1. Lobster Landing
City: Clinton, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (860) 669-2005
Address: 152 Commerce St.
Insider Pick:
Description: Also known as the BB&G Lobster Landing, this fascinating little shack is literally on the dock by the marina. The white building with red borders and a simple wooden sign leads you to a place to buy live lobsters, or steamed ones for a little more cash. You’re getting them without the markup, so if you’re willing to eat them in a slightly less (understatement) fancy setting, why not get them here? This is a place for true lobster fanatics; these lobsters are literally right off the boat, and you can see fishermen bringing in their traps and nets. Lobster Landing also serves lobster rolls (that many people swear are the best in the state), hot dogs, drinks, and chips. They even take credit cards now. It’s only open Apr through Dec, Tues through Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun until 3 p.m., but it’s worth the trip to try this fascinating experience.
2. Westbrook Lobster
City: Clinton, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (860) 664-9464
Address: 346 E. Main St. (Route 1)
Description: Since 1957 Westbrook Lobster has been a lobster and fish market, but when Larry Larivere bought it in 1989, he turned it into one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the state. Westbrook is known for their fresh tank lobsters (obviously) and their clam chowder, but also for their signature dessert: s’mores that you roast for yourself at the table. The lobster bake and the fried whole belly clams are also worth your attention and respect. On Thurs they have oysters on the half shell for only 75 cents each in the bar area (called the Captain’s Lounge). There is a second location in a historic mill in Wallingford (New Haven County) at 300 Church St. (203-265-5071). Either one has the great seafood you are craving, but the Clinton location is the original, and somehow its location on the coast makes it seem, well, more authentic.
3. Clinton Antiques Center
City: Clinton, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (860) 669-3839
Address: 78 E. Main St.
Description: This shop facing Main Street in Clinton seems small from the front, but it’s an illusion. The building goes back a long way, including 85 dealers’ booths. You’ll find mostly smalls in the store, with tons of porcelain, glassware, plates, vases, boxes, miniatures, pewter, jewelry, and knickknacks of all kinds. Clinton also has some other fine antiques stores, all along East and West Main Streets, so if 85 dealers is not enough for you, you should explore this area fully. In the summer there is also a flea market at the center of town (327 E. Main) starting at 7 a.m. on Sun.
4. Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets
City: Clinton, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (860) 669-3066
Description: Outlets often draw people disproportionately to the savings they imagine they are going to get. You might see buses at these outlets from Florida or Texas and wonder at savings versus the travel expense. However, if you are already here, shopping at Clinton Crossing is more than worth your time and money. Right off I-95 in Clinton, these outlets feature designer fashions, shoes, jewelry, and housewares. Unlike some outlet malls that focus solely on brand-name clothes, though, there are also little gems here like Bose speakers, Fossil watches, and Lindt chocolate. Of course, don’t miss the chance to stock up at Yankee Candle. The pleasant walkways between the shops give the sense of walking in a small village, and make a great stop on the way to the attractions of eastern Connecticut.
5. Chamard Vineyard
City: Clinton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 664-0299
Address: 115 Cow Hill Rd.
Description: Ideally situated in proximity to Long Island Sound’s beneficial growing effects, Chamard Vineyard in Clinton is a great stop for day-trippers. The long gravel drive, easily found off exit 63 on I-95, is decorated with vines on either side, and the beautiful fieldstone winery lies ahead. Inside, the tasting room is grand and intimate, rustic and cosmopolitan, with wood beams and a stone fireplace. The vineyard has 30 acres planted, mostly Chardonnay. Chardonnay is in the classic style with a touch of honey on the finish. Cabernet Franc is also excellent, with notes of smoky berry and a little butterscotch. Enjoy a glass of Merlot on the patio terrace and view the vines across a small pond with the fountain spouting in the center. A great venue for music, and open until 9 p.m. on Fri and Sat, the winery offers a prolific list of singer-songwriters, jazz, and bluegrass performers throughout the year. The vineyard is a spectacular and popular setting for weddings.
6. Bluefish Festival
City: Clinton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 669-1195
Description: Held in July for the last four decades, this is an annual fishing tournament but so much more, with craft vendors, live music, a chowder cook-off, a pie-eating contest, and other activities. It opens on a Fri with registration and live music, and on Sat the chowder cook-off and a variety of other events keep people interested, while the fishing goes on out in Long Island Sound. For the kids there are pony rides and games. And, of course, the largest fish wins the prize, with the ceremony and live music that evening.
7. Sea Sprite
City: Clinton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 669-9613
Address: 113 Harbor Pkwy.
Description: For more than two decades, Captain Pete has been running charters from Clinton out into the eastern end of Long Island Sound. He takes groups from May 1 to Dec 1 by reservation only. The boat is a 42-foot Hatteras Sportfisherman named the Sea Sprite that holds up to 6 people. They have several different options for fishing trips, with half- or full-day trips out to the Race, Plum Gut, and the islands. You can fish for stripers, blackfish, porgies, fluke, and blues, as well as the occasional shark. Captain Pete provides fishing gear, life jackets, and a license. You should bring a cooler (to leave in your car) for the catch, soft-soled shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. All ages are welcome on the Sea Sprite, so this is a great introduction for budding fisherpeople of any age.
8. Indian River Marina
City: Clinton, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 664-3704
Address: 58 Commerce St.
Description: The Indian River Marina offers different marine services to locals, but you are probably most interested in their canoe and kayak rentals. They offer touring, recreational, and fishing kayaks and hard plastic canoes for rent by the hour, half day, or full day. You just need to bring your hat, water bottle, camera, binoculars, and bug spray. And bring your willingness to get wet, of course. If you paddle 0.25 mile downriver you’ll reach Clinton Harbor, and from there, the Sound. They will also drop you and a kayak in the Hammonasset River if you want to explore that area instead. Either way, you’ll see egrets, herons, and cormorants, as well as osprey nests high above. If you have your own boat, this is also a great place to launch. You can arrange to have picnic lunches made by a local deli or use the marina’s own picnic area and barbecue, and enjoy it in their screened gazebo.