This was the first place Allie brought Seth when he visited Connecticut for the first time. Her brother, Nick, had just started dating his now-wife, Holly, and they both decided it'd take away some of the pressure of introducing Seth and Holly to the family if they did it at the same time. And it'd be even easier for all with a few drinks in their system! Stony Creek is a favorite of ours where you can find water views, food trucks, local beer and live music.
A local favorite for seafood and creek views, Lenny's is another first - this time with Seth's sister, Kelsey, and brother-in-law, Dave. On their way up to Block Island last summer, Kelsey and Dave stopped in CT to break up the drive and see The Owenego. Just around the corner, Lenny's is a great spot to get your New England seafood fix and sip on a Lenny's Lemonade.
The Thimble Islands are a chain of 365 islands in Stony Creek Harbor off the coast of Branford - a few of which serve as the backdrop to our venue. Most are used for residential purposes so if as fascinated by house gazing as we are, a Thimble Island Boat Cruise is a great way to see the homes on the rocky islands and shoreline. Bonus: They serve beer & wine. This is just one of many cruise companies available in the area.
We love a trip to RJ Julia's when in Allie's hometown of Madison. It's a great independent bookstore located in the center of town complete with it's own cafe.
Madison is also home to Connecticut's longest public beach, Hammonasset Beach State Park, which is always worth a visit.
For those looking to check out New Haven (and Yale University's campus), The Shops at Yale are just a short 15 minute drive on I95 South. Dine, Shop (at stores like Lululemon, LL Bean, JCrew and The Yale Bookstore) and Explore historic downtown New Haven.
See for yourself why New Haven has a reputation as a top pizza city in the U.S. (and why Allie is such a pizza snob) by visiting one of The Big Three. Frank Pepe's - Perhaps the most well-known (and franchised), Pepe's is considered the grandfather of Wooster Street. They were even awarded #1 Pizza in the Country for their White Clam Pizza. Sally's Apizza - Pepe's Wooster Street rival, Sally's, was opened by Frank Pepe's nephew Sal Consiglio in 1938 and has made a name for itself since. Sally's signature is usually the classic tomato pie but another favorite is the White Potato Pie. Modern Apizza - Named 2023's "Pizzeria of the Year"