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AUGUST 2025

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Explore Connecticut’s

Oyster Trail Two new

must-try shoreline restaurants

Results from our annual

Best of the Best contest

Discover the artists

of River Valley Artists

plus Lyme Art Association

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A U G U S T

CT River Museum, Essex. Photo by Jeffrey Vlaun/Wirestock / Adobestock.com

CONTENTS

on the shoreline

Art without borders Cultivating community through creativity with River Valley Artists

8 14 29

Calendar photo honorable mentions

66 74

A century of creativity

Photos submitted by readers for the months of June and July for the 2025 calendar

Good taste

Don’t miss some of the newest hotspots on the shoreline: Mystic Fish Camp and Mill Rock Gathering

2025 Best of the Best

The results of the annual contest are in! Check out the first ever GameDay category. PLUS: GameDay’s Plays of the Season at the Lyme Art Association

Savor “tide to table” on the Connecticut Oyster Trail

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THE DAY PUBLISHING COMPANY 860-442-2200

FROM THE EDITOR

SHORE PUBLISHING

ALICIA GOMEZ

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PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Timothy C. Dwyer

t.dwyer@theday.com

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

ear readers,

Laura Giannelli

As we turn toward

l.giannelli@theday.com

DIRECTOR OF SALES James Mitchell

fall on the shoreline,

j.mitchell@theday.com

SHORE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

there’s a shift in the air, cooler

Laura Robida

mornings, quieter beaches, and

l.robida@shorepublishing.com

SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

the return of familiar routines.

Alicia Gomez

But as summer fades, creativity and community remain in

a.gomez@shorepublishing.com

LAYOUT EDITOR Barb Dunn

full swing! In this issue, we step inside the historic Lyme Art Association gallery, where over a century of artistic tradition continues to grow and inspire. And just upriver, we highlight River Valley Artists, a welcoming collective that opens its studios each October, inviting visitors to discover local painters, potters, photographers, and mixed-media artists in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley.

b.dunn@theday.com

ADVERTISING SALES Rebecca Angelastro r.angelastro@theday.com Laura Carpenter l.carpenter@shorepublishing.com Victoria Courtney v.courtney@theday.com Lori Gregan l.gregan@shorepublishing.com Betsy Lemkin b.lemkin@shorepublishing.com Kristen Lennon k.lennon@theday.com Lisa Martin l.martin@shorepublishing.com Duneshka Vazquez d.vazquez@theday.com

ADVERTISING DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Foodies will enjoy our feature on the Connecticut Oyster Trail—a delicious journey from farm to table—and our introductions to two exciting new restaurants: the refined fla-

Heidi Carrier, Kara Conlon, Jennifer Corthell, Chris Dobbins, Alan Ellis, Richard Swanson

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY Cris Cadiz, Elle Rahilly

vors of Mill Rock Gathering in Old Saybrook and the retro coastal charm of Mystic Fish Camp. Whether you’re admiring a painting, savoring oysters, or discovering a new favorite restaurant, this issue is your companion to the season. And don’t skip our Best of the Best contest results, you’ll find the top picks for businesses, attractions, and individuals as voted by readers of The Day. These winners prove that the coastline is brimming with talent, flavor, and character. Here’s to a colorful fall,

Sincerely,

Alicia Gomez 6

on the shoreline

© Copyright 2025 by The Day Publishing Company and Shore Publishing All rights reserved. Reproductions without the permission of the publisher are prohibited. The views and opinions expressed in each article are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of On the Shoreline, The Day Publishing Company, or Shore Publishing. Changes were made to the June 2025 issue after press time. To view the updates, please visit issuu.com/dayshorepublishing/docs/ontheshoreline_jun25

on the cover An example of Kristina Quinones’ Prevailing (poured acrylic on mahogany/ aluminum panel) on display, created by ArtPlacer. Photo courtesy of Kristina Quinones

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P H O T O

ALBUM

Honorable mentions

August–September E

very year, The Day asks readers to submit photos for a chance to be featured in our annual southeastern Connecticut calendar. We get hundreds of entries, and it’s difficult to narrow those down to our favorite 36 for voting. There are a number of reasons a photo might not make it to the top three for each month. We have strict guidelines for photo content and quality. Photos that use filters, contain people or pets, contain a single focal point (such as a flower or butterfly), are not representative of the area (a close-up of shells on the beach with no water, sand, or sky), or are not a horizontal orientation all have to be filtered out—no matter how beautiful the image might be. We also screen photos for quality to ensure they fall within our printing parameters. This year, we’ve decided to share some of our favorites that didn’t make it to the finals for one reason or another.

Scott’s Farm Stand, Waterford. photo by Marlene Melesko

1833 Bed & Breakfast, Mystic. photo by Shelley collin

Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, Uncasville. photo by Kathleen Scovish

on the shoreline

Supermoon seen from State Street, New London. photo by Jo Ann Church

Markover Game Farm and Hunting Preserve, Danielson. photo by Michelle Davidson

Dean Road, East Lyme. photo by Dave Dahlman

AUGUST 2025

P H O T O

ALBUM

Holmberg Orchards, Gales Ferry. photo by Thomas Wieczorek

Noank. photo by Steven Spellman

Osprey Beach, New London. photo by Lisa Argilagos Yantic Lane and Fitchville Road, Norwich. photo by chris dixon

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic. photo by Susan Stockwell

on the shoreline

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Ferry Landing State Park, Old Lyme. photo by Shelley Collin Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison. photo by Robin Curtis

Roseland Cottage, Woodstock. photo by Dawn Heather LaFleche

Black Point, Niantic. photo by Jacqueline Twedt

McCook Point Park, Niantic. photo by Saul Spigel

on the shoreline

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AUGUST 2025

G O O D

TASTE

have a simila r diet, when treate d with on the declin e for at MFC, we like to

SEA ROB

You could call us be right—but why unintentionally wh bycatch goes to w not here! We’ll tak will always be roo

OYS

An oyster’s shell is c calcium carbonate, resource for natura carbon. Even bet oyster can filter b of ocean water a that? When an oys offshore reefs that wide variety of o oysters one of t keystone species. MFC gets recycled and is used for projects in the Lo

on the shoreline

Mystic Fish Camp O

pening in mid-August, Mystic Fish Camp is a new casual seafood spot from James Beard Award-winning chef David Standridge and creative director Kathleen Standridge. Like their other Mystic restaurant, The Shipwright’s Daughter, it emphasizes sustainable, locally sourced seafood—but in a fast, family-friendly format. The menu reflects the Standridges’ commitment to ethical sourcing, featuring seafood from local fishermen such as Jason Jarvis of Quonnie Fish Co. and partners at the Stonington docks. A standout item is the “Poor Man’s Lobster Roll,” made with monkfish tail poached in green crab stock. Monkfish are abundant, affordable, and similar in taste and texture to lobster, which is declining in local waters. Inspired by summer camps and traditional fish camps, the space is retro and welcoming, with murals and signs by local artists, a nostalgic camp store, and exclusive merchandise—including a vintage-style tin lunchbox made in collaboration with Just Mystic. Mystic Fish Camp will be located at 4 East Main Street in Mystic. Visit mysticfishcamp.com for more information.

n Crab e e r G N R O B H IS F K N MO TO BE WILD

mothe r could love, With a face only a monkfi sh might we unders tand why but trust be a hard sell for some— worth the us when we say it’s referre d leap of faith. Often Man’s Poor “The as to is not Lobste r,” monkfi sh afford able only an amazi ngly Englan d’s New to altern ative but becau se they favori te crusta cean, blance in taste they also share a resem tions are ave a simila r diet, popula r lobste In our area, hen treate d with care. With this in mind, variet y of reason s. n the declin e for a sh?! say—w hy not monkfi t MFC, we like to

SEA ROBIN

might you s for ugly fish, and caught You could call us sucker is fish good fish? Bycatch be right—but why waste c species. Too often, specifi a ng targeti unintentionally while t for it. Well, because there’s no marke bycatch goes to waste they’re delicious, there ‘em ugly—as long as not here! We’ll take at the table. will always be room

OYSTER

sed of roughly 96% An oyster’s shell is compo g it an incredible calcium carbonate, makin sequestering ocean resource for naturally A single mature carbon. Even better? en 40–50 gallons oyster can filter betwe And better than of ocean water a day! dies, its shell creates that? When an oyster e habitats for a becom that reefs e offshor life, making marine other of wide variety le ocean’s most valuab oysters one of the oyster shucked at Every . keystone species rs at C.O.R.R. partne our MFC gets recycled by tion restora h shellfis g and is used for ongoin Sound. projects in the Long Island

WWW .MYS TICF ISHC

AMP. COM

100% Mystic Fish Camp serves seafoo d, wild-c aught, sustai nable 10 miles of source d locally within fisherm en our locatio n by local e there’s and wome n. We believ fish”— no such thing as “trash Take a all fish is good fish! with us walk on the wild side favori tes and enjoy your shack care of our while helpin g to take oceans .

d by a Our menu is inspire slower , time when life moved ed by the and fisherm en gather catch. MFC water to share their creativ ity, is a love letter to sense a and sustai nabilit y, g back of comm unity— bringin sunof joy the days, kissed adventure,

and maybe a even k i l l e r of pair t u b e socks.

you’ll likely see these on the East Coast, and Turn over any rock d’s most destructive ered one of New Englan tiny invaders. Consid to 40 baby oysters green crab can eat up invasive species, a single ne species, they are keysto ial essent for these a day. In their search vital a is eelgrass, which known for ripping up and shellfish, nursery habitat for fish crab species, outcompeting native vibrant tide and transforming our aquatic into ne coastli and pools know a deserts. Happily, we We great way to fight back! g turnin can’t help but love s into these ocean baddie your next great meal.

DOGFISH while dogfish may of an underd og, and We’re big fans floor divers ifying popula r girl on the dance not be the most like dogfish can help and using bycatc h e consum we overfis hed what ressur ed fisheri es and over-p of off strain take the expres sion goes, there haddo ck. As the old specie s like cod and sea... the in are plenty of fish

SUGAR KELP

-fighti ng superh ero, This climat e change te ingred ients to kelp, is one of our favori New Englan d Sugar use here at the Camp. y of macro algae Kelp is a native variet water s using a zerofarmed in our local (no fertiliz ers or input rope metho d need for arable land pestic ides here— no ater). Kelp natura lly and no need for freshw nitrog en, makin g it seques ters carbon and ouse back agains t greenh a great way to fight h it releas es oxygen throug gases, and in return , ood a highly nutriti ous superf photos ynthes is. It is m, and vitam in K. full of iodine , calciu

Follo w us on Insta gram

@mys ticfis hcam p

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT James Beard Award-winning chef David Standridge; a fried seafood plate at Mystic Fish Camp; the placemat contains information about some of the seafood used and the ethos of Mystic Fish Camp; A tin lunchbox produced in collaboration with Just Mystic; a sleeve of fries; The food at Mystic Fish Camp is locally sourced and sustainably produced. Photos courtesy of Mystic Fish Camp

AUGUST 2025

G O O D

TASTE

Mill Rock Gathering N

ow open at 45 Mill Rock Road East in Old Saybrook, Mill Rock Gathering offers a laid-back, family-friendly spot for classic favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza, along with beer and wine. Backed by decades of experience in the restaurant industry at past locations in Guilford and beyond, owner Emilio Arduini created Mill Rock Gathering as a new go-to for relaxed dining and fun on the shoreline. Customers can even unwind at the mini golf area behind the restaurant, which supports Arduini’s vision of a place where friends and family can gather.

Mill Rock Gathering is located at 45 Mill Rock Road East in Old Saybrook.

on the shoreline

Photos courtesy of Emilio Arduini Adobestock.com: Pizza photo by Vasiliy; hot dogs photo by Mediteraneo

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AFTER

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

FROM THE

COVER

on the shoreline

ART

without borders

Cultivating community through creativity with River Valley Artists

ct river museum, essex: photo by Jeffrey Vlaun/Wirestock / Adobestock.com

By Elle Rahilly he Connecticut River Valley comes alive with color every autumn—not just from the changing leaves, but from the studios that open their doors to the public for a three-day celebration of art. This grassroots fête is the annual studio tour hosted by River Valley Artists (RVA), a freespirited collective of local painters, potters, photographers, and mixed-media creatives. Unlike more traditional art associations, RVA maintains a deliberately flexible and inclusive approach. There are no membership fees or strict criteria to meet. “Artists don’t cousin up very well to a lot of deadlines and rules,” says Claudia Van Nes, a Chester-based artist. “So, we made it that we don’t have them. And it works.” Now preparing for its seventh annual tour from October 11 to October 13, River Valley Artists began as the brainchild of Van Nes, who had long dreamt of a hyperlocal studio tour exclusive to the tri-town area. After the closure of Maple & Main Gallery in Chester, which Van Nes helped found, she saw an opportunity to foster deeper connections between artists and the public. The RVA tour features 30 to 40 artists each year, exhibiting in venues ranging from private studios and homes to collaborative spaces, such as the Essex Art Association, where a kick-off party will be held the night of Friday, October 10. “Even though [the tour] is three days, that’s a lot of art to see and places to go,” Van Nes says. “And it’s fun for the artists.” Visitors can chat with artists, see where they work, and sometimes even watch them paint or throw clay. Some attendees come to enjoy a scenic fall weekend, while others become devoted collectors. “Even if the visitors don’t buy your art this time, they remember,” Van Nes says. “This is the way it sometimes happens with art.” Part of what makes the RVA tour so appealing is the natural beauty of the River

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Valley, a long-time muse for artists, and a founding element of both en plein air and American Impressionism. “There’s a lot of good scenery to paint if you’re a realistic painter,” Van Nes says. “And even if you’re not, it can inspire you.” The inspiration can be especially exciting for newcomers. “The River Valley of Connecticut offered me a fresh new palette of colors and visual textures as I would hike, walk in the communities, and feel the vibration of the people,” says Kristina Quinones, a participating artist who moved to Essex 11 years ago from San Francisco. Raised by blind parents, she developed a unique connection to the unseen and unspoken at a young age, which continues to shape her work today. “Art became my way of reclaiming visibility. I developed a heightened sensitivity to the visual world, its patterns, textures, and colors,” Quinones says. She felt a sense of loneliness upon moving to the River Valley, as she was unfamiliar with the local art scene. That changed when she met Van Nes. Eager to help build something meaningful in the tri-town area, Quinones tapped into her prior experience organizing large-scale art shows in San Francisco to spearhead marketing for RVA’s inaugural tour.

TOP LEFT Rosemary Cotnoir, Farming Along the River, acrylic, February 2025. P hoto courtesy of Rosemary Cotnoir ABOVE Pam Peters, Dogwoods at Cross Lots Preserve, oil on canvas. P hoto courtesy of Claudia van nes BELOW Kristina Quinones working on a piece. P hoto courtesy of Kristina Quinones

right: Rosemary Cotnoir works alongside her four-legged helpers. far Right: Estuary, 26x25, acrylic 2023. Photos courtesy of Rosemary cotnoir

Rosemary Cotnoir

Working with what she calls “controlled descriptive mark making,” Cotnoir creates compositions that offer a bird’s-eye view—map-like vistas that suggest landscapes both familiar and otherworldly. The result is a shifting visual experience where “figure-ground and spatial relationships appear to represent both alien topographies and spatially familiar locations,” she says.

AUGUST 2025

FROM THE

COVER

Local artist Rosemary Cotnoir also draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the River Valley, particularly its wetlands, estuaries, and forests. Her landscape paintings blend abstraction with a sense of place, using layered organic forms and a distinctive improvisational style. “They portray aerial and similarly unexpected perspectives of coastlines, marshes, forests, and rivers,” Cotnoir says. According to Cotnoir, the tour was founded to help fill a void in an area without an established art tour, while making it inclusive to artists who may not necessarily live in one of the three towns but are able to participate by partnering with one who does. She has been involved with RVA since its inception. Another fixture of the tour’s lineup each year is journalist-turned-potter Hayne Bayless. Bayless spent a decade at the New Haven Register, concluding his tenure as arts editor before leaving the newsroom to pursue clay full-time. Largely self-taught, Bayless found that learning through experience, though far from easy, was a rewarding way to master the craft. Joining the creative community was a natural extension of his shift to pottery. “When I quit my job way back when, one of the first things I discovered was that I found myself in a new community of artists, artisans, and others,” he says. “I feel very fortunate to be part of a number of those communities, and River Valley Artists happens to be the closest one.” Pam Carlson, another founding participant of RVA’s tour, began her artistic career as a public school art teacher before turning to her own creative practice, first in pottery and then in painting. Working from

1 2

“Microscopic and molecular forms fascinated me,” says Quinones. “I began blending those structures into my paintings, creating layered, abstract worlds that reflect both inner landscapes and universal rhythms.” Pouring paint provided the artist an outlet for the feelings she wasn’t allowed to express out loud. Today, her work resonates with those who have felt unheard or unseen—parents, caregivers, professionals, and others who have been taught to suppress their emotions. “Through my art, I offer permission to feel, to release, and to be seen,” she says.

on the shoreline

Photos by tina rupp

Kristina Quinones

3 1 Artwork by Lois Bennett. P hoto courtesy of Claudia van nes; 2 Hayne Bayless, Stoneware teapot with hinged lid. Photo courtesy of Hayne Bayless; 3 Artwork by Mike Centrella. Photo courtesy of Claudia van nes; 4 Katherine Clark-Nilsson, Cozumel Church with Palm. Photo courtesy of Claudia van nes; 5 Rosemary Cotnoir, Forest Tableaux No. 1, acrylic, May 2024. Photo courtesy of Rosemary Cotnoir; 6 Artwork by Ellen Gaube. Photo courtesy of Claudia van nes; 7 Pam Carlson, Valley Sunset. Photo courtesy of pam carlson

4 5 6

far left: Griswold Point. Photos courtesy of Pam Carlton

Pam Carlson

Carlson began her artistic career as a public school art teacher before returning to her own creative practice, first in pottery and then in painting. Working from her studio in Essex, she draws daily inspiration from the shifting landscapes of the River Valley outside her window. Carlson’s work often captures the Connecticut River and its tributaries, including the Lieutenant and Duck Rivers, as they flow toward the shoreline, framed by vivid skies.

