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EDITOR
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
ALICIA GOMEZ
H
From the editor
Elle Rahilly
i everyone, Spring, my favorite season, is finally here! Not only am I excited Late summer on the shoreline alwaysbut felt like about the warm has weather, I a season of its own. The days are still warm enough to spend by the water, yet hints of autumn begin to take shape in cooler also cannot leaves. wait toCalendars watch nature evenings and changing fill with the return to school, orchard visits and fall festivals. It’s the perfect time to enjoy everything our area has to offer, and this flourish. There is no better time issue celebrates the people andshoreline places that makeInit this so special. to explore all the offers. issue, you will findofmany ways to make the most ofsit theatseason here. Our 2026 Best the Best Readers’ Choice Awards the center of the issue. Each year, hundredsDiscover of thousands of readers take the time to nominate and vote for their Haflinger Farms, a charming pick-yourfavorite local businesses, organizations, professionals, artists and athletes throughout own daffodil andit’sgreenhouse farmtoinreveal Higganum, as the awards eastern Connecticut. While always exciting the winners, represent something bigger final results. it opens much its doors forthan the the season in April, welcoming visitors to enjoy fields of vibrant flowers. This year This contest is a reminder of the critical role local businesses playisin defining the character ofespecially our communities. are the independent special They because it celebrates 30 restaurants, years withneighborhood shops and family-owned businesses that give each of our towns its own a lineup of free and family-friendly events. Be sure to identity while supporting local organizations, schools and charitable causes along the way. read the history of this farm and why it makes the When we choose spendouting. our dollars locally, we invest in the places we call home. perfecttospring These awards are our opportunity to recognize those who continue to make that Spring marks the return of year’s the hummingbirds! investment every day.also Congratulations to this finalists, and thank you to everyone who tookare thelooking time to participate. If you for a fun spring project, try making a hummingbird to support these tiny visitors. In Arts Center This issue also tells the storyfeeder of a milestone close to home. As the Garde marks its centennial, lookonly backtell at you the historic theater that has this issue, we not how to New makeLondon your own welcomed generations doors whilefrom continually reinventing feeders, butthrough we also its gain insight local experts into itself to serve the community. A century on State Street pulls the curtain back on how the Garde how birds travel thousandsdefining of milescultural to maketreasures, their remains one of these southeastern Connecticut’s and what lies ahead. journey here each spring. If you for time a newoutdoors book to enjoy a sunny If you’re looking to are soaklooking up more beforeon the season turns, Camp Connecticut afternoon, explores some the sit state’s best places pitchfrom a tent,one park whyofnot outside with atobook ofan RV or settle into a cabin. beachside campgrounds quiet retreats, ourFrom talented shoreline authors? Itoam sureforest you will find there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a few more nights under the stars as summer gives way to fall. something perfect for the season in our round-up. In this issue’s Good taste,iswe head Marker of 37 in Essex and The FatitTuna Spring also thetoseason renewal, making the in Waterford, where waterfront views are paired with thoughtfully crafted coastal cuisine. We’ve perfect time New to give back. chowder Considerrecipe donating to along local also included Fat Tuna’s England to enjoy after the season has passed.food bank to help neighbors in need. Tell mecooler, your favorite local spring activity on the On for the season As the evenings grow Fall into fiction offers five engaging novels ahead, while our calendar is packed with festivals, workshops and events through the Shoreline Facebook page! early October.Happy Spring! However you spend these last few weeks of summer and headSincerely, into autumn, I hope the pages ahead leave you feeling inspired to embrace the transition.
4
Elle Rahilly
on the shoreline
Alicia Gomez
THE DAY PUBLISHING COMPANY 860-442-2200
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DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHER SALES PRESIDENT AND j.mitchell@theday.com Timothy C. Dwyer | t.dwyer@theday.com SHORE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR MANAGER OF OPERATIONS Laura Robida l.robida@shorepublishing.com Anna Miller | a.miller@theday.com SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR SHORE EDITOR Alicia GomezPUBLICATIONS a.gomez@shorepublishing.com Laura Robida | l.robida@shorepublishing.com LAYOUT EDITOR BarbMAGAZINE Dunn b.dunn@theday.com EDITOR Elle Rahilly | e.rahilly@theday.com ADVERTISING SALES James Mitchell
Rebecca Angelastro r.angelastro@theday.com ADVERTISING SALES Laura Carpenter l.carpenter@shorepublishing.com Rebecca Angelastro r.angelastro@theday.com Victoria Courtney | v.courtney@theday.com Cindy Breckheimer | c.breckheimer@shorepublishing.com Khaleed Fields k.fields@theday.com Victoria Courtney | v.courtney@theday.com Lori Gregan l.gregan@shorepublishing.com Jack Hyzak | l.gregan@shorepublishing.com j.hyzak@shorepublishing.com Lori Gregan BetsyLemkin Lemkin| b.lemkin@shorepublishing.com b.lemkin@shorepublishing.com Betsy Kristen Lennon k.lennon@theday.com Kristen Lennon | k.lennon@theday.com Lisa Martin l.martin@shorepublishing.com
Lisa Martin | l.martin@shorepublishing.com ADVERTISING Casey O’NeillDESIGN/PRODUCTION | j.oneill@theday.com
Heidi Carrier, Kara Conlon, Jennifer Corthell, Chris Dobbins, Alan Ellis, Nicole CONTRIBUTIONS Martini, Richard Swanson ADDITIONAL BY
Cris Cadiz, Alicia Gomez, Anna Miller ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY
Gretchen A. Peck, Jennifer Carmichael, Elle Rahilly
Copyright2026 2025 ©©Copyright byby The Day PublishingCompany Companyand andShore ShorePublishing Publishing The Day Publishing rights reserved. Reproductions without the All rights All reserved. Reproductions without the permission permission of the publisher prohibited. of the publisher are prohibited. Theare views and opinions expressed in and eachopinions article expressed are those in of each the respective The views article are those and of the authors reflect and do the not necessarily authors dorespective not necessarily views and reflectofthe and opinionsThe of On thePublishing Shoreline, opinions Onviews the Shoreline, Day The Day Publishing or Shore Publishing. Company, orCompany, Shore Publishing. ON THE COVER on the cover A hummingbird
on a zinnia. PhotoStreet by Kevin A watercolor of State in downtown New London by local Southwood / CourteSy of artistwild Virginia Reyes Conde,of whose birdS unlimited old work was exhibited at the Garde SaybrooK this past spring. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
AUGUST
CONTENTS
18 08 30
A century on State Street
A panoramic view from the balcony showcases the Garde’s fully restored auditorium. Originally constructed in 1926 as a vaudeville house and movie palace, the theater features Moroccan-style architecture, hand-painted ceiling murals and a signature red proscenium curtain. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
How the Garde Arts Center in New London became one of southeastern Connecticut’s greatest preservation success stories—and continues to inspire new generations. Camp Connecticut • From beachside campsites to wooded retreats, discover where to pitch a tent and embrace the great outdoors.
Good taste
• Marker 37, Essex: Riverfront dining and award-winning chowder along the Connecticut River. • Fat Tuna, Waterford: Scratch-made coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails overlooking Niantic Bay.
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Recipe
39
The Day’s Best of the Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
70
Fall into fiction
73
Calendar of events
• Bring the flavors of Fat Tuna home with Chef D’Angelo’s New England clam chowder, built on quahog stock, cream and fresh clams. • Our readers have spoken! Discover this year’s favorites across dining, shopping, health, services, entertainment and more. • Five novels for the changing season ahead, each exploring transformation, resilience and the power of connection. • Festivals, fairs, community celebrations and family-friendly events happening across the shoreline through early October. 5
Beth Brewer 860.510.2140 beth.brewer@compass.com Essex Office
John Campbell 203.415.5439 john.campbell@compass.com Madison Office
Anna Kilty 252.455.4521 anna.kilty@compass.com Madison Office
Fall in Love with a New Beginning: Meet the Experts Turning Your Real Estate Dreams into Reality.
Mick Marsden
Compass Connecticut, LLC is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
860.334.1379 mick.marsden@compass.com Essex Office
Linda Freedman Ed McCaffrey
860.395.7303 linda.freedman@compass.com Essex Office
860.575.4694 ed.mccaffrey@compass.com Essex Office
Chip Frost
Deb Pach
860.388.7848 chip.frost@compass.com Essex Office
860.608.7199 deb.pach@compass.com Essex Office
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Lisa Rollins
203.464.0880 svetlana.goletz@compass.com Madison Office
203.671.0295 lisa.rollins@compass.com Madison Office
Gigi Giordano Taylor
Paul Violano
203.671.2155 gigi.giordano@compass.com Essex Office
Compass Connecticut, LLC is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. *Source RealTrends closed sales volume 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
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on the shoreline
203.988.5353 paul.violano@compass.com Essex Office Essex Office 5 Essex Square Essex, CT 06426 860.767.5390
Madison Office 724 Boston Post Road Madison, CT 06443 203.245.1593
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Hidden Acres Family Campground’s office and on-site store, which provides camping essentials, gifts and a laundromat. Photo courtesy of Hidden Acres Family Campground
An osprey in action at Hidden Acres. Photo courtesy of Hidden Acres Family Campground
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on the shoreline
A wooden stairway to Bert’s Walk-a-bout at The Quarry Campground in Tolland. Photo courtesy of The Quarry Campground.
Camp Connecticut From shoreline state parks to quiet forest hideaways and family-run resorts, discover a wide range of outdoor escapes ideal for late-summer and early-fall getaways. By Cris Cadiz
I
remember camping as a kid in a little pop-up trailer with my dad and siblings. I loved the smell of pine forest and campfire smoke, the creaky zing of katydids at night. I loved cooking and eating outside, making new friends in the campground, playing in the woods or by a river, lake or ocean, hiking, swimming and fishing. In the morning, we’d leap from our sleeping bags feet first into summer right outside the door. Camping is a great way to experience nature, enjoy an affordable vacation and make memories. For a tiny state, Connecticut has a multitude of campgrounds that offer everything from rustic tent camping to electrified RV sites to luxe cabin glamping. You can experience shoreline beach locations or quiet forests, lakes and rivers. Eastern Connecticut features numerous family-run and resort-style campgrounds with lots of amenities (organized activities, swimming pools and playgrounds, camp stores, laundry facilities and more) as well as rustic, peaceful state-owned parks and forests.
According to State Parks Director Brian Wilson, “Connecticut State Park and Forest campgrounds in eastern Connecticut offer a variety of settings for new or experienced campers. From family-friendly campground atmospheres to secluded campsites for those who prefer a simple, quiet camping experience, our campgrounds in eastern Connecticut provide excellent, affordable options.” The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) likes to feature some of the state’s lesserknown campgrounds. While Rocky Neck State Park and Hammonasset Beach State Park are beautiful shoreline campgrounds with popular beaches, they can be crowded in high season. Here are a few off-the-beaten-path state campgrounds to consider. Visit ctparks.com/camping for more details and to book a site.
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Green Falls Campground at Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown. Photo courtesy of DEEP
Salt Rock State Forest Campground in Sprague/Baltic. Photo courtesy of DEEP
Hopeville Pond State Park Campground in Griswold offers 80 campsites including one cabin. Photo courtesy of DEEP
Green Falls Campground at Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown offers 18 campsites in a wooded, rocky area. Swimming and paddle sports in Green Fall Pond are popular activities. The campground’s distance from main roads and its smaller size make this a choice location for those looking for a quieter camping experience. There is no running water, but up to two pets per campsite are allowed and there are plenty of hiking trails in the area. Also at Pachaug State Forest, Mount Misery Campground offers 22 campsites in a wooded area close to hiking, hunting, fishing and a 58-milelong enduro trail for registered
10 on the shoreline
street-legal motorcycles. A large field recreation area that abuts the campground provides an ideal location for night sky viewing or field sports during the day. The forest’s nearby Rhododendron Sanctuary is another popular attraction. Hopeville Pond State Park Campground in Griswold offers 80 campsites including one cabin. Some campsites have direct water access for carry-in boats, making it an ideal campground for recreational paddle sports. The campground also offers a swim area. Paved roads and movie nights make this a desirable location for families.
Mount Misery Campground offers 22 campsites. Photo courtesy of DEEP
Salt Rock State Forest Campground in Sprague/Baltic is the newest addition to the Connecticut State Parks campground system. Originally privately owned, the state purchased the 58-site campground in 2011. It is the only state campground that offers a limited number of full hook-up campsites (water, electricity and sewer) as well as group campsites that can accommodate up to 25 campers. It has a new bathhouse, access to the Shetucket River, a small playground, interpretive programs and movie nights.
Devil’s Hopyard State Park Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism
OTHER EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS Love beaches? Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme offers beach access, salt marsh trails and Long Island Sound views. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison has the state’s largest campground and one of its most popular beaches with miles of shoreline plus a nature center and flat easy biking opportunities. Bring your camera to Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, famous for Chapman Falls, dramatic natural scenery and great hiking. Enjoy a quiet wooded wonderland at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, featuring hiking trails, a swimming pond, rocky ledges and forest scenery. Forested Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret offers camping and hiking trails in Connecticut’s quiet corner, with historic geologic sites like Wolf Den and Indian Rock. The Air Line Trail State Park is nearby for carfree biking on a crushed stone surface.
Hammonasset Beach State Park Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism
Chatfield Hollow State Park Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Office of Tourism
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A Niantic KOA Holiday premium RV site. Photo courtesy of Niantic KOA Holiday
A peek inside the deluxe cabins at Niantic KOA Holiday. Photo courtesy of Niantic KOA Holiday
Hidden Acres’ resident male peacock showing beautiful plumage. Photo courtesy of Hidden Acres Family Campground
Niantic KOA Holiday’s heated resort pool. Photo courtesy of Niantic KOA Holiday
Fun on the Quinebaug River at Hidden Acres. Photo courtesy of Hidden Acres Family Campground
12 on the shoreline
Visitors celebrate “A Very Quarry Halloween” at The Quarry Campground. Photo courtesy of The Quarry Campground
PRIVATE AND FAMILY-OWNED CAMPGROUNDS Private campgrounds are as unique as fingerprints. For example, Solair Recreation League in Woodstock (solairrl.com) is one of the nation’s oldest naturist campgrounds. At Solair, you can leave your clothing behind for a truly unconventional getaway. The Quarry Campground in Tolland (thequarrycampground. com) is built around a former quarry and is owned and operated by the Mathis and Ventura families, whose love of camping led them to purchase and renovate the campground in 2021. They offer events every weekend May through October with family-friendly activities, live music and food trucks. While Hidden Acres in Preston emphasizes natural amenities like woods and waterways, the Niantic KOA Holiday offers a lively shoreline experience. Visit each campground’s website to discover the vibe. Popular ones book up fast so make reservations early. Hidden Acres Family Campground (hiddenacrescamp.com) has been bringing people together to create
memories with friends and family since 1972. “At first glance, what makes Hidden Acres Family Campground special is the beautifully maintained property on the picturesque Quinebaug River,” says owner Priscilla Migliaccio. What makes Hidden Acres truly special is the strong sense of community cultivated by three generations of the Migliaccio family. Located in Preston, the natural setting offers an abundance of wildlife including several free-roaming peacocks. “Whether fishing in the pond, swimming in the pool, enjoying organized activities or reading a book by the river, there’s always plenty to see and do,” she says. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is the iconic family campground brand. Located on the Connecticut shoreline, the Niantic KOA Holiday ( ko a .co m /c a m p g ro u n d s /n i a nt i c) blends the excitement of a familyfriendly resort with the charm of a coastal getaway. General Manager Michael Kelsey says, “What makes us unique is our combination of
exceptional amenities, outstanding guest service and convenient access to some of eastern Connecticut’s most popular attractions.” At Niantic KOA, you’ll find a heated resort-style swimming pool, themed weekends packed with activities, complimentary mini golf, complimentary weekday continental breakfast and a courtesy shuttle to downtown Niantic and local beaches. They offer everything from traditional campsites and premium RV sites to glamping tents and brand-new deluxe cabins that offer many of the comforts of home. They are committed to creating memorable experiences, Kelsey says. “Whether it’s coin hunts for children, family activities, relaxing by the pool, exploring the Connecticut shoreline or simply enjoying a campfire with loved ones, we strive to help every guest enjoy the perfect camping getaway.”
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MORE PRIVATELY OWNED CAMPGROUNDS • Acorn Acres Campground in Bozrah (acornacrescampsites.com) is a peaceful wooded setting with tent and RV sites plus cabin rentals close to southeastern Connecticut attractions. • Odetah Camping Resort in Bozrah (odetah.com) offers resort-style camping with lake activities, pools, cabins, RV sites and a full calendar of family-friendly programming.
A glamping site. Photo courtesy of Niantic KOA Holiday
• Brialee Family Campground in Ashford (brialee.com) is an awardwinning campground with a fishing pond, activities and a welcoming family atmosphere. • Nelson’s Family Campground in East Hampton (nelsonscampground.com) is known for recreation, community events and proximity to Lake Pocotopaug. • Grandview Camp Resort & Cottages in East Haddam (grandviewcampingresort.com) offers campsites, cottages, recreational amenities and scenic woodland surroundings.
