh and yummy. Excellent fennel salad too!
21 locals recommend
Otto
69 Main St
21 locals recommend
The sister restaurant to River Tavern in Chester. Otto is for pizza. Hip, fresh and yummy. Excellent fennel salad too!
MOLTO BENE!!!! A treat! A gem! Go there! Also consider dining at their restaurant in Chester, Grano Arso.
Gargano Pasta & Italian Market
75 Main Street
MOLTO BENE!!!! A treat! A gem! Go there! Also consider dining at their restaurant in Chester, Grano Arso.
The best Italian fine dining in the area. Also stop by at their Italian Market in Old Saybrook Gargano Pasta & Italian Market.
18 locals recommend
Grano Arso
6 Main St
18 locals recommend
The best Italian fine dining in the area. Also stop by at their Italian Market in Old Saybrook Gargano Pasta & Italian Market.
I mean, have you even visited Old Lyme and the shoreline if you haven't gone to Pasta Vita!? Gourmet To Go....and a wonderful selection. I have a friend who's 2 year old said only 6 words, 2 of them being "Pasta Vita" haha. True story.
17 locals recommend
Pasta Vita Inc
225 Elm St
17 locals recommend
I mean, have you even visited Old Lyme and the shoreline if you haven't gone to Pasta Vita!? Gourmet To Go....and a wonderful selection. I have a friend who's 2 year old said only 6 words, 2 of them being "Pasta Vita" haha. True story.
On the CT River at The Goodspeed Opera House.
18 locals recommend
Gelston House
8 Main St
18 locals recommend
On the CT River at The Goodspeed Opera House.
Quintessential NewEngland Lobster Rolls. Enough said.
39 locals recommend
Lobster Landing
152 Commerce St
39 locals recommend
Quintessential NewEngland Lobster Rolls. Enough said.
This place is legendary. Oldest Historic Inn in the country. Restaurant & bar & destination! Sea Chanty night on Mondays....it's a whole vibe. Classic comradery. You'll be singing too!
49 locals recommend
The Griswold Inn
36 Main St
49 locals recommend
This place is legendary. Oldest Historic Inn in the country. Restaurant & bar & destination! Sea Chanty night on Mondays....it's a whole vibe. Classic comradery. You'll be singing too!
A complimentary ferry ride takes you across the river inlet to this gem. You cannot help but feel transported.
6 locals recommend
Siren Kitchen & Bar
11 Ferry St
6 locals recommend
A complimentary ferry ride takes you across the river inlet to this gem. You cannot help but feel transported.
Main Street, Old Saybrook. Great Oysters and cocktails.
30 locals recommend
Liv's Oyster Bar & Restaurant
166 Main St
30 locals recommend
Main Street, Old Saybrook. Great Oysters and cocktails.
Casual, yummy, New England Summer on the half shell. (sister restaurant to Liv's Oyster Bar on Main Street Old Saybrook)
11 locals recommend
Liv's Shack "Lobster Rolls & More.."
26 Bridge St
11 locals recommend
Casual, yummy, New England Summer on the half shell. (sister restaurant to Liv's Oyster Bar on Main Street Old Saybrook)
Mussels and Frites. Cocktails....a treat!
29 locals recommend
Café Routier
1353 Boston Post Rd
29 locals recommend
Mussels and Frites. Cocktails....a treat!
For the late night eating and social scene. Good elevated bar food.
20 locals recommend
Monkey Farm
571 Boston Post Rd
20 locals recommend
For the late night eating and social scene. Good elevated bar food.
Where your Farm Coffee comes from. Next to the Old Saybrook Train Station. Amazing lattes and baked treats. Internet access and cafe tables.
28 locals recommend
Ashlawn Farm Coffee
455 Boston Post Rd
28 locals recommend
Where your Farm Coffee comes from. Next to the Old Saybrook Train Station. Amazing lattes and baked treats. Internet access and cafe tables.
A taste of France, in downtown Old Saybrook. Breakfast and lunch are served here. We love the crepes. Bon Appetit!
Cocotte @ James Pharmacy
323 Main Street
A taste of France, in downtown Old Saybrook. Breakfast and lunch are served here. We love the crepes. Bon Appetit!
This gem has just reopened under new management. A converted mill, turned restaurant. Walk over the covered bridge and waterfall to your next favorite dining destination. The architecture alone is a treat. A true dining experience.
The Brushmill by the Waterfall
129 West Main Street
This gem has just reopened under new management. A converted mill, turned restaurant. Walk over the covered bridge and waterfall to your next favorite dining destination. The architecture alone is a treat. A true dining experience.
Fine food, cheeses and delicacies make this a true gem. Perfect place to curate a picnic spread, or an appetizer to compliment your evening cocktail at Studio Four.
16 locals recommend
Fromage Fine Foods & Coffees
873 Boston Post Rd
16 locals recommend
Fine food, cheeses and delicacies make this a true gem. Perfect place to curate a picnic spread, or an appetizer to compliment your evening cocktail at Studio Four.
Incredible food, great dining atmosphere, a local treasure!
13 locals recommend
La Marea Ristorante
732 Middlesex Ave
13 locals recommend
Incredible food, great dining atmosphere, a local treasure!
Sushi at its finest!
Nori
Sushi at its finest!
9 locals recommend
The Little House Brewing Co
16 Main St
9 locals recommend
Long River Local Farm Market & Cafe
Sip Wine Bar
Amazing waterfront location on the CT River. Solid food scene with amazing tapas and entrees.
Noah's at 63 Main
Amazing waterfront location on the CT River. Solid food scene with amazing tapas and entrees.