AUGUST 2025

FROM THE

Claudia Van Nes, Monarch. Photo courtesy of Claudia van nes

COVER

Artists pay around $75 to join the annual tour and $10 to $20 for smaller exhibitions throughout the year. “Galleries take 40 to 50 percent,” Van Nes explains. “We don’t take any. So, it’s just a different model.” Those interested in joining the RVA mailing list or participating in events can contact Claudia Van Nes at claudiavannes@aol.com. To stay up to date on this year’s studio tour and other happenings, visit rivervalleyartists.com.

Hayne Bayless

Now based in a wooded corner of the River Valley, Bayless draws quiet inspiration from the landscape. “Nature has a subtle effect on what I make and how I make it,” he says. “I’m lucky enough to live where all we see is trees, rocks, and moss.” Citing Picasso’s notion of working like nature rather than expressing it, Bayless emphasizes the importance of process over product in his practice.

on the shoreline

far Right: Stoneware bowls made from assembled slabs. Photos courtesy of hayne bayless

her studio in Essex, she draws daily inspiration from the shifting landscapes outside her window. Carlson’s work often captures the Connecticut River and its tributaries, including the Lieutenant and Duck Rivers, as they flow toward the shoreline, framed by vivid skies. In addition to RVA, she was also part of the earlier group “Seven Women Painting,” which helped to catalyze the area’s growing art scene. For Van Nes, the success of RVA reflects the River Valley’s rich artistic heritage. “There are a lot of opportunities to show,” she says. “There are also well-heeled people around here who want original art and know about it. So, I think it all feeds on each other.” Beyond the annual tour, RVA supports year-round programming. Artists show at places like the Village Herbery in Deep River and Ashlawn Farm Coffee in Old Saybrook. RVA also has a permanent exhibit of rotating artwork at the Deep River Library. Still, Van Nes emphasizes that the October tour is the organization’s highlight. The tour isn’t the only one of its kind in Connecticut, but it stands out for its relaxed and inclusive model. The group charges just enough to cover essential costs, like brochure printing, website maintenance, and email marketing for RVA initiatives. “We don’t want or need much of a nest egg,” Van Nes says.

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on the shoreline

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arts +

BEST OF THE

on the shoreline

AREA ATTRACTION

LOCAL BAND OR MUSICIAN

1 Mystic Aquarium

1 Red Light

Mystic Aquarium, voted one of the top five aquariums in the United States by Newsweek, is home to thousands of creatures, including beluga whales, African penguins, rescued seals, colorful fish, and more. Harkness Memorial State Park 2 Waterford; harkness.org Olde Mistick Village 3 Mystic; oldemistickvillage.com

A five-piece tribute to dance-party rock, Red Light plays modern and classic rock, country rock, and pop rock covers spanning over five decades in a fun, high-energy presentation. 2 Nick Bosse North Stonington; nickbosse.com Waterford Community Band Waterford; 3 facebook.com/thewaterfordcommunityband

55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic; 860-572-5955; mysticaquarium.org

ART GALLERY

1 Lyman Allyn Art Museum 625 Williams Street, New London; 860-443-2545; lymanallyn.org

Lyman Allyn Art Museum, located in New London, was established by a gift from Harriet Allyn in 1932. It houses over 19,000 objects like artworks from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe across time. Florence Griswold Museum 2 Old Lyme; florencegriswoldmuseum.org Hygienic Art Galleries 3 New London; hygienic.org LIVE MUSIC VENUE

1 Mohegan Sun Arena

1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville; 888-226-7711; mohegansun.com

Mohegan Sun is known for its casinos, dining, shopping, and three major live entertainment venues. With top headliner entertainers across many genres, there’s a reason Mohegan Sun is rated the best of the best in live music venues. Garde Arts Center 2 New London; gardearts.org Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts 3 Center Old Saybrook; thekate.org LIVE THEATER OR ENTERTAINMENT

1 Garde Arts Center

325 State Street, New London; 860-444-7373; gardearts.org

The Garde Arts Center in New London is one of Connecticut’s few remaining historic movie palaces. The Garde is becoming nationally recognized for its unique architecture and multi-faceted programming. Mohegan Sun Arena Montville; 2 mohegansun.com Goodspeed Opera House 3 East Haddam; goodspeed.org

242 Squaw Rock Road, Moosup; 860-710-3987; redlightband.com

LOCAL PODCAST OR PODCAST HOST

and Shelly Podcast 1 Jimmy World’s Best Jokes 40 Cuprak Road, Norwich

Jimmy Lehn and Shelly Martinez’s “The World’s Best Jokes Told by the World’s Best Joke Tellers” is a comedy podcast associated with their morning show on WCTY radio. They feature a joke of the day each day. The Day podcasts 2 New London 3 Infamously Speaking LOCAL RADIO HOST

Franco in the Morning

1 Big 100.9 FM

40 Cuprak Road, Norwich; bighitsbigfun.com/franco

Franco is not new to waking up southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island; he has been doing morning shows in the area for over 30 years. Working at BIG 100.9 is a perfect fit for Franco as he’s playing the same great music he was playing as a DJ in the 1980s. Shelly Martinez, 97.7 WCTY 2 Norwich; wcty.com/shelly-martinez Jimmy Lehn, 97.7 WCTY 3 Norwich; wcty.com/jimmy-lehn MUSEUM

1 Mystic Seaport Museum 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic; 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org

The Mystic Seaport Museum includes a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. It is also home to the 1841 whaleship, Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship still in existence. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & 2 Research Center Ledyard; pequotmuseum.org Lyman Allyn Art Museum 3 New London; lymanallyn.org

red curtain: photo by mantinov / Adobestock.com

arts + entertainment

BEST

s + entertainment PAINTING OR CRAFTING STUDIO

de Canvas by Pamela Gracey 1 Colour 18 Woodmont Circle, East Haddam; pamelagraceycolourdecanvas.com Pamela Gracey, an artist with over seven years of experience, specializes in artistic impressionism. She creates traditional canvas works, hand-painted jewelry, gifts, and home décor. She enjoys personally tailoring special pieces for her clients and leading paint nights, where she walks her guests through painting nature scenes. Art Bar at Florence Griswold Museum 2 Old Lyme; florencegriswoldmuseum.org Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly 3 Westerly, RI; westerlyarts.com

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GREENSTAGE GUILFORD LIVE ARTS FESTIVAL AUGUST 10-17, 2025 a dynamic mix of live music, drama, poetry, comedy, and much more...

Art Unites. The Stage Is Set. Will You Be There? AUGUST 2025

BEST OF THE

BEST

1 Constantine’s on the Bay 2 Sneekers Cafe Groton; sneekerscafe.com La Llorona Progressive Mexican 3 Cuisine Niantic; lalloronact.com ASIAN CUISINE

1 Rico Chow 2 Pink Basil Mystic; pinkbasilct.com Johnny’s Peking Tokyo 3 Mystic; johnnysushibar.com BAKERY

food + dining

Donut & Bake 1 Flanders Shop

on the shoreline

2 Sift Bake Shop Mystic; siftbakeshopmystic.com Giuliano’s Bakery 3 Niantic, Montville; nianticbakery.com BARBECUE

1 Dog Watch Mystic

20 Stonington Road, Mystic; 860-245-4911; dogwatchcafe.com/mystic

Dog Watch Mystic features indoor and outdoor seating, lawn games, fire pits, and an outdoor kids’ area. Their menu specializes in authentic, housesmoked BBQ and other Dog Watch staples, including lobster rolls, fish ‘n chips, burgers, and much more. 2 Chester’s Barbecue Groton; chestersbbq.com Noble Smokehouse 3 Mystic; noblesmokehouse.com BEST-KEPT SECRET

Llorona Progressive 1 La Mexican Cuisine Pasta Fresca & Piadina 2 Mystic; pastafrescamystic.com Wild Briars Farm & Bake Shop 3 North Stonington; wildbriarsfarm.com BREAKFAST

1 The Shack Somewhere in Time Cafe 2 Mystic; somewhereintimecafe.com Sunnyside Diner 3 Gales Ferry; sunnysidedinerct.com

BREWERY OR BREWPUB

1 Tox Brewing Company

123 Bank Street, New London; 860-440-8127; toxbrewing.com

Tox Brewing Company in downtown New London brews all its beers on site at its spacious Bank Street taproom, features a wood‑fired pizza kitchen, and operates a cafe serving coffee and light bites. These Guys Brewing 2 Norwich; theseguysbrewing.com Shunock River Brewery 3 North Stonington; shunockriverbrewery.com BRUNCH

1 The Shack Sunnyside Diner 2 Gales Ferry; sunnysidedinerct.com Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant 3 East Lyme; flandersfish.com BURGER

1 Astin J’s

762 Long Hill Road, Groton; 860-326-5027; astinjs.com

Astin J’s in Groton is a family-owned restaurant looking to serve delicious meals. Its smash burgers can be ordered with a single quarterpound patty or double, made with fresh beef, served with grilled onions, American cheese, and a housemade burger sauce on a brioche bun. Steak Loft Restaurant 2 Mystic; steakloftct.com Constantine’s on the Bay 3 Niantic; constantinesonthebay.com CASUAL DINING

1 Steak Loft Restaurant Constantine’s on the Bay 2 Niantic; constantinesonthebay.com The Shack 3 Waterford, Groton, East Lyme; shackrestaurants.com CATERER

1 Ivy’s Simply Homemade 316 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-442-8646; ivyssimplyhomemade.com

Ivy’s Simply Homemade, based in Waterford, provides an excellent meal for memorable events, whether small or large. The team can provide fresh, homemade food with just a week’s notice. They pride themselves on their attention to detail. Gourmet Galley Catering 2 North Stonington; gourmet-galley.com Whisk Together Catering 3 New London; whisktogethercatering.com

ingredients: photo by Romario Ien / Adobestock.com

APPETIZERS

food + dining CHEF

DOUGHNUTS

Christopher Herbert

1 Flanders Donut & Bake

Crystal Roman, Whisk Together Catering New London; whisktogethercatering.com

Luigi Sferrazza, Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza Risto Waterford; luigisristo.com

2 Deviant Donuts Mystic; deviantdonuts.com 3 Dixie Donuts Norwich; dixiedonuts.com

1 Constantine’s on the Bay

COFFEE

1 Muddy Waters Cafe 40 Bank Street, New London; 860-444-2232; muddywaterscafenl.com

Muddy Waters Cafe in New London is a casual eatery where comfort meets culinary creativity. It offers a diverse and extensive menu, with breakfast options, various pastries such as cranberry white chocolate brownies and key lime bars, iced and hot coffees and lattes, hot cocoa, tea, matcha, and other iced and frozen drinks. The cafe also serves lunch. 2 Cafe Sol Niantic; cafesolniantic.com The Shack 3 Waterford, Groton, East Lyme; shackrestaurants.com DELI, SANDWICH, & GRINDER

1 Hartford Giant Grinder

8 Hope Street, Niantic, 860-739-3181; 21 Essex Road, Westbrook, 860-661-5414; hartfordgiantgrinder.com

Hartford Giant Grinder in Niantic offers sandwiches like the hefty Italian combo grinder on fresh bread. An 8-inch sandwich is considered small at Hartford Giant Grinder, and the grinders can be made up to 6 feet long. Pasta Fresca & Piadina 2 Mystic; pastafrescamystic.com 3 184 Pizzeria Mystic; 184pizzeria.com DESSERT MENU

1 The Shack Constantine’s on the Bay 2 Niantic; constantinesonthebay.com Mel’s Downtown Creamery 3 Colchester, Pawcatuck; melsdowntowncreamery.com DINER

1 The Shack Norm’s Diner 2 Groton; facebook.com/NormsDinerGroton Groton Townhouse Restaurant 3 Groton; grotontownhouserestaurant.com

Shop

FINE DINING

1 Tony D’s

92 Huntington Street, New London; 860-443-9900; tonydsnl.com

Tony D’s in New London is a rustic Italian gem. It has been a local favorite since 1999. It has three large dining rooms and a bar area where live music is played on Friday and Saturday evenings. Recipes have been passed down from generation to generation in the D’Angelo family. On the Waterfront 2 New London; onthewaterfrontnl.com Captain Daniel Packer Inne 3 Mystic; danielpacker.com FOOD TRUCK

Scott’s 1 Captain Lobster Truck Nando’s Authentic Mexican Food 2 Griswold; facebook.com/authenticmexicanct Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza Risto 3 Waterford; luigisristo.com

APPETIZERS | CHEF

Constantine’s on the Bay 252 Main Street, Niantic; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com

Constantine’s on the Bay in Niantic blends traditional cuisine and contemporary innovation in a steak and seafood restaurant. It features appetizers such as calamari, bacon-wrapped scallops, Mediterranean Bruschetta, and more. CHEF Christopher Herbert Chris Herbert’s goal with Constantine’s is to bring back an established restaurant style. He also owns and has been a chef at La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine, a family-owned restaurant in Niantic.

ASIAN CUISINE | LATIN CUISINE

Rico Chow

403 Williams Street, New London; 860-442-2469; rico-chow.square.site

Rico Chow in New London is a HispanicAsian fusion restaurant. Its menu includes spicy chow, chicken skewers, orange chicken, and BBQ boneless ribs.

GOURMET TO-GO

1 Mystic Market

63 Williams Avenue, Mystic, 860-572-7992; 375 Noank Road, Mystic, 860-536-1500; 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Ledyard, 860-312-3150; 70 Mill Rock Road E, Old Saybrook, 860-661-5910; mysticmarket.com

Mystic Market is a gourmet marketplace offering fresh ingredients and local Connecticut flavors. 2 Pasta Vita Old Saybrook; pastavita.com Ivy’s Simply Homemade 3 Waterford; ivyssimplyhomemade.com

BEST-KEPT SECRET | HAPPY HOUR | MEXICAN CUISINE | VEGETARIAN & VEGAN CUISINE

La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine 13 Hope Street, Niantic; 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com

HAPPY HOUR

Llorona Progressive 1 La Mexican Cuisine Steak Loft Restaurant 2 Mystic; steakloftct.com Charlie’s Place Restaurant 3 Niantic; charliesplacerestaurant.com

La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine in Niantic is a family-owned business offering customers a cozy and warm atmosphere where they can enjoy a little piece of Mexico directly on their plate. It serves appetizers like quesadillas, street corn, and nachos. Its drinks menu includes jalapeno margaritas, chocolate margaritas, Mexican wines, and sangria.

AUGUST 2025

BEST OF THE

BEST

ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT

LATE NIGHT DINING

Valley Farms 1 Salem Ice Cream

Townhouse 1 Groton Restaurant

20 Darling Road, Salem; 860-859-2980; salemvalleyfarmsicecream.com

355 Route 12, Groton; 860-449-0355; grotontownhouserestaurant.com

Salem Valley Farms Ice Cream was established in 1988. It offers products that are fresh and made to order in small batches. Its popular flavors include cherry vanilla, chocolate, coffee, cookie dough, and cow tracks. It also offers dairy-free, vegan, and frozen yogurt. Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream 2 Mystic; mysticdrawbridgeicecream.com Cowlick’s Creamery 3 Waterford; cowlickscreamery.net

Groton Townhouse Restaurant serves American breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual setting. Charlie’s Place Restaurant 2 Niantic; charliesplacerestaurant.com 374 Kitchen + Cocktails 3 Niantic; 374kitchenandcocktails.com

Masala 1 Mirch Cuisine of India 156 Kings Highway, Groton; 860-445-8043; mirchmasalaus.com

Mirch Masala Cuisine of India in Groton combines traditional and modern techniques to serve the finest authentic Indian cuisine. The Spice Palette 2 New London; thespicepaletteus.com 3 A Taste of India Mystic Royal Punjabi 3 Norwich; theroyalpunjabict.com

BAKERY | DOUGHNUTS | SWEETS & CANDY

Flanders Donut & Bake Shop 327 Flanders Road, East Lyme; 860-739-6320; flandersbakery.com

Flanders Donut & Bake Shop in East Lyme is a family-owned, award-winning bakery. Its specialty is light and fluffy donuts in flavors like coconut glazed, strawberry candy-covered, and various filled donuts like caramel apple, chocolate banana cream, and much more. It also crafts a variety of pastries and muffins made fresh every day!