Kayaks are available at The Quarry Campground in Tolland. Photo courtesy of The Quarry Campground
A stunning view from a Hidden Acres campsite. Photo courtesy of Hidden Acres Family Campground
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Where Your Next Chapter Meets the Coast
The most sought after homes aren’t defined solely by architecture, acreage, or waterfront. They’re defined by the life they make possible. Morning walks through historic villages. Sunset cruises with friends. Weekend farmers markets. Dining by the water. Family gatherings that become lifelong traditions. Having lived and worked throughout both the Connecticut and Rhode Island shoreline communities, I help clients find more than a property, I help them find the lifestyle, community, and sense of place that feels like home.
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COVER
STORY
A century State Street on
From silent films to sold-out concerts, the Garde Arts Center has spent the past hundred years bringing southeastern Connecticut together—one generation at a time. By Elle Rahilly
18 on the shoreline
O
ver the past century, the glowing marquee of the Garde Arts Center has welcomed generations through its doors—moviegoers dressed in their Sunday best, children attending their first school performance, music lovers eager for a sold-out concert, families celebrating graduations, and neighbors gathering in moments of both sorrow and joy. For many in New London, those glowing red letters are inseparable from the city itself. While storefronts have changed and blocks have been reshaped, the theater has endured, standing watch over downtown. Steve Sigel, executive director of the Garde Arts Center, believes the theater proves historic cities do not have to choose between safeguarding their past and building their future. “The Garde helped preserve the idea that downtown matters,” he says. “And that a community can own, protect and shape its own cultural real estate.” That legacy earned national recognition in 2022 when the League of Historic American Theatres named the Garde
LEFT: A panoramic view from the balcony showcases the Garde’s fully restored auditorium. Originally constructed in 1926 as a vaudeville house and movie palace, the theater features Moroccanstyle architecture, hand-painted ceiling murals and a signature red proscenium curtain. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
An aerial view of the Garde at the intersection of Huntington and State streets in downtown New London in the 1920s. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
the Outstanding Historic Theatre in America, honoring both the building and its community ties. When the Garde opened in 1926, it was among New England’s grandest movie palaces. Built during the golden age of cinema, its 1,800-seat auditorium featured state-ofthe-art projection, a Wurlitzer organ and the promise of transporting audiences far beyond its walls. At the time, New London was home to six theaters, reflecting an era when downtown entertainment was central to everyday life. Movies began in the morning and ran throughout the day. Long before television and home air conditioning, the theater became both entertainment and refuge during the summer months. For many immigrant families, movie palaces also became unexpected classrooms. Newsreels, silent-film title cards and, later, talking pictures introduced audiences to the English language, American customs and life beyond the neighborhoods they knew. The Garde’s ambitious beginnings, however, offered no guarantee of survival. Through the decades, the theater weathered the Great Depression, the arrival of television, suburban migration, the decline of downtown retail and the collapse of single-screen cinemas. While many historic theaters disappeared, the Garde survived by continually reinventing itself.
The Garde received the Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres in 2022. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch (left) stands backstage with Garde Arts Center Executive Director Steve Sigel before a performance. Hamlisch’s concert opened the theater’s first subscription season in 1989. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
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A watercolor of State Street in downtown New London by local artist Virginia Reyes Conde, whose work was exhibited at the Garde this past spring. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
A 1912 portrait of Walter S. Garde. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Patrons of the Garde are greeted by a statue of Humphrey Bogart. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
“The buildings that survive are important,” Steve explains. “But what really survived was the community’s willingness to redefine what the Garde could be.” Step inside today and the outside world still falls away. State Street gives way to soaring archways, hand-painted murals, carved plaster, intricate tilework and chandeliers suspended beneath a Moroccan-inspired ceiling. The architecture reflects the era’s fascination with archaeological discoveries and faraway places, allowing audiences to experience worlds they could only otherwise imagine. Every detail draws the eye upward before
settling on the auditorium itself—rows of crimson seats facing the proscenium stage. Even after countless visits, it still invites pause. Today, the nonprofit serves as a performing arts venue, educational hub, community gathering place and centerpiece of a growing cultural campus in downtown New London. Its mission extends well beyond the stage through partnerships with schools, nonprofits and community organizations across southeastern Connecticut. It is a role few could have imagined a century ago.
A collection of historic snapshots showcasing the Garde throughout the years. Photos courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
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Philip Michalowski (left), now Garde board president, points to a backstage signature left by legendary comedian Henny Youngman while speaking with actor Hal Holbrook. The backstage signature wall features decades of autographs from world-renowned performers. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
NEAR LOSS AND FIRST ENCOUNTERS It is also a future that nearly never happened. By the 1980s, the Garde’s future was uncertain. After years of decline, the theater had reached a breaking point, and plans were in motion for demolition and a parking lot. Jeanne Sigel recalls her first visit in 1985, when word spread that the building was slated to be torn down. “During a private tour of the building, we were absolutely aghast to discover that the magnificent murals had been covered by layer upon layer of
white paint,” Jeanne recalls. “It felt like a treasure had been hidden away and forgotten.” Beneath the faded paint, crumbling plaster and aging infrastructure, Jeanne could still see the grandeur the Garde once possessed. She was struck by its scale, its exotic architecture and the unmistakable feeling that it was a place that mattered. “You could almost hear the echoes of generations who had gathered there for movies, performances, celebrations, and shared community experiences,” says Jeanne. She quickly realized that losing the building would mean losing an essential piece of New London’s identity.
THE FIRST RESCUE The Garde’s fight for survival began long before the threat of demolition in the 1980s. According to Steve, financial troubles involving original developer Arthur S. Friend led to foreclosure before Warner Bros. purchased the theater for $1 million in 1929, ushering the Garde into the era of talking pictures just months before the stock market crash. Its origins are often misunderstood. While the theater bears the name of Walter S. Garde—a prominent businessman and former president of the New London Chamber of
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Celebrated actor Hal Holbrook (right) and Steve Sigel meet with Garde patrons after a performance of his acclaimed one-man show, Mark Twain Tonight! Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
A look at the stage before restoration. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
A crowd fills the Garde lobby in the early 1990s. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
A single ghost light illuminates the empty stage inside the historic Garde auditorium. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Commerce whose family developed the Garde hotels in Hartford and New Haven—Steve notes that Friend, an attorney for Paramount Pictures, was its principal developer. From the beginning, the theater anchored a larger commercial complex of offices, shops and restaurants, making the block one of downtown New London’s busiest commercial corridors.
A CHAIN OF SURVIVAL
Yet Steve believes the Garde’s defining story isn’t about the people who built it, but the collective effort of the hundreds who rallied more than half a century later to save it.
Next came the realization that preservation alone was not enough, transforming it into a regional performing arts and education center through the acquisition of the Mercer and Meridian buildings. In 1999, restoration of its Moroccan interior and facility upgrades marked another turning point.
“History often remembers organizations through a few names,” he says. “But institutions survive because many people decide they matter.”
22 on the shoreline
Steve describes the Garde’s modern era as a series of interventions. The first came in 1985, when community members formed a nonprofit organization to save the theater from demolition.
None of it happened in isolation. Hundreds of volunteers, donors, civic leaders and community partners were all critical to the Garde’s survival.
For Jeanne, the significance of that period remains rooted in what was at stake. “Saving the theater was never simply about restoring a building,” she says. “It was about reclaiming a gathering place where people could come together to learn, laugh, celebrate and be inspired.”
FROM MOVIE PALACE TO CULTURAL HUB Today, the Garde presents a breadth of programming its founders could never have imagined. It operates as a multipurpose cultural institution— hosting concerts, symphonies, film screenings, school programs, graduations, civic forums, and youth arts initiatives. While programming has changed dramatically over the past century, its impact has not.
On any given season, audiences might gather for everything from The Nutcracker and nationally touring Broadway productions to K-pop concerts, tribute acts and comedy shows. Steve says the variety isn’t accidental, but rather reflects the Garde’s commitment to ensuring every corner of the community can find a reason to walk through its doors. “What would feel familiar is the emotional experience,” he explains, referencing the original playbill’s description of the Garde as a modern town green. “That is still exactly what happens here. People come together to laugh, cry, learn, celebrate, mourn, be inspired—and most importantly, today more than ever, to be reconnected as community. The technology has changed; the mission hasn’t.”
SEASONAL PROGRAMMING DEVELOPMENT
Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada stands with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra on the Garde stage, who, with the Eastern Connecticut Ballet and other regional arts organizations and studios call the Garde their home performance stage. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Television hosts and guests, including a performer dressed as Princess Fiona from Shrek the Musical, film a culinary segment for WTNH-TV’s Connecticut Style. The Garde frequently partners with regional media and touring Broadway productions for community broadcasts. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Planning begins 12 to 24 months before each season reaches the stage, guided by audience needs and mission alignment. Each season must balance nationally recognized artists with educational initiatives, opportunities for local organizations and programming that serves a diverse array of audiences—all while remaining financially sustainable. Staff rely on donor feedback, audience surveys, community conversations and broader industry trends to shape each season. After nearly four decades, Steve says the organization has developed a strong understanding of what resonates with audiences throughout southeastern Connecticut.
Student artwork and multimedia sculptures fill the Garde gallery during a community youth exhibition. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
“Ultimately, we’re trying to strike a balance between the familiar and the unexpected,” he explains. “The sweet spot is creating opportunities for discovery while remaining accessible.” Performers interact with a dinosaur puppet during a production of Dinosaur World Live at the Garde. The show is part of the theater’s year-round lineup of family entertainment. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
23
Author Wally Lamb (third from left) poses with Garde trustees and their family at the book launch of Lamb’s I’ll Take You There, which features the Garde and its history. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
That community focus extends well beyond performances. Jeanne estimates roughly 40 percent of the organization’s work now involves partnerships with schools, nonprofits and civic organizations, reflecting a deliberate shift toward using the arts as a catalyst for change. Recent collaborations have included exhibitions and performances with ArtReach, housing organizations, Safe Futures and dozens of other community partners, using the arts to support education and civic engagement beyond traditional performances.
MERCER COMMUNITY HALL AND EXPANSION The next chapter of the Garde’s evolution extends beyond the main theater with Mercer Community Hall, a 1920s space being restored after decades of limited use. “We’re bringing it back to life for a new century,” says Steve. 24 on the shoreline
Designed to accommodate approximately 350 people, the hall will host performances, civic meetings, education programs, exhibitions and mid-sized events that don’t fit elsewhere in the Garde complex. According to Steve, it will fill a gap in the region’s cultural infrastructure. In many ways, Steve views the centennial as a herald of the Garde’s next chapter. He says every generation— from those who built the Garde in 1926 to those who rescued it in the 1980s— has worked with future audiences in mind. The goal now, he says, is to leave behind an institution that is stronger, more adaptable and more relevant than the one they inherited. “If we’re successful, Mercer Community Hall won’t be the culmination of the story,” he says. “It will be the beginning of the Garde’s second century.”
CONTINUED SIGNIFICANCE Steve believes every community needs spaces where people who might otherwise never cross paths can come
together, describing the Garde as a “regional living room” for southeastern Connecticut. “A theater is one of the few places left where people from different neighborhoods, professions, generations, political viewpoints and backgrounds sit together in the same room and experience the same thing at the same time,” he says. “That matters.” To Jeanne, its loss would have meant something deeper than demolition. “Historic theaters are more than bricks and mortar—they are repositories of memories, culture and connection,” she says. “The Garde represented not only New London’s rich past, but also its future potential.” For Steve, the Garde’s most important role is civic. Places like the Garde, he says, are critical to healthy communities because they foster imagination, dialogue, learning and human connection.
Garde Arts Center board President Philip Michalowski (second from right) and family celebrate the Outstanding Historic Theatre Award by the League of Historic American Theatres. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Blues legend Buddy Guy walks off stage and performs in the audience during his sold-out appearance at the Garde. Photo courtesy of Tom Bombria / Garde Arts Center
Food Network chef Robert Irvine (right) poses with Gemma E. Moran, founder of the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, at a fundraising performance for the Food Center. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Celebrated sex therapist and media personality Dr. Ruth Westheimer smiles alongside Garde Arts Center Executive Director Steve Sigel after a lecture and stage interview at the Garde. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Actor William Shatner (right) smiles at a young fan dressed in a classic Star Trek Starfleet uniform after a film screening and audience chat at the Garde. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
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Campaign supporters gather beneath the Garde marquee before the live broadcast of the 2018 Connecticut gubernatorial debate. In addition to arts programming, the downtown theater regularly serves as a civic space for regional political debates and public forums. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
A dedicated corps of local volunteers plays a vital role in supporting the theater’s daily operations. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Grammy Award-winning singer Dionne Warwick performs before a painted downtown New London backdrop at the Garde in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
Hanging lanterns illuminate the ornate lobby while restored Moroccan-style architecture and patterned carpets preserve the theater’s 1920s character. Photo courtesy of the Garde Arts Center
26 on the shoreline
A PERFECT
ISLAND ADVENTURE
LOOKING AHEAD When Jeanne walks into the Garde today, she’s reminded of that first visit and the promise she and Steve saw hidden beneath layers of white paint.
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“It fills me with gratitude and joy to know that what was once threatened with demolition has become a vibrant cultural cornerstone for generations to come,” she says. As the Garde enters its second century, Steve points to adaptability as its defining strength. While technology, audiences and art forms will continue to evolve, the need for shared in-person experience remains constant. “People will still need places where they can come together in person to experience something larger than themselves,” he says. Looking ahead, Steve envisions an expanded cultural campus centered on education, civic engagement and intimate performances, supported by continued investment in the arts and the community it serves. “If the Garde succeeds over the next hundred years, it will be because each generation found new reasons to gather inside it and new leaders to shepherd its progress,” he says. “And in many ways, that is exactly what the founders hoped for when they opened the Garde in 1926. A century later, that idea still feels remarkably relevant.”
To explore the Garde Arts Center’s centennial celebrations and full season of performances, films and community events, call 860-444-7373 or visit gardearts.org.
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GOOD
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Patrons dine beneath the covered pavilion overlooking the marina during sunset.
Sponsored by
Essex, Village of Ivoryton
30 on the shoreline
Executive Chef Jesse Jeznach stands behind the bar at Marker 37.
MARKER 37 Photos courtesy of Marker 37
A
s live music drifts across the patio, diners at Marker 37 watch the sunset over the Connecticut River. Boats glide through the marina while others dock for a meal. Marker 37 has built its reputation around offering guests a front-row seat to one of Connecticut’s most scenic waterfront settings. From the beginning, the goal was to create more than a restaurant. The owners envisioned a gathering place where shoreline residents and visitors alike could relax, connect and create lasting memories. “Our vision has always been about more than just serving food,” Kate Sudol, general manager of Marker 37, says. “We wanted to create a gathering place that reflects the warmth and character of our community—a place where everyone feels at home, whether they’re celebrating a special occasion or simply stopping in to enjoy a sunset over the water.” That sense of community is reflected in the restaurant’s setting. Located in the heart of a marina along the Connecticut River, Marker 37 embraces its waterfront surroundings through expansive patio dining and unobstructed river views. The river provides ever-changing scenery, from fishing boats and sailboats to the occasional luxury yacht. Diners often spot wildlife, including eagles, ospreys and herons, while enjoying river views from the patio or the restaurant’s outdoor bar. “Every day brings something different to the waterfront,” Sudol says.
Loaded nachos, steak tacos and frozen tropical cocktails are served with Connecticut River views.
Boats line the marina outside Marker 37 along the Connecticut River.
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Salads, tacos, burgers, fries and signature cocktails showcase Marker 37’s casual waterfront menu.
Lobster macaroni and cheese topped with microgreens is among Marker 37’s comfortfood favorites.
Marker 37’s signature half-pound Classic Marina Burger is served with skin-on fries and paired with a tropical cocktail.
Along with the atmosphere of a coastal escape, the experience is rounded out by a menu with something for just about everyone. One of Marker 37’s most popular offerings is its award-winning Pink Lady Chowder, a creamy clam chowder that has become a guest favorite. While seafood is at the heart of the menu, there are plenty of other options as well. Guests can start with selections from the raw bar or shareable boards before choosing from seafood tacos, warm buttered lobster, salmon, swordfish, fish and chips and shrimp scampi. Those looking for something different can opt for classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, steak frites or braised short rib tacos.
Marker 37’s house salad features mixed greens, sliced green apples and crumbled goat cheese.
a new outdoor bar and expanded patio seating, giving diners even more opportunities to enjoy the waterfront setting. Live music is also offered three times a week during the season. “Our goal is to continue improving the guest experience while maintaining the welcoming, laid-back environment that our guests have come to love,” Sudol says. Whether arriving by boat or car, diners can enjoy the Connecticut River scenery from Marker 37.
