Old Saybrook, CT - Town Guide

Indulge in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Welcome to Old Saybrook, Connecticut – a picturesque coastal town where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant community, Old Saybrook offers a unique blend of small-town charm and coastal sophistication. This comprehensive guide invites you to explore the town’s diverse dining scene, cultural attractions, outdoor recreational opportunities, and special places that make Old Saybrook a delightful destination to visit or call home.

Cultural Places: Explore Old Saybrook’s Heritage

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate)

Experience live music, theater, and performing arts at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, affectionately known as The Kate, which also features a museum dedicated to the legendary 4-time Academy Award winning actress and Old Saybrook’s resident.  This vibrant cultural hub hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the year, including live music, theater productions, film screenings, and more, making it a must-visit destination for arts enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike.

General William Hart House

Step back in time and explore the rich history of Old Saybrook at the General William Hart House, a local history museum that offers guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs highlighting the town’s colonial past and cultural significance. Built in 1750, this historic landmark provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of General William Hart, a prominent figure in town’s history.

The Trove: Step back in time at The Trove, an antique store that offers a fascinating collection of vintage treasures, collectibles, and memorabilia.

You, Me & The Sea: Immerse yourself in the local art scene at You, Me & The Sea, an art gallery that showcases works by local artists and artisans, including paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts.

Dining and Cuisine

Restaurants: Savor the Flavors of Old Saybrook

From casual diners and cozy cafés to ethnic eateries and gourmet restaurants, Old Saybrook’s dining scene offers something for every palate and preference. Whether you’re craving seafood, sushi, Italian, or Asian cuisine, you’ll find a diverse array of options to satisfy your culinary cravings and discover new favorite spots to dine and unwind.

The Essex: Indulge in a gourmet dining experience at The Essex, where modern American cuisine meets French culinary techniques. Executive Chef Colt Taylor, formerly of One if by Land, Two if by Sea in NYC, crafts a seasonal menu that showcases locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavors, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.  This upscale restaurant offers a fine dining experience that delights the senses.

Nori: Satisfy your sushi cravings at Nori, specializing in authentic Japanese cuisine and sushi pieces crafted from the freshest ingredients.  Treat yourself and your party to an exquisite 13 course omakase adventure.

Cocotte: Indulge your sweet tooth at Cocotte, a French-inspired café and bakery specializing in exquisite pastries, desserts, and artisanal treats.

Little Pub: Indulge in modern American cuisine at Little Pub, a casual eatery known for its creative comfort food, craft beers, and laid-back atmosphere.

Liv’s Oyster Bar: Dive into a seafood extravaganza at Liv’s Oyster Bar, specializing in fresh oysters, seafood dishes, and coastal-inspired cuisine that celebrates the flavors of the sea.

Saigon City Restaurant: Discover the flavors of Vietnam at Saigon City Restaurant, offering a menu of authentic Vietnamese dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying.

The Curry Queen: Spice things up with a visit to The Curry Queen, where you can savor the aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Fresh Salt: Experience the essence of Connecticut’s summer shoreline at Fresh Salt, an upscale dining establishment located within the Saybrook Point Resort. With panoramic water views, a creative menu of coastal cuisine, and an extensive wine list, Fresh Salt offers a memorable dining experience that captures the spirit of Old Saybrook’s coastal lifestyle.

Sip Wine Bar: Unwind with a glass of fine wine and delectable appetizers at Sip Wine Bar, a chic wine bar that specializes in curated wine selections, artisanal cheeses, and charcuterie boards.

Pizza Works: Craving pizza? Pizza Works serves up delicious pies with a variety of toppings, along with pasta dishes, salads, and Italian specialties.

Zhang’s: Embark on a culinary journey to Asia at Zhang’s, where you can enjoy a diverse menu of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes in a cozy, family-friendly setting.

AJ Noodle Bar: Enjoy casual Asian fare at AJ Noodle Bar, featuring a menu of noodle dishes, stir-fries, and Asian-inspired appetizers.

Jack Rabbit's Burgers, Wings and Things: Feast on mouthwatering burgers, wings, and other American favorites at Jack Rabbit's, a family-friendly restaurant known for its generous portions and laid-back vibe.

Paperback Café: Start your day right with breakfast at Paperback Café, offering a selection of hearty breakfast classics, freshly brewed coffee, and homemade pastries.