ITALIAN CUISINE

1 Paul’s Pasta Shop

223 Thames Street, Groton; 860-445-5276; paulspastashop.com

Paul’s Pasta Shop has made fresh pasta and delicious meals since 1988. It offers reasonable prices for delicious, homemade meals in a family-friendly atmosphere. Its pasta is made fresh daily on the premises. 2 Tony D’s New London; tonydsnl.com La Stella Pizzeria 3 Norwich; lastellapizzeria.com KIDS’ MENU

1 The Shack Constantine’s on the Bay 2 Niantic; constantinesonthebay.com La Llorona Progressive Mexican 3 Cuisine Niantic; lalloronact.com

1 Rico Chow La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine Niantic; lalloronact.com Nando’s Authentic Mexican Food 3 Griswold; facebook.com/authenticmexicanct 2

MADE-TO-ORDER BAKERY

1 Simply Sweet by Elana

28 Jericho Drive, Old Lyme; simplysweetbyelana.com

Simply Sweet by Elana is a home bakery specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes, and various desserts, where everything is made to order from scratch using fresh, quality ingredients. 2 Izzy the Cake Queen Groton 3 MarnaRoons Old Lyme; marnaroons.com MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

1 Dev’s on Main

255 Main Street, Niantic; 860-451-8141; devsonmain.com

Dev’s on Main is new to Niantic. It is a MediterraneanAsian fusion restaurant specializing in small plates, great wines, and a casual vibe. Pick Pockets Deli 2 Groton; pickpocketsdeligroton.com 3 Nana’s Byrek Waterford; nanasbyrek.com MEXICAN CUISINE

Llorona Progressive 1 La Mexican Cuisine Nando’s Authentic Mexican Food 2 Griswold; facebook.com/authenticmexicanct 3 Ortega’s Mexican Restaurant Groton OUTDOOR OR WATERFRONT DINING

Scott’s 1 Captain Lobster Dock On the Waterfront 2 New London; onthewaterfrontnl.com Constantine’s on the Bay 3 Niantic; constantinesonthebay.com

on the shoreline

red curtain: photo by Jacek Chabraszewski / Adobestock.com

INDIAN CUISINE

LATIN CUISINE

food + dining PIZZA

SWEETS & CANDY

Wood Fired 1 Luigi’s Pizza Risto

Donut & 1 Flanders Bake Shop

27 Dimmock Road, Waterford; 860-303-2738; luigisristo.com

Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy, Ice Cream & Diner Niantic; gumdropsnlollipops.net Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream 3 Mystic; mysticdrawbridgeicecream.com

Luigi’s Wood-Fired Pizza Risto bakes pizzas in an 800-degree wood-burning oven, following old-world tradition. Visit @luigisristo on Instagram to see when they are in your area. 2 184 Pizzeria Mystic; 184pizzeria.com Fireside Brick Oven 3 Gales Ferry; firesidebrickoven.com SEAFOOD

Fish 1 Flanders Market & Restaurant 40 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-739-0306; flandersfish.com

Established in 1983 by Paul and Donna Formica, Flanders Fish Market is Connecticut’s largest full-service fresh fish market, seafood restaurant, bar, and catering operation. Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock 2 New London; captscottsnl.com Constantine’s on the Bay 3 Niantic; constantinesonthebay.com SERVER OR BARTENDER

Debbie Kenyon

1 Steak Loft Restaurant Lori Miller, Charlie’s Place Restaurant 2 Niantic; charliesplacerestaurant.com Nora Zeferino, La Llorona Progressive 3 Mexican Cuisine Niantic; lalloronact.com SPORTS BAR OR LOUNGE

1 Steak Loft Restaurant Longshots Sports Cafe 2 Uncasville; longshotssportscafe.com Lyme Tavern Restaurant & Sports 3 Bar Niantic; lymetavernsportsbar.com SUSHI

1 Johnny’s Peking Tokyo 12 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic; 860-572-9991; johnnysushibar.com

Johnny’s Peking Tokyo in Mystic offers delicious food, friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere. It offers a wide variety of sushi dishes—even a sushi pizza! 2 Go Fish Restaurant Stonington; gofishct.com 3 The Spice Club Niantic; thespiceclubct.com

THAI CUISINE

1 Pink Basil

27 Coogan Boulevard, Building 3B, Mystic; 860-245-4470; pinkbasilct.com

Pink Basil in Mystic specializes in authentic Asian cuisine and enchanting ambiance. 2 The Spice Club Niantic; thespiceclubct.com 3 Jasmine Thai New London; jasminethainl.com VEGETARIAN & VEGAN CUISINE

Llorona Progressive 1 La Mexican Cuisine Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant 2 East Lyme; flandersfish.com Cinnamon Grill 3 New London; cinnamongrillnl.com WINERY/VINEYARD

1 Jonathan Edwards Winery 74 Chester Maine Road, North Stonington; 860-215-3725; jedwardswinery.com

Jonathan Edwards Winery in Stonington offers wine tastings in a beautiful vineyard setting. Its wines are crafted in Connecticut and California. Preston Ridge Vineyard 2 Preston; prestonridgevineyard.com Stonington Vineyards 3 Stonington; stoningtonvineyards.com

BREAKFAST | BRUNCH | DESSERT MENU | DINER | KIDS’ MENU

The Shack

441 Long Hill Road, Groton, 860-739-8898; 131 Boston Post Road, #3, Waterford, 860-442-6660; 324 Flanders Road, East Lyme, 860-739-8898; shackrestaurants.com

The Shack serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as all-American favorites and classic comfort foods. Favorites include seafood, salads, sandwiches, melts, waffle mountains, and plates of home fries topped with scrambled eggs, ham, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, sausage, and onions covered in Monterey Jack cheese and bacon. For dessert, patrons can enjoy brownies and banana sundaes, cakes, pies, and more. Its menu has a kids’ section with low-priced meals for children 12 and under.

CASUAL DINING | SPORTS BAR OR LOUNGE | SERVER OR BARTENDER

Steak Loft Restaurant

27 Coogan Boulevard, #24, Mystic; 860-536-2661; steakloftct.com

Steak Loft Restaurant in Mystic is a familyfriendly steakhouse in business since 1973. It serves chops, ribs, roast, salads, and more. It also features live music. “Whether you’re a first timer or one of our regulars, you’ll love the familiar feeling that comes with dining at Steak Loft.” — Steak Loft Restaurant. SERVER OR BARTENDER Debbie Kenyon

WINGS

1 Charlie’s Place Restaurant 26 W Main Street, Niantic; 860-739-2975; charliesplacerestaurant.com

Charlie’s Place Restaurant in Niantic offers cozy American dining with a lively bar. Its menu features an all-you-can-eat wings and fries offer. Some of its wing flavors include buffalo, garlic pepper dry rub, Thai chili, jerk sauce, lemon garlic pepper dry rub, Old Bay, Cajun ranch, and more. 2 Astin J’s Groton; astinjs.com Smokey O’Grady’s 3 East Lyme; smokeyogradysct.com

FOOD TRUCK | OUTDOOR OR WATERFRONT DINING

Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock 80 Hamilton Street, New London; 860-439-1741; captscotts.com

Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London serves lobster rolls and other seafood at the waterfront. It has a large dining area where visitors can sit at picnic tables and enjoy views of the boats and water. Captain Scott’s Lobster Truck serves lobster rolls, a raw bar, burgers, and dogs.

AUGUST 2025

BEST OF THE

By Mike DiMauro

COACH (FALL 2024)

COACH (SPRING 2024)

Prates, Girls’ Soccer 1 Crista Bacon Academy, Colchester

Bailey, Softball 1 Stephen Wheeler High School, North Stonington

Prates authored the first girls’ soccer state championship in the history of Bacon Academy. The Bobcats stunned top-seeded Suffield in the championship game, during which goalie Liz Glover made 10 saves and stopped two penalty kicks in the shootout, en route to The Day’s Player of the Year honor. Prates’ team placed three players total on The Day’s All-Area team. Alex Casillas, Football 2 Thames River Crusaders, Groton Cailin Sorder, Volleyball 3 Wheeler High School, North Stonington

It was quite a time in Bailey’s life, having just led the Wheeler boys’ basketball team to its most successful season, a trip to the state semifinals and to the ECC Division II Tournament title. Bailey followed that with leading the softball team to the ECC Division IV regular season title and a berth in the state tournament. Andy Walker, Softball 2 Waterford High School, Waterford Jorge Brackett, Boys’ Lacrosse 3 East Lyme High School, East Lyme COACH (WINTER 2024/25)

Strong, Boys’ Basketball 1 Tim Grasso Tech, Groton

Strong, after previous stints at Montville and East Lyme, led Grasso Tech to 19 wins, the most in school history. The Eagles finished with the program’s first winning season since 2011 (in Strong’s second season.) They went 64-154 over the previous 11 regular seasons and qualified for states twice. Brady Sheffield, Boys’ Basketball 2 Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Old Lyme Alyssa Mercaldi, Indoor Track 3 Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Old Lyme

on the shoreline

Foam finger: photo Michael Flippo / Adobestock.com Crista Prates, with Elizabeth Glover: photo by Russ Glover Stephen Bailey, shown coaching boys’ basketball; Tim Strong; Gracie Lloyd, behind, in white; Julia Bonser: p hotos by Sarah Gordon / The Day

gameday

BEST

gameday FEMALE ATHLETE (FALL 2024)

FEMALE ATHLETE (WINTER 2024/25)

MALE ATHLETE (SPRING 2024)

Lloyd, Field Hockey 1 Gracie East Lyme High School, East Lyme

Bonser, Basketball 1 Julia Ledyard High School, Ledyard

Deary, Track 1 Drew Wheeler High School, North Stonington

Isabella Deledda: photo by Daniel Passapera / special to the day Devin Cook, Eddie Fiske: p hotos by Dana jensen / the day Drew Deary: c ourtesy of drew deary / wheeler high school

After missing the previous season with an injury, Lloyd, a senior midfielder for the Vikings, rebounded with an exclamation point. Lloyd, who finished the season with 14 goals and 20 assists, setting the East Lyme record with 55 career assists, was named as The Day’s 2024 All-Area Field Hockey Player of the Year. Elizabeth Glover, Soccer 2 Bacon Academy, Colchester Maya Pitruzzello, Soccer 3 East Lyme High School, East Lyme FEMALE ATHLETE (SPRING 2024)

Isabella Deledda, Softball

1 Wheeler High School, North Stonington

Bonser, a freshman, quickly established herself among the best post players in the ECC for the Colonels. She led her team in rebounding for the season and in scoring during several games during the season. Of Bonser, Ledyard coach Mike Morgan called her “a force to be reckoned with for a long time.” Abby Matheson, Basketball 2 Griswold High School, Griswold Hazel DeLucia, Indoor Track 3 Lyman Memorial High School, Lebanon MALE ATHLETE (FALL 2024)

It was a historic season for Wheeler outdoor track, the first in school history to participate without a cooperative. It was all Wheeler kids. Deary, who ran middle distance and participated in the shot put, won the ECC’s Scholar-Athlete Award. James Main, Baseball 2 Wheeler High School, North Stonington Jacob Correia, Lacrosse 3 East Lyme High School, East Lyme MALE ATHLETE (WINTER 2024/25)

Fiske, Basketball 1 Eddie Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Old Lyme

Cook, Football 1 Devin Fitch High School, Groton

Deledda led the Lions in virtually every offensive category as they won the ECC Division IV regular season title and qualified for the state tournament. She would go on to finish with more than 100 career hits. Sophia Gouveia, Lacrosse 2 Wheeler High School, North Stonington Hazel DeLucia, Outdoor Track 3 Lyman Memorial High School, Lebanon

Cook ran for 729 yards and five touchdowns for the Falcons, while also finishing third on the team with 36 tackles. He ran for 222 yards and two scores during a late-season win over Stonington that kept the Falcons’ playoff hopes alive. Sean McCauley, Cross Country 2 East Lyme High School, East Lyme Jax Higgins, Football 3 Waterford High School, Waterford

Fiske led the Wildcats back to the Class S championship game, following his freshman season when he led them to the school’s first boys’ basketball title. Fiske was named Shoreline Conference Player of the Year and scored 36 points in the state semifinal victory over Grasso Tech. Zane Brewer, Basketball 2 Wheeler High School, North Stonington Julius Washington, Basketball 3 Grasso Tech, Groton

See page 62 for GameDay’s Plays of the Season AUGUST 2025

great outdoors

BEST

CAMPGROUND

1 Acorn Acres Campground

1 Shennecossett Golf Course

Acorn Acres Campground in Bozrah offers year-round camping, including winter, and is set on 100 wooded acres. There are full-service sites for RVs/campers and tent sites. There are also four cabins available. Hidden Acres Family Campground 2 Preston; hiddenacrescamp.com Odetah Camping Resort 3 Bozrah; odetah.com

Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton is an 18-hole public course open year-round. Located on the beautiful Long Island Sound and Thames River, the course features dramatic views and a chance to spot a tall ship or a United States submarine at sail. Great Neck Country Club 2 Waterford; greatneckgolf.com River Ridge Golf Course 3 Griswold; riverridgegolf.com

135 Lake Road, Bozrah; 860-859-1020; acornacrescampsites.com

CHARTER FISHING COMPANY

1 Black Hawk Sport Fishing 11 Main Street, Niantic; 860-448-3662; blackhawksportfishing.com

The Black Hawk was specifically custom-built for the party boat fishing industry. Powered by twin 750 horsepower diesels, she’s one of the fastest boats of her kind in New England. 2 Sunbeam Fleet - Captain John’s Sport Fishing Center Waterford; sunbeamfleet.com 3 JB Sportfishing Waterford CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

1 Geers Tree Farm

137 Norman Road, Griswold; 860-376-5321; geersfamilytree.com

Geers Tree Farm in Griswold, open for over 60 years, has been a beloved part of Connecticut’s landscape. It offers over 100 acres of Christmas trees to choose from. It also has vendors who make Christmas tree shopping festive on the weekends. 2 Maple Lane Farms Preston; maplelane.com Yetter Road Christmas Tree Farm 3 Mystic; yetterroadtreefarm.com FESTIVAL & FAIR

1 Mystic Outdoor Art Festival 9 Water Street, Mystic; mysticchamber.org/art-festival

The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival is a two-day event that showcases almost 270 artists from around the country and a mile of fine arts and crafts. It is free to the public and features activities and artwork for all ages. The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce hosts it. North Stonington Agricultural Fair 2 North Stonington; northstoningtonfair.org Mystic Irish Parade 3 Mystic; mysticirishparade.org

on the shoreline

GOLF COURSE

93 Plant Street, Groton; 860-448-1867; facebook.com/shennygolf

MARINA OR BOATYARD

1 Gales Ferry Marina

55 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry; 860-464-2146; galesferrymarinact.com

Gales Ferry Marina is a full-service marina offering dockage, storage, maintenance, parts, fuel, and Suzuki motor sales. Crocker’s Boatyard 2 New London; crockersboatyardinc.com Three Belles Marina 3 Niantic; threebellesmarina.com PICK-YOUR-OWN FARM

1 Holmberg Orchards 1990 Route 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7305; holmbergorchards.com

Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry offers premium fruit picking, wine tasting, and a wine maze. You can also pick your own pears, apples, pumpkins, and summer fare. Wicked Tulips Flower Farm 2 Preston; wickedtulips.com Scott’s Yankee Farmer 3 East Lyme; scottsyankeefarmer.net SUMMER CAMP

Aquarium Summer 1 Mystic Camps 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic; 860-572-5955; mysticaquarium.org/learn/children-and-families/ summer-camps

Mystic Aquarium Summer Camp provides camp experiences for children entering PreK through 12th grade. Each camp has a dedicated classroom within the Milne Ocean Science and Conservation Center. It offers hands-on activities, up-close animal encounters, field trips, and other experiences. New London County 4-H Camp 2 North Franklin; my4hcamponline.com Art Colony Camp at the Florence 3 Griswold Museum Old Lyme; florencegriswoldmuseum.org

evergreen: photo by dmf87 / Adobestock.com

BEST OF THE

LEGACY THEATRE KEELY BAISDEN KNUDSEN, Executive Artistic Director

2 2 MAINSTAGE SEASON 5 Years and Counting...

August 7-24

Top Orthodontists in Waterford & Norwich, CT

Sept. 18- Oct. 5

A bloody, worldwide success since being awarded eight Tony Awards for its Broadway premiere.

BRACES & INVISALIGN FOR CHILDREN, TEENS & ADULTS

Visit Us at www.oasect.com

196 Parkway South Suite 305, Waterford, CT 06385 | 860.443.1827 96 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360 | 860.886.7777

Called “the funniest farce ever written,” full of doors slamming and hysterical on and offstage intrigue.