The variety allows Marker 37 to appeal to a wide range of diners, from seafood lovers arriving by boat to families looking for a casual meal by the river. Marker 37’s goal is to continue expanding and enhancing its dining experience. This season, the restaurant introduced
Fish tacos are a staple menu item at Marker 37.
Marker 37 is located at 72 Railroad Avenue in Chester. Hours vary by season and entertainment schedule. For more information, call 860-579-3737 or visit marker37.com. 32 on the shoreline
THE FAT TUNA Photos courtesy of The Fat Tuna
L
ocated on Niantic Bay, Fat Tuna brings a fresh, made-from-scratch approach to coastal dining. Led by Chef Anthony D’Angelo, the family-run restaurant combines quality seafood, seasonal ingredients and genuine hospitality to create a dining experience that is both elevated and approachable. For D’Angelo, opening Fat Tuna was years in the making. He started working at his family’s restaurant, Tony D’s, as a teenager, beginning as a dishwasher before working his way up to head chef. In 2006, he took over ownership of the restaurant from his father, continuing the madefrom-scratch philosophy that has long been part of the family business.
In 2018, D’Angelo expanded by opening Tony D’s Craft Creamery in Niantic, where he makes small-batch craft ice cream. While the creamery originally served grilled foods, fried seafood, fish sandwiches and other casual fare alongside its ice cream, the experience helped inspire a new concept that reflected New England’s coastline and his passion for fresh seafood, leading to Fat Tuna.
Patrons dine beneath blue-and-white striped umbrellas on the outdoor patio overlooking Niantic Bay.
33
A fried fish sandwich is served with seasoned fries at The Fat Tuna.
Fat Tuna opened as a family project with D’Angelo, his wife, Janie, and their three young sons. According to Janie, the boys have helped brainstorm menu ideas and have served as taste testers over the years. With the feel of a coastal retreat, the atmosphere is warm, lively and inviting. Guests are encouraged to slow down and enjoy a meal overlooking Niantic Bay, whether stopping in for a casual dinner, celebrating a special occasion or gathering with family and friends. “Our goal was to create a place where quality seafood, seasonal ingredients and genuine hospitality come
Shrimp scampi featuring sautéed jumbo shrimp, diced tomatoes and wilted spinach is served over linguine.
34 on the shoreline
together in a way that feels both elevated and comfortable,” D’Angelo says. “A restaurant that feels like an escape but still feels like home.” That philosophy carries through every part of the restaurant. Hospitality is just as important as the food, and the team strives to make every guest feel welcome while carrying forward D’Angelo’s commitment to scratch-made cooking and thoughtful service. Rather than relying on shortcuts, the kitchen emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and quality seafood, ensuring every meal is prepared with care and intention.
The seafood platter features raw oysters and chilled shrimp served over crushed ice with cocktail sauce and horseradish.
“Fat Tuna was created with one clear vision: to bring a true coastal dining experience to Waterford that feels fresh, vibrant and rooted in hospitality,” D’Angelo says.
Guests can finish their meal with homemade ice cream from Tony D’s Craft Creamery or house-made desserts, including seasonal black cherry bread pudding.
While seafood is the centerpiece of the menu, guests will also find steaks, pork chops and homemade pasta dishes, including chicken tortellini.
Looking ahead, D’Angelo hopes to continue growing Fat Tuna into what he describes as a “true coastal destination.” Plans for a second-floor renovation will allow the restaurant to host weddings, banquets, private events and catering, while live music throughout the summer will add to its waterfront atmosphere.
That same balance of tradition and creativity extends beyond the kitchen. The bar features signature cocktails with playful names, including the “Thirsty Cougar,” made with Zyr Vodka, elderflower, prosecco and grapefruit, and the “J-Lo,” featuring Casamigos Reposado, Fiorente elderflower, Aperol, prosecco, lime juice and a salted rim. “That balance of tradition, creativity and consistency is what defines us—food and drink that feel familiar, but still exciting every time you visit,” D’Angelo says.
Whether guests visit for fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails or homemade desserts, D’Angelo hopes they leave with more than a memorable meal. By combining scratchmade cooking, coastal flavors and genuine hospitality, Fat Tuna continues to build on a family tradition while creating a destination of its own on Niantic Bay.
A lineup of some of The Fat Tuna’s signature cocktails.
Both Rhode Island clam and New England clam chowder are available on the menu.
Grilled chicken tops Tortellini “Pesto Alfredo,” featured on the restaurant’s private event buffet menu.
Chef Anthony D’Angelo shucks fresh oysters at the raw bar inside The Fat Tuna. The restaurant features local Niantic Bay oysters, clams and jumbo shrimp served over crushed ice.
Fat Tuna is located at 378 Rope Ferry Road in Waterford. Hours vary by season. For more information, call 860-574-9026 or visit fattunaniantic.com.
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FEATURE
RECIPE
INGREDIENTS • Onions • Fennel • Carrots • Splash of anisette • Quahog stock • Light blond roux • Cream • Whole clams • Fresh chopped clams
DIRECTIONS 1.
In a heavy pot, begin with a flavorful base of onions, fennel and carrots. Slowly sweat the vegetables to build natural sweetness and aroma.
2.
Add a splash of anisette to introduce a subtle layer of warmth and complexity, enhancing the chowder’s coastal character.
3.
Build the foundation with quahog stock, bringing a briny, authentic New England seafood base that defines the dish.
4.
Whisk in a light blond roux to create body and structure.
5.
Add cream and stir until the chowder develops a rich, velvety finish.
6.
Fold in whole clams and fresh chopped clams, giving the dish both texture and bold ocean flavor in every bite.
36 on the shoreline
NEW ENGLAND CHOWDER, The Fat Tuna style
A classic New England chowder rooted in coastal tradition and crafted by Chef Anthony D’Angelo, balancing depth, simplicity and fresh local flavor.
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We received more than 59,000 nominations. Nearly 193,000 votes were cast. Those votes have been tallied.
And the winners are… 39
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1 Matthew Holeman,
Official Cutz Barbershop
beauty + wellness
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40 on the shoreline
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
1 Marissa Ruddat,
Marissa’s Dance Academy 1 New London Rd., Unit 26, Salem; 860-207-4656; marissasdanceacademy.com
Official Cutz Barbershop provides men’s and children’s haircuts, fades, beard grooming and straight-razor services in a welcoming, communityfocused barbershop. 2 Shawn Dooley, Lundy’s Barber Shop
Marissa’s Dance Academy offers recreational and competitive dance instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, acrobatics and more for students of all ages. 2 Becca Schaa, Aerial 51 Fitness
3 Sarah Martic, Swoon Salon & Spa
3 Madeline Stein,
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1 Official Cutz Barbershop 195 Vauxhall St., New London; 860-961-6767; officialcutzbarbershop.com
Official Cutz Barbershop provides men’s and children’s haircuts, fades, beard grooming and straight-razor services in a welcoming, communityfocused barbershop. 2 Lundy’s Barber Shop Uncasville; 860-823-8729; lundysbarbershop.com
3 Donovan’s Cove Barbershop & Co. Uncasville; 860-334-7893; dcbarbershopco.com
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1 Syman Says Farms 279 Buckley Rd., Salem; 860-874-5489; symansaysfarms.com
Syman Says Farms is a family-owned farm known for seasonal produce, flowers, plants and locally grown products available throughout the growing season. 2 Main Street Soap Emporium Mystic; 860-389-0155; mainstsoap.com
3 Becca Rose
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Lil Brow Wow specializes in eyebrow shaping, permanent makeup, lash services and other beauty treatments tailored to each client’s features. 2 Eyes Wide Open Aesthetics & PMU LLC Mystic; 860-917-7814; eyes-wide-open-aesthetics-pmullc.square.site/
3 Saira’s Brow Bar
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Danielson; 860-337-3730; aerial51fitnessct.com Eastern Connecticut Ballet East Lyme; 860-739-7899; easternctballet.org
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Marissa’s Dance Academy offers recreational and competitive dance instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, acrobatics and more for students of all ages. 2 Aerial 51 Fitness Danielson; 860-337-3730; aerial51fitnessct.com
3 Duggan Dance Center
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Beauty & The Body by Yokmany provides skincare, body contouring, permanent makeup and noninvasive aesthetic treatments. 2 The Spa at Norwich Inn Norwich; 860-425-3500; thespaatnorwichinn.com
3 Baah Spa
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1 Nightjar Dispensary 15 Colton Rd., East Lyme; 617-285-4461; nightjarcannabis.com
Nightjar Dispensary carries a wide selection of adult-use cannabis products, including flower, edibles, concentrates and vaporizers, with guidance from knowledgeable staff. 2 The Harvest Corner Cannabis Company Colchester; 860–420–3292; theharvestcornerct.com
3 Zen Leaf Cannabis Dispensary
Norwich; 959-265-1227; zenleafdispensaries.com
beauty + wellnesss ESTHETICIAN
1 Yokmany Luanglath,
Beauty & The Body by Yokmany 236 W Thames St., Norwich; 959-837-0344; beautyandthebody.com
Beauty & The Body by Yokmany provides skincare, body contouring, permanent makeup and noninvasive aesthetic treatments. 2 Sarah Collelo, Eyes Wide Open Aesthetics & PMU LLC Mystic; 860-917-7814; eyes-wide-open-aesthetics-pmullc.square.site/
3 Kristine Staggs, Mystic River Hair and Nail Salon 7 Roosevelt Ave., Suite A, Mystic; 860-460-0475; mysticriverhairandnails.com
EYEWEAR
1 The Eyeglass Lass
27 Broadway Ave., Suite 1-3, Mystic; 860-574-9196; eyeglasslass.com
The Eyeglass Lass provides eye exams, prescription eyewear, sunglasses and contact lenses with personalized frame fittings. 2 Shoreline Eye Group Optical Shop 741 Broad St., Waterford; 860-442-5663; shorelineeyegroup.com
3 Cohen’s Fashion Optical
903 Hartford Tpk., Waterford; 860-235-5111; cohensfashionoptical.com
FACIAL COSMETICS OR SURGERY
1 Refined Medspa
80 Stonington Rd., Mystic; 860-710-3987; refinedmedspact.com
Refined Medspa offers injectables, laser treatments, facials and medical-grade skincare tailored to individual aesthetic goals. 2 Sirena Medical Aesthetics
914 Hartford Tpk., Suite 202, Waterford; 860-333-9177; sirenamedspact.com
3 Jenny Temnogorod, MD,
Shoreline Eye Group 741 Broad St., Waterford; 860-442-5663; shorelineeyegroup.com
GYM OR FITNESS CENTER
Personal 1 Advantage Training 2906 Gold Star Hwy., Mystic; 860-691-1616; 6 Liberty Way, Niantic, 860-552-2122; advantagepersonaltraining.com
Advantage Personal Training creates individualized fitness and nutrition programs focused on strength, mobility, weight management and overall wellness. 2 Aerial 51 Fitness 544 Main St., Danielson; 860-337-3730; aerial51fitnessct.com
3 Ravenous Strength LLC
191 Lake St., Moosup; 860-908-4138; facebook.com/p/ Ravenous-Strength-LLC-6157514160842
HAIR SALON
1 Swoon Salon & Spa
2440 Gold Star Hwy., Mystic; 860-917-7814; swoonsalonspa.com
Swoon Salon & Spa takes great pride in their professional licensing and certifications, in providing a welcoming and energetic atmosphere and most of all, in paying close attention to client satisfaction. Being a multi-award-winning business is a huge accomplishment, and one they are very proud of. For the past eight years, their team has strived to give the highest-caliber service, and they hope to do so for many years to come. 2 The Hair Stop
316 Boston Post Rd., Unit 12, Waterford; 860-442-8565; thehairstopct.com
3 Luna Hair Salon
1666 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry; 860-381-5331; lunahairsalon.com
LASHES
1 Lashes by Jenni 126 Gallup Hill Rd., Ledyard; 860-514-1303; vagaro.com/lashesbyjenni
Lashes by Jenni at Swoon Salon & Spa delivers expert lash artistry with a personalized touch. Led by award-winning, certified lash artist Jennifer Landry, the studio specializes in lash extensions, lifts and tints designed to enhance natural beauty. Known for exceptional skill, attention to detail and a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere, Jenni creates a comfortable experience where clients leave feeling confident, refreshed and effortlessly beautiful. 2 Stephie’s Beauty Boutique
1602 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry; 860-629-8522; facebook.com/ Stephiesbeautyboutique
3 The Lash Craft
108 Putnam Rd., Central Village; 860-692-4666; thelashcraft.com
MAKEUP ARTIST OR STUDIO
1 Glammed by Amie
100 Kings Hwy., Groton; 860-861-4202; instagram.com/ glammedbyamie
Glammed by Amie provides professional makeup services for weddings, special events, photography and other special occasions. 2 Breezy Lee Beauty 1313 Gold Star Hwy., Groton; breezyleebeauty.com
3 Smudge Makeup
12 Military Highway, Building 1, Gales Ferry; 860-245-8282; smudgemakeup.net
HAIR STYLIST
Lynch, 1 Danielle Danielle Gorgeous Hair 54 Lebanon Ave., Lebanon; instagram.com/Danielle_ gorgeoushair
Danielle Gorgeous Hair specializes in custom color, blonding, balayage, hair extensions and precision cutting. 2 Stephanie Warren, The Hair Stop
316 Boston Post Rd., Unit 12, Waterford; 860-442-8565; thehairstopct.com
3 Morgan Duffy
100 Fort Hill Rd., Suite 1, Groton; 860-5740372; vagaro.com/ms5ckw
41
BEST OF
THE BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO
beauty + wellnesss NATURAL FOOD STORE
1 Aikido New London County
1 Fiddleheads Food Co-op
316 Boston Post Rd., Unit 11, Waterford; 860-333-4996; aikidonewlondoncounty.com
13 Broad St., New London; 860-701-9123; fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com
Aikido New London County builds confident, capable people through the art of Aikido. Their dojo is a welcoming, inclusive space where beginners feel safe, experienced students are challenged and everyone grows physically and mentally. They focus on practical self-defense, balance and resilience, all taught in a supportive community that empowers women and the LGBTQ+ community. Whether people are looking to get in shape, reduce stress or develop real-world skills, they will find their place there to train, connect and discover what they are capable of. 2 Yamashita International Karate Mystic Dojo 3175 Gold Star Hwy., Suite B, Mystic; 860-572-0430; mysticdojo.com
3 Danielson Martial Arts Academy LLC 30 Wauregan Rd., Danielson; 860-779-0699; danielsonmartialarts.com
Fiddleheads Food Co-op is a member-owned grocery featuring organic produce, locally sourced foods, bulk goods, natural products and prepared meals. 2 Natural Food Store Niantic; 860-739-9916; naturalfs.com
3 The Green Market
YOGA OR PILATES STUDIO
1 Mystic Yoga Shala
80 Stonington Rd., Suite 10, Mystic; 860-536-0237; mysticyogashala.com
Mystic Yoga Shala offers classes in yoga, meditation and breathwork, along with workshops and teacher training in a community-centered studio. 2 Positive Vibes Pilates Waterford; 860-881-9016; thepvpt.com
3 Yo! Barre
New London; 860-381-0496; yobarre180.com
Lisbon; 860-376-2765
PERSONAL TRAINING
Richards, CSCS, PN2, 1 Michael Advantage Personal Training 2906 Gold Star Hwy., Mystic; 860-691-1616; 6 Liberty Way, Niantic, 860-552-2122; advantagepersonaltraining.com
Advantage Personal Training creates individualized fitness and nutrition programs focused on strength, mobility, weight management and overall wellness. Team Landry Fitness
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US AS ONE OF THE TOP 3 BEST APARTMENT COMMUNITIES FOR 2026!
2 Ledyard; instagram.com/joshlandry MASSAGE THERAPIST
1 Christine Murray,
Advanced Myotherapy 2906 Gold Star Hwy., Mystic; 860-287-9771; vagaro. com/advancedmyotherapy
Gregory Preston,
3 Ravenous Strength LLC
Moosup; 860-908-4138; facebook.com/p/RavenousStrength-LLC-6157514160842
Advanced Myotherapy focuses on therapeutic massage and bodywork to relieve pain, improve mobility and support injury recovery. 2 Sarah Preston, LMT, Back & Body
1 Midnight Angel Studio
3 Katey Kokomoor, LMT, Advanced Back
Midnight Angel Studio specializes in custom tattoos, offering original artwork and a range of tattoo styles in a licensed, professional studio. 2 Copper Poppy Studio LLC
Chiropractic 24 Putnam Pike, Unit 3, Dayville; 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com and Neck Care Center 565 Long Hill Rd., Groton; 860-448-2225; advancedbackandneck.com
TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS
100 Fort Hill Rd., Suite 1, Groton; 860-941-8680; midnightangelstudio.com
North Franklin; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com
3 Wild Roots Tattoo and Art Gallery
Canterbury; 860-556-9023; vagaro.com/wildrootstattoo
NAIL SALON OR TECHNICIAN
1 Tina, Nailed It
50 Pleasant St., Unit 5, Norwich; 860-934-5707; naileditnorwich.com
Nailed It is a full-service nail salon offering manicures, pedicures, gel, acrylic and dip powder enhancements, along with custom nail art. 2 Nailed It Mystic Stonington; 860-857-7803; naileditmystic.com
3 Mystic River Hair and Nail Salon Mystic; 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org
42 on the shoreline
Call 860-445-8519 Mon thru Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm Sat 10:00am - 2:00pm Groton Estates 260 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340
Expert orthopedic care. Now in Old Saybrook. Fellowship-trained physicians. Cutting-edge treatments. Faster recovery. Middlesex Orthopedic & Spine Associates. The right choice changes everything.