Sightseeing

The perfect way to see the CT Shoreline by train or by boat. They have rail trail bikes as well. A must see while you are here. A true gem!
60 locals recommend
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
1 Railroad Ave
60 locals recommend
The perfect way to see the CT Shoreline by train or by boat. They have rail trail bikes as well. A must see while you are here. A true gem!
Kayak and SUP rentals on the Black Hall River in Old Lyme. INCREDIBLE experience. Guided tours available. Unspolied wildlife and nature. Sunset tours are a must do. Have fun! Insta worthy.
18 locals recommend
Black Hall Outfitters
132 Shore Rd
18 locals recommend
Kayak and SUP rentals on the Black Hall River in Old Lyme. INCREDIBLE experience. Guided tours available. Unspolied wildlife and nature. Sunset tours are a must do. Have fun! Insta worthy.
If it's good enough for Sherlock Holmes, then it's good enough for you. CT River vistas. Take the Hadlyme-Chester Ferry over to Chester to make this a nice day trip excursion.
83 locals recommend
Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle State Park
83 locals recommend
If it's good enough for Sherlock Holmes, then it's good enough for you. CT River vistas. Take the Hadlyme-Chester Ferry over to Chester to make this a nice day trip excursion.
Thankful to Miss Florence for providing housing all those years ago for the now famous Hudson River Painters group of artists. The hallmark of the birthplace of impressionism, right in the beautiful town of Old Lyme. *seasonal dining at Cafe Flo (see review in guidebook)
65 locals recommend
Florence Griswold Museum
96 Lyme St
65 locals recommend
Thankful to Miss Florence for providing housing all those years ago for the now famous Hudson River Painters group of artists. The hallmark of the birthplace of impressionism, right in the beautiful town of Old Lyme. *seasonal dining at Cafe Flo (see review in guidebook)
Interesting history of the Connecticut River. Essex is a great walking town, with lots to do.
38 locals recommend
Connecticut River Museum
67 Main St
38 locals recommend
Interesting history of the Connecticut River. Essex is a great walking town, with lots to do.
This place is hands down amazing! Free admission, excellent sculpture art on the Lieutenant River in downtown Old Lyme adjacent to Lyme Art Academy. A treasure.
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds
80 Lyme Street
This place is hands down amazing! Free admission, excellent sculpture art on the Lieutenant River in downtown Old Lyme adjacent to Lyme Art Academy. A treasure.
Beach pass available for guests at Studio Four. We provide beach chairs, umbrella, and beach towels too.
White Sands Beach
Beach pass available for guests at Studio Four. We provide beach chairs, umbrella, and beach towels too.
a wonderful walking trail in Old Lyme with a scenic vista on the CT River. A great birdwatching vantage point.
Elizabeth B. Karter Watch Rock Preserve
a wonderful walking trail in Old Lyme with a scenic vista on the CT River. A great birdwatching vantage point.
Great hiking trails and picnic areas. The waterfall is pretty and you can splash about in the shallow pools. Covered bridge also makes a nice photo opp!
64 locals recommend
Devil's Hopyard State Park
366 Hopyard Rd
64 locals recommend
Great hiking trails and picnic areas. The waterfall is pretty and you can splash about in the shallow pools. Covered bridge also makes a nice photo opp!
A wonderful sightseeing adventure. See the CT River Valley from the CT River vantage point. Spot Osprey, Swallows and Eagles. Absolutely a gorgeous experience.
10 locals recommend
Lady Katharine Cruises
1 Railroad Avenue
