Summer is the high season in Old Lyme. Please make your arrangements as soon as possible for the best rates and availability. Old Lyme is a small historic town in the heart of the Connecticut shoreline where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound. As Bill noted on his first visit it's 'very nautical'. The Main Street of the town, Lyme Street, is a historic district and if you drive by don't blink or you may miss it. We highly recommend renting a car to explore the town and surrounding area. The largest hotels with modern amenities are Water's Edge Resort and Spa and Saybrook Point Inn. The rest are charming inns and smaller hotels. Also included is a list of things to do in the area and restaurant recommendations. If you have any questions please let us know. We are happy to help guide you!

Bring your running shoes! Meet us Saturday at 930am outside the Bee & Thistle for a fun run through town. Text/email Bill or Carolyn so we don't leave without you!

We recommend flying into Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT (just north of Hartford) or Providence's TF Green Airport. Each airport is approximately 1 hr by car to Old Lyme. Logan in Boston is another option (2 hrs by car) and LaGuardia or JFK in NYC (2 hrs by car). We recommend Boston over NYC since there is usually traffic.

If arriving from Boston or New York Amtrak is the fastest train option. If arriving from New York you can also take Metro-North that links to Shore Line East in New Haven, CT. It is approximately 2-3 hrs by train from Boston or NYC.

If flying in or arriving by train we recommend renting a car since there is no public transportation. Ubers are available around Old Lyme but it's still a new service in the area so not sure how reliable.

15 minutes by car to The Bee and Thistle. This is the best option for those traveling with children. The hotel has a list of babysitters and you can rent a crib. The resort has outdoor pool, beach access and a spa. Numerous room options including villas that sleep up to 6 (2bdrm, 2 bath) and deluxe guest rooms. Receive at least 10% discount with AmEx . Rates fluctuate so best to call and cross check online. Rates start at $365/night.

12 minutes by car to the Bee and Thistle this a great option if you want to be on the water and enjoy a spa treatment. The bar and restaurant overlooking the marina is one of our favorites in the area. Ask Charlotte, Jackson, Hailey and Ben about the mini golf next door! The average is $450/nt.

15 minutes by car to The Bee and Thistle. Beautiful country inn if you are looking for a quiet getaway. 8 minutes by car to the Griswold Inn (listed below) in Essex that has shops and restaurants along the waterfront. There are 13 guest rooms and luxury suites. We recommend the Comstock House (9) rooms or the Main House (4 rooms). The average rate is $349/night.

Located in downtown Essex, and voted best little town in America, this is a true historical inn (opened in 1776!) steps from the Essex Marina on the Connecticut River. As of today there are 13 rooms available that vary in size (2-5 people) depending on what you need. $230-350/night and includes continental breakfast. AAA receives 10% discount. Great tap room! Be sure to check out the Black Sheep bar and restaurant across the street.

10 minutes by car to the Bee and Thistle. Quaint colonial B&B with modern amenities. 7 rooms, $320/nt includes a full gourmet breakfast. Right on Main Street in Old Saybrook (town next to Old Lyme). We have rooms blocked until March 1. Plenty of shops and restaurants and Villa Nail Spa on Main Street is Carolyn's favorite nail salon.

6 minutes by car to The Bee and Thistle. Clean, comfortable rooms. We have a room block for 10 rooms for $199/nt. They have 2 other weddings with room blocks so book early! Use the booking link. choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/uy81y2

20 minutes by car to the Bee and Thistle. Another great option if bringing kids since the town of Mystic (yes, from the movie Mystic Pizza - Julia Roberts break out role) has a ton of activities including the Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum and other nautical attractions.The hotel has been recently renovated as has Red Door Spa. Very convenient if you are flying into Providence, Rhode Island. Rates start at $399/nt.