MiddlesexOrtho.com Foot & Ankle
Joint Replacement
Physical Therapy
Middletown
Marlborough
Sports Medicine
Hand & Upper Extremity
Urgent Ortho
Hebron
Old Saybrook
Spine
Regenerative Medicine
43
BEST OF
THE BEST APPETIZERS
1 Constantine’s on the Bay 252 Main St., Niantic; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com
Overlooking Niantic Bay, Constantine’s on the Bay serves seafood, steaks, pasta and American favorites, with indoor dining and a seasonal outdoor patio. 2 Nana’s Byrek & Pizza Waterford; 860-437-3030; nanasbyrek.com
3 Canggio Restaurant/Bar
Norwich; 860-383-4805; canggiorestaurant.com
BARTENDER
1 Lori Miller,
Charlie’s Place Restaurant 26 W Main St., Niantic; 860-739-2975; charliesplacerestaurant.com
Located on Niantic’s Main Street, Charlie’s Place serves breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring seafood, comfort food and American classics. 2 Mason Clarkson, Filomena’s Restaurant and Private Dining Waterford; 860-437-1010; filomenascafe.com
3 Noemi Marchan, La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine Niantic; 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com
ASIAN CUISINE
1 Rico Chow
food + drink
403 Williams St., New London; 860-442-2469; rico-chow.square.site
44 on the shoreline
Rico Chow serves Puerto Rican and Asian fusion cuisine, offering a menu that blends Latin and Asian flavors through dishes inspired by both culinary traditions. 2 Pink Basil Mystic; 860-245-4470; pinkbasilct.com
3 Jasmine Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar
New London; 860-442-9991; jasminethainl.com
BAKERY
Donut 1 Flanders & Bake Shop 327 Flanders Rd., East Lyme; 860-739-6320; flandersbakery.com
A longtime East Lyme favorite, Flanders Donut & Bake Shop prepares fresh donuts, pastries, breads and cakes daily. 2 Sift Bake Shop Mystic; 860-245-0541; siftbakeshopmystic.com
3 Muddy Waters Cafe
New London; 860-444-2232; muddywaterscafe.toast.site
BARBEQUE
1 Dog Watch Mystic 20 Old Stonington Rd., Stonington; 860-245-4911; dogwatchcafe.com/mystic
Dog Watch Mystic is known for house-smoked barbecue, seafood and casual American fare, with spacious indoor and outdoor dining. 2 Black Dog Bar and Grille Putnam; 860-928-0501; blackdogbarandgrille.com
3 Noble Smokehouse
Mystic; 860-415-9564; noblesmokehouse.com
BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH
1 The Shack Restaurants
441 Long Hill Rd., Groton, 860-442-6660; 131 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-442-6660; 324 Flanders Rd., East Lyme; 860-739-8898; shackrestaurants.com
The Shack is a local, family-owned and operated company that has been serving southeastern Connecticut residents and visitors since 1989. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu offers both all-American favorites and classic comfort foods. Locations include East Lyme, Waterford and Groton. 2 Jake’s Restaurant
North Stonington; 860-415-9055; jakesrestaurantct.com
3 Muddy Waters Cafe
New London; 860-444-2232; muddywaterscafe.toast.site
BREWERY OR BREWPUB
1 Tox Brewing Company 123 Bank St., New London; 860-440-8127; toxbrewing.com
Tox Brewing Company offers a rotating selection of small-batch beers, from hop-forward IPAs to stouts and lagers, crafted on-site and served in its New London taproom. 2 Beer’d Brewing Co. Stonington; 860-213-9307; 225 Leonard Dr., Groton, 860-800-4461; beerdbrewing.com
3 These Guys Brewing Co.
Norwich; 860-949-8550; theseguysbrewing.com
food + drink BURGER
1 Constantine’s on the Bay 252 Main St., Niantic; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com
Overlooking Niantic Bay, Constantine’s on the Bay serves seafood, steaks, pasta and American favorites, with indoor dining and a seasonal outdoor patio. 2 Steak Loft Restaurant Mystic; 860-536-2661; steakloftct.com
3 These Guys Brewing Co.
Norwich; 860-949-8550; theseguysbrewing.com
COCKTAILS
1 La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine 13 Hope St., Niantic; 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com
La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine serves contemporary Mexican cuisine inspired by regional traditions, featuring tacos, seafood, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive tequila and mezcal selection. 2 Dock 9 Stonington; 860-980-8011; dock9-ct.com
New London; 860-574-9551; tuskersnl.com
Mystic; 860-536-1616; mysticsweetshop.com
Located in downtown Mystic, Mystic Sweets & Ice Cream Shoppe features handcrafted fudge, chocolates, nostalgic candy and premium ice cream. 2 Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy & Ice Cream Niantic; 860-739-7800; gumdropsnlollipops.net
3 Munson’s Chocolates
Building 14, Mystic; 860-536-4351; munsonschocolates.com
CHEF
Herbert, 1 Christopher Constantine’s on the Bay 252 Main St., Niantic; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com
Overlooking Niantic Bay, Constantine’s on the Bay serves seafood, steaks, pasta and American favorites, with indoor dining and a seasonal outdoor patio. 2 Julio Cancho, Canggio Restaurant/Bar Norwich; 860-383-4805; canggiorestaurant.com
3 Mace Hedrick, Mystic Catering
Pawcatuck; 727-276-0928; mysticcaterers.com
32 Water St., Mystic; 860-536-3555; danielpacker.com
Dating to 1756, Captain Daniel Packer Inne pairs historic New England charm with seafood, tavern fare and regular live entertainment. 2 Constantine’s on the Bay Niantic; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com
3 Buon Appetito Ristorante & Pizzeria North Stonington; 860-535-2333; buonappetitoristorante.com
3 Tuskers
CANDY SHOP
Sweets 1 Mystic & Ice Cream Shoppe
FINE DINING
1 Captain Daniel Packer Inne
DELI OR SANDWICH SHOP
1 Hartford Giant Grinder 8 Hope St., Niantic; 860-739-3181; facebook.com/ hartfordgiantgrinder
Hartford Giant Grinder has built a loyal following with oversized grinders made to order, along with wraps, salads and other deli favorites. 2 Nana’s Byrek & Pizza Waterford; 860-437-3030; nanasbyrek.com
3 Pasta Fresca & Piadina
Mystic; 860-572-1245; pastafrescamystic.com
DINER
1 The Shack Restaurants 441 Long Hill Rd., Groton; 860-442-6660; 131 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-442-6660; 324 Flanders Rd., East Lyme; 860-739-8898; shackrestaurants.com
The Shack is a local, family-owned and operated company that has been serving southeastern Connecticut residents and visitors since 1989. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu offers both all-American favorites and classic comfort foods. Locations include East Lyme, Waterford and Groton. 2 Jake’s Restaurant
FOOD TRUCK
1 Ta’ Deliciozo Food Truck 106 Chelsea Harbor Dr., Norwich; 860-367-6033; facebook.com/p/Ta-Deliciozo-FoodTruck-61559572772487
Ta’ Deliciozo Food Truck is serving up bold island flavor and good vibes nonstop. From refreshing smoothies to loaded açaí bowls and fresh tropical juices, every order is made to fuel the day and lift the mood. They keep it real with simple ingredients, big flavor and passion in every blend for anyone focused on energy, culture and unforgettable taste. 2 Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza Risto Waterford; 860-303-2738; luigisristo.com
3 Nando’s Authentic Mexican Food Griswold; 860-460-7668; nandosfoodtruck.com
GOURMET TO-GO
1 Pasta Vita 225 Elm St., Old Saybrook; 860-395-1452; pastavita.com
Pasta Vita prepares fresh pasta, sauces, entrées and catering dishes made from scratch using quality ingredients. 2 Mystic Market Mystic; 860-536-1500; mysticmarket.com
3 Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant East Lyme; 860-739-8866; flandersfish.com
North Stonington; 860-415-9055; jakesrestaurantct.com
3 Norm’s Diner
Groton; 860-405-8383; facebook.com/NormsDinerGroton/
HAPPY HOUR
1 Steak Loft Restaurant 27 Coogan Blvd., Building 24, Mystic; 860-536-2661; steakloftct.com
A Mystic dining tradition for decades, Steak Loft Restaurant is known for hand-cut steaks, prime rib, seafood and classic American dinners. 2 Charlie’s Place Restaurant Niantic; 860-739-2975; charliesplacerestaurant.com
3 Olio Restaurant and Bar Groton; 860-445-6546; olioct.com
45
BEST OF
THE BEST ICE CREAM OR FROZEN YOGURT
1 Salem Valley Farms Ice Cream 20 Darling Rd., Salem; 860-859-2980; salemvalleyfarmsicecream.com
Salem Valley Farms Ice Cream makes its ice cream on-site using local dairy, with dozens of flavors available throughout the season. 2 Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream
Mystic; 860-572-7978; mysticdrawbridgeicecream.com
3 Michael’s Dairy
New London; 860-443-2464; michaelsdairynl.com
LATIN CUISINE
1 La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine 13 Hope St., Niantic; 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com
La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine serves contemporary Mexican cuisine inspired by regional traditions, featuring tacos, seafood, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive tequila and mezcal selection. 2 Rico Chow New London; 860-442-2469; rico-chow.square.site
3 Canggio Restaurant/Bar
NEW RESTAURANT (2025/26)
1 Dock 9
22 Bayview Ave., Suite 49, Stonington; 860-980-8011; dock9-ct.com
Dock 9 serves seafood, steaks, burgers and American fare in a casual waterfront setting overlooking Stonington Harbor. 2 Clark & Co. Norwich; 860-222-8386; clarkandcoeatery.com
3 809 Cafe
North Franklin; 860-999-0003; facebook.com/p/809Cafe-61565444937917
Norwich; 860-383-4805; canggiorestaurant.com
PIZZA
INDIAN CUISINE
Masala Cuisine 1 Mirch of India 156 Kings Hwy., Groton, 860-445-8043; mirchmasalaus.com
Mirch Masala Cuisine of India is a popular Indian restaurant in Groton known for its authentic flavors and diverse menu. Offering halal, vegan and vegetarian options, it features classic dishes like butter chicken, biryani and flavorful curries. With dine-in, takeout and delivery available, it provides a convenient and welcoming experience. The restaurant is praised for its rich spices, quality ingredients and consistently satisfying meals.
2 The Spice Palette
New London; 959-201-6913; thespicepaletteus.com
3 The Royal Punjabi
MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
1 Nana’s Byrek & Pizza 316 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-437-3030; nanasbyrek.com
Nana’s Byrek is a women-owned eatery specializing in authentic Albanian byrek alongside traditional Mediterranean cuisine, paninis, grinders, and pizza prepared with prime ingredients. The restaurant is known for its flaky, layered pastries and familyfriendly options, including gluten-free choices and “make your own pizza” for children. 2 NV Bakery & Market Waterford; 860-574-9038; nvbakeryandmarket.com
3 Dev’s on Main
1 Paul’s Pasta Shop
223 Thames St., Groton; 860-445-5276; paulspastashop.com
Paul’s Pasta Shop was opened by Paul and Dorothy Fidrych in 1988, utilizing their culinary degrees, extensive work experience on the Connecticut Shoreline and a passion for fresh cooking and warm customer service. Their vision was to create a restaurant where guests can expect a wellprepared meal, consistently using fresh pasta and quality ingredients. Paul’s has not only grown to represent that vision but has also become a staple of the community and a beloved dining option for multiple generations. When they were ready to embrace a well-earned retirement, Paul and Dorothy sought out TyMark Restaurant Group to continue the Paul’s Pasta legacy. 2 Tony D’s New London; 860-443-9900; tonydsnl.com
3 Buon Appetito Ristorante & Pizzeria
North Stonington; 860-535-2333; buonappetitoristorante.com
46 on the shoreline
316 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-437-3030; nanasbyrek.com
Nana’s Byrek is a women-owned eatery specializing in authentic Albanian byrek alongside traditional Mediterranean cuisine, paninis, grinders, and pizza prepared with prime ingredients. The restaurant is known for its flaky, layered pastries and familyfriendly options, including gluten-free choices and “make your own pizza” for children. 2 Fireside Brick Oven Gales Ferry; 860-381-5575; firesidebrickoven.com
3 Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza Risto Waterford; 860-303-2738; luigisristo.com
Niantic; 860-451-8141; devsonmain.com
SEAFOOD
Norwich; 860-934-5469; theroyalpunjabict.com
ITALIAN CUISINE
1 Nana’s Byrek & Pizza
MEXICAN CUISINE
Llorona Progressive 1 La Mexican Cuisine 13 Hope St., Niantic; 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com
La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine serves contemporary Mexican cuisine inspired by regional traditions, featuring tacos, seafood, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive tequila and mezcal selection. 2 Nando’s Authentic Mexican Food Griswold; 860-460-7668; nandosfoodtruck.com
3 Ortega’s Mexican Restaurant
Groton; 860-405-1275; facebook.com/p/OrtegasMexican-Restaurant-100067426006128
1 Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant
22 Chesterfield Rd., East Lyme; 860-739-8866; flandersfish.com
Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant is known for its fresh seafood market and restaurant, serving New England favorites, sushi and seasonal specialties. 2 Constantine’s on the Bay Niantic; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com
3 BREAKWATER
Stonington; 860-415-8123; breakwaterstonington.com
food + drink SMOOTHIE OR JUICE BAR
1 Ta’ Deliciozo Food Truck
106 Chelsea Harbor Dr., Norwich; 860-367-6033; facebook.com/p/Ta-Deliciozo-Food-Truck-61559572772487
Ta’ Deliciozo Food Truck is serving up bold island flavor and good vibes nonstop. From refreshing smoothies to loaded açaí bowls and fresh tropical juices, every order is made to fuel the day and lift the mood. They keep it real with simple ingredients, big flavor and passion in every blend for anyone focused on energy, culture and unforgettable taste. 2 Club ReNu Plainfield; 860-564-0750; facebook.com/ ClubReNuPlainfieldCT
3 Fuel Good Nutrition
THAI CUISINE
1 Jasmine Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar 470 Bank St., New London; 860-442-9991; jasminethainl.com
Jasmine Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers traditional Thai cuisine, sushi and Japanese specialties, with a menu ranging from classic curries to specialty rolls. 2 Pink Basil
27 Coogan Blvd., Building 3B, Mystic; 860-245-4470; pinkbasilct.com
3 The Spice Club
WINGS
1 Charlie’s Place Restaurant 26 W Main St., Niantic; 860-739-2975; charliesplacerestaurant.com
Located on Niantic’s Main Street, Charlie’s Place serves breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring seafood, comfort food and American classics. 2 Nana’s Byrek & Pizza 316 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-437-3030; nanasbyrek.com
3 Smokey O’Grady’s
306 Flanders Rd., East Lyme; 860-739-7084; smokeyogradysct.com
239 Main St., East Lyme; 860-451-8121; thespiceclubct.com
Westerly, RI; 401-388-8134; fuelgoodnutritionri.com
VINEYARD
STEAKHOUSE
1 Steak Loft Restaurant
27 Coogan Blvd., Building 24, Mystic; 860-536-2661; steakloftct.com
A longtime Mystic destination, Steak Loft Restaurant specializes in hand-cut steaks, prime rib, seafood and classic American dinners in a casual setting. 2 Tony D’s 92 Huntington St., New London; 860-443-9900; tonydsnl.com
3 Chillingham’s Steak
54R High St., Westerly, RI; 401-315-5737; chillinghamswesterly.com
1 Jonathan Edwards Winery 74 Chester Maine Rd., North Stonington; 860-535-0202; jedwardswinery.com
Set on a historic North Stonington farm, Jonathan Edwards Winery produces a variety of estategrown and handcrafted wines and welcomes visitors for tastings year-round. 2 Preston Ridge Vineyard 100 Miller Rd., Preston; 860-383-4278; prestonridgevineyard.com
3 Saltwater Farm Vineyard
349 Elm St., Stonington; 860-415-9072; saltwaterfarmvineyard.com
WATERFRONT DINING
SUSHI
1 Go Fish Restaurant 29 Old Stonington Rd., Stonington; 860-536-2662; gofishct.com
Go Fish Restaurant is a seafood restaurant featuring a raw bar, sushi bar and wine bar, with a menu centered on fresh seafood and Pacific Riminspired cuisine. 2 Johnny’s Peking Tokyo 12 Coogan Blvd., Mystic; 860-572-9991; johnnysushibar.com
3 Jasmine Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar
1 On the Waterfront 250 Pequot Ave., New London; 860-444-2800; onthewaterfrontnl.com
Overlooking New London Harbor, On the Waterfront serves fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and American favorites with indoor and outdoor waterfront dining. 2 Constantine’s on the Bay 252 Main St., Niantic; 860-850-5087; constantinesonthebay.com
3 BREAKWATER
66 Water St., Stonington; 860-415-8123; breakwaterstonington.com
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BOOK ONLINE!
