Old Saybrook, Connecticut in Autumn | A Historic Village on the Connecticut Shoreline
Unlike many of its coastal cousins to the north, Old Saybrook, Connecticut is a worthy fall destination for history, food, and seaside views.
By Brenda Darroch|Oct 23 2018|
Scenes from Old Saybrook, CT in autumn.
Credit: Brenda DarrochCredit: Brenda Darroch I headed down to explore Old Saybrook during that stretch of late autumn when midday drapes itself in shadows and pumpkins topped with witch hats jostle for space alongside streamers bearing tidings of comfort and joy. What I found was a town which tips its hat to the area’s historic roots on almost every street corner. It houses 15 National Register sites within its borders, and markers dedicated to parceling out slices of the area’s past sprinkle the landscape.
Old Saybrook is home to 15 National Register sites.
Credit: Brenda DarrochCredit: Brenda Darroch A quick jaunt down Main Street leads to the Old Saybrook Historical Society which encompasses the General William Hart House, Frank Stevensen Archives and historic garden. They weren’t open when I was there, so be sure to check their hours of operation before planning a visit. Cross the street and you’ll land next to a triangular patch of grass ringed by regal, historic homes and majestic churches. One of the two-legged markers that rise up from the turf proclaims this the Church Green—once home to the Third Meetinghouse.
Fort Saybrook Monument Park.
Credit: Brenda DarrochCredit: Brenda Darroch More historical tidbits await curious minds at Fort Saybrook Monument Park, situated at the mouth of the Connecticut River and just a short drive down Route 154 from the center of town. Scattered throughout the park, which is open year-round at no cost to the public, you’ll find storyboards to guide you through the village’s history. The park also envelops over six acres of marshland, and a wood-planked overlook allows bird lovers an easy vantage point from which to watch great blue herons, snowy egrets, and terns in their natural habitat. And, of course, there are sweeping, panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. Two active lighthouses—the Breakwater Lighthouse and the Lynde Point Lighthouse—still serve as the waterway equivalent of traffic lights around the Sound. And if the stubby Breakwater beacon looks vaguely familiar, you’ve undoubtedly passed many a car in Connecticut sporting its likeness on license plates—the proceeds from which go to preserving the Sound.
Walt’s Food Market.
Credit: Brenda Darroch
I LOVE O.S. MY HOME SWEET HOME
“There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.”
I love o.s. I used to live there for about 12 years. I was from Clinton. I was born in New Haven, And I lived in Old Saybrook as a little girl. Then moved there when I got older. I miss the ocean a lot. I have been here in Kansas for about 8 years now. Left o.s. to come here for my husbands family. My husband Wayne was from New London. He died July 22nd 2012. Now I am trying to find a way to get back to o.s. Judy
im looking for a small farm in connecticut can anyone help im from michigan
Judy, I know what you mean. Moved away from there last year at this time and have been wanting to go back. I will find a way no matter what. That is where I just want to be. Good luck to you.
I lived in os for 10 of the most important years of my life. I wish I could have raised my 3 boys in such an invioriment as os
My God, look at these notes, we all grew up there, moved away and are homesick seeking ways to return. I was a southern city boy, who when we moved and rented there in 1959 had a bedroom overlook the Sound from Knollwood Beach. Found heaven and realized it when it was gone.
Lived there just a few years when I was 4 and 5 years old, 1952-53. Moved a town up and spent a good amount of time in Old Saybrook. I have now lived in Chester for 25 years or so and frequent Old Saybrook. It has evolved to a terrific shoreline town has a lot to offer visitors. I have the good fortune of living near enough to enjoy this beautiful Connecticut town. The annual Main Street Chili Fest is awesome!!!
I have seen the best of the best and it is always a pleasure to return home to Old Saybrook!!
Moved from Brimfield, MA to Knollwood in Old Saybrook in August of 1958. Graduated from Old Saybrook High School, Class of 1959. Have many pleasant memories of the town and surrounding areas. Met my wife from Cornfield Point and married in the Congregational Church, Moved to Virginia in 1982 due to job transfer. I return to Old Saybrook for visits and class reunions. I love it!
I was at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church for 8 years…they were the best years of my life…Enjoyed all the best they could offer….Especially the Pub, DiBellas, and the Italian restaurant across from the church.
I served the parishioners of St. John for eight years and I love it there. Every season is beautiful as are the people.