LegacyTheatreCT.org Call (203) 315-1901

128 Thimble Islands Road in Branford, CT

CT’s Premier Pumpkin Design Service Custom Designs Each display is crafted to reflect your unique taste. Various Design Sizes Curated designs in a variety of sizes for every space. Hassle-Free We handle everything—from cleaning the pumpkins to delivery. Sustainable After the season, we can give your pumpkins a second life at local nonprofit rescue farms.

Red Wagon Pumpkins LLC is based in Old Saybrook, CT

(860) 716-9776 Serving all of CT jeff@redwagonpumpkins.com www.redwagonpumpkins.com AUGUST 2025

BEST OF THE

on the shoreline

ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE

1 Back & Body Chiropractic Advanced Back and Neck Care 2 Center Groton; advancedbackandneck.com The DRIPBaR 3 Old Saybrook; thedripbar.com/old-saybrook ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER

Sarah Preston, LMT

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Schaa 1 Becca Aerial Arts Fitness Elyssa Beers, Aerial Arts Fitness 2 Jewett City; aerialartsfitnessct.com Marcia Miller, The Dance Extension 3 New London, Quaker Hill; danceextension.com DANCE STUDIO OR SCHOOL

1 Back & Body Chiropractic

1 Aerial Arts Fitness

Jean Michael Coronado,

Miss Nikki’s 5,6,7,8 Dance 2 Niantic; missnikkis5678dance.com Broadway Kids & Company 3 School of Performing Arts Niantic; broadwaykidsandcompany.com

Incredible Weight Loss Center

Groton; incredibleweightlosscenter.us Huan Zhang, PhD, LAc, 3

Advanced Back and Neck Care Center

Groton; advancedbackandneck.com

DENTIST (INDIVIDUAL)

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

Nogacek, DMD 1 Kenneth Waterford Dental Health

380 Salem Turnpike, Bozrah; 860-861-9704; everbrookseniorliving.com/communities/elmbrook-village

177 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-447-2235; waterforddentalhealth.com

1 Elmbrook Village

Elmbrook Village in Bozrah is an elegant senior living community offering studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. Elmbrook Village provides compassionate and professional assisted living and memory care. 2 StoneRidge Mystic; stoneridgelcs.com 3 Fairview Groton; fairviewct.org CHIROPRACTOR (INDIVIDUAL)

Robin, DC 1 Alexandra Back & Body Chiropractic 2

Nadia Shipper, DC,

East West Chiropractic Groton; ewchiro.com

3 Dan Mascaro, DC, Advanced Back and Neck Care Center Groton; advancedbackandneck.com CHIROPRACTOR (PRACTICE)

Back and Neck 1 Advanced Care Center 565 Long Hill Road, Groton; 860-448-2225; advancedbackandneck.com

“We would like to thank our dedicated patients for voting Advanced Back & Neck Care Center the ‘Best of the Best’ this year. We are a multidisciplinary office with expert staff to help people in our community achieve their health goals naturally. We utilize a hands-on approach coupled with state-ofthe-art technology to address the cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. We are constantly improving our services to provide better care for our community.” —Advanced Back and Neck Care Center Back & Body Chiropractic 2 Dayville; backandbodyct.com 3 East West Chiropractic Groton; ewchiro.com

Dr. Kenneth Nogacek routinely treats anxious patients with extremely safe sedation techniques. In addition to being an accomplished, award-winning dentist, he is also an active member of his community. Jason Campbell, DDS, 2 Waterford Dental Health

Waterford; waterforddentalhealth.com James Watts, DMD, James Watts 3 Family Dentistry Mystic; jameswattsdmd.com Robert Strick, DMD, Robert Strick 3 Family Dentistry Norwich; stricklyteeth.com DENTIST (PRACTICE)

Family Dental 1 Norwich Associates 17 Lafayette Street, Norwich; 860-886-2497; norwichfamilydentalassociates.com

Norwich Family Dental Associates offers a wide range of services from routine checkups and cleanings to restorative dentistry and cosmetic treatments. Its team aims to make visiting the dentist as comfortable and positive as possible. Waterford Dental Health 2 Waterford; waterforddentalhealth.com Bridgeworks Family Dental Center 3 Groton; bridgeworksfdc.com

clipboard: photo by NAMPIX / Adobestock.com

health + wellness

BEST

health + wellness DERMATOLOGIST (INDIVIDUAL)

1 John West, MD

Seaport Dermatology

Mary Ann Bentz, MD, Dermatology Associates of Southeastern Connecticut

Waterford; ctmedderm.com Mohsin Malik, MD, Dermatology 3 Physicians of Connecticut

New London; dermatologyofct.com

DERMATOLOGIST (PRACTICE)

1 Seaport Dermatology Advanced Dermatology 2 Norwich; advanceddermatologyct.com 3 Essex Dermatology Essex; essexderm.com DOCTOR/GENERAL PRACTITIONER (INDIVIDUAL)

1 Paul Deutsch, MD

86 New London Turnpike, Norwich; 860-889-6967; pauldeutschmd.net

Dr. Paul Deutsch graduated magna cum laude from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. He is board-certified in internal medicine and pharmacology. He is a lifelong resident of Norwich. John Hennessey, MD, 2 Gales Ferry Medical Group Gales Ferry; northeastmedicalgroup.org Mark DePonte, MD, Hartford 3 HealthCare Lisbon; hartfordhealthcare.org EAR, NOSE, & THROAT

Dellacono, MD 1 Frank ENT Associates of SECT 914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 102, Waterford, 860-4420407; 201 Boston Post Road, Waterford, 860-442-0407; 14 Masons Island Road #2, Mystic, 860-536-3078; entofsect.com

Dr. Frank Dellacono joined the ENT Associates of SECT in 1998. He offers quality care in all areas of ear, nose, and throat disorders. His interest mainly lies in the surgical management of thyroid and sinus disease and the full scope of pediatric ENT disorders. David Boisoneau, MD, ENT Associates 2 of SECT Waterford, Mystic; entofsect.com 3 Thomas Lesnik, MD Norwich; lesnikent.com GYM/FITNESS CENTER

Personal 1 Advantage Training Aerial Arts Fitness 2 Jewett City; aerialartsfitnessct.com 3 CT Barbell Jewett City; ctbarbell.com

HOME CARE SERVICES (MEDICAL)

Nurses Association 1 Visiting of SECT 403 N Frontage Road, Waterford;

The Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Connecticut provides in-home skilled nursing and therapy services, home health aides, school nurses and aides, and community wellness clinics for southeastern Connecticut. INSPIRE Physical Therapy and 2 Wellness Westerly, RI; iptw.com Care at Home 3 New London, Westerly, RI; careathomenow.com HOME CARE SERVICES (NON-MEDICAL)

1 Sound Community Services Seniors Helping Seniors 2 Stonington; seniorshelpingseniors.com Care at Home 3 New London, Westerly, RI; careathomenow.com HOSPITAL

+ Memorial 1 Lawrence Hospital 365 Montauk Avenue, New London; lmhospital.org

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London serves the Connecticut shoreline with the greatest care. It offers services in over 100 specialties, including heart and vascular, maternity, cancer, surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, and more. William W. Backus Hospital 2 Norwich; backushospital.org 3 Middlesex Hospital Middletown; middlesexhealth.org/location-finder/middlesex-hospital

ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE | ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER | CHIROPRACTOR (INDIVIDUAL)

Back & Body Chiropractic

24 Putnam Turnpike #3, Dayville; 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com

Back & Body Chiropractic in Dayville treats stressrelated conditions, postural problems, pregnancy, and more. They specialize in various chiropractic techniques, massage therapy, dry needling, and cupping therapy. ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER

Sarah Preston, LMT

Sarah Preston is a licensed massage therapist who has worked with a professional basketball team, WNBA athletes, and a lacrosse team that plays for the Mohegan Sun. She has also studied manual lymphatic drainage and oncology treatment protocols. She strongly believes in the benefits of cupping and guasha and is certified in Thai massage. CHIROPRACTOR (INDIVIDUAL)

Alexandra Robin, DC

Dr. Alexandra Robin opened Back & Body Chiropractic in 2012. Robin has studied treatment and rehabilitation techniques for the treatment of conditions such as headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, low back and leg pain, post-surgical pain, and pain related to autoimmune disorders.

MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

1 Aikido New London County 316 Boston Post Road, Unit 11, Waterford; 860-333-4996; aikidonewlondoncounty.com

Aikido is a martial arts school in New London County. Its chief instructor, Crystal Aldrich, firmly believes that within each individual lies a spirit waiting to be refined and nurtured through the practice of Aikido, and she strives to make it accessible to everyone. Yamashita International Karate 2 Mystic Dojo Mystic; mysticdojo.com 360 Defense Martial Arts 3 Norwich; 360defensemartialarts.com

DANCE INSTRUCTOR | DANCE STUDIO OR SCHOOL

Aerial Arts Fitness

39 Wedgewood Drive, Jewett City; 860-367-2302; aerialartsfitnessct.com

Aerial Arts Fitness in Jewett City offers instruction in pole dancing, parties, aerial yoga, hoop, silks, static trapeze, belly dance, and chair dance. DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Becca Schaa

Becca is an instructor at Aerial Arts Fitness. She specializes in silks.

AUGUST 2025

BEST OF THE

BEST

Seaport Dermatology 34 Water Street #2, Mystic; 860-572-9994; seaportdermatology.com

Seaport Dermatology in Mystic specializes in Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer. The practice offers a full spectrum of medical and surgical dermatology services. The team has worked in adult and pediatric dermatology for over 15 years. INDIVIDUAL

John West, MD Dr. John West is one of only a few surgeons in New England who is fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, the most effective treatment available for skin cancer.

GYM/FITNESS CENTER | PERSONAL TRAINER

Advantage Personal Training

761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook; 860-258-2380; kingfamilyeyecare.com

Advantage Personal Training opens its doors to everyone regardless of age or where they are on their fitness journey. They aim to foster a supportive community that helps you look, move, and feel your best. PERSONAL TRAINER

Michael Richards Michael Richards is the Director of Training at Advantage Personal Training. He aims to help people live longer, stronger, and enhance their health and lifespan.

on the shoreline

HOME CARE SERVICES (NON-MEDICAL) | MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL | MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER

Sound Community Services

21 Montauk Avenue, New London; 860-439-6400; soundcommunityservices.org

Sound Community Services provides support and services for people with behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. Its core values are compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence. MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Luis Gonzalez, MD

MEDICAL SPECIALIST

Wei, MD 1 Steven Orthopedic Partners 11 Industrial Park Road, Niantic, 860-889-7345; 82 New Park Avenue, North Franklin, 860-889-7345; 5 Founders Street #203, Willimantic, 860-889-7345; orthopartners.com/steven-yin-wei-md

Dr. Steven Wei is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and subspecialty board-certified in sports medicine. He specializes in shoulder, knee, and upper extremities. He received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Nicole Arcand, MD, Orthopedic 2 Partners Niantic, North Franklin, Willimantic; orthopartners.com/steven-yin-wei-md Jenny Temnogorod, MD, 3 Shoreline Eye Group Waterford, Old Saybrook; shorelineeyegroup.com

Dr. Luis Gonzalez joined Sound Community as its Chief Medical Officer in 2017. He wants clients to know that he strives to provide excellent, compassionate, and efficient care for all.

Gonzalez, MD 1 Luis Sound Community Services

OB/GYN INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE

Rebecca Tydeman, LMFT, Love Invigorated LLC Essex; loveinvigorated.com Sara Ann Jakub, LPC, LMHC, 3 Inner Peace Wellness Waterford, Bozrah; innerpeacect.com/about-us

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Shoreline OB/GYN

4 Shaws Cove, Unit 204, New London; 860-447-2377; womenshealthct.com/practices/shoreline-ob-gyn

MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER

1 Sound Community Services Inner Peace CT Wellness Center 2 Bozrah, Waterford; innerpeacect.com/about-us Rebecca Tydeman, LMFT, Love 3 Invigorated LLC Essex; loveinvigorated.com

Shoreline OB/GYN in New London is dedicated to providing complete obstetric and gynecologic care. It offers services like bone density testing, hysterectomies, endometriosis treatment, LGBTQ care, and more.

Lavallee, DO 1 Michael Shoreline OBGYN

OB/GYN (INDIVIDUAL)

Michael Lavallee, DO Dr. Michael Lavallee received his Doctor of Osteopathy from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He enjoys all areas of OB/GYN and is interested in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. Patients have said he makes them feel comfortable and educated about their care.

OB/GYN (INDIVIDUAL)

Stefanie Parks, MD,

Coastal OBGYN and Midwifery New London;

coastalobgynmidwifery.com/stefanie-parks-md Chelsey Russ, MD, 3 Thameside OBGYN Centre Groton; womenshealthct.com/practices/thameside-obgyn-centre OB/GYN (PRACTICE)

1 Shoreline OB/GYN Mayeda Gynecology 2 Waterford; mayedagynecology.com OB/GYN Services Norwich; obgynct.com 3

fitness equipment: photo by Sucha Kittiwararat / Adobestock.com

DERMATOLOGIST INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE

health + wellness OPHTHALMOLOGIST (INDIVIDUAL)

Lior Haim, MD

1 Shoreline Eye Group 2

Kevin Cranmer, MD, Southeast Connecticut Eye Care Norwich, Groton;

see-care.com Anita Hwang, MD, Eye Specialists 3 Waterford 3 Martha Howard, MD Mystic OPHTHALMOLOGY (PRACTICE)

1 Shoreline Eye Group Southeast Connecticut Eye Care 2 Norwich, Groton; see-care.com Norwich Ophthalmology 3 Norwich, Groton; norwichlasik.com OPTOMETRIST (INDIVIDUAL)

Matthew King, DO

1 King Family Eye Care 2

Brian Courtemanche, OD,

Shoreline Eye Group Waterford, Old Saybrook;

shorelineeyegroup.com Paul Hyder, DO, Southeast Connecticut 3 Eye Care Norwich, Groton; see-care.com OPTOMETRIST (PRACTICE)

1 King Family Eye Care Shoreline Eye Group 2 Waterford, Old Saybrook; shorelineeyegroup.com Southeast Connecticut Eye Care 3 Norwich, Groton; see-care.com ORTHODONTIST (INDIVIDUAL)

1 Jeffrey Kozlowski, DDS

Kozlowski DePascale Orthodontics 190 Hempstead Street, New London, 860-809-6801; 156 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, 860-739-7391; kozbraces.com

Dr. Jeffrey Kozlowski is world-renowned for his unique perspective on quality orthodontic treatment results and clinical efficiency. Gregory Hack, DDS, Orthodontic 2

Associates of Southeastern Connecticut

Waterford, Norwich; oasect.com James O’Leary, DMD, Orthodontic 3

Associates of Southeastern Connecticut

Waterford, Norwich; oasect.com

ORTHODONTIST (PRACTICE)

Associates of 1 Orthodontic Southeastern Connecticut 196 Waterford Parkway S, Suite 305A, Waterford, 860-443-1827; 96 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, 860-886-7777; oasect.com

Orthodontic Associates of Southeastern Connecticut prioritizes providing care in a friendly, comfortable environment. The team at OASECT uses Damon System Self-Ligating braces, one of the latest technological advances in orthodontics, to shorten treatment time and other advanced technologies. Kozlowski Depascale Orthodontics 2 New London, East Lyme; kozbraces.com Family Orthodontic Care 3 Norwich, Colchester; familyorthodonticcare.com PEDIATRICIAN (INDIVIDUAL)

Foong-Yi Lin, MD

1 Gales Ferry Pediatrics Fred Santoro, MD 2 East Lyme; fredsantoromd.com Maria Lopez, MD, Flanders Pediatrics 3 East Lyme; flanderspediatrics.com PEDIATRICIAN (PRACTICE)

OPHTHALMOLOGIST INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE

Shoreline Eye Group

741 Broad Street, Waterford, 860-442-5663; 821 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, 860-388-4242; shorelineeyegroup.com

Shoreline Eye Group in Waterford is committed to providing personalized, quality eye care and service. Its team includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. Its doctors specialize in cataract surgery, ocular diseases, emergency eye care, and more. OPHTHALMOLOGIST (INDIVIDUAL)

Lior Haim, MD

Dr. Lior Haim graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia magna cum laude with the highest honors in ocular pathology and clinical ophthalmology. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

1 Gales Ferry Pediatrics Norwich Pediatric Group 2 Norwich; npgct.com Fred Santoro, MD 3 East Lyme; fredsantoromd.com PERSONAL TRAINER (INDIVIDUAL)

Richards 1 Michael Advantage Personal Training

OPTOMETRIST INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE

King Family Eye Care 761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook; 860-258-2380; kingfamilyeyecare.com

Michael Nelson, 2 Advantage Personal Training Mystic, Niantic; advantagepersonaltraining.com Axel Mahlke, 3 Anytime Fitness East Lyme Niantic; anytimefitness.com/locations/niantic-connecticut-2190

The King Family Eye Care team in Old Saybrook recognizes the importance of seeing clearly. They aim to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge vision care for patients of all ages.

