Dockage, Moorings & Service:
Old Lyme Dock (860) 434-2267: Small marina between the railroad bridge and Interstate 95 offering limited transient slips, discount fuel, and restrooms with showers.
Old Lyme Marina (860) 434-1272: Full-service marina offerings slips, moorings, and repair. Best bet for large vessels.
Black Hall Marina (860) 434-9680: Small-boat marina on the Black Hall River, popular among anglers. Offers transient slips, a well-stocked tackle shop, and kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Launch Ramp:
Boats up to 25 feet can be launched at the end of Smith Neck Road on the Back River, and from the Four Mile River Landing on the Four Mile River, although parking is limited at both spots.
For carry-ins only, the ramp at Ferry Road and Route 156 puts you directly on the Lieutenant River.
Larger vessels are best off launching at the large, free state facility in Old Saybrook, below the I-95 bridge.
Anchorages:
Anchoring in the Old Lyme area can be tricky due to the strong current and congested waters. Boaters may be able to find decent holding ground and a depth of 10 feet upstream of the I-95/Baldwin Bridge, north of Ferry Point and opposite Calves Island.
Dining:
Old Lyme Inn (860) 434-2600: Upscale, contemporary dining in the heart of Old Lyme.
Café Flo (860) 434-5542: Seasonal outdoor café at the Florence Griswold Museum serving soups, sandwiches, and other light fare with great views of the Lieutenant River.
The Hangry Goose (860) 434-2227: Casual eatery with river views. Serves breakfast and lunch comfort food.
Nightingale’s Acoustic Café (860) 434-1961: The place for homegrown music, as well as fine coffee, tea, sandwiches, ice cream, and baked goods.
Things To Do
Florence Griswold Museum (860) 434-5542: Peruse art and nature—and learn to paint like an Impressionist—in the place made famous by artistic pioneers.
Side Door Jazz Club (860) 434-2600: Big City jazz and nightlife meets the quiet Connecticut shore at his sleek nightclub at the Old Lyme Inn.
Lyme Art Association (860) 434-7802: Features art exhibitions and studio classes in galleries designed by the founders of the Old Lyme Art Colony.
Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts (860) 434-5232: View fabulous creations by students and faculty of this prestigious art institution.
Connecticut River Estuary Canoe & Kayak Trail: Paddle this scenic water trail through salt marshes and estuaries of the lower Connecticut River.
Sunset Hill Vineyard (860) 598-9427: A family run, boutique vineyard located on 12 acres in Lyme, Connecticut, of which 2.5 acres are planted to vines.
Cool Shops:
Cooley Gallery (860) 434-8807: Pick up an original painting, sculpture, or pottery work at this fine-art gallery in the historic district.
Bowerbird (860) 434-3562: Eclectic gift shop carrying a wide array of jewelry, clothing, mugs, clocks, games, books, gourmet foods, toys, and creative home décor items.
Phoebe’s Book Cellar (860) 434-1684: Collectors know to watch this place for first-edition treasures. You can also find the perfect beach read, nonfiction, children’s and young-adult books.
Alfa Aquatic Arts (860) 598-9914: Helping fish enthusiasts choose from a vast array of fresh and saltwater fish and aquarium supplies.
The Chocolate Shell (860) 434-9727: The shop offers a variety of truffles and other treats, plus a selection of childhood favorites.
Where to Stay:
Old Lyme Inn (860) 434-2600: Premiere lodging in the heart of Old Lyme. Also features a restaurant, jazz club, and event venue.
Boat & Kayak Rental:
Black Hall Outfitters (860) 434-9680: Tackle shop and marina on the Black Hall River offering kayak and paddleboard rentals and sales. Also offers lessons and guided tours.