10 locals recommend
A wonderful sightseeing adventure. See the CT River Valley from the CT River vantage point. Spot Osprey, Swallows and Eagles. Absolutely a gorgeous experience.
Take in a show at The Kate! Downtown Old Saybrook. A celebrated art and culture scene.
52 locals recommend
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
300 Main St
52 locals recommend
Take in a show at The Kate! Downtown Old Saybrook. A celebrated art and culture scene.
Quaint theater offering off-broadway productions. We have seen some marvelous shows here!
28 locals recommend
Ivoryton Playhouse
103 Main St
28 locals recommend
Quaint theater offering off-broadway productions. We have seen some marvelous shows here!
Take in a show, take in the magnificent beauty of this landmark destination on the CT River next to the historic swing bridge.
57 locals recommend
Goodspeed Opera House
6 Main St
57 locals recommend
Take in a show, take in the magnificent beauty of this landmark destination on the CT River next to the historic swing bridge.
This place is groovy! Located at the Old Lyme Inn. Make a night of it...dinner and a show!
7 locals recommend
The Side Door
85 Lyme St
7 locals recommend
This place is groovy! Located at the Old Lyme Inn. Make a night of it...dinner and a show!
Casino located about a 30 minute drive from Old Lyme. Sporting events, Restaurants (Pepe Pizza, Ballo Italian), nightclub & bars, shopping, big name concerts. Of course, try your luck and play the slots too.
200 locals recommend
Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd
200 locals recommend
Casino located about a 30 minute drive from Old Lyme. Sporting events, Restaurants (Pepe Pizza, Ballo Italian), nightclub & bars, shopping, big name concerts. Of course, try your luck and play the slots too.
John Lohmann CT River Preserve MUST SEE!!! Our neighborhood Nature Preserve!! 42 acres. Lovely terraced fields and stone walls with trail leading to Whaleback Point and frontage on Lords Cove in the CT River. Incredible vistas. Small rustic picnic area, take out what you bring in.
33 Coult Ln
33 Coult Lane
John Lohmann CT River Preserve MUST SEE!!! Our neighborhood Nature Preserve!! 42 acres. Lovely terraced fields and stone walls with trail leading to Whaleback Point and frontage on Lords Cove in the CT River. Incredible vistas. Small rustic picnic area, take out what you bring in.
Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
100 Lyme Street

Spa and Wellness

Located on Lyme Street in downtown Old Lyme. Vitality offers Spa services. Wonderful massages and a great menu of facials. Treat yourself to wellness.
Vitality Spa
14 Lyme St

Fitness

Located at the Old Saybrook Train Station. Offers a wide variety of workout classes and yoga. We have yoga mats you can borrow. Purchase a class pass and try their many options. Great instructors. Clean environment.
Saybrook Soul Sweat
455 Boston Post Road

Antiquing

Incredible curated home decor, an estate sale and treasure trove of fabulous home decor finds.
Treasures
95 Halls Rd
The Little Shop by Nora Murphy Country House
Maximus Antiques
Treasure hunting at its finest! Lots of booths and curiosities.
The Trove
1353 Boston Post Rd
Treasure hunting at its finest! Lots of booths and curiosities.

Farmers Market

Sundays in season
Local vendors, it’s a total scene! Take the Ferry over for the full experience. Make sure you get the “crack” bread from Simons Marketplace and pop into all the shops! Support local!
Chester Farmers Market
Local vendors, it’s a total scene! Take the Ferry over for the full experience. Make sure you get the “crack” bread from Simons Marketplace and pop into all the shops! Support local!