PHARMACY

Matthew King, DO

Boat Family 1 Electric Pharmacy 32 Chicago Avenue, Groton; 888-578-3457; eblanding.com/eb-family-wellness-center

Electric Boat Family Pharmacy in Groton is a trusted provider of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Navy Medicine Readiness and 2 Training Unit Groton McQuade’s Pharmacy 3 Mystic, Westerly; mcquadesrx.com

OPTOMETRIST (INDIVIDUAL)

Dr. Matthew King owns and operates King Family Eye Care. He is an active member of the Connecticut Optometric Association and has served on its board of directors. He is also a member of the ALLDocs Association. He has spent several weeks aiding communities in Vietnam, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

AUGUST 2025

health + wellness

BEST OF THE

BEST

PHYSICAL THERAPIST INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE

Independence Physical Therapy

2440 Gold Star Highway, Suite 201, Mystic, 860-536-1001; 80 Norwich-New London Turnpike #2E, Uncasville, 860-892-8683; independencephysicaltherapy.com

Independence Physical Therapy in Mystic aims to provide expert care for all rehabilitation needs. Its team strives to help people return to their active lifestyle and daily activities. PHYSICAL THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL)

Cynthia Holliday, PT, DPT

Cynthia Holliday has been with Independence Physical Therapy for over 10 years. She treats a variety of orthopedic, sports, and women’s healthrelated conditions. Her interests include pelvic pain, incontinence, and visceral mobilization.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL)

Holliday, PT, DPT 1 Cynthia Independence Physical Therapy Sherry Ringuette, PT, ECRC Physical Therapy Lisbon, Dayville, Norwich; ecrc-pt.com Carissa Finney, DPT, Independence 3 Physical Therapy Uncasville, Mystic; independencephysicaltherapy.com

Gales Ferry Pediatrics

1527 Route 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7248

With over 30 years of experience, Gales Ferry Pediatrics’ dedicated team of pediatricians, nurses, and staff is committed to providing exceptional pediatric care. They pride themselves on offering a warm and child-friendly environment at their offices in Gales Ferry, Old Saybrook, and Westerly, Rhode Island. PEDIATRICIAN (INDIVIDUAL)

Foong-Yi Lin, MD

Dr. Foong-Yi Lin is committed to providing exceptional pediatric care. She knows how to examine and treat children in ways that help them relax and cooperate. She educates parents to ensure they bring their children to their routine checkups and immunizations.

Thank you for your continued support — we’re honored to be a local favorite for Indian cuisine. cuisine.

PHYSICAL THERAPY (PRACTICE)

Physical 1 Independence Therapy GOAT Physical Therapy and Wellness Gales Ferry; goatpt.com ECRC Physical Therapy 3 Norwich, Lisbon, Dayville; ecrc-pt.com

WEEKEND LUNCH BUFFET

WE DELIVER

Serving the community since 2005!

Gift Certificates Available

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY

GROTON 156 Kings Hwy. 860-445-8043

Rehab and 1 Pendleton Healthcare 44 Maritime Drive, Mystic; 860-572-1700; pendletonrhc.com

PEDIATRICIAN INDIVIDUAL | PRACTICE

WE CATER

Pendleton Rehab and Healthcare in Mystic has served New London County for over 30 years. It offers long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and brief respite visits. It aims to optimize independence and safeguard dignity while providing a home-like environment. 2 Fairview Groton; fairviewct.org Avalon at StoneRidge 3 Mystic; stoneridgelcs.com/skilled-nursing WEIGHT LOSS CENTER

Weight Loss 1 Incredible Center 565 Long Hill Road, Groton; 860-941-7304; incredibleweightlosscenter.us

Incredible Weight Loss Center in Groton aims to make losing weight simple through three simple phases: weight loss, stabilization, and maintenance. Advantage Personal Training 2 Mystic, Niantic; advantagepersonaltraining.com 3 Thin’s In Waterford; thinsin.net

(Rt. 184 Across from Walmart)

Fax 860-445-4082 Full menu at: www.MirchMasalaUS.com Carpet • Wood • Laminate • Tile and More

CT State Lic. #545566

Quality You Can See. Comfort You Can Feel. Value You Can Appreciate.

CLUFF

1 1 8 C ro ss Ro ad, Waterford

CALL TODAY • 860-447-0383

YOGA OR PILATES STUDIO

1 Luxe Pilates

9 Methodist Street, Niantic; 860-850-0477; luxepilatesct.com

Luxe Pilates in Niantic is a boutique studio offering small-group reformer classes. 2 Positive Vibes Pilates Waterford; mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/positive-vibes-pilates Mystic Yoga Shala 3 Mystic; mysticyogashala.com

on the shoreline

Thank You for Your Continued Support! For free measure and financing approval visit us online at: CarpetOne.com

Building Quality Inground Pools Since 1969

Art, history, culture, and cruising. RISING WATERS:

Flooding on the Connecticut River Building Quality Inground Pools Since 1969

9 North High St., Clinton (860) 388-9350 • (860) 669-6919 ng Quality Inground Pools www.davispools.com

Since 1969

9 North High Street Clinton, CT th High St., Clinton (860) 388-9350 388-9350 • (860) 669-6919 (860) 669-6919 www.davispools.com davispools.com

ON DISPLAY THROUGH AUGUST 3

Cruise on RiverQuest and Onrust

All Summer Long! Essex, CT | ctrivermuseum.org

WHEN YOU WANT THIS AS YOUR BACKYARD… EXPERIENCED GUIDANCE NAVIGATING YOUR NYC HOME SEARCH

MICHAEL V. CAPOBIANCO

LICENSED R.E. SALESPERSON AND NEW HAVEN COUNTY NATIVE c. 917.991.2363 | t. 212.381.3288 mcapobianco@bhsusa.com Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, LLC 445 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 BrownHarrisStevens.com

AUGUST 2025

BEST OF THE

APARTMENT COMMUNITY

1 Groton Estates

1 The Floor Covering Shop

The Groton Estates offers a quality community, peak suburban convenience, and valuable amenities. 2 StoneRidge Mystic; stoneridgelcs.com Mary Brown Apartments Jewett City; 3 paradiseagency.com/mary-brown-apartments

The Floor Covering Shop in Norwich is a familyowned and operated full-service flooring retailer. It offers flooring choices such as carpet and tile and installation services. Cluff Carpet One Floor & Home 2 Waterford; cluffcarpetonewaterford.com 3 Route 85 Flooring Oakdale; rt85flooring.com

260 Shennecossett Road, Groton; 860-910-4607; grotonestates.com

BUILDER OR CONTRACTOR

1 Perry’s Home

Improvement LLC 174 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford; 860-941-7381; perryshomeimprovement.com

Perry’s Home Improvement is a small home improvement business specializing in bathrooms, kitchens, roofs, and decks. It offers everything from new construction to complete custom houses. Kappy Construction & Home 2 Improvement Preston; facebook.com/kappyllc Nutmeg Building & Remodeling 3 Ledyard; nutmegbuildingremodeling.com DECOR & HOUSEWARES

1 Preston Trading Post 2 The Bowerbird Old Lyme; thebowerbird.com Friedman Found 3 Waterford; friedmanfound.com ELECTRICAL/GENERATOR SERVICES

1 D.B. Electric

2 Condon & Sons Electric Waterford Generators on Demand 3 Old Lyme; generatorsondemand.com ELECTRICIAN

1 D.B. Electric Macrino Electric 2 Waterford; macrinoelectric.com Calkins Electric 3 Waterford; calkinselectricct.com FIREPLACE & ACCESSORIES

1 Preston Trading Post Armstrong Chimney and Stoves 2 Taftville; armstrongchimney.com Spicer Hearth & Home 3 Salem; spiceradvanced.com

on the shoreline

FLOORING COMPANY

385 Central Avenue, Norwich; 860-887-3523; floorcoveringshopinc.com

FURNITURE

1 Preston Trading Post Leader Store 2 Norwich; leaderfurniturestore.com Gorin’s Furniture 3 Norwich; gorinsfurniture.com GARDEN CENTER & NURSERY

1 Holdridge Home & Garden 749 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard; 860-464-8400; holdridgegarden.com

Holdridge Home & Garden in Ledyard has been a family-owned and operated business since 1912. It provides quality nursery stock, annuals, perennials, houseplants, and expert advice for beautiful gardens. 2 Smith’s Acres Niantic; smithsacres.com Hart’s Greenhouse 3 Preston; hartsgreenhouseflorist.com GAS & OIL

1 Andersen Oil 2 Densmore Oil Stonington; densmoreoil.com 3 Viking Fuel Norwich; vikingfuelct.com HEATING & COOLING

1 Andersen Oil 2 Densmore Oil Stonington; densmoreoil.com Burnside Plumbing Heating & AC 3 North Stonington; HOME INSPECTION COMPANY

1 Sunrise Home Inspection 54 Oxford Court, Mystic; 844-556-3385; sunrisehomeinspectionllc.com

Sunrise Home Inspection in Groton offers meticulous inspections of properties, whether you are purchasing a new home or preparing to sell one. The home inspectors will handle your property with the care it deserves, with no questions left unanswered. Kyle Clark, NPI New London County 2 Groton; npiweb.com/newlondoncounty Anchor Home Inspection 3 Oakdale; anchorhomeinspection.com

Door: photo by Alex / Adobestock.com CT River Museum, Essex: photo by Jeffrey Vlaun/Wirestock / Adobestock.com

home + garden

BEST

home + garden INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

1 Mike Harrelle, CertaPro

Painters of Mystic-Glastonbury, CT 112 Stockhouse Road, Bozrah; 860-886-2900; certapro.com/mystic-glastonbury/our-team

CertaPro Painters transforms homes and businesses by providing expert services with a proven process. All Star Painting 2 Norwich; ctallstarpainting.com East Coast Pro Painting LLC 3 Mystic; eastcoastpropainting.com INTERIOR DESIGNER OR DECORATOR

1 Rita Lyons Designs

81 E Pattagansett Road, Niantic; 201-887-4711; ritalyonsdesigns.com

PEST CONTROL

1 Griggs & Browne

152 Cross Road, Waterford; 401-944-3400; griggsbrowne.com/location/connecticut

Griggs & Browne has provided termite and pest control services in New England since 1910. It is committed to utilizing safe, effective, and environmentally sound practices at a reasonable price. 2 Waltham Pest Services New London; walthamservices.com/locations/connecticut/new-london Bee Smart Pest Control 3 East Hampton; beesmart.buzz 3 Pest Pros Lebanon PLUMBING COMPANY

Rita Lyons provides creative, dynamic space planning and design development. Her firm has extensive experience in every type of project. She prides herself on time management and meeting her clients’ budget requirements. Tammy Klinikowski, Preston Trading 2 Post Preston; prestontrading.com Erica Aube, House of Moon 3 Mystic; houseofmoon.co

1 Elite Plumbing Services

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

ROOFING, WINDOWS, & SIDING

86 Whippoorwill Hollow Road, Lot B, North Franklin; 860-367-3174

Elite Plumbing Services offers plumbing installation and service to all areas of need. The team is prompt and will work within your budget. R.E Godwin & Sons LLC 2 Centerbrook; godwinplumbers.com 3 Niantic Plumbing & Appliance Niantic

Landscaping & 1 Peak Snow Removal

1 RSR Residential

6 Lakeside Drive, Ledyard; 860-415-3684; peaklandscapingct.com

RSR Residential is a family-owned and operated business that provides exceptional customer service and a commitment to comfort and quality in every job. It specializes in rooftop solar panel installation. Henderson Roofing East Lyme, Westerly, RI; 2 johnhendersonconstruction.com/ct/east-lyme/roofing Thomas Garbati Builders 3 Waterford; garbatibuilders.com

Peak Landscaping & Snow Removal combines a decade of experience with cutting-edge technology to serve Groton and surrounding areas. They transform landscapes with various services, including lawn care, snow removal, shrub trimming, property clean-up, and more. Spicer’s Lawn Care & Landscape 2 Design Ledyard; spicerslawncare.com Eagle Quality Landscaping and 3 Supply Gales Ferry; eaglequalitylandscaping.com MORTGAGE COMPANY

Keith Turner

1 Homestead Funding Corp. 8 Union Street, New London; 860-444-0650; homesteadfunding.com/loan-originators/keith-turner

Keith Turner has been in the mortgage industry for two decades. His strengths lie in his ability to walk clients through each step of the mortgage process, so they feel comfortable. His goal is to ensure that he will always be confident that he has given the best possible mortgage experience. Chelsea Groton Bank 2 Groton; chelseagroton.com Gateway Mortgage Services 3 Waterford; gmsmtg.com

8 Overlook Avenue, Mystic; 860-800-5777; rsrresidential.com

TREE SERVICE

1 Swing Bridge Tree LLC 41 Florida Road, East Haddam; 860-510-6270; swingbridgetreellc.com

Swing Bridge Tree LLC is a full-service and fully insured arborist company offering tree removal, takedowns, trimming, firewood, and lot clearing. Denison Tree Removal 2 Ledyard; denisontreeremovalct.com Satti’s Family Trees 3 Groton; sattisfamilytrees.com

DECOR & HOUSEWARES | FIREPLACE & ACCESSORIES | FURNITURE

Preston Trading Post 651 Route 165, Preston; 860-886-1484; prestontrading.com

For 49 years, Preston Trading Post, one of the largest stove stores in the world, has served the hearth and home needs of southern New Englanders. Driven by a passion for topperforming products at the fairest possible prices, its caring and very knowledgeable staff is here to assist you. Preston Trading Post specializes in fine American-made furniture and has a large selection of offering fireplaces, fireplace inserts, accessories, and more.

ELECTRICAL/GENERATOR SERVICES | ELECTRICIAN

D.B. Electric

810 Noank Ledyard Road, Mystic; 860-536-2354 ; dbelectricinc.com

D.B. Electric in Mystic serves Connecticut’s residential, commercial, and industrial electrical needs. It offers large-scale jobs and minor, quick fixes with quality service.

GAS & OIL | HEATING & COOLING

Andersen Oil 4 Colby Drive #1539, Ledyard; 860-464-7628; andersenoilcompany.com

Andersen Oil in Ledyard is here to meet and exceed the expectations of the greater southeastern Connecticut area. For over 35 years, it has offered residential and commercial services at affordable prices with quality service.

AUGUST 2025

lifestyle + beauty

BEST

BARBERSHOP OR BARBER

1 Official Cutz Barbershop

1 Glammed by Amie

Official Cutz is your go-to destination whether you’re looking for a classic trim or a trendy new style. Its team takes pride in providing top-notch cuts. The Cave Barbershop 2 Groton; thecavebarbershopct.com 3 Frye’s Barbershop Ledyard

Glammed by Amie is a traveling makeup artist in Groton specializing in fullglam looks and bridal makeup. Makeup by Luisanna 2 Waterford; makeupbyluisanna.com Smudge Makeup 3 Stonington; smudgemakeup.net

BROWS

1 Lil Brow Wow

MASSAGE THERAPIST

80 Stonington Road, Mystic; 860-941-4898

Preston, LMT 1 Sarah Back & Body Chiropractic

Lil Brow Wow specializes in helping you reach your brow goals. Sang Viens is Lil Brow Wow’s licensed and insured microblading and saline removal expert. Rob Rivers Salon & Spa 2 Mystic; robrivers.com 3 Le Spa Mystic; lespamystic.com

24 Putnam Turnpike #3, Dayville; 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com

lifestyle + beauty

86 Broad Street, New London; 860-961-6764; officialcutzbarbershop.com

on the shoreline

MAKEUP ARTIST

FACIAL COSMETICS OR SURGERY

1 Refined Medspa

80 Stonington Road, Mystic; 860-222-5738; refinedmedspact.com

Refined Medspa in Mystic specializes in anti-aging procedures and medical cosmetic treatments. 2 Jenny Temnogorod, MD, Shoreline Eye Group Waterford, Old Saybrook; shorelineeyegroup.com Andrea Gladwin, Privé-Swiss MedSpa 3 Ivoryton, Essex; priveswissmedspa.com/our-team HAIR SALON OR HAIR DRESSER

1 Danielle Gorgeous Hair 54 Lebanon Avenue, Lebanon

Danielle is an independent salon owner and hair designer who offers signature cuts. She is also a color specialist who draws inspiration from unique and creative sources. The Hair Stop 2 Waterford; thehairstopct.com Vesta Salon & Wigs 3 Waterford; vestasalonandwigs.com LASHES

1 KickAsh Studio LLC 2 Stephie’s Beauty Boutique Gales Ferry 3 Lashes by Jenni Ledyard

100 Kings Highway, Groton; 860-861-4202

1 Tina, Nailed It

50 Pleasant Street, Unit 5, Norwich; 860-934-5707;

Vesta Salon & Wigs 2 Waterford; vestasalonandwigs.com Rob Rivers Salon & Spa 3 Mystic; robrivers.com/services SPAS OR FACIALS

1 KickAsh Studio LLC Beauty & The Body by Yokmany 2 Norwich 3 Refined Medspa Mystic; refinedmedspact.com TATTOOS & PIERCING

1 In the Shadows

17 River Road, Unit B, Lisbon; 860-591-4119

In the Shadows, located in Lisbon, is owned by JP. Clients have said he specializes in portrait work but can do many other styles as well, and that In the Shadows is the perfect place for people with sensory issues to get a tattoo. Midnight Angel Studio 2 Grotonmidnightangelstudio.com Andy Thorp, Black Lantern Tattoo Co. 3 Niantic

Hair: photo by Zdenka Darula / Adobestock.com

BEST OF THE

onds, Watches, Silver & Coins LASHES | SPAS OR FACIALS

KickAsh Studio LLC 315 W Main Street, Suite 1B, Norwich; 860-917-4952

KickAsh Studio LLC is owned by Ashley, a licensed esthetician, licensed eyelash technician, and certified brow specialist.