Coffee & Dessert: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Ashlawn Farm Coffee: Start your morning with a cup of locally roasted coffee at Ashlawn Farm Coffee, a rustic café known for its artisanal coffee blends and cozy ambiance.

Caffe Toscana: Indulge in Italian-inspired desserts and specialty coffees at Caffe Toscana, a charming café that offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Old Saybrook.

Pursuit of Pastry: Treat yourself to gourmet pastries, cakes, and desserts at Pursuit of Pastry, a boutique bakery that specializes in custom-made sweet creations.

Duby's Bagels & Bakery: Grab a freshly baked bagel or pastry at Duby's Bagels & Bakery, a local favorite for breakfast and brunch.

Sweet Luna's Frozen Desserts & Bubble Tea: Cool off with a refreshing treat at Sweet Luna's, where you can enjoy a variety of frozen desserts, bubble teas, and specialty drinks.

Dagmar's Desserts: Indulge in decadent desserts and confections at Dagmar's Desserts, a gourmet bakery that offers a wide selection of cakes, cookies, and sweet treats.

Shopping and Retail

Food Retailers and Boutiques

Shop local and support small businesses at Old Saybrook’s specialty food retailers and boutiques. From fresh seafood markets and gourmet food shops to artisanal coffee roasters and unique gift stores, you’ll find a variety of locally owned businesses that offer quality products, personalized service, and a unique shopping experience.

Atlantic Seafood: Stock up on fresh seafood and gourmet ingredients at Atlantic Seafood, a local market that offers a wide selection of locally sourced seafood, meats, and specialty items.

Oyster River Market: Discover a treasure trove of gourmet foods, wines, and artisanal products at Oyster River Market, a boutique grocery store that caters to food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

Saybrook Seafood: Dive into a world of fresh seafood at Saybrook Seafood, where you can find a variety of locally caught fish, shellfish, and prepared seafood dishes.

Fromage Fine Foods & Coffee: Explore a curated selection of artisanal cheeses, gourmet foods, and specialty coffees at Fromage Fine Foods & Coffee, a charming boutique that celebrates the art of fine dining.

FoodWorks: Shop for fresh produce, organic groceries, and gourmet foods at FoodWorks, a community-focused supermarket that offers a wide range of quality products for everyday cooking and dining.

Walt's Food Market: Experience the convenience of one-stop shopping at Walt's Food Market, a family-owned supermarket that offers a comprehensive selection of groceries, deli items, and household essentials.

Westbrook Outlets

Just a short drive away, Westbrook Outlets offer a premier shopping destination featuring a wide range of brand-name stores, designer boutiques, and discounted finds. Whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion trends, home décor essentials, or unique gifts, Westbrook Outlets offers something for every shopper, making it a must-visit destination for fashion-forward individuals and savvy bargain hunters alike.

Outdoor Recreation

Beaches and Parks

Old Saybrook’s scenic shoreline and coastal parks offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Whether you prefer swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, or picnicking, you’ll find several pristine beaches and waterfront parks to explore and enjoy. Harveys Beach and Town Beach are popular spots for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering sandy shores, calm waters, and stunning views of Long Island Sound.

Golf Courses and Recreation Areas

For those who enjoy outdoor sports and activities, Old Saybrook offers several options for golfing, hiking, biking, and more. Fenwick Golf Course is a scenic 9-hole course that offers challenging play and panoramic views of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, while Saybrook Acres Town Park provides walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas that are perfect for family outings and outdoor fun.  Putt your way to victory at Mini-Golf at Saybrook Point, a family-friendly attraction that offers 18 holes of challenging and entertaining miniature golf, along with scenic views of the marina and waterfront.

Events and Festivals

Annual Events and Festivals

Old Saybrook hosts a variety of annual events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year that showcase the town’s cultural heritage, community spirit, and vibrant arts scene. From music festivals and art fairs to holiday parades and fireworks displays, there’s always something happening in Old Saybrook to entertain and delight residents and visitors alike.

Accommodations

Saybrook Point Resort & Marina

Treat yourself to a luxurious getaway at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, a waterfront retreat that offers upscale accommodations, world-class amenities, and breathtaking views of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, family vacation, or business trip, Saybrook Point Resort offers everything you need for a memorable and relaxing stay in Old Saybrook.

Interested in making Old Saybrook your home?

Let AyAMi Group guide you through the exciting journey of finding your dream property in this charming coastal town. With a deep understanding of the local real estate market, AyAMi Group offers personalized and comprehensive real estate services tailored to your unique needs and preferences.