www.thewallasey.com 1 Noank Rd, Mystic, CT 06355
470 Bank St., New London; 860-442-9991; jasminethainl.com
47
BEST OF
THE BEST COACH (FALL 2025)
Kokomoor, 1 Katey Girls’ Swimming & Diving,
Ledyard High School and St. Bernard High School Co-op Ledyard, Uncasville
Katey Kokomoor completed her seventh season as head coach of the Ledyard/St. Bernard Cooperative Girls’ Swimming & Diving team in fall 2025. Ledyard High School Athletic Director Jim Buonocore calls Kokomoor “as good as it gets at the high school level in the sport of swimming,” praising her ability to maintain a strong rapport with her athletes while continuing to challenge them. Kokomoor also serves as head coach of the Fitch Boys’ Swimming & Diving team, which won 10 of 12 events at this year’s ECC championship. 2 Rachel Redding, Girls’ Soccer, East Lyme High School East Lyme
3 Brett Arnold, Girls’ Swimming & Diving, Waterford High School Waterford
COACH (SPRING 2025)
gameday
Walker, Softball, 1 Andy Waterford High School
48 on the shoreline
Waterford
Winning seasons, including championships, are nothing new to Andy Walker and the Waterford Girls’ Softball team. 2025 saw Walker coach the Lancers to another stellar season, including 16 straight wins, a top 10 ranking in the state, and an appearance in the Class L state championship game. The Lancers are a personification of their coach, respected on and off the field for their talent and conduct. 2 Stephen Bailey, Softball, Wheeler High School North Stonington
3 Roger Moyer,
Baseball, Bacon Academy Colchester
COACH (WINTER 2025/26)
Strong, Boys’ Basketball, 1 Tim Ella T. Grasso Technical High School Groton
Tim Strong repeats as Best Winter Coach after earning the honor in 2024/25, when he led Grasso Tech to a (then) school record 19 wins. He followed that up this season with over 20 wins and another state tournament run. Strong has made the Eagles a known and respected program across the state and continues to earn the admiration of players, fans and viewers. 2 Brady Sheffield, Boys’ Basketball, Lyme-Old Lyme High School Old Lyme
3 Katey Kokomoor, Boys’ Swimming & Diving, Fitch High School Co-op Groton
FEMALE ATHLETE (FALL 2025)
1 Sloane Deary, Soccer, Wheeler High School North Stonington
Young and unafraid of the spotlight, Sloane played out of position at striker and came up big for Wheeler all season. A gifted goal scorer with a real physical presence about her, Sloane was an electric player who the Lions are excited about for the next three years. 2 Sarah O’Donnell, Swimming & Diving, St. Bernard High School Uncasville
3 Maggie Dykes,
Soccer, Ledyard High School Ledyard
FEMALE ATHLETE (SPRING 2025)
1 McKenna DeCora Gaetano, Softball, Ella T. Grasso Technical High School Groton
McKenna was the definition of versatile, playing virtually every position on the field. Her willingness to put the team first was not taken lightly, and her career batting average of over .280 set a strong example for her teammates as well. 2 Shay Deary, Softball, Wheeler High School North Stonington
3 Julia Bonser, Softball, Ledyard High School Ledyard
gameday FEMALE ATHLETE (WINTER 2025/26)
DeCora Gaetano, 1 McKenna Rifle Team, Ella T. Grasso Technical High School Groton
McKenna has been an integral part of three conference championships, a three-year record of 15-3 and a fourth-place finish in the state in 2025. She has been a leader on the team, coaching her younger teammates and earning the respect of her coaches and fellow athletes. 2 Nyarah Dudley, Basketball, New London High School New London
3 Londyn Moss,
Basketball, Wheeler High School North Stonington
MALE ATHLETE (FALL 2025)
1 Sal Alessio, Soccer,
Stonington High School Stonington
Being the best player on an iconic program is hard enough, but leading that team to a state championship game is even harder. Sal Alessio, The Day’s All-Area Player of the Year, did just that for the Bears. Following an outstanding regular season, Alessio led the Bears to a win over top-ranked Weston and a berth in the Class M final, finishing his career tied as the all-time Stonington goal scorer with 105. 2 Aaden Cutter, Football, Griswold High School Griswold
3 Max Montejano, Soccer, East Lyme High School East Lyme
MALE ATHLETE (WINTER 2025/26)
Curtiss-Reardon, 1 Coleman Basketball, Lyme-Old Lyme High School Old Lyme
No one has contributed more to Old Lyme’s success in boys’ basketball than Coleman Curtiss-Reardon. Called the “best defender in the state” by head coach Brady Sheffield, CCR led the Wildcats to their second straight Shoreline championship and a win over top-ranked Ellington. A versatile and selfless scorer and playmaker, Reardon plays every minute with ferocious energy and drive. 2 Julius Washington, Basketball, Ella T. Grasso Technical High School Groton
3 Joel Hespeler, Swimming & Diving, Fitch High School Groton
TEAM (2025)
1 Boys’ Basketball,
Lyme-Old Lyme High School Old Lyme
The darlings of eastern Connecticut, this team is as talented as it is likable. Brady Sheffield, state champion player and coach at Old Lyme, is devoted to making his alma mater a premier program in Connecticut. Eddie Fisk, Coleman Curtiss-Reardon, Will McKeever, and all the Wildcats proved their 2024 state championship was just the beginning, winning 18 games in the regular season before adding another Shoreline championship. 2 Girls’ Volleyball, Ella T. Grasso Technical High School Groton
3 Football, Griswold High School Griswold
MALE ATHLETE (SPRING 2025)
1 Jack Treat, Baseball, Montville High School Oakdale
Montville’s Jack Treat defines what it means to be a good player and teammate. Leading the Wolves to a 17-win regular season, Treat, normally a first baseman, also played the outfield and led Montville on the mound. Headed to Division I Bryant University, Treat is playing for the Sea Unicorns this summer. 2 Jackson Grimm, Outdoor Track, Ledyard High School Ledyard
3 Will Albrikes, Tennis, Fitch High School Groton
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST!
49
BEST OF
THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE
1 The Joint Chiropractic
The Joint Chiropractic provides walk-in chiropractic care focused on spinal adjustments, pain relief and ongoing wellness, with no appointments required. 2 The Sage Place: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Wellness
The Joint Chiropractic provides walk-in chiropractic care focused on spinal adjustments, pain relief and ongoing wellness, with no appointments required. 2 Advanced Back and Neck Care Center
3 Back & Body Chiropractic
3 Back & Body Chiropractic
967 Poquonnock Rd., Groton; 860-321-4802; thejoint.com
Niantic; 860-333-8822; thesageplace.com
Dayville; 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com
ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
Michael Coronado, 1 Jean Incredible Weight Loss Center 565 Long Hill Rd., Groton; 860-941-7304; incredibleweightlosscenter.us
healthcare
With more than 15 years of experience in nutrition and weight loss, Jean Michael has helped thousands transform their health at the Incredible Weight Loss Center in Groton. His positive, personalized approach focuses on sustainable results through Ideal Protein and red-light therapy. By combining science, accountability and real-life strategies, he empowers clients to lose weight, keep it off and build lasting confidence. 2 Sarah Preston, LMT,
50 on the shoreline
CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE
1 The Joint Chiropractic
Back & Body Chiropractic Dayville; 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com
3 Anya Yudin-Baehrle, DAOM, LAc, The Sage Place: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Wellness Niantic; 860-333-8822; thesageplace.com
967 Poquonnock Rd., Groton; 860-321-4802; thejoint.com
Groton; 860-448-2225; advancedbackandneck.com Dayville; 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com
CHIROPRACTOR
Nieuwenhuis, DC, 1 Jay The Joint Chiropractic 967 Poquonnock Rd., Groton; 860-321-4802; thejoint.com
Dr. Jay Nieuwenhuis provides chiropractic care focused on spinal health, pain relief and mobility at The Joint Chiropractic. 2 Alexandra Robin, DC, Back & Body Chiropractic Dayville; 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com
3 Michael Thomas, DC,
Advanced Back and Neck Care Center Groton; 860-448-2225; advancedbackandneck.com
DENTAL PRACTICE
1 Waterford Dental Health 177 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-255-2392; waterforddentalhealth.com
Pendleton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center provides short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long-term care and memory care services in a residential setting. 2 Elmbrook Village
Waterford Dental provides highly trained and experienced dentistry in Waterford. Their state-of-the-art practice provides top-quality dental care and upholds the strictest sterilization standards and safety protocols to protect their patients’ health. They understand that dental care sometimes evokes anxiety and do their best to alleviate these feelings and ensure patient comfort at every visit. As dedicated providers of care, they also believe that patient education is essential for maintaining good oral health and take the time to give patients the information and resources they need to keep their smiles in tip-top condition. 2 Norwich Family Dental Associates
3 Fairview
3 Bridgeworks Family Dental Center
ASSISTED LIVING OR SKILLED NURSING FACILITY
1 Pendleton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
44 Maritime Dr., Mystic; 860-572-1700; pendletonrhc.com
Bozrah; 860-861-9704; everbrookseniorliving.com/ communities/elmbrook-village Groton; 860-445-7478; fairviewct.org
Norwich; 860-886-2497; norwichfamilydentalassociates.com
Groton; 860-446-8744; bridgeworksfdc.com
healthcare DENTIST
1 Kenneth Nogacek, DMD, Waterford Dental Health
177 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-255-2392; waterforddentalhealth.com
Dr. Kenneth Nogacek provides comprehensive family dentistry, with advanced training in implant, restorative and sedation dentistry. 2 Vincent Antonelli, DDS, Bridgeworks Family Dental Center Groton; 860-446-8744; bridgeworksfdc.com
3 Robert Strick, DMD,
Robert Strick Family Dentistry Norwich; 860-934-0039; stricklyteeth.com
DERMATOLOGIST
1 Mary Ann Bentz, MD,
Dermatology Associates of Southeastern Connecticut 914 Hartford Tpk., Suite 103, Waterford; 860-442-1346; ctmedderm.com
Dr. Mary Ann Bentz is a board-certified dermatologist providing medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology care. 2 John West, MD, Seaport Dermatology Mystic; 860-572-9994; seaportdermatology.com
3 Mohsin Malik, MD,
Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut New London; 860-440-3744; dermatologyofct.com/ about/our-providers/mohsin-malik-md
DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
1 Seaport Dermatology
34 Water St., Suite 2, Mystic; 860-572-9994; seaportdermatology.com
Seaport Dermatology offers medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services, including skin cancer screenings, treatment and aesthetic procedures. 2 Integrated Dermatology of Groton Suite 201, 860-445-8020; integrateddermatologyofgroton.com
3 Advanced Dermatology of Norwich
Norwich, 860-859-2262; advanceddermatologyct.com
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SPECIALIST
1 Frank Dellacono, MD, ENT Associates of SECT
201 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-442-0407; 914 Hartford Tpk., Waterford; 860-442-0407; 14 Madsons Island Rd., Unit 2B, Mystic; 860-536-3078; entofsect.com
Dr. Frank Dellacono specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. 2 David Boisoneau, MD, ENT Associates of SECT Waterford, Mystic; 860-442-0407; entofsect.com
3 Thomas Lesnik, MD
Norwich; 860-886-1947; lesnikent.com
GENERAL PRACTICIONER
1 Paul Deutsch, MD
86 New London Tpk., Norwich; 860-889-6967; pauldeutschmd.net
Dr. Paul Deutsch is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and body. 2 Erica Lussier, APRN, Northeast Medical Group Niantic; 860-739-5426; northeastmedicalgroup.org/ physicians/erica-l-lussier
3 Catherine Krenicky, APRN,
HOME CARE SERVICES
1 Sound Community Services 21 Montauk Ave., New London; 860-439-6400; soundcommunityservices.org
Sound Community Services is a nonprofit organization providing mental health, substance use, housing and recovery services throughout southeastern Connecticut. 2 Care at Home New London, Westerly, RI; 860-326-0140; careathomenow.com
3 Visiting Angels Groton
Groton; 860-772-0316; visitingangels.com/groton
MEDICAL SPECIALIST
Wei, MD, 1 Steven Orthopedic Partners 11 Industrial Park Rd., Niantic; 860-889-7345; orthopartners.com
Dr. Steven Wei is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the treatment of bone, joint and sports-related conditions. 2 Jonathan Piposar, MD, Orthopedic Partners Niantic; 860-889-7345; orthopartners.com
3 Nicole Arcand, MD,
Gales Ferry Medical Group Gales Ferry; 860-464-7274; galesferrymedicalgroup.com
Orthopedic Partners North Franklin; 860-889-7345; orthopartners.com
HEARING AID RETAILER
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE
1 County Hearing and Balance
167 Parkway N., Waterford; 860-443-6944; countyhearingandbalance.com
At County Hearing and Balance, the mission is to help improve patients’ hearing to improve their quality of life. Their patient-centered approach allows them to focus on satisfying hearing care needs, whatever they may be. The practice works with patients to diagnose and find solutions for hearing, tinnitus and balance needs using state-of-the-art equipment and the most advanced technology. Because their focus is entirely on unique individual needs, coming to County Hearing and Balance means experiencing patient care that is specific to each person, with exceptional followup care that ensures hearing and balance needs are being met. 2 Thames Hearing Services
1 Sound Community Services
21 Montauk Ave., New London; 860-439-6400; soundcommunityservices.org
Sound Community Services is a nonprofit organization providing mental health, substance use, housing and recovery services throughout southeastern Connecticut. 2 Inner Peace CT Wellness Center Waterford; 860-917-0790; innerpeacect.com
3 Rebecca Tydeman, LMFT, CSTIP Essex; 860-449-4427; rebeccatydeman.com
Waterford; 860-739-1864; thameshearing.com
3 Beltone Hearing Aid Center Groton, Norwich, Westerly, RI
51
BEST OF
THE BEST MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Ingram, LCSW, 1 Meredith Sound Community Services 21 Montauk Ave., New London; 860-439-6400; soundcommunityservices.org
Meredith Ingram is a licensed clinical social worker with Sound Community Services, providing outpatient behavioral health counseling and support. 2 Rebecca Tydeman, LMFT, CSTIP Essex; 860-449-4427; rebeccatydeman.com
3 Sara Ann Jakub, LPC,
Inner Peace CT Wellness Center Waterford; 860-917-0790; innerpeacect.com
NUTRITIONIST
1 Michael Richards, CSCS, PN2,
Advantage Personal Training 2906 Gold Star Hwy., Mystic; 860-691-1616; 6 Liberty Way, Niantic; 860-552-2122; advantagepersonaltraining.com
Michael Richards specializes in personalized strength conditioning, joint pain management and advanced nutrition coaching as the director of training at Advantage Personal Training. 2 Jean Michael Coronado, Incredible Weight Loss Center Groton; 860-941-7304; incredibleweightlosscenter.us
3 Thin’s In
OB/GYN PRACTICE
1 Thameside ObGyn Centre 491 Gold Star Hwy., Groton; 860-445-5107; womenshealthct.com/practice/thameside-obgyn-centre
Thameside ObGyn Centre provides comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care, including preventive services, pregnancy care and women’s health throughout every stage of life. 2 Shoreline OB/GYN New London; 860-447-2377; womenshealthct.com/ practice/shoreline-ob-gyn
3 OB-GYN Services
Norwich; 860-886-2461; obgynct.com
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
1 Kevin Cranmer, MD, Southeast Connecticut Eye Care LLC
12 Case St., Suite 215, Norwich; 860-373-4148; see-care.com
Dr. Kevin Cranmer is an ophthalmologist providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including cataract treatment. 2 Lior Haim, MD, Shoreline Eye Group Waterford; 860-442-5663; shorelineeyegroup.com
3 Rajyalakshmi Mulukutla, MD, Middlesex Eye Physicians Middletown, Old Saybrook; 860-347-7466; middlesexeye.com
Waterford; 860-442-2280; thinsin.net
OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE
OB/GYN
Tompkins, APRN, 1 Maria Thameside ObGyn Centre 491 Gold Star Hwy., Groton; 860-445-5107; womenshealthct.com/practice/thameside-obgyn-centre
Maria Tompkins, APRN, provides obstetric and gynecologic care, including preventive services and women’s health care across all stages of life. 2 Michael Lavallee, DO, Shoreline OB/GYN New London; 860-447-2377; womenshealthct.com/ practice/shoreline-ob-gyn
3 Matthew Brown, MD, OB-GYN Services Norwich; 860-886-2461; obgynct.com
52 on the shoreline
1 Shoreline Eye Group 741 Broad St., Waterford; 860-442-5663; 821 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook; 860-388-4242; shorelineeyegroup.com
Shoreline Eye Group offers comprehensive eye care, including routine vision exams, medical eye treatment and optical services. 2 Norwich Ophthalmology Group Norwich, Groton; 860-445-2461; norwichlasik.com
3 Retina Group of New England Waterford, Norwich; 860-444-1292; retinagroupofnewengland.com
OPTOMETRIST
King, OD, 1 Matthew King Family Eye Care 761 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook; 860-388-9300; 80 Town Line Rd., Suite 17, Rocky Hill; 860-258-2380; kingfamilyeyecare.com
King Family Eye Care provides comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, pediatric eye care and an on-site optical boutique. 2 Keith Lemire, OD, Shoreline Eye Group Waterford, Old Saybrook; 860-442-5663; shorelineeyegroup.com
3 Meghan Lamoureux, OD,
In Focus Eyecare Gales Ferry; 860-445-4412; infocuseyecarect.com
OPTOMETRY PRACTICE
1 Shoreline Eye Group 741 Broad St., Waterford; 860-442-5663; 821 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook; 860-388-4242; shorelineeyegroup.com
Shoreline Eye Group offers comprehensive eye care, including routine vision exams, medical eye treatment and optical services. 2 King Family Eye Care Old Saybrook, Rocky Hill; 860-388-9300; kingfamilyeyecare.com
3 Eyecare Expressions
Gales Ferry; 860-464-1040; eyecareexpressions.com
ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE
1 Orthodontic Associates of
Southeastern Connecticut 196 Waterford Pkwy. S., Suite 305A, Waterford; 860-443-1827; 96 Salem Tpk., Norwich; 860-886-7777; oasect.com
Orthodontic Associates of Southeastern Connecticut provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults, including traditional braces and clear aligners. 2 Family Orthodontic Care Norwich; 860-886-1466; familyorthodonticcare.com
3 Kozlowski DePascale Orthodontics
East Lyme, New London; 860-739-7391; kozbraces.com
healthcare ORTHODONTIST
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Lowney, DMD, 1 Jennifer Family Orthodontic Care
Choi, DPT, GOAT Physical 1 Ben Therapy & Wellness
100 Sherman St., Norwich; 860-886-1466; familyorthodonticcare.com
1666 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry; 860-572-6657; goatpt.com
Dr. Jennifer Lowney provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults, including braces and clear aligner treatment. James O’Leary, DMD, Orthodontic
2 Associates of Southeastern Connecticut Waterford, Norwich; 860-443-1827; oasect.com
Jeffrey Kozlowski, DDS,
Kozlowski DePascale Orthodontics
3 East Lyme, New London; 860-739-7391; kozbraces.com PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
1 Northeast Medical Group Pediatrics, Gales Ferry 1527 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7248; northeastmedicalgroup.org/locations/gales-ferry-1527route-12.aspx
Northeast Medical Group Pediatrics in Gales Ferry provides primary care for infants, children and adolescents, including wellness visits, immunizations and sick care. 2 Fred Santoro, MD East Lyme; 860-739-0404; fredsantoromd.com
3 Cambi Pediatrics PLLC
Old Lyme; 959-936-4045; myprivia.com/cambipediatrics
PEDIATRICIAN
1 Foong-Yi Lin, MD,
Northeast Medical Group Pediatrics, Gales Ferry 1527 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7248; northeastmedicalgroup.org/locations/gales-ferry-1527route-12.aspx
Dr. Foong-Yi Lin provides pediatric primary care, including preventive medicine, wellness visits and care for childhood illnesses. 2 Fred Santoro, MD East Lyme; 860-739-0404; fredsantoromd.com
3 Jennifer Lovin, MD, Northeast Medical
Group Pediatrics, Gales Ferry Gales Ferry; 860-464-7248; northeastmedicalgroup.org/ locations/gales-ferry-1527-route-12.aspx
45 Cutler 86
GOAT Physical Therapy & Wellness and Dr. Ben Choi thank their patients, families and community for voting them among the best in southeastern Connecticut. GOAT provides one-on-one, hour-long physical therapy sessions that combine strength training, movement and wellness to help active adults return to the activities they love. The practice takes a different approach to physical therapy and is honored by the trust of its patients and proud to serve the community. 2 Carissa Finney PT, DPT Groton
Open10a.m.-4p.m. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Open Tues-Sat Tues-Sat 1-5 p.m. Sunday 1-5p.m. Sunday
Voted Top 3 Best o the Best for 2026!