Diamonds, Watches, Diamonds Gold, Watches Silver & Coins

Jewett City

Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage & More

Health Spa

Reduces Stress Improves Circulation

20 years’ experience

Visit us on

GOOGLE and FACEBOOK

BUYING: BUYING:

860.639.9639

31 Main St., Jewett City, CT 06351

BUYING: Gold, Silver Diamonds, Watches, &Silver Coins Gold, & Coins

WEST105 HARTFORD OLD SAYBROOK ELM |STREET,

OLD SAYBROOK, CT 06475

WEST HARTFORD | OLD SAYBROOK (860) 391-8281 95 TRUMAN STREET | NEW LONDON, CT

BECKERS.COM

(860)443-6646

ALSO LOCATED IN WEST HARTFORD

ARTFORD | OLD SAYBROOK www.yankeeremodeler.com CT HIC.0525759

MCO.0901509

RI REG #6797

AUGUST 2025

pets

BEST OF THE

BEST

ANIMAL RESCUE

PET GROOMING

Griswold; 860-245-8216

Stylez Mobile 1 Doggy Grooming

pets

All Paws on Deck is a non-profit dedicated to the welfare of pregnant dogs and their puppies. Its goal is to find loving families for all of its rescues and their puppies. Mona’s House - A Place For 2 Homeless Pets Groton; petfinder.com/member/ us/ct/groton/monas-house-animal-rescue-ct612 Connecticut Humane Society 3 Quaker Hill; cthumane.org BOARDING

1 Fun. Play. Bark.

704 Gungywamp Road, Groton, 860-574-9541; 270 Rogers Road Groton 860-910-1882; funplaybark.com/funplaybark-lodge

5 Point Street, Preston; 860-705-8115

Doggy Stylez Mobile Grooming was established in 2020 by owner Carrie Ryan. She comes to your home or business and provides start-tofinish grooming services, catering to your pup’s comfort and needs. There are no car rides, no kennel time, and happy pups are a top priority. 2 Holy Shih-Tzu LLC Mystic Grimm’s Furry Tails 3 Ledyard; grimmsfurrytails.org PET SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES

1 Mystic Pet Shop

28 E Main Street, Mystic; 860-572-4424; mysticpetshop.com

Fun. Play. Bark. in Groton offers pet boarding, daycare, and grooming. Its mission is to provide a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for pets and their owners. 2 Coastal K9 Salem; coastalk9ct.com 3 Rhodes Collar Stonington; rhodescollar.com

Mystic Pet Shop is a local pet food and supply store offering various all-natural products for dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small pets. 2 Paw Print Pantry Niantic; pawprintpantry.com Fleming’s Feed & Hardware 3 Stonington, Preston; flemingsfeed.com

DAY CARE OR PET SITTING

PET TRAINING

1 Amber’s Pampered Pets

Better Do Better Dog 1 Know Training LLC

Amber’s Pampered Pets is a full-service professional dog walking and pet-sitting business that offers dog walking, cat sitting, overnight care, and other services. Fun. Play. Bark. 2 Groton, funplaybark.com/funplaybark-lodge Barks & Recreation 3 Sprague; barksandrecct.com

1528 Route 12, Gales Ferry

16 Lena Drive, Uncasville; 860-885-8512; amberspets.com

Know Better Do Better offers individual and group training to those who want to do better with their dogs. 2 Coastal K9 Salem; coastalk9ct.com 3 K9 Ethix Durham; k9ethix.com VETERINARY SERVICES

Veterinary 1 Stonington Hospital 785 Stonington Road, Stonington; 860-535-3011; stoningtonvethospital.com

At Stonington Vet Hospital, you can expect state-of-the-art medical care for your four-legged companions. Its team provides clean rooms, friendly doctors, and caring technicians. 2 Preston Animal Hospital Preston VCA Plainfield Animal Hospital 3 Plainfieldvcahospitals.com/plainfield

on the shoreline

parrot: photo by New Africa / Adobestock.com Cat and dog: photo by sonsedskaya / Adobestock.com

1 All Paws on Deck

Thank You for Voting for Us for the Past 11 Years

Keith Turner

Licensed Loan Originator NMLS# 820813 860-444-0650

kturner@homesteadfunding.com

KeithTurnerHFC.com 8 Union Street New London, CT 06320

CELEBRATING

18 YEARS Thanks for your continued support!

Help with Hygiene Overnight or 24/7 Care Companion Care Safety/Supervision • Meals Light Housekeeping • and more...

Family Owned & Operated Lic. #613241 / Fully Insured

www.seniorcaremystic.com

(860) 536-4767

213 Elm St. • Stonington, CT Licensed in CT

A Roof Above The Rest

Keeping Seniors Independent At Home With:

APPLY NOW!

NMLS# 3232

RESTORATION,LLC

Seniors Helping Seniors provides solely non-medical care. Registered Homemaker Companion Agency # HCA 257

Financing Available

203-453-5571 GUTTERS | ROOFING | SIDING www.ENHRestoration.com

Thank You For Your Continued Support! Chiropractic Care Massage Therapy Acupuncture

Neuropathy Care Pressure Wave Therapy Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

565 Long Hill Road, Groton, CT

(860) 448-BACK (2225)

AdvancedBackandNeck.com AUGUST 2025

BEST OF THE

BEST

Howard, CPA 1 Joe Peter WM. Maneri, JR., CPA 21 Stott Avenue, Norwich; 860-889-3825;

Joe Howard has practiced public accounting since 2016. He specializes in tax compliance, corporate taxation, ASC 740, and technical research. Ed Lorah & Associates LLC 2 Waterford; elaacpa.com 3 Jay Small, CPA Old Lyme, Bozrah ATTORNEY

1 Jason B. Burdick

services

Messier, Massad, Burdick & Associates LLC

Joe St. Rock, Hoops & Associates LLC 2 Groton; hoopslaw.net/attorneys David Pazzaglia, Pazz Injury Law 3 East Lyme; pazzinjurylaw.com AUTO REPAIR

1 CIC Automotive & Sales LLC 1592 Route 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7236;

United Methodist Child Care Center 2 Gales Ferry; umchildcare.org Mayflower Montessori School 3 Norwich; mayflowerearlylearningcenter.com CLEANING SERVICE

1 Falcon Cleaning Service LLC 37 Oakridge Street, Norwich; 860-705-4916; falconcleaning.net

Falcon Cleaning is an eco-friendly, familyowned office and residential cleaning company. It uses its own cleaning formulas and unique approaches to achieve consistent results. Queen Bee Cleaning 2 Groton; queenbeecleaningct.com 3 M&V Cleaning Old Lyme; mandvcleaning.com CLOTHING ALTERATIONS & TAILORING

1 The Fitting Room

39 Wedgewood Drive, Jewett City; 860-376-5566; fittingroomct.com

The Fitting Room in Griswold has provided professional custom wedding and prom dress alterations since 1984. 2 I Sew Stonington 3 Lauren Rush Alterations Waterford

BANK

COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS REPAIR

1 Chelsea Groton Bank

Groton, Mystic, New London, Niantic, North Stonington, Norwich, Pawcatuck, Salem, Sprague, Waterford; chelseagroton.com

Chelsea Groton Bank supports its local community and every customer’s personal and business finance goals. 2 Dime Bank Norwich, Colchester, East Lyme, Ledyard, Montville, New London, Norwich, Stonington, Taftville, Westerly; dime-bank.com 3 Liberty Bank Middletown, Colchester, Clinton, Deep River, East Lyme, Groton, Mystic, Norwich, Old Saybrook, Quaker Hill, Waterford; liberty-bank.com

1 Desmond’s Auto Spa LLC 7 White Pine Road, Ledyard; 860-574-2956; desmondsautospa.net

Desmond’s Auto Spa elevates the art of vehicle care through its premium detailing services, which are meticulously designed to rejuvenate and protect your automobile. Submarine Car Wash 2 Groton; submarinecarwash.com 3 John’s Mobile Auto Uncasville

on the shoreline

1 Precious Memories Place

CIC Automotive & Sales offers auto repairs ranging from oil changes to engine replacements. 2 Stilly’s Automotive Lisbon; stillysauto.com MACARA Vehicle Services 3 Norwich; macarainc.com

CAR WASH/DETAILING

CHILDCARE/DAYCARE

1 Lou’s Computers

45 Williams Avenue, Mystic; 860-415-4663; louscomputers.com

Lou’s Computers LLC is committed to providing quality IT services, customer support, and products. Star Computers 2 Niantic; starcomputers.com/index.html Captain Computer 3 Gales Ferry; captaincomputer.ai CREDIT UNION

Oak Federal 1 Charter Credit Union 1055 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford; 860-446-8085; charteroak.org

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has been running for over 80 years. Its dedication to its members keeps the credit union strong and operating efficiently. It takes pride in the community it serves. Navy Federal Credit Union 2 Groton; navyfederal.org CorePlus Federal Credit Union 3 Norwich; coreplus.org

gavel: photo by chones / Adobestock.com

ACCOUNTING FIRM/TAX PREPARER

services FINANCIAL ADVISOR

DRY CLEANER

Cleaners 1 Barry’s & Launderers 565 Colman Street, New London, 860-447-8220; 79 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, 860-739-7867; 308 Flanders Road, East Lyme, 860-691-1680; barryscleanerssect.com

Barry’s Cleaners & Launderers offers its customers a complete range of laundering, dry cleaning, tailoring, and alteration services. Pier Cleaners 2 Mystic, Westerly; piercleaners.com Westgate Dry Cleaners 3 Norwich; westgatedrycleaners.com

CHILDCARE/DAYCARE | PRESCHOOL/PRE-K

Precious Memories Place

168 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic; 860-415-9744; preciousmemoriesplace.com

Precious Memories Place in Mystic has created a place for children to grow, develop, and celebrate. It has designed a secure, comfortable space where a child’s physical, emotional, and academic journey can begin.

ATTORNEY | LAW FIRM

Messier, Massad, Burdick & Associates LLC 107 State Street, New London; 860-443-7014; mmbteam.com

Messier, Massad, Burdick & Associates practices personal injury, real estate, family law, and more. ATTORNEY Jason B. Burdick Jason Burdick is a trial attorney whose legal practice is focused on civil litigation. His practice includes representing parties for personal injury, commercial litigation, construction litigation, insurance litigation, and probate matters.

Burzycki 1 Seth Guided Financial Strategies 11 Main Street, Suite 214, Mystic; 860-291-2800; guidedfinancialstrategies.com

Seth Burzycki joined Guided Financial Strategies in January of 2020. Seth is an associate advisor on the team, working in support of Rick and Allan while also servicing his own clients. Tom Dittmeier, LPL Financial 2 Waterford; 3 Karl Timmerman, First Command New London; advisor.firstcommand.com/us/ct/new-london FUNERAL SERVICES

1 Byles-MacDougall Funeral Service 99 Huntington Street, New London; 860-442-0343; byles.com

Byles-MacDougall provides complete funeral services to the local community in New London and Groton. The team is sensitive to their clients’ needs and can personalize funerals to honor loved ones. Thomas L. Neilan & Sons 2 Funeral Homes New London, Niantic; neilanfuneralhome.com Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home 3 Griswold; gagnefuneralhome.com HOTEL, INN, BED & BREAKFAST

1 The Whaler’s Inn

20 E Main Street, Mystic; 860-536-1506; whalersinnmystic.com

The Whaler’s Inn is Downtown Mystic’s premier hotel. It has been regarded as a center of hospitality and commerce for over 60 years. It boasts a knowledgeable and dedicated team that works to make a stay in Mystic memorable. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina 2 Old Saybrook; saybrook.com Inn at Ocean Avenue 3 New London; innatoceanavenue.com INSURANCE AGENT/AGENCY

Michael Collins

1 Wheeler & Taylor Insurance Glastonbury; wheelertaylor.com

Michael Collins specializes in auto, home, renters, liability, life, commercial, high net worth, and business insurance. Massad Insurance Agency LLC 2 New London; mmbteam.com 3 Michael Whalen, Farmer’s Insurance Niantic; agents.farmers.com/ct/niantic/michael-whalen

LAW FIRM

Massad, Burdick 1 Messier, & Associates LLC Hoops & Associates LLC 2 Groton; hoopslaw.net/attorneys Pazz Injury Law 3 East Lyme; pazzinjurylaw.com LOCAL PUBLIC UTILITY

1 Groton Utilities

295 Meridian Street, Groton; 860-446-4000; grotonutilities.com

Groton Utilities is a municipally owned and operated utility providing electric, water, and sewage services to thousands of consumers in southeastern Connecticut. Norwich Public Utilities 2 Norwich; norwichpublicutilities.com Jewett City Public Utilities 3 Jewett City; jewettcitydpu.com PHOTOGRAPHER OR VIDEOGRAPHER

O’Connor 1 Nicole Photography

New London; 860-460-5005; nicoleoconnorphotography.com

Nicole O’Connor is a maternity, newborn, family, and pet photographer who serves Connecticut and Rhode Island. Johnny Perez Photo and Video 2 New Haven; imjohnnyperez.com PGriffin Photography 3 Stonington; pgriffinphotography.com PRESCHOOL/PRE-K

1 Precious Memories Place The Friendship School 2 Waterford; thefriendshipschool.org United Methodist Child Care Center 3 Gales Ferry; umchildcare.org REAL ESTATE AGENCY

1 PMI East Lyme

25 Chesterfield Road, Unit 1, East Lyme; 860-451-9101; nianticpropertymanagementinc.com

PMI East Lyme is a full-service real estate asset management company providing professional property management and brokerage services. 2 Luque Realty Waterford; luquerealty.com Coldwell Banker Realty 3 East Lyme; coldwellbanker.com

AUGUST 2025

services

BEST OF THE

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

TAXI OR LIMOUSINE SERVICE

1 Joshua’s Worldwide

Luque 1 Carlos Luque Realty

172 Stoddards Wharf Road, Gales Ferry; 866-217-5674; joshuasworldwide.com

49 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-736-3432; luquerealty.com

Founder of Luque Realty, Carlos Luque, has been selling real estate since 2016. As a lifelong resident of New London, he has a deep understanding of the area’s market. Scott Pellerin, Coldwell Banker Realty 2 East Lyme; coldwellbanker.com Tina Wazny, Coldwell Banker Realty 3 East Lyme; coldwellbanker.com

Joshua’s Worldwide is the top limousine provider to Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. It also provides services to weddings, proms, corporate runs, leisure tours, and more. 2 Jay’s Limousine Montville; jayslimos.com Curtin Transportation Group 3 Waterford; curtinlivery.com

TRAVEL AGENT/AGENCY

Horizons 1 Grand Worldwide Travel PO Box 365, Jewett City; 860-376-8074; grandhorizonstravel.com

Grand Horizons Worldwide Travel is a fullservice travel agency offering personalized service and travel planning from A to Z for all big or small, whether school trips, cruises, bus trips, or other types of travel. 2 AAA of Waterford Waterford Marc Bokoff, Cruise Planners 3 Norwichbookthatescape.com airplane: photo by phive2015 / Adobestock.com

SELF STORAGE

1 Rent-A-Space

934 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, 860-444-1912; 175 Cross Road, Waterford, 860-444-1912; 9 King Arthur Drive, Niantic, 860-739-3386; rent-a-space.com

Rent-A-Space offers secure and convenient premier storage units. Terra Firma Self Storage 2 Gales Ferry; terrafirmaus.com 3 Route 32 Self Storage Montville

flanderspediatrics.com

We provide you with the highest quality pediatric Healthcare! Serving the community for over 20 years!

The Art of Whimsical!

Thank You for Voting! 860.739.0348 • www.flanderspediatrics.com • 305 Flanders Rd, East Lyme, CT 06333

Party Boat Fishing at its Finest OU THANK Y G! FOR VOTIN

860-448-3662 • Niantic, CT

BlackHawkSportFishing.com 54

on the shoreline

1275 Boston Post Road Westbrook, CT

860.399.6161 www.westbrookfloor.com

Tues - Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat. Hours: 10am - 2pm Closed Sun & Mon Evening Appointments Available

LOCAL EXPERTS. ONE TRUSTED NAME.

