middlesex county, CT
Connecticut is an ideal stop for all kinds of boating adventures. Discover the quaint and charming coastal towns dotted along the miles of shoreline that make up the Long Island Sound. Stop by Stonington for a quick cup of coffee and visit the lighthouse museum, or spend the morning searching for treasure at the Essex Saybrook Antiques Village in Old Saybrook.
Take the day to cruise along the Connecticut River to soak up lush landscapes. Stop for a hike at Gillette Castle State Park. A favorite destination for birdwatchers, you could spot a majestic Osprey overhead, a nesting Willet, or the rare Whimbrel. Dock your boat and spend an afternoon wandering through Chester, exploring the galleries, local shops, and historic buildings. Further up the river, you can easily lose track of time and find yourself in Springfield, Massachusetts, home to sites like the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.
Take to the waters of Candlewood Lake. Connecticut’s largest lake is excellent for cooling off on warm summer days or watching the leaves change on a cool autumn evening. Along the lakefront communities, you’ll find impressive water sports, contemplative trout fishing, and many others simply relaxing with the waves among the beautiful scenery.
Grab a kayak and island hop along the pristine waters of the Thimble Islands. Float past cozy waterfront homes, bury your toes in the sandy, uninhabited beaches, and follow the trails to locate Stone Tower on Pot Island. Lake Quonnipaug is another refuge for canoes and kayaks, offering a serene setting to explore the area trails and roast a marshmallow or two.