45 Cutler Street, Stonington CT 860-535-9041
3 Susan Steady, PT, Pequot Health Center Groton; 860-446-8265; lmhospital.org/locations/groton52-hazelnut-hill-road
PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
1 GOAT Physical Therapy & Wellness
1666 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry; 860-572-6657; goatpt.com
GOAT Physical Therapy & Wellness and Dr. Ben Choi thank their patients, families and community for voting them among the best in southeastern Connecticut. GOAT provides one-on-one, hour-long physical therapy sessions that combine strength training, movement and wellness to help active adults return to the activities they love. The practice takes a different approach to physical therapy and is honored by the trust of its patients and proud to serve the community. 2 ECRC Physical Therapy
Voted Top 3 Best of the Best of 2026
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
Lisbon, Dayville; 860-376-2564; ecrc-pt.com
3 INSPIRE Physical Therapy and Wellness
Groton; 401-600-1683; iptw.com
Dr. Foong-Yi Lin
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
Accepting New Patients
Call for an appointment
860-464-7248
53
BEST OF
THE BEST APARTMENT COMMUNITY
1 Groton Estates
home + garden
260 Shennecossett Rd., Groton; 860-406-5935; grotonestates.com
54 on the shoreline
Groton Estates is a welcoming community where everyday comfort meets relaxed living in Groton. Their pet-friendly one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes offer thoughtful layouts and practical features, all within a garden-style, park-like setting. Whether residents are unwinding at home or heading out to explore nearby destinations, this is a place they can truly call their own. 2 Groton Townhouse Apartments
ELECTRICIAN
1 Calkins Electric LLC 567 Vauxhall St. Ext., Suite 317, Waterford; 860-437-0110; calkinselectricct.com
Mystic; 860-898-1131; stoneridgelcs.com
Calkins Electric has been illuminating homes and businesses across southeastern Connecticut for over four decades. Their team of skilled electricians combines extensive experience with a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every electrical project is completed to the highest standards. Whether clients are facing a residential wiring challenge, need a commercial electrical upgrade or require emergency services, they are there to provide prompt, reliable and professional solutions. Calkins Electric is a trusted name for electrical solutions, offering free, immediate estimates. 2 Lagace Electric LLC
BUILDING AND REMODELING
3 D.B. Electric Inc.
Groton; 860-445-7307; grotontownhouses.com
3 StoneRidge Senior Living
Lisbon; 860-701-8863; lagaceelectric.com
1 Kappy Construction & Home Improvement 16 Rte. 2, Preston; 860-576-3575; facebook.com/kappyllc
Kappy Construction & Home Improvement provides remodeling, renovations and home improvement services for residential properties throughout southeastern Connecticut. 2 Perry Building and Remodeling Co. North Stonington; 860-941-7381; facebook.com/ Perryhomect/
3 Advanced Construction
Mystic; 860-536-7663; advconstruct.com
CLEANING SERVICES
1 Falcon Cleaning Services LLC
Norwich; 860-705-4916; falconcleaningct.com
Falcon Cleaning Services provides residential and commercial cleaning services, including routine, deep and move-in/move-out cleaning. 2 O’Grady’s Junk Removal LLC Groton; 860-572-6994; ogradysjunkremoval.com
3 Queen Bee Cleaning
Groton; 860-300-0397; queenbeecleaningct.com
Mystic; 860-536-2354; dbelectricinc.com
FLOORING SERVICES
1 The Floor Covering Shop 385 Central Ave., Norwich; 860-887-3523; floorcoveringshopinc.com
The Floor Covering Shop offers carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl, tile and other flooring solutions, along with professional installation. 2 Advanced Construction Mystic; 860-536-7663; advconstruct.com
3 Peterson Flooring & Remodeling North Stonington; 860-917-4477; petersonflooringandremodeling.com
GARDEN CENTER OR NURSERY
1 Holdridge Home & Garden 749 Colonel Ledyard Hwy., Ledyard; 860 464-8400; holdridgegarden.com
Holdridge Home & Garden is a family-owned garden center offering trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, landscaping supplies and seasonal décor. 2 Hart’s Greenhouse & Florist LLC Canterbury, Brooklyn, Preston, Norwich; 860-546-6541; hartsgreenhouseflorist.com
3 Smith’s Acres LLC
Niantic; 860-691-0528; smithsacres.com
home + garden GAS AND OIL
1 Andersen Oil Company 4 Colby Dr., Ledyard; 860-464-7628; andersenoilcompany.com
Andersen Oil Company delivers heating oil and propane while providing HVAC installation, maintenance and emergency service. 2 Guy’s Oil Service Inc. Niantic; 860-739-8700; guysoil.com
3 Ed’s Garage Inc.
Canterbury; 860-546-9492; edsgarage.com
HEATING AND COOLING
1 Densmore Oil Company 26 Old Stonington Rd., Stonington; 860-536-7927; densmoreoil.com
As local energy experts, Densmore Oil Company has been serving the southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island area since 1949 with reliable fuel delivery and heating services. They have expanded their offerings over the years to include Bioheat Plus® fuel, automatic fuel delivery, heating and A/C service plans, air conditioning services, plumbing services, fuel payment programs, oil tank protection and more. Their team focuses consistently on customer satisfaction. 2 Andersen Oil Company Ledyard; 860-464-7628; andersenoilcompany.com
3 Guaranteed Mechanical Services LLC
Vernon; 860-500-6420; gmechanicals.com
LANDSCAPING
1 Wilson Scott II Landscape 111 Broad St., Apt. 9, New London; 860-319-3302; wilsonscottiilandscape.com
Wilson Scott II Landscape provides landscape design, installation, lawn care, hardscaping and property maintenance. 2 American Ground & Snow Management Mystic; 860-485-7897; agsm-usa.com
3 Hyde Park Landscape
Norwich; 860-859-2141; hydeparklandscape.com
MORTGAGE SERVICES
Turner, 1 Keith Homestead Funding Corp. 8 Union St., New London; 800-781-1180; homesteadfunding.com/loan-originators/keith-turner
As someone who has been in the mortgage industry for two decades, Keith Turner is confident in his ability to guide his borrowers seamlessly through the mortgage process. His strength is his ability to walk his clients through each step of the mortgage process so that they feel comfortable. He lives and works in the New London area, and his goal is to ensure that when he sees clients at the supermarket, he will never need to hide behind any store displays because he is confident that he gave them the best possible mortgage experience. 2 Ascend Bank Norwich; 860-425-0123; ascend.bank
3 Dorothy Satti,
INTERIOR DESIGNER OR DECORATOR
Gateway Mortgage Services Waterford; 860-574-9458; gmsmtg.com
Niantic; 201-887-4711; ritalyonsdesigns.com
PAINTING SERVICES
1 Rita Lyons Designs
Rita Lyons Designs offers residential interior design services, helping clients create functional, personalized living spaces. 2 The Briar Patch Norwich; 860-303-3119; thebriarpatchshop.com
3 Tammy Klinikowski,
Preston Trading Post Preston; 860-886-1484; prestontrading.com
1 Advanced Construction
PEST CONTROL
1 Griggs & Browne 152 Cross Rd., Waterford; 860-974-2758; griggsbrowne.com
Griggs & Browne provides pest control services for homes and businesses, including prevention and treatment for a wide range of pests. 2 Waltham Pest Services New London; 860-975-6434; walthamservices.com/ locations/connecticut/new-london
3 Debug Pest Control
Niantic, Putnam; 401-250-8680; debugpestcontrol.com
PLUMBER
1 Ed’s Plumbing LLC
19 Lamphere Rd., Waterford; 860-444-0717; edsplumbingllc.com
Ed’s Plumbing provides residential and commercial plumbing services, including repairs, installations and emergency service. 2 Maxum Irrigation & Plumbing Waterford; 860-525-7000; maxumirrigation.com