Agota Perry-Hill Madison 505.463.2036

Allison Ciarcia One Team Guilford 860.227.2259

Candice Sette Madison 203.214.3198

Claudia Bartlett Guilford 203.415.4195

Deborah Rowe Deborah Rowe Team Guilford 203.589.1442

The Popolizio Team Frank and Diane Guilford 203.494.7435

Jaime Serapilia Dasilva Old Saybrook 860.681.3654

Jane Cardarelli Madison 203.605.9485

Jodi Serapilia Old Saybrook 860.919.7402

Kling Donegan Team Branford KD Kling 203.671.7348 Stephanie Donegan 203.506.0836

Kelly Whiteman The Whiteman Team Guilford 607.434.1865

Kristaliz Cordero Branford 203.815.6397

Leigh Whiteman The Whiteman Team Guilford 203.430.1467

Leslie Richo Madison 203.710.2498

Lesley Pascale Guilford 203.710.9650

Linda Heinig Guilford 203.623.4959

Lindsay Greenberg Vicky & Team Branford 203.675.7492

Lisa Daniele Madison 203.996.1011

Lisa Edgerton Guilford 203.533.1123

Marji Kochis Madison 203.430.1288

Inman Innovators Award 2023

CT | FL | MA | NY | SC

Inman Innovators Award 2023

CT | FL | MA | NY | SC

Nick Prevost Old Saybrook 860.333.6330

Rhoda Winik Guilford 203.996.1172

Suzanne McConville Madison 201.725.1845

Tracy Bonito Guilford 203.772.5319

1 0 8 0 M A I N S T, B R A N F O R D , C T 0 6 4 0 5 • 2 0 3 . 4 3 3 . 4 3 8 7 | 2 1 W H I T F I E L D S T, G U I L F O R D , C T 0 6 4 3 7 • 2 0 3 . 4 5 3 . 0 3 9 1 7 0 9 B O S T O N P O S T R D , M A D I S O N , C T 0 6 4 4 3 • 2 0 3 . 3 1 8 . 3 5 7 0 | 3 3 M A I N S T, O L D S A Y B R O O K , C T 0 6 4 7 5 • 8 6 0 . 3 8 8 . 3 9 3 6

Inman Innovators Award 2023

CT | FL | MA | NY | SC

Inman Innovators Award 2023

CT | FL | MA | NY | SC

BEST OF THE

BEST

1 Past to Present

260 Main Street, Niantic; 860-449-3312

Past to Present in Niantic is a unique store of antique treasures, from home accessories to old tools and hardware. 2 MINE in Mystic Mystic Friedman Found 3 Waterford; friedmanfound.com APPLIANCES

shopping

1 Keith’s Appliances

2 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, 860-889-2093; 320 W Thames Street, Norwich, 860-889-2093; keithsappliances.com

25 Stonington Road, Mystic; 860-572-7433; mysticcyclecentre.com

Mystic Cycle Centre is a full-service store that sells many bikes and offers repair services. Niantic Bay Bicycles 2 Niantic; nianticbaybicycles.com Wayfarer Bicycle 3 New London; wayfarerbicycle.com BOOKS

1 Book Barn

41 W Main Street, Niantic, 860-739-5715; 65 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, 860-691-8078; 55 W Main Street, Niantic, 860-739-0277; bookbarnniantic.com

The Book Barn in Niantic contains over 500,000 used and rare books, gardens, goats, and cats spread throughout its themed buildings. Bank Square Books 2 Mystic; banksquarebooks.com 3 The Golden Owl New London; goldenowl.shop

AUTO DEALERSHIP (NEW)

BOUTIQUE

1 Bob Valenti Automall

72 Jerry Browne Road, Mystic; 401-322-7200; bobvalenti.com

Bob Valenti Automall has provided customers with the Valenti value, honesty, integrity, and an enjoyable experience for almost 100 years. Toyota of Colchester 2 Colchester; toyotaofcolchester.com 3 Secor Subaru New London; secorsubaru.com AUTO DEALERSHIP (PRE-OWNED)

1 Eazy Auto

101 Merchants Avenue, Taftville; 860-574-4115; eazyautoct.com

Eazy Auto specializes in finding quality used vehicles with clean Carfax reports. 2 Bob Valenti Automall Mystic; bobvalenti.com East Coast Auto Sales & Service 3 Center Griswold; eastcoastautogroupllc.com

Street Soap 1 Main Emporium 22 E Main Street, Mystic; 860-389-0155; mainstsoap.com

Main Street Soap Emporium in Mystic offers handcrafted bath and body products, dog shampoo, towels, and gift baskets. It is the perfect place to get items for gift-giving and self-care. 2 Kettlepot Soap Ledyard; kettlepotsoap.com 3 Natural Food Store Niantic; naturalfs.com

on the shoreline

1 Mystic Cycle Centre

Keith’s Appliances in Mystic and Norwich offers the best service, delivery, installation, and savings on kitchen and home appliances. Shore Appliances 2 Groton, Clinton, Old Saybrook; Wickford Appliance Sales & Service 3 Westerly, RI; wickfordappliance.com/index.html

BATH & BODY PRODUCTS

BICYCLES

1 Grace

46 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic; 860-739-4333; shopatgrace.com

Grace Boutique in Niantic is a modern boutique that mixes a New England coastal feel with the free-spirited California style. 2 Peppergrass & Tulip Mystic Port + Willow Boutique 3 Essex; portandwillow.com CONSIGNMENTS OR THRIFT STORE

Consignment 1 Pennywise Shop 22 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic; 860-572-9232; pennywisemystic.com

Pennywise Consignment Shop offers brand-name apparel, handbags, and shoes for men and women. 2 Sadie’s Closet Griswold 3 Serendipthrifty Groton; serendipthrifty.com CRAFTS & SCRAPBOOKING

1 Driftwood Yarns

1 Fort Hill Road, Groton; 860-415-8118; driftwoodyarns.com

Driftwood Yarns in Groton has a premium selection of needles, hooks, notions, and yarn for all crafting needs. KnittyGrittyYarnGirl Yarn Shop 2 Niantic; knittygrittyyarngirl.com Pinspiration East Lyme; 3 pinspiration.com/locations/eastlyme

bags: photo by exopixel / Adobestock.com

ANTIQUES

shopping EYEWEAR

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS

1 Shades of Mystic

1 Coastal Gifts on Main

Shades of Mystic is a fun and friendly family-run sunglass store in Historic Downtown Mystic. Shoreline Eye Group Optical Shop 2 Waterford; shorelineeyegroup.com 3 The Eyeglass Lass Mystic; eyeglasslass.com

Coastal Gifts on Main is a one-stop gift shop in Niantic where you can find comfortable apparel and coastal gifts. 2 The Bowerbird Old Lyme; thebowerbird.com The Little Shop in the Woods 3 North Stonington

3 Water Street, Unit 101, Mystic; 860-572-0081

FEED & GRAIN

1 Fleming’s Feed & Hardware 786 Stonington Road, Stonington, 860-535-3181; 353 Route 165, Preston, 860-889-7536; flemingsfeed.com

Fleming’s Feed & Hardware is locally owned and operated, offering both contactfree curbside pickup and delivery. Holdridge Home & Garden 2 Ledyard; holdridgegarden.com Wild Birds Unlimited 3 Niantic; niantic.wbu.com FLOWERS

1 Fisher Florist

87 Broad Street, New London; 860-442-9456; fisherfloristcorp.com

Fisher Florist Broad in New London offers fresh flower delivery. They are 100% floristdesigned and hand-delivered to make every moment and occasion extraordinary. Thames River Greenery 2 New London; thamesriver.com Jewett City Florist & Greenhouse 3 Jewett City; jewettcityflorist.com FOOTWEAR

1 Kelley’s Pace R.E.M Boot Company 2 Groton; rembootco.com 3 Clinton Bootery Clinton; clintonbootery.com

FOOTWEAR | SPORTING GOODS

Kelley’s Pace 27 Coogan Boulevard #15C, Mystic; 860-536-8175; kelleyspacemystic.com

Kelley’s Pace in Mystic has a knowledgeable staff trained to help people find the perfect running, walking, or fitness shoes.

266 Main Street #B, Niantic; 860-451-8566;

GROCERY STORE

1 McQuade’s Marketplace

14 Clara Drive, Mystic, 401-596-2054; 106 Main Street, Westerly, 401-596-2054; mcquadesmarket.com

McQuade’s Marketplace in Mystic and Westerly is a locally owned and operated full-service grocery store. It offers quality without compromise in pickup catering, prepared foods, a butcher shop, fresh seafood, deli, cheese, fresh produce, and more. Fiddleheads Food Co-op 2 New London; fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com Tri-Town Foods 3 East Lyme; eastlyme.adamshometownmarkets.com HARDWARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT

Hardware Rental 1 Johnson’s and Repair 40 Fort Hill Road, Groton; 860-448-1760; johnsonsrental.com

Johnson’s Hardware Rental and Repair in Groton was founded on quality products and personalized customer service over 90 years ago, and it continues to provide this to its family of general contractors, local businesses, homeowners, and hobbyists. Holdridge Home & Garden 2 Ledyard; holdridgegarden.com Montville True Value Hardware 3 Uncasville HEARING AID RETAILER

Hearing and 1 County Balance 167 Parkway N, Waterford, 860-390-4064; 495 Gold Star Highway, Groton, 860-598-4020; 18 Oneco Street, Norwich, 860-854-8460; 900 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, 860-661-4054; 82 Bradley Road, Madison, 203-350-0373; 198 South Main Street, Middletown, 860-316-2353; countyhearingandbalance.com

County Hearing and Balance strives to understand its clients’ specific needs and work with them to develop a personalized solution with unparalleled service and exceptional care. Thames Hearing Services 2 East Lyme; thameshearing.com Beltone Hearing Aid Center 3 Groton, Norwich, Westerly; beltonene.com

JEWELRY

1 Mallove’s Jewelers

262 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-442-4391; mallovejewelers.com

Mallove’s Jewelers has been in business for over 100 years and is committed to its historic legacy of trust. They boast the region’s largest selection of diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and GIA-certified diamonds. Grader Jewelers 2 Groton, Norwich; graderjewelers.com Simply Majestic 3 Stonington; simplymajestic.com MUSIC OR INSTRUMENTS

1 Stewart’s Music

171 Main Street, Niantic; 860-739-4141; stewartsmusicct.com

Stewart’s Music in Niantic provides the eastern Connecticut area with professional instrument repairs, rentals, sales, and lessons. Gibson’s Music & More 2 Jewett City; gibsonsoap.com Telegraph Autonomous Zone 3 New London; telegraphnl.com ORGANIC/HEALTH & WELLNESS

1 Fiddleheads Food Co-op 13 Broad Street, New London; 860-701-9123; fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com

Fiddlehead’s Co-op in New London is open to all. It is supported by over 4,000 local owners who prioritize healthy, local, and sustainable products. Bay Mountain AG 2 Preston; baymountainag.com 3 Natural Food Store Niantic; naturalfs.com PICTURE FRAMING

33 Art & Frame 1 Studio Gallery 140 Bank Street, New London; 860-442-6355; studio33gallery.com

Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery in New London offers conservation-quality custom framing. They also offer photo restoration and reproduction, paper restoration, frame repair and restoration, and more. Framers of the Lost Art 2 Mystic; finerlinegallery.com/custom-framing Artisan Framing & Gallery 3 Niantic; artisanframingandgallery.com

AUGUST 2025

shopping

BEST OF THE

BEST

PRODUCE & FARM STAND

1 Holmberg Orchards 1990 Route 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7305; holmbergorchards.com

Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry is open daily and offers fresh produce and specialties such as pasta, sauces, soups, and more. 2 Malerba’s Farm Norwich 3 Whittle’s Willow Spring Farm Mystic

SPORTING GOODS

1 Kelley’s Pace Wayfarer Bicycle 2 New London; wayfarerbicycle.com Action Sports 3 Old Saybrook; actionsportsct.com WINE & SPIRITS

1 Mermaid Liquors 159 Main Street, Niantic; 860-739-2300;

SPECIALTY FOOD STORE

1 Fish Niantic

316 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 959-213-6874; nianticfish.com

Fish Niantic is a fish market owned and operated by a local fisherman offering fresh, locally caught seafood, shellfish, lobsters, oysters, clams, crabs, and fish. Fiddleheads Food Co-op 2 New London; fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant 3 East Lyme; flandersfish.com

Mermaid Liquors is a store offering a variety of choices at fair prices with helpful staff. Shoreline Super Liquors Waterford; 2 shoreline.superliquorsct.com 3 Oak Tree Wine & Spirits Groton Spencer & Lynn Wine and Spirit 3 Merchants Mystic; spencerandlynn.com

WIRELESS & ELECTRONICS

Wireless Zone of 1 Verizon Groton & New London 351 N Frontage Road, Suite B11, New London, 860-448-9000; 220 Route 12, Suite 4, Groton; 860-448-9000; shop.wirelesszone.com

Verizon Wireless Zone of Groton & New London are one-stop shops for phone and wireless needs, offering the latest devices with Verizon network coverage for consumers and businesses. 2 Lou’s Computers Mystic; louscomputers.com SoundCraft Car Stereo 3 Waterford; soundcraftcarstereo.com

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on the shoreline

SoundCommunityServices

Bridging the Community by Providing Behavioral Health Services

at Coldwell Banker Realty

Real Estate Agents & Remodeling Consultants Backed by over 80 combined years of marketing, sales, construction, and real estate experience, our team stands as a beacon of knowledge and professionalism.

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Home Care Services (non-medical). Mental Health Provider.

Whether you’re buying or selling, make the right choice— contact our team for unparalleled service along the CT shoreline in 2024. Your trusted real estate team awaits, ready to exceed your expectations.

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FAIR TRADE GOODS, GIFTS AND DECOR, WELLNESS & MORE

Ryan Connelly 203.668.9050 ryan.connelly@cbrealty.com Erin Connelly 203.668.9696 erin.connelly@cbrealty.com

LOCATED lN THE VELVET MILL SOUTH STUDIOS #7 22 BAYVIEW AVE, STONINGTON

Frank Connelly 203.605.1491 frank.connelly@cbrealty.com

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US FOR BEST PET GROOMING!

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weddings

BEST OF THE

BEST

BRIDAL OR FORMAL WEAR

1 Enchanted Bridal & Tux

36 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic; 860-912-8060; enchantedbridaltux.com

Enchanted Bridal & Tux caters to all your wedding needs, from wedding dresses, veils, and hair accessories to tuxedos, suits, and accessories. Love Me Forever Bridal 2 Danielson; loveme4everbridal.com Love Bird Bridal Shop 3 Mystic; lovebirdbridalshop.com

Peanut Hut Feeder with Peanuts, In Shell Blue Jay

PLANNING, CONSULTANT & SERVICES

Landon 1 Jenna Coastal Gourmet

PO Box 280, West Mystic; 860-572-1111; coastalgourmetcatering.com

Whether you are planning the most intimate of weddings, a gathering of friends and family, a fundraiser, or a corporate event, you need a caterer that is as unique as you are. Coastal Gourmet Catering has provided fine food and service for nearly three decades at dozens of venues. RJ Stewart Events 2 Niantic; rjstewartevents.com Mystic River Entertainment 3 Mystic; mysticriverentertainment.com

Provide Peanuts to Energize Your Birds

Make Your Yard a

Nesting Pla 190 Flanders Rd., Niantic, CT (860) 739-7302 wbu.com/niantic

Help your birds prepare for success during ne

on the shoreline

Carolina Chickadee Nest Box

1 Evergreen Farms

204 Hartford Turnpike, Dayville; 860-407-2022; evergreenfarms22.com

Evergreen Farms adorns a blend of modern elegance and rustic charm with various settings to hold photo sessions and ceremonies. This venue has everything from the emerald green tree farm to the grand rustic 1950s barn. Sweet Hill Farm 2 Gales Ferry; sweethillfarmct.com Wrights Mill Farm 3 Canterbury; wrightsmillfarm.com

flowers: photo by Anastasiia Malinich / Adobestock.com cake: photo by New Africa / Adobestock.com

weddings

WEDDING VENUE/BANQUET HALL

521 Boston Post Rd, Waterford, CT

THANKS FOR VOTING FOR US

Best Ice Cream! Call (860) 574-9020

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Serving Connecticut for over 45 years

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Peace of mind is within reach. Our window coverings fit your style and needs. With a helpful expert by your side, shopping for window treatments can actually be a treat. Call 860.399.6442 or text 860.689.1561 for a free in-home consultation. I budgetblinds.com/oldsaybrook An authorized dealer of

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AUGUST 2025

plays of the season The Best of the Best GameDay categories originally included Plays of the Season, but there were too few total nominations to move forward with voting. Since there were some terrific nominations, we wanted to make sure to highlight them!

Tyler Mangual

Sophia Gouveia

GAME WINNING SHOT FOR ST. BERNARD AT NOTRE DAME PREP

OVERTIME GAME WINNER FOR WOODSTOCK GIRLS’ HOCKEY VS. FAIRFIELD

Mangual, a St. Bernard senior, made a buzzer-beating shot to help the Saints not only win a game, but vault into the state’s No. 1 ranking at the time. St. Bernard became the first school from the ECC to be ranked No. 1 since Kris Dunn’s New London teams of 2011-12.

