Old Lyme Travel Guide

Plan a perfect trip to Old Lyme, CT with this comprehensive travel guide covering top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food scene, accommodations, local culture, safety, and logistics.


Old Lyme Travel Guide - Discover the Charm of Mystic-Eastern Connecticut

Located in the heart of Mystic-Eastern Connecticut, Old Lyme is a charming town known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan a perfect trip to Old Lyme, covering top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food scene, accommodations, local culture, safety, and logistics.

Introduction to Old Lyme

Old Lyme is a small town in southeastern Connecticut that covers an area of 28.8 square miles and has a population of around 7,600 people. The town has a rich history dating back to the 1600s and is famous for its picturesque landscapes, museums, and cultural heritage. Old Lyme is also home to many artists and art galleries, making it a hub for creative and intellectual pursuits.

List of Places to Visit in Old Lyme

Old Lyme has a lot to offer for tourists and locals alike. From museums and art galleries to outdoor adventures and scenic views, here are the top places to visit in Old Lyme:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Florence Griswold Museum: This museum is known for its extensive collection of American Impressionism paintings and is located in a historic house that once served as an artist’s colony.

  • Old Lyme Historical Society: This society runs a number of local history projects and offers guided tours of the town’s historic buildings and landmarks.

  • Lyme Art Association: Founded in 1914, this association is dedicated to promoting and preserving American representational art. It features a gallery of rotating exhibits and workshops for aspiring artists.

Natural Attractions of Old Lyme: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hains Park: This beach on Long Island Sound offers a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the water.

  • Selden Creek Preserve: This Preserve offers a great place for hiking and observing nature.

  • Nehantic State Forest: This is an ideal location for outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Old Lyme

Old Lyme is a town that is rich in natural beauty. The town has many hiking and biking routes that offer great outdoor adventure opportunities. Here are a few of the best hiking and biking trails in Old Lyme:

  • The Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife Area: This area is a great place to hike and explore the native plants and wildlife.

  • The Air Line Trail: This trail offers 21 miles of great scenery for hikers and bikers.

  • The Nehantic Trail: This trail offers some of the best native foliage and fauna with both short and long hiking paths.

Best Things to Do in Old Lyme: Activities and Tours

Old Lyme is a town with many activities and tours to offer tourists. From art galleries to wineries and horse farms, here are some of the best things to do in Old Lyme:

  • Tour local wineries: Hop on a local winery tour to taste the finest wines produced in the town.

  • Go horseback riding: Enjoy the beauty of the town on horseback with guided horseback rides.

  • Visit art galleries: Visit local art galleries for an opportunity to purchase local art or to gain a deeper understanding of Connecticut’s cultural heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for Old Lyme

To experience all that Old Lyme has to offer, here is a week-long itinerary with all the essential activities and attractions:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Art Association.
2 Stroll along the Josias River Estuary Trail and explore the Selden Creek Preserve.
3 Tour the Old Lyme Historical Society’s landmark buildings and attend an event.
4 Go kayaking or canoeing on the Connecticut River or Nehantic State Forest.
5 Enjoy a day on the beach at Hains Park on Long Island Sound.
6 Visit the horse farms and explore the local wineries on a tour.
7 Hike along the Nehantic or Air Line Trail and end the night with a beautiful sunset over the town.

Food and Drink Scene of Old Lyme

Old Lyme has a dynamic food and drink scene, featuring local dishes and beverages that tell the town’s story. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll: A classic Connecticut dish with tender lobster meat served on a toasted bun.
  • Clam Chowder: A hearty soup made with cream, potatoes, and fresh clams.

Local Beverages

  • Apple Cider: Made from locally grown apples, this classic beverage is a must-try.
  • Connecticut Wine: The town has a well-known wine scene with many local wineries featuring regional varieties.

Where to Stay in Old Lyme: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Old Lyme offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some top picks for each category:

  • Luxury Hotels: The Old Lyme Inn, Bee and Thistle Inn.
  • Hostels: Vineyard Homes, Affordable Private Rooms.
  • Guesthouses: The Old Lyme Guesthouse, Riverdale Farms Bed and Breakfast.

What to Buy in Old Lyme: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Old Lyme offers some unique souvenirs, local products, and artworks that are worth bringing back home. Some popular souvenirs include:

  • Local wines and cider
  • Painted shells and seaglass
  • Art pieces from local galleries

Local Culture and Customs of Old Lyme

Residents of Old Lyme have a rich cultural heritage and distinct lifestyle. Visitors are encouraged to understand and respect the local culture and customs to get the most out of their visit.

Best Time to Visit Old Lyme

Old Lyme is a popular tourist destination with a busy season running from June through August. However, some people prefer the milder spring and fall seasons to avoid crowds but still enjoy the best weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Old Lyme

While exploring Old Lyme, it’s important to follow some basic dos and don’ts to ensure an enjoyable visit.

Do:

  • Respect the environment and nature while hiking and biking.
  • Learn about the town’s history and cultural heritage.
  • Try local dishes and beverages.
  • Respect the locals and their customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the public property.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing while visiting religious or historical places.
  • Be loud or disruptive in public spaces.
  • Leave valuables in parked cars.

Safety and Health

Old Lyme is generally a safe place to visit, but tourists should still take some precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.

Safety in Old Lyme

  • Stay alert while hiking and biking in remote areas.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night.
  • Keep valuables safe and secure.

Health in Old Lyme

  • The town’s water supply is safe to drink.
  • Wear sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors.
  • Seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms of illness.

Getting to Old Lyme: Transportation Options and Logistics

Old Lyme is easy to reach by air, road, and rail. Here are some transportation options and logistics:

Airports Near Old Lyme

  • Bradley International Airport: This airport is around 68 miles from Old Lyme and is the nearest international airport.

Bus Stations Near Old Lyme

  • Greyhound bus lines: This bus line serves several towns near Old Lyme, including Groton.

Other Options

  • Car rental
  • Taxi services

How to Get Around in Old Lyme

While in Old Lyme, various transportation options are available, including:

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Rental cars
  • Taxis
  • Public buses

Where to Go Next from Old Lyme: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Old Lyme is located in a beautiful part of Connecticut and is surrounded by a variety of attractions and destinations. Here are some nearby places to visit:

  • Mystic Seaport: Located only a few minutes away, this historic seaport is a must-see destination that tells the story of Mystic’s maritime history and culture.
  • Essex: This charming colonial town is famous for its historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.
  • New Haven: Home to the prestigious Yale University, New Haven is a great place for exploring museums, parks, and cultural institutions.

Conclusion

Old Lyme is a hidden gem in Mystic-Eastern Connecticut that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Follow this comprehensive travel guide to plan your perfect trip to Old Lyme and explore all that this charming town has to offer.

The Florence Griswold Museum The Florence Griswold Museum