3 Currie’s Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc.
Bozrah; 860-859-3533; curriesphc.com
ROOFING SERVICES
1 RSR Residential LLC 4 Broadway Ave. Ext., Unit 2A, Mystic; 860-800-5777; rsrresidential.com
RSR Residential provides residential remodeling, renovations and general contracting services. 2 Henderson Roofing East Lyme, Griswold, Westerly, RI; 860-864-4247; johnhendersonconstruction.com
3 HammerHead Roofing LLC
Danielson; 860-689-1776; hammerheadroofingllc.com
61 W. Main St., Mystic; 860-536-7663; advconstruct.com
Advanced Construction specializes in roofing, siding, windows, remodeling and exterior home improvement projects. 2 Shoreline Painting and Cabinet Refinishing Pawcatuck; 401-834-1684; shorelinepaintingri.com
3 All Star Painting
Norwich; 860-867-6059; ctallstarpainting.com
TREE SERVICES
1 Swing Bridge Tree LLC 3 Monticello Ct., Gales Ferry; 860-510-6270; swingbridgetreellc.com
Swing Bridge Tree offers tree removal, pruning, stump grinding and other professional tree care services. 2 Denison Tree Removal Ledyard; 860-912-7936; denisontreeremovalct.com
3 Satti’s Family Trees
Groton; 860-405-4134; sattisfamilytrees.com
55
BEST OF
THE BEST AREA ATTRACTION
1 Black Hawk Sport Fishing
Mystic Aquarium is home to beluga whales, African penguins, sea lions and thousands of marine animals, offering exhibits, conservation programs and educational experiences. 2 Ocean Beach Park
The Black Hawk was specifically custom-built for the party boat fishing industry. Powered by twin 750-horsepower diesels, she is one of the fastest boats of her kind in New England. With Raymarine Electronics as a sponsor, the Black Hawk is fully equipped and ready to go, from the side-scanning sonar units to the twin 72-mile radars. She is Coast Guard inspected every year and is impeccably maintained throughout for guests’ safety and enjoyment. 2 M and M Sport Fishing Charters
55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic; 860-572-5955; mysticaquarium.org
New London; 860-447-3031; ocean-beach-park.com
3 Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic; 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org
ART GALLERY OR MUSEUM
1 Mystic Seaport Museum
Niantic; 860-884-1246; mandmfishing.com
3 Sunbeam Fleet - Captain John’s
Mystic Seaport Museum preserves America’s maritime history through historic vessels, exhibits, a recreated 19th-century seaport and hands-on experiences. 2 Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Waterford; 860-443-7259; sunbeamfleet.com
3 Slater Memorial Museum
Norwich; 860-425-5563; slatermuseum.org
night + day
11 Main St., Niantic; 860-448-3662; blackhawksportfishing.com
75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic; 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org
New London; 860-443-2545; lymanallyn.org
56 on the shoreline
CHARTER FISHING COMPANY
1 Mystic Aquarium
BEACH
1 Ocean Beach Park 98 Neptune Ave., New London; 860-447-3031; ocean-beach-park.com
Ocean Beach Park features a half-mile beach, boardwalk, amusement rides, waterslide, pool and family attractions overlooking Long Island Sound. 2 Waterford Beach Park Waterford; 860-437-4385; waterfordct.gov
3 Eastern Point Beach
Groton; 860-446-4128; cityofgroton.com/585/EasternPoint-Beach
CAMPGROUND
1 Acorn Acres Campground 135 Lake Rd., Bozrah; 860-859-1020; acornacrescampsites.com
Acorn Acres Campground offers seasonal and overnight campsites, recreational amenities and family-friendly activities in a wooded setting. 2 Niantic KOA Holiday
Niantic; 860-739-9308; koa.com/campgrounds/niantic
3 Hidden Acres Family Campground Preston; 860-887-9633; hiddenacrescamp.com
Sport Fishing Center
FARMERS MARKET OR FARMSTAND
1 Ledyard Farmers Market
718 Colonel Ledyard Hwy., Ledyard; 860-381-5778; ledyardfarmersmarket.org
The Ledyard Farmers Market showcases local produce, baked goods, artisan products and handmade crafts from regional vendors. 2 Whittle’s Willow Spring Farm Mystic; 860-536-3083; facebook.com/p/WhittlesWillow-Spring-Farm-100057698430396
3 Campbell’s Farm Stand
Griswold; 860-376-1066; campbellsfarmstand.com
INN OR BED-AND-BREAKFAST
1 The Wallasey
1 Noank Rd., Mystic; thewallasey.com
The Wallasey is a waterfront event venue hosting weddings, celebrations and private events overlooking the Mystic River and its surrounding harbor. 2 Mermaid Inn of Mystic
Mystic; 860-287-4246; mermaidinnofmystic.com
3 The Whaler’s Inn
Mystic; 860-536-1506; whalersinnmystic.com
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 Mohegan Sun Arena
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville; 888-226-7711; mohegansun.com
Mohegan Sun Arena hosts concerts, sporting events, comedy shows and major entertainment acts throughout the year. 2 Garde Arts Center New London; 860-444-7373; gardearts.org
3 Ocean Beach Park
New London; 860-447-3031; ocean-beach-park.com
night + day
1505 Hartford New London Trpke Oakdale
96 Route 32 North Franklin CT
LOCAL BAND OR MUSICIAN
1 Red Light
Moosup; 860-710-3987; redlightband.com
Red Light performs a mix of classic rock, pop, country and dance favorites at weddings, festivals, private events and venues throughout New England. 2 Branded Country That ROCKS
Thank you for voting us for Best New Restaurant
Waterford; 959-951-4339; brandedband.com
588 Long Hill Rd Groton CT coming soon
3 Nick Bosse
North Stonington; 860-555-5000; nickbosse.com
LOCAL RADIO STATION
1 97.7 FM WCTY 40 Cuprak Rd., Norwich; 860-887-3511; wcty.com
97.7 FM WCTY has been southeastern Connecticut’s country music station for decades, featuring local personalities, news and community programming. 2 90.9 FM WCNI New London; 860-439-2853; wcniradio.org
3 94.9 FM News Now
Ledyard; 860-464-9490; 949newsnow.com
MARINA OR BOATYARD
1 The Marina at
American Wharf 1 American Wharf, Norwich; 860-222-8222; americanwharf.com
The Marina at American Wharf provides transient and seasonal dockage in downtown Norwich with access to the Thames River and nearby attractions. 2 Gales Ferry Marina Gales Ferry; 860-464-2146; galesferrymarinact.com
3 Crocker’s Boatyard
New London; 860-443-6304; crockersboatyardinc.com
PICK-YOUR-OWN FARM
Proud finalist in 5 Best of the Best Categories
1 Holmberg Orchards 1990 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7305; holmbergorchards.com
Holmberg Orchards is a family-owned orchard offering pick-your-own fruit, fresh produce, baked goods and seasonal farm activities. 2 Grant’s Berry Patch Lisbon; 860-376-5625; grantsberrypatch.net
3 Whittle’s Willow Spring Farm
Mystic; 860-536-3083; facebook.com/p/WhittlesWillow-Spring-Farm-100057698430396
F i nch
Fre n z y Attract the Season’s Busiest Birds to Your Backyard
Wild Birds Unlimited 190 Flanders Road Niantic
▪
(860) 739-7302 Shop online: mywbu.com/niantic
57
BEST OF
THE BEST
ANIMAL RESCUE
1 All Paws on Deck Rescue 475 Preston Rd., Griswold; 860-245-8216; allpawsondeck.org
All Paws on Deck Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, fostering and finding permanent homes for dogs in need. 2 Mona’s House - A Place For Homeless Pets Groton; 716-795-6662; facebook.com/ MonasHouseforHomelessPets
3 Connecticut Humane Society Quaker Hill; 860-442-8583; cthumane.org
BOARDING
1 Fun. Play. Bark. 704 Gungywamp Rd., Groton; 860-574-9541; 270 Rogers Rd., Groton; 860-460-0435; funplaybark.com
PET SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES
1 Mystic Pet Shop
28 E Main St., Mystic; 860-572-4424; mysticpetshop.com
Mystic Pet Shop carries premium pet food, treats, toys, supplies and accessories for dogs, cats and other companion animals. 2 Paw Print Pantry Niantic; 860-739-7297; pawprintpantry.com
3 Fleming’s Feed
Stonington; 860-535-3181; flemingsfeed.com
PET TRAINING
1 Know Better Do Better Dog Training LLC 1528 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry; 860-415-3632; kbdbdogtraining.com
Fun. Play. Bark. offers dog daycare, boarding, grooming and enrichment programs in a supervised environment. 2 Rhodes Collar
Know Better Do Better Dog Training provides positive reinforcement-based training for puppies and adult dogs through private lessons and group classes. 2 Rhodes Collar
3 The Barker’s Lounge at Anguilla
3 Lucky Dog CT
Stonington; 860-213-0260; rhodescollar.com
Brook Farm
Stonington; 860-213-0260; rhodescollar.com Pawcatuck; 860-326-8148; luckydogct.com
Pawcatuck; 860-535-6743; thebarkerslounge.com
VETERINARY SERVICES DAY CARE OR PET SITTING
1 Barks & Recreation LLC 28 Church St., Sprague; 860-823-8900; barksandrecct.com
420 New London Tpk., Norwich; 860-317-0998; allfriendsanimalhospital.com
All Friends Animal Hospital provides preventive, medical and surgical veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals. 2 Colchester Veterinary Hospital
3 All Bright Canines
3 VCA New London Animal Hospital
Oakdale; 860-490-4755; allbrightcanines.com
PET GROOMING
1 Doggy Stylez Mobile Grooming 5 Point St., Preston; 860-705-8115; instagram.com/ doggystylezmobile
pets
Hospital
Barks & Recreation provides dog daycare, boarding and pet care services focused on exercise, socialization and enrichment. 2 Amber’s Pampered Pets LLC Uncasville; 860-885-8512; amberspets.com
58 on the shoreline
1 All Friends Animal
For pups that do not like car rides, or for owners who want the convenience of not having to drop their pup off and return to pick them up hours later, Doggy Stylez Mobile Grooming comes directly to the client. They offer one-on-one grooming sessions in a state-of-the-art grooming van. This individual environment tends to be much less stressful for most dogs, and the pup’s comfort is always a top priority. 2 Fur-Ever Friends LLC Ledyard; 860-710-5559; fureverfriendsct.myonlineappointment.com
3 Paws & Refresh LLC
Norwich; 860-886-5484; facebook.com/pawsnrefresh
Colchester; 860-537-3435; colchestervet.net
Waterford; 860-442-0611; vcahospitals.com/new-london
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. or text860.689.1561 860.689.1561 for a free in-home consultation. I budgetblinds.com/oldsaybrook or text Call 860.399.6442Call An authorized dealer of
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NMLS #402928 59
BEST OF
THE BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM OR TAX PREPARER
BANK
1 Ascend Bank
Moore, Jackson Hewitt 1 Tom Tax Service
257 Main St., Norwich; 860-425-0123; ascend.bank
40 Plaza Ct., Groton; 860-445-5018; office.jacksonhewitt.com/tax-preparation-serviceslocations/en/ct/groton/40-plaza-court/11446
Ascend Bank is a community bank offering personal and business banking, lending and financial services throughout southeastern Connecticut. 2 Chelsea Groton Bank
Tom Moore assists individuals and families with tax preparation and filing through Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. 2 Goldblatt Bokoff LLC
Groton; 860-448-4200; chelseagroton.com
3 Dime Bank
Norwich; 860-886-5108; goldblattbokoff.com
Norwich; 860-859-4300; dime-bank.com
3 Joe Howard, CPA,
Peter WM. Maneri, JR., CPA
Norwich; 205-476-8610; petermaneri.com
CAR WASH OR DETAILING
1 Desmond’s Auto Spa LLC
ATTORNEY
7 White Pine Rd., Ledyard; 860-574-2956; desmondsautospa.net
L. Peterson, The Law 1 Khorey Office of Khorey L. Peterson
Desmond’s Auto Spa specializes in professional detailing, ceramic coatings, paint correction and vehicle protection services. 2 Ledyard Village Market Car Wash
19 Halls Rd., Suite 110, Old Lyme; 860-440-8520; klstephenlaw.com
The Law Office of Khorey L. Peterson provides legal representation in criminal defense, family law and civil matters. 2 Jason B. Burdick, Messier, Massad,
Ledyard; 860-464-9364; ledyardvillagemarket.com
3 John’s Mobile Auto
Uncasville; 860-501-9052; facebook.com/p/JohnsMobile-Auto-100065547397528/
Burdick & Associates LLC New London; 860-443-7014; mmbteam.com
3 David J. Pazzaglia, Pazz Injury Law
CLOTHING ALTERATIONS OR DRYCLEANING
East Lyme; 860-691-1184; pazzinjurylaw.com
1 The Fitting Room
39 Wedgewood Dr., Jewett City; 860-376-5566; facebook.com/p/The-Fitting-Room-Wedding-PromDress-Alterations-100063945945532
AUTO REPAIR
1 Geer Automotive
The Fitting Room specializes in alterations for wedding gowns, prom dresses, formalwear and everyday clothing. 2 Barry’s Cleaners & Launderers
services
7 Fairway Dr., Ledyard; 860-949-2432
60 on the shoreline
Geer Automotive provides automotive maintenance, diagnostics and repair services for domestic and imported vehicles. 2 Stilly’s Automotive
New London, Niantic, East Lyme; 860-447-8220; barryscleanerssect.com
Lisbon; 860-376-1700; stillysauto.com
3 Alterations by Elizabeth
3 CIC Automotive & Sales LLC
Groton; 860-405-0359; alterationsbyelizabeth.localsearch.com
Gales Ferry; 860-326-7000; cicautomotive.mycarsonline.com
Full Services, Including:
Ask About Our Military Discount
Barry’s
Cleaners
Cleaners and Launderers
www.barryscleanersct.com
Thank You!
Our Reputation is Spotless!
• Dry Cleaning • Shirts Laundered • Draperies & Duvets • Seasonal Storage • Alterations & Repairs • Leather & Suede Cleaning • Wedding Gown Preservation
Alterations & Tailor ing thing Clo
2017
dry cleaner
2018
dry cleaner
2019
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.
308 Flanders Rd. East Lyme 860.691.1680 M-F: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-1pm
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
services COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS REPAIR
1 Lou’s Computers LLC 45 Williams Ave., Mystic; 860-415-4663; louscomputers.com
Lou’s Computers provides computer sales, repair, networking and technology support for residential and business customers. 2 Captain Computer Gales Ferry; 860-464-5330; captaincomputer.ai
3 Glenn Bammer, Flo-Tech LLC Salem; 860-861-7949
CREDIT UNION
1 CorePlus Credit Union and CPCU DBA Scient Federal Credit Union 202 Salem Tpk., Norwich; 860-886-0576; 60 Colver Ave., Groton; 860-886-0576; coreplus.org
CorePlus Credit Union and CPCU dba Scient Federal Credit Union have been recognized in The Day’s Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting their strong commitment to member-focused service and community impact. As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, these credit unions prioritize people over profit, offering personalized support and trusted financial solutions. Members and the community celebrate this combined institution for the difference it makes every day. 2 Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Waterford; 860-446-8085; charteroak.org
3 Navy Federal Credit Union Groton; 888-842-6328; navyfederal.org
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Dittmeier, Shoreline 1 Tom Wealth Management LLC 99 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford; 860-442-2398; shorelinewealth.com
Tom Dittmeier provides personalized financial planning and wealth management services through Shoreline Wealth Management. 2 Jabez Financial LLC Uncasville; 860-390-0093; jabezfinancial.com
3 Dawn Robinson,
INSURANCE AGENT OR COMPANY
1 Massad Insurance Agency LLC
194 Colman St., New London; 860-447-0385; massadins.com
Massad Insurance Agency offers personal and commercial insurance, including home, auto, business and life coverage. 2 Michael Collins, Bearingstar Insurance Avon; 860-556-3810; bearingstar.com
3 Michael Whalen, Farmers Insurance
Niantic; 860-850-4416; agents.farmers.com/ct/niantic/ michael-whalen
LAW FIRM
1 Pazz Injury Law
351 Main St., East Lyme; 860-691-1184; pazzinjurylaw.com
Pazz Injury Law represents clients in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, premises liability and other negligence claims. 2 Messier, Massad, Burdick & Associates LLC New London; 860-443-7014; mmbteam.com
3 Hoops & Associates LLC Groton; 860-445-8911; hoopslaw.net
LIMOUSINE OR CAR SERVICE
1 Joshua’s Worldwide 172 Stoddards Wharf Rd., Gales Ferry; 866-217-5674; joshuasworldwide.com
Joshua’s Worldwide provides luxury limousine and chauffeured transportation services for weddings, airport transfers, corporate travel, proms and other special occasions. 2 Jay’s Limousine LLC Uncasville; 860-383-3498; jayslimos.com
3 Curtin Transportation Group Waterford; 860-443-1655; curtintransportationgroup.com
PHOTOGRAPHER OR VIDEOGRAPHER
1 Jean Michael Coronado 30 Williams St., New London; 860-961-7416; instagram.com/thejeanmichael
Jean Michael is an award-winning content creator known for capturing real moments while helping local businesses and people look their best. His work supports small businesses and brings more tourism to the area through authentic, engaging social media content. Every project reflects his connection to the community, making him a trusted choice for those looking to stand out. 2 Nicole O’Connor Photography New London; 860-460-5005; nicoleoconnorphotography.com
3 John Shishmanian
Colchester; instagram.com/jshishmanian
REAL ESTATE AGENT
1 Carlos Luque,
Luque Realty LLC 49 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-736-3432; luquerealty.com
Carlos Luque helps buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate transactions throughout southeastern Connecticut. 2 Tina Wazny, Coldwell Banker Realty
East Lyme; 860-213-4781; tinawazny.sites.cbmoxi.com
3 Scott Pellerin, Coldwell Banker Realty East Lyme; 860-235-6345; scottpellerin.sites.cbmoxi.com
REAL ESTATE TEAM
1 PMI East Lyme
25 Chesterfield Rd., Unit 1, East Lyme; 860-451-9101; pmisoutheastct.com
PMI East Lyme provides residential property management services for homeowners and real estate investors. 2 Seaport Real Estate Services Mystic; 860-245-9200; seaportre.com
3 The Huhn Team at Coldwell Banker Realty
East Lyme; 860-501-1758; johnhuhn.sites.cbmoxi.com
Barnum Financial Group Guilford; 888-712-2310; barnumfinancialgroup.com
61
BEST OF
THE BEST ANTIQUES
1 The Briar Patch
48 Franklin St., Norwich; 860-303-3119; thebriarpatchshop.com
The Briar Patch offers home décor, gifts, seasonal merchandise and furnishings in a boutique shopping environment. 2 Victoria Clare Vintage Stonington; 718-340-9283; instagram.com/ victoriaclarevintage
3 Maria’s Treasures
Taftville; 860-889-1100; mariastreasures.org
AUTO DEALERSHIP
1 Eazy Auto
101 Merchants Ave., Taftville; 860-574-4115; eazyautoct.com
Eazy Auto sells pre-owned vehicles and offers financing options for a variety of budgets and credit situations. 2 Grossman Chevrolet
Old Saybrook; 860-661-0063; grossmanchevy.com
3 Scranton Chevrolet of Norwich Norwich; 860-237-3163; scrantonchevy.com
BOOKS
shopping
1 The Book Barn
62 on the shoreline
41 W. Main St., Niantic; 860-739-5715; bookbarnniantic.com
The Book Barn is an independent bookstore with multiple buildings housing thousands of new, used and rare books, plus resident farm animals and gardens. 2 Bank Square Books Mystic; 860-536-3795; banksquarebooks.com
3 The Golden Owl
New London; 860-924-2695; goldenowl.shop
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
1 Coastal Gifts on Main 266 Main St., Niantic; 860-451-8566; facebook.com/CoastalGiftsOnMain
Coastal Gifts on Main features coastal-inspired home décor, gifts, jewelry and locally made items. 2 Grace Niantic; 860-739-4333; shopatgrace.com
3 The Briar Patch
Norwich; 860-303-3119; thebriarpatchshop.com
COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS
1 Wireless Zone of Groton & New London
351 N Frontage Rd., Suite B13, New London; 860-439-1000; 220 Rte. 12, Suite 4, Groton; 860-448-9000; shop.wirelesszone.com/ct/new-london/351-n-frontage-rd
Wireless Zone has locations in both New London and Groton. Both locations are Verizon authorized retailers, providing a range of wireless services and products. As Verizon authorized retailers, these individually owned and operated Wireless Zone® locations serve as a one-stop shop for all phone and wireless service needs. 2 Lou’s Computers LLC Mystic; 860-415-4663; louscomputers.com
3 Captain Computer
Gales Ferry; 860-464-5330; captaincomputer.ai
CONSIGNMENT AND THRIFT SHOP
1 COMO Thrift Shop
45 Cutler St., Stonington; 860-535-9041; thecomo.org/thrift