Gouveia, a standout lacrosse player at Wheeler, plays on the cooperative hockey team at Woodstock. Her goal in overtime, assisted by Ellary Samson, defeated Fairfield 3-2 on December 18. 2024.

Chase Gilbert

Elliott Childs

RAN A 4:44 MILE AT THE STATE OPEN

BROKE THE HURDLE RECORD AT WATERFORD TWICE; BROKE ECC HURDLES RECORD

St. Bernard School

Lyme-Old Lyme High School

Gilbert, a multiple time Day Athlete of the Year in cross country and outdoor track, was challenged at the 2025 Indoor Track State Open, running against schools of all sizes and strengths across Connecticut. She set the State Open record in the 1,600 in 4 minutes, 44.68 seconds, then eclipsed the New England championship record in the mile in 4:48.45.

on the shoreline

Wheeler High School

Waterford High School

Childs, in his senior year, twice broke the Waterford school record in hurdle events, including at the Tetlow Relays in late April. He went on to set the ECC record before being named to the Class M All-State team in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles.

Tyler Mangual; Elliot Childs; Chris Amy: p hotos by Sarah Gordon / The Day Chase Gilbert; Alex Startz: Photos by Peter Huoppi / the day Sophia Gouveia, shown at a game against Montville: Photo by dana Jensen / the day

By Mike DiMauro

gameday

on Alex Startz, Waterford High School

Chris Amy, Norwich Free Academy

BUTTERFLY, WATERFORD SWIMMING VS. FITCH

SET STATE RECORD IN SHOT PUT

Startz made The Day’s Athletes of the Future Great Eight Plays of the Week by rallying to win the 100-meter butterfly during a regular season meet against Fitch. Startz trailed until the final 25 meters of the race.

Amy broke the school record four times in one season, the final of which came in the Class LL indoor championships in New Haven. Amy’s effort of 65 feet, 7 inches is the all-time state record. NFA coach Ted Koziol called it a “once-in-a-generation type throw.”

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AUGUST 2025

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We get the job done right in a safe and professional manner at a fair price. Text your name, address and pictures of your trees for quicker estimate.

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Thetroveoldsaybrook.com Thetrove@comcast.net 1353 & 1383 Boston Post Road Old Saybrook, CT Thank you for Voting for Us for Best Builder or Contractor!

2023

2024

4 Blacksmith Dr. Ledyard CT 06339 O: 860.572.9606 nutmegbuildingremodeling.com

Thank You!

Our Reputation is Spotless! to our customers, our dedicated staff and everyone who voted for us making these awards possible. You are the foundation of our business success and we appreciate your continued loyalty.

Alterations & Tailor ing thing Clo

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565 Colman St. New London 860.447.8220 M-F: 7am-7:30pm, Sat; 7am-3pm

79 Pennsylvania Ave. Niantic 860.739.7867 M-F: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-1pm AUGUST 2025

a century of cre Lyme Art Association

at the

Randie Kahrl, Lemons And Basket, oil.

on the shoreline

Anne Bingham-Pierson, Maine Lighthouse, watercolor.

MEET THE ARTISTS By Alicia Gomez Photos courtesy of Lyme Art Association ust off Lyme Street in the heart of Old Lyme’s historic district sits a bright, skylit building that has served as a creative hub for over a century. This is the home of the Lyme Art Association, a gallery and education center dedicated to keeping the tradition of representational fine art alive and thriving. The association was formed in 1914 by members of the Lyme Art Colony—American Impressionist painters who lived and worked together at Florence Griswold’s boarding house, a place now recognized as the birthplace of American Impressionism. Florence Griswold later sold a portion of her land to the group, allowing them to build a dedicated exhibition space, which officially opened in 1921. The association shares a deep history with the neighboring Florence Griswold

reativity Art Association Museum, and the connection between the two institutions remains strong. “[The LAA] is rooted in our history and powered by the creativity and excellence of our members,” says Elsbeth Dowd, the executive director. Today, the LAA has approximately 700 members and showcases over 2,000 works annually through rotating exhibitions. It hosts up to 15 juried shows each year, attracting artists and visitors from across New England. In addition to its gallery exhibitions, the association offers a wide range of educational programs, including

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every artist in the Lyme Art Association. For information on other artists, visit lymeartassociation.org.

Melissa Imossi

Fall Reflections, Oil Melissa Imossi is a contemporary realist painter based in Madison, known for her striking close-up studies of nature that highlight symmetry and the movement of light. Her work draws viewers into detailed explorations of single subjects, from botanicals to the shifting water surfaces inspired by the lake near her home.

Brian McClear

For Keeps, Oil on Canvas Brian McClear creates representational paintings that blend bold, intuitive brushwork with a keen sense of form and texture, working primarily in oil. His subjects—ranging from portraits to everyday objects—often carry layers of meaning, humor, or commentary, inviting viewers to look closer. His work is recognized for capturing not just what we see, but the mood and story behind each piece.

AUGUST 2025

Summer is here and the market is still hot.

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Platinum Award Winner, Essex Brokerage, 2024 917.207.2762 trupp@williampitt.com • tinarupp.williampitt.com Essex Brokerage: 13 Main Street, Essex, CT

Source: William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty 2024 Awards Recognition, Essex Brokerage. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

4 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355 860-415-9564

860.536.5366 3175 GOLD STAR HWY. MYSTIC, CT

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on the shoreline

MEET THE ARTISTS art classes, lectures, and hands-on workshops that cater to artists of all experience levels. The Lyme Art Association also works to engage the broader community. From seasonal family events like Pumpkin Day to its annual Young Artists Exhibition, the LAA offers welcoming, interactive experiences for all ages. “We truly think of ourselves as a place where every artist and art-lover can find a home,” Dowd says. For some artists, that sense of community is vital. “For me, being part of LAA has a feeling of family, not just business,” Judy Perry, a member of the LAA says. “The staff’s support and belief in my efforts to express myself through my work lifts me up and encourages me to explore my creative abilities further.” The exhibitions rotate every eight weeks and cover a wide spectrum of themes and techniques, all rooted in representational art. The LAA’s annual lineup includes a mix of longtime favorites and newer shows, with titles like Ship to Shore, New England Landscape, and Deck the Walls, a holiday exhibition that closes out the year. Some exhibitions focus on specific media or subjects, while others showcase the range and depth of the association’s membership. Each show is juried by a different guest— often a professional artist, curator, or gallerist—who selects the work independently. This rotating panel approach keeps the exhibitions fresh and gives artists a chance to be evaluated from different artistic perspectives. This summer marks the 104th presentation of the Elected Artists Show, a highlight of the Lyme Art Association’s calendar, available on view from July 25 to September 4. The exhibition showcases the work of its most accomplished artists—those elected by their peers in recognition of their mastery and continued contributions to the tradition of American representational art. Running concurrently is Red Hot, a juried

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every artist in the Lyme Art Association. For information on other artists, visit lymeartassociation.org.

Judy Perry After a serious car accident in 2009, Judy Perry turned to painting local ocean and marsh landscapes as part of her recovery—a series she describes as her “healing waters.” Working from her studio in Old Saybrook, she strives to capture not just what she sees, but the deeper mood and spirit of each scene. As Leah Lopez Schmalz, an arts writer from Harbor News, wrote, Perry “moves Herding Cats, pastel beyond painting parts and forms, and manages to paint a true snapshot of the essence in that instant,” aiming to create an emotional connection that stays with the viewer.

Paul F. Loescher

Connections, Watercolor An architect by training and a watercolorist by passion, Paul Loescher first began painting beside a quiet mountain lake in Maine. His work balances intention and spontaneity, embracing the way pigment and water interact on paper to create atmosphere and mood. Light is central to his compositions, which suggest rather than spell out every detail, encouraging viewers to finish the story themselves. Paul also handcrafts his own frames from cherry, maple, or walnut, finishing them with a natural tung oil to complement each piece.

AUGUST 2025

ABOVE Bernard McTigue, Priest Family Farm, oil on linen. BELOW Painters at work at the Lyme Art Association. BOTTOM LEFT Lisa Miceli, Mystic Drawbridge, plein air, oil on canvas. BOTTOM RIGHT Beverly Schirmeier, Complementary Colors, pastel.

on the shoreline

show that explores the emotional and visual impact of the color red. Member artists interpreted the theme in varied ways, from bold, saturated statements to subtle crimson undertones. Also on view is the New Haven Paint & Clay Club Select Members Exhibition, featuring work by selected artists including Aspasia Anos, Jill Abele Butcher, William Butcher, Frank Bruckmann, and Heidi Harrington. Among this year’s standout artists is Brian McClear, whose still life “For Keeps” blends meticulous technique with playful meaning. The painting features a set of marbles—one resembling the Earth—placed atop an anvil, creating a visual metaphor about environmental stakes and fragility. McClear is known for paintings that double as wordplay or commentary, offering layers of interpretation while maintaining a strong connection to form and craft. Artists in the Lyme Art Association say they feel grateful to be able to have the Connecticut shoreline as their muse. “Living on a marsh next to Long Island Sound, I have the privilege to witness nature at her best," Perry says. "The colors of the changing seasons take my breath away and push me to interpret those colors through pastel. Spending time with the movement of the waves has not only helped in my healing journey but has resonated with viewers—after all, we are all healing from something.”

MEET THE ARTISTS Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every artist in the Lyme Art Association. For information on other artists, visit lymeartassociation.org.

The association’s roster includes many artists based in southeastern Connecticut, such as Del-Bourree Bach, Serena Bates, and Melissa Imossi, as well as several teaching artists who lead workshops and classes through the LAA. Whether it’s oil painting, portraiture, pastels, or landscape work, the LAA serves as both an exhibiting space and a year-round learning environment. Beyond the gallery walls, the association plays an active role in Old Lyme’s cultural life. It co-organizes the town’s annual Midsummer Festival, draws families to seasonal events like Pumpkin Day and Family Day, and creates space for the next generation of artists through its Young Artists Exhibition. Children are encouraged to visit year-round, with hands-on activities, drawing supplies, and even an in-gallery story library to spark creative curiosity. The building itself is as much a part of the experience as the artwork inside. Designed by noted architect Charles A. Platt, who also worked on major museums in Washington, D.C., and New London, the gallery was constructed to prioritize natural light, an essential element for both artists and viewers. The skylights, which were recently updated, continue to provide optimal conditions for displaying work. For over a century, the Lyme Art Association has stood as a gathering space for artists and art enthusiasts in southeastern Connecticut. Today, it continues to support artists at all levels, welcome visitors of all ages, and foster connections through visual art. With new exhibitions rolling out every few weeks, there’s always something new to see—and a reason to return.

Drawing on the traditions of the Hudson River School and the Old Lyme artists, Barbara’s landscapes capture the romance of color and light, often described as visual poetry. Working mostly en plein air, she honors nature by painting directly from observation, whether along the shoreline or on remote islands she’s explored. Her lifelong connection to the sea and coastlines shapes her work, infusing each canvas with a sense of place and quiet wonder.

The Lyme Art Association is located at 90 Lyme Street in Old Lyme. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, or by appointment. Visit lymeartassociation.org or call 860-434-7802 for more information.

Combining an artist’s eye with a background in science and engineering, Richard Nazzaro creates paintings that explore the interplay of color, light, and composition. Richard brings both technical insight and creative vision to his art, shaped by studies in photography and formal training at institutions such as the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.

Barbara Lussier

skyline, Oil

Richard Nazzaro

Eolia wedding, Oil

AUGUST 2025

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By Cris Cadiz hether you enjoy oysters on the half shell— relishing their raw, briny essence—or prefer them fried, roasted, or Rockefeller-style, Connecticut’s new Oyster Trail guides seafood lovers to the best spots to enjoy and purchase these coastal delicacies. Historically, wild oysters were an easily harvested dietary staple of Indigenous people and early settlers along Connecticut’s shoreline. Due to overfishing and subsequent regulations, farmers began cultivating oysters in artificially seeded beds in the Long Island Sound, where the mollusks naturally thrive. By the late 19th century, Connecticut’s oyster industry was booming. Norwalk was known as "Oyster Town” and boasted the world’s largest fleet of oyster steamships. By the early 1900s, Connecticut produced 25 million pounds of oyster meat, beating New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Overfishing, severe storms, pollution, and weak demand led to the industry’s decline in the 20th century.

Today, the state’s oyster aquaculture is making a comeback. Last year, Governor Ned Lamont declared Connecticut “the Napa Valley of oysters” as the Oyster Trail was launched. The state tourism website, CTVisit.com, offers a map with locations and links to places where oysters are sold and served. According to Governor Lamont, the Oyster Trail aims to help “reclaim our place at the forefront of this maritime and culinary tradition.” The CT Oyster Trail includes over a dozen farms and over 20 restaurants and stores throughout the state. If you have never tried this delicious mollusk, trust expert and oyster ambassador Rachel Precious on why and how to savor our official state shellfish—the eastern oyster. Rachel graduated with a degree in wildlife conservation biology and then explored the world working abroad. In 2016, she returned to her hometown of Westport to work on oyster boats, learning all aspects of the industry, including the essential skill of how to properly shuck oysters. She then founded Precious Oys-

LEFT Chef shucking oysters at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill in New Haven. P hoto Courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism ABOVE Max’s Oyster Bar, West Hartford. Photo Courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism RIGHT Oyster Club, Mystic. Photo Courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism

AUGUST 2025

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ters, a raw bar catering service that transcends merely feeding people. The company also aims to educate and inspire environmental stewardship. “Oysters encapsulate so many things I’m passionate about: the ocean, farming, sustainability and conservation, and community,” Precious says. “Something as simple as learning about oyster shell recycling, for example, can educate people about the importance of oyster beds as ‘living reefs,’ which help stabilize our coastlines and protect them from the impacts of climate change.” Oysters are as important to our local culture and environment as they are tasty. According to Precious, most oyster farms are small, local businesses, so eating oysters supports coastal communities. Farmed oysters are a sustainable crop requiring no fertilizer or antibiotics. They improve marine ecosystems by filtering excess nutrients and protecting shorelines. Oysters are a keystone species that serve as an early indicator of ocean health, playing a vital role in conservation and climate resilience.

ABOVE Rachel Precious, owner of Precious Oysters, shucks a freshly-harvested oyster for a wedding guest. Photo by The One Eleven Collective BELOW Niantic Bay Shellfish Farm. P hoto Courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism

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ABOVE Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook. Photo Courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism BELOW Liv’s Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook. P hoto Courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism

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Although Precious thinks the most memorable oyster experience someone can have is getting a recreational shellfish permit and harvesting wild Connecticut oysters, she loves to support shoreline farms and restaurants. She encourages experienced oyster fans to use the CT Oyster Trail to discover a new place. "Oysters are a highly seasonal product,” she says. “The same oyster can taste different at different times of the year, and purveyors are constantly changing their menus.” She suggests that newbies insist on well-shucked oysters. “No one likes to slurp an oyster only to get a mouthful of shell bits or find the meat still stuck to the shell,” she says. “To find a great place for a first oyster experience, check out a restaurant’s social media or website first. Take a look at oysters they’ve chosen to highlight: if they look appetizing, with clean shells and meat intact, then enjoy your visit!” A companion article, “Five Tips for Tasting Connecticut Oysters,” linked to the Oyster Trail web page, offers a video and tasting tips from Precious, which is ideal for both novices and oyster addicts. Another “oyster-forward” project launched last year by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Agriculture is the award-winning short documentary Rising Tide to Table. This 10-minute film showcases stunning coastal scenery while celebrating the state’s thriving oyster industry Precious Oysters is through the story of Stonington based in southwestern Farms Shellfish—a family-run Connecticut, serving much business whose commitment to of the tri-state area. Visit one another and to raising prispreciousoysters.com for more information. tine oysters is a labor of love.

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CT Oyster Trail Explore these regional locations and more statewide by visiting ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-oyster-trail.

Eastern shoreline oyster farms Mystic Oysters, Noank Noank Oysters, Noank Riverhawk Oysters, Stonington Indian River Shellfish, Madison Leetes Island Oysters, Stony Creek Niantic Bay Oysters, Niantic Sixpenny Oyster Farm, Noank Stonington Farms Oysters, Mystic

Restaurants Westbrook Lobster, Clinton S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar, Mystic Oyster Club, Mystic The Wharf Restaurant, Madison Water Street Café, Stonington Sellfish Restaurant, New London Tony D’s, New London Flanders Fish Market, East Lyme Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook Liv’s Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook The Dock, Waterford

Stores Seawell Seafood, Mason’s Island, Mystic Flanders Fish Market, East Lyme

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“The Connecticut oyster has long been a favorite for its full-bodied, yet light and pillowy texture and its mild, well-balanced brine that imparts a sweet, crisp, and clean finish.” Rachel Precious Eastern Oyster: photo by Sergey Shcherbakov / Adobestock.com

The Eastern oyster was designated as the Connecticut State Shellfish by the General Assembly in 1989.

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill in New Haven. Photo Courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism

AUGUST 2025

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