Operated by the COMO, the COMO Thrift Shop offers donated clothing, home goods, books and household items, with proceeds supporting community programs. 2 Thread & Nail LLC Colchester; 860-531-9521; threadnail.com
3 Pennywise Consignment Shop Mystic; 860-572-9232; pennywisemystic.com
FISH MARKET
1 Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant
22 Chesterfield Rd., East Lyme; 860-739-8866; flandersfish.com
Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant is known for its fresh seafood market and restaurant, serving New England favorites, sushi and seasonal specialties. 2 Fish Waterford; 959-213-6874; nianticfish.com
3 Sea Well Seafood
Pawcatuck, Stonington; 860-599-2082; facebook.com/seawellseafood
shopping FLORIST
1 Fisher Florist 87 Broad St., New London; 860-442-9456; fisherfloristcorp.com
Fisher Florist creates floral arrangements for weddings, celebrations, sympathy services and everyday occasions. 2 McKenna’s Flower Shop Norwich; 860-887-2479; mckennasflowershop.com
3 Thames River Greenery
New London; 860-443-6817; thamesrivergreenery.com
GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS
1 Mountain Hollow 22 Bayview Ave., Suite 7, Stonington; 860-245-8811; mountain-hollow.com
Mountain Hollow is a nature- and art-inspired gift shop located within The Velvet Mill in Stonington. The shop offers thoughtfully selected goods that bring nature and creativity into everyday life, from artist-made goods and books to botanicals, jewelry and home décor. They are honored by this recognition and grateful for the support of their customers, makers and community. 2 Coastal Gifts on Main
Niantic; 860-451-8566; facebook.com/CoastalGiftsOnMain
3 The Briar Patch
Norwich, 860-303-3119; thebriarpatchshop.com
HOME FURNISHINGS
1 Preston Trading Post
651 Rte. 165, Preston; 860-886-1484; prestontrading.com
Preston Trading Post is a family-owned business established in 1974. Renowned as one of the world’s largest wood and pellet stove dealers, it also features an award-winning showroom of fine American-made and Amish furniture, hearth accessories, and home goods. 2 Leader Store Norwich; 860-887-1666; leaderfurniturestore.com
3 The Briar Patch
Norwich; 860-303-3119; thebriarpatchshop.com
JEWELRY
1 Mallove’s Jewelers 262 Boston Post Rd., Waterford; 860-442-4391; 4 Holmes St., Mystic; 860-536-1600; mallovejewelers.com
Mallove’s Jewelers has remained Southeastern Connecticut’s most trusted jeweler since 1919. They are honored to have been part of thousands of love stories, and to have the pleasure of continuing in friendship with countless individuals and families who have shopped at Mallove’s for generations. Like his father and grandfather before him, Jim Mallove stands by his reputation and personally guarantees important purchases. Many of the expert staff members are familiar faces that have remained part of the Mallove’s family of employees for generations, helping to guide clients in the Mallove’s tradition. The sales staff does not work on commission, allowing each associate to focus entirely on the needs of their customers. 2 Grader Jewelers Groton, Norwich; 860-445-8767; graderjewelers.com
3 The Briar Patch
Norwich; 860-303-3119; thebriarpatchshop.com
LOCALLY OWNED GROCERY STORE
Thank you for Voting for us for Best Marina
1 American Wharf, Norwich, CT 860-222-8222 www.americanwharf.com
1 McQuade’s Marketplace
14 Clara Dr., Mystic; 860-536-2054; 106 Main St., Westerly, RI; 401-596-2054; mcquadesmarket.com
McQuade’s Marketplace is a family-owned grocery known for its full-service meat and seafood departments, prepared foods and locally sourced products. 2 Fiddleheads Food Co-op
New London; 860-701-9123; fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com
3 Ledyard Village Market
Ledyard; 860-464-9364; ledyardvillagemarket.com
PACKAGE STORE
1 Mermaid Liquors 159 Main St., Niantic; 860-739-2300; mermaidliquors.com
Mermaid Liquors offers a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits, along with specialty beverages and gift options. 2 Grand Wine & Spirits
Thank you for voting for us! Meghan Lamoureux, OD is a finalist for Best Optometrist
Groton, Waterford, Mystic, Old Lyme; 860-445-1044; grandwineandspirits.com
3 The Wine Merchant
New London; 860-442-0929; facebook.com/ TheWineMerchantLLC
1 Inchcliffe Dr, Gales Ferry, CT (860) 445-4412
63
BEST OF
THE BEST BRIDAL HAIR STYLIST
1 Stephanie Warren, The Hair Stop
316 Boston Post Rd., Unit 12, Waterford; 860-442-8565; thehairstopct.com
Stephanie Warren provides haircutting, coloring and styling services at The Hair Stop. 2 Breezy Lee Beauty Groton; breezyleebeauty.com
3 Sarah Mariah Bridal LLC Gales Ferry; sarahmariahbridal.com
BRIDAL MAKEUP ARTIST OR STUDIO
1 Beauty by Mineko
4 Broadway Ave. Ext., Stonington; 860-917-4775; minekobeauty.com
Beauty by Mineko specializes in permanent makeup, eyebrow services and advanced aesthetic treatments. 2 Glammed by Amie
Groton; 860-861-4202; instagram.com/glammedbyamie
3 Breezy Lee Beauty
Groton; breezyleebeauty.com
weddings
BRIDAL OR FORMAL WEAR
64 on the shoreline
1 Enchanted Bridal & Tux 36 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic; 860-912-8060; enchantedbridaltux.com
Enchanted Bridal & Tux offers bridal gowns, tuxedo rentals and formalwear for weddings, proms and special occasions. 2 Love Me Forever Bridal Danielson; 860-889-3535; loveme4everbridal.com
3 The Wedding Dress LLC
Portland; 860-342-5361; theweddingdressctllc.com
DJ
James O’Grady, 1 DJ JPO Productions LLC Mystic; 860-941-7395; jpoproductions.com
James O’Grady provides DJ and event entertainment services through JPO Productions for weddings, parties and corporate events. 2 DJ Jeff Erhart,
Mystic River Entertainment Gales Ferry; 860-460-0475; mysticriverhairandnails.com
3 DJ James Dawson,
Dawson Entertainment Production LLC Griswold; dawsonentertainment.com
WEDDING PLANNER
1 Malana Dougherty-Jarzabek, The Spa at Norwich Inn
607 W Thames St., Norwich; 860-425-3500; thespaatnorwichinn.com
Malana Dougherty-Jarzabek is a wedding planner at The Spa at Norwich Inn, helping couples coordinate ceremonies and receptions from planning through the wedding day. 2 Jenna Landon, Coastal Gourmet Catering West Mystic; 860-572-1111; coastalgourmetcatering.com
3 Gina Barber, Gourmet Galley Catering
North Stonington; 860-415-9589; gourmet-galley.com
WEDDING VENUE
1 The Spa at Norwich Inn 607 W Thames St., Norwich; 860-425-3500; thespaatnorwichinn.com
The Spa at Norwich Inn offers massage, facials, body treatments, salon services and wellness experiences within the historic Norwich Inn. 2 Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park
Waterford; 860-443-5725; ctparks.com/parks/harknessmemorial-state-park
3 Ocean Beach Park
New London; 860-447-3031; ocean-beach-park.com
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LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL AN EVENING WITH BILLIE HOLIDAY by Lanie Robertson
MAY 7TH – 31ST
1776
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards; Book by Peter Stone
A PIECE OF MY HEART By Shirley Lauro
OCTOBER 1ST – 25TH
PLAYHOUSE HOLIDAY JAMBOREE Created by Katie Barton and Ben Hope
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the BEST DENTIST personalized, gentle care that you deserve. ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
cleanings & prevention • restoring a confident smile • cosmetic dentistry • dental implants • invisalign improve your smile teeth whitening • complete whitening • sedation dentistry • relaxation dentistry
177 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT • 860-447-2235
www.waterforddentalhealth.com 65
Thank You for voting me one of the Top 3 Real Estate agents. I’m always here to help.
Your Local Neighborhood Real Estate Agent
pecial mmer Sale!
Tina has built a reputation dedicated to integrity, perseverance, and exceptional client service. As a seasoned real estate agent, she has successfully guided countless clients through the complexities of buying and selling homes, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience every step of the way.
TINA WAZNY
Valley Shore YMCA
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Realty
c. 860.213.4781 Tina.Wazny@cbrealty.com
860.399.9622 EAST LYME | MYSTIC, CT OFFICE 132 Boston Post Rd East Lyme, CT 06333
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From Gardening to Gifts! Perennials • Annuals • Shrubs • Trees • Mulch Organics • Decorative Pots • Gardening Tools
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1587 Boston Post Road in the shops at Waters Edge Westbrook, CT
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At INSPIRE Physical Therapy + Wellness, our mission is simple: to help adults age confidently at home through personalized, compassionate care. Thank you for trusting INSPIRE. It is an honor to serve Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. FOLLOW THE FUN IN CONNECTICUT:
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Chestnut Hill Concerts mihae lee, artistic director
Four concerts of world-class chamber music
August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026 • Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at The Kate programs & info: chestnuthillconcerts.org
68 on the shoreline
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Hospitality by the Sea
Steps to the Beach Complimentary Kayaks & Bikes Delicious Breakfast Included Dining and Attractions Close By Overnight Stays Retreats Afternoon Tea www. stannardhouse.com
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Book Fall Afternoon Tea at The Westbrook Inn 69
THE BOOK
NOOK
Fall into
Fiction The Lost Bookshop
70 on the shoreline
The Full Moon Coffee Shop
by Evie Woods (Harper Perennial, 2023)
by Mai Mochizuki (Ballantine Books, 2024)
The Lost Bookshop is one of those books where the main character is more the setting—the magical bookshop itself—than the three characters whose stories are told throughout the novel. Their stories span different time periods, but they are all linked to an elusive bookshop in Dublin. There is also an element of literary mystery involving a missing manuscript and real historical authors. If you love books, historical fiction and a good settingdriven story, this book is perfect for you.
The Full Moon Coffee Shop is another book in which the setting takes center stage. Filled with whimsy, this novel follows a magical traveling café in Japan that appears to those in need. It serves out-ofthis-world drinks and desserts and offers patrons life advice based on astrology. The best part? The Full Moon Coffee Shop is run entirely by cats. It is a great book for dessert lovers, the astrology-obsessed and anyone who can’t resist a good cat story.
When the leaves change in autumn, it feels like magic. Magic is transformation, and many of the books on this list explore transformation in one way or another. From mysterious shops and magical plants to witches finding their place in the world, these stories are filled with wonder, found family and a touch of enchantment—perfect for the season ahead. By Alicia Gomez
The Enchanted Greenhouse
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
by Sarah Beth Durst (Bramble, 2024)
by Sangu Mandanna (Berkley, 2022)
by Emilia Hart (St. Martin’s Press, 2023)
The Enchanted Greenhouse is a companion novel to The Spellshop, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. The main character is cursed to spend years as a statue for her illegal use of magic. When an isolated man on a remote island wakes her to help save his enchanted greenhouse, which has gone magically awry, she finds not only a second chance at life but also a chance at happiness and love. Filled with magical plants, cozy vibes and a sweet romance, this one is perfect for fantasy and romance lovers.
In The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Mika Moon, a lonely witch who makes videos online “pretending” to do magic, is recruited to help teach three young witches who struggle to control their powers. Even though it breaks the rules of Britain’s secret witch society, she agrees to help and travels to Nowhere House. There, she finds more than just a new purpose—she discovers a found family of quirky and charming characters and an unexpected romance with the house’s librarian, Jamie. Filled with warmth, humor and plenty of magic, this book is perfect for readers who love an uplifting story.
Weyward is another historical fiction novel with modern-day ties. It follows three women living in three different time periods—the 1600s, the 1940s and the present day. Connected by family and a shared bond with nature, each woman discovers powers that lead others to label them as witches. Unlike the other books on this list, Weyward explores darker themes, including abuse, oppression and the ways women have been punished throughout history for refusing to conform. At its heart, however, it is a story about resilience, survival and finding strength in the women who came before us. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, strong female characters and stories about women reclaiming their power will find a lot to love in this novel.
Weyward
71
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Calendar of events Sponsored by
Essex, Village of Centerbrook 73
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS � A U G U S T � Fridays through September 11 Summer Friday Music Series 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mystic Seaport Museum 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic
Spend Friday evenings on the waterfront as Mystic Seaport Museum’s popular outdoor concert series returns to Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music overlooking the Mystic River. Free museum admission begins at 5 p.m. Westbrook Recreation Concert Series 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Westbrook Town Green 1196 Boston Post Road, Westbrook
Enjoy an evening of free live music on the Town Green during Westbrook Recreation’s annual summer concert series. Featuring a variety of bands performing favorites spanning five decades of pop, rock, and dance music, the concerts invite guests to bring lawn chairs, refreshments, and even pizza for a relaxing summer evening outdoors.
Thursdays through September 24 Preston Farmers Market
4 to 7 p.m. Preston Community Park 3 Route 117, Preston
Browse fresh produce, baked goods, locally grown products, and handcrafted items during Preston’s weekly summer farmers market. The Thursday evening market celebrates local farmers, bakers, growers, and artisans while bringing the community together each week.
Fridays through October 9 Bozrah Farmers Market 4 to 7 p.m. Maples Farm Park 45 Bozrah St., Bozrah
Spend Friday evenings browsing fresh, locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, artisanal foods, and unique gifts while supporting area farmers and makers. The weekly community market also features live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of local flavor.
Sunday, August 16 Coffee 5K with Sweat n’ Snack 8 a.m. Tox Brewing Co. 123 Bank St., New London
Start your Sunday with a casual out-and-back 5K before rewarding yourself with coffee at Tox Brewing Co. Participants receive a discount on their morning coffee following the run.
Wednesday, August 19 Essex Celebrates America 250 Family Concert & Celebration 6 to 7 p.m. Ivoryton Village Green 100 Main St., Ivoryton
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an evening of family fun and community spirit on the Ivoryton Village Green. Hosted by the Essex Semi-Quincentennial Committee, this free celebration features music by Southern Voice, face painting, a photo booth, familyfriendly activities, and commemorative cake. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy an evening honoring the nation’s milestone.
Saturday, August 22 Moroso Performance 5th Annual Charity Car Show 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Moroso Performance Products 80 Carter Drive, Guilford
Car enthusiasts can admire an impressive lineup of vehicles while supporting Connecticut Children’s Foundation. The annual fundraiser features trophies, raffles, music, food, shop tours, and family-friendly activities, with all proceeds benefiting patients and families served by Connecticut Children’s. New London Revolutionary War Tour 10 to 11:30 a.m. Downtown New London 27 Water St., New London
Explore the dramatic role New London played during the American Revolution on this guided walking tour through the city’s historic district. Learn about Nathan Hale, early protests against British rule, privateers, and the devastating attack led by Benedict Arnold in 1781 that forever shaped the Whaling City. 8th Annual Bluegrass Festival 3 to 7 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church 129 Ledge Hill Road, Guilford
Bring a lawn chair and picnic for an afternoon of live bluegrass featuring Still Pickin Blue Grass Band, Sperry Creek, and Simon Brogle & XLT’s. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. 74 on the shoreline
Summer Music on the Town Green
� S E P T E M B E R �
Pack a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music under the summer sky. This installment of Lebanon’s seasonal concert series features Secret Lita, offering a relaxed outdoor gathering for families and music lovers alike.
Saturday, September 5
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Lebanon Town Green 579 Exeter Road, Lebanon
Sunday, August 23 Hidden Gems & Fun Facts Walking Tour 10 to 11:30 a.m. Downtown Historic District 27 Water St., New London
Discover stories hidden throughout downtown New London on this guided walking tour. Along the way, hear tales of Nathan Hale, Eugene O’Neill, the Garde Arts Center, St. James Episcopal Church, maritime history, and local legends before ending with one final story at a neighborhood establishment.
Summer Market at the Allis-Bushnell House 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Allis-Bushnell House Museum 853 Boston Post Road, Madison
The Madison Historical Society hosts an outdoor market featuring rotating local vendors on the grounds of the historic Allis-Bushnell House. Visitors are also invited inside to explore the current Madison 200 exhibit. Admission is free. The Free Meat Raffle
2 to 5 p.m. Little House Brewing Co. 16 Main St., Chester
Friday, August 28
Little House Brewing Co. hosts its popular community meat raffle featuring premium cuts from Sycamore Farm, live music by Just Jeff of Jeff and the River Rats, and bonus raffle opportunities for guests who donate personal care items to benefit local teens. Participation is free, and attendees must be present to win.
Claws & Applause: A Lip Sync Battle for Paws Cat Shelter
Saturday, September 5 through Sunday, November 1
6:30 to 9 p.m. Montana Nights Axe Throwing 51 Providence Pike, Putnam
Enjoy an evening of outrageous performances, creative costumes, and audience participation as local teams compete in a lip sync showdown benefiting Paws Cat Shelter. Only four teams advance to the final round to compete for the coveted Golden Paw Award during this entertaining fundraiser.
Saturday, August 29 through Sunday, October 25 28th Annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lebanon Country Fairgrounds 122 Mack Road, Lebanon
Step back in time during nine weekends of knights, jousting, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and Renaissance-inspired fun. The annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire features a dozen stages of performances, period shopping, giant turkey legs, interactive attractions, and entertainment for all ages.
Sunday, August 30 The Wadsworth Mansion Open Air Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wadsworth Mansion 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown
Browse a variety of local vendors while enjoying the beautiful grounds of the historic Wadsworth Mansion during this open-air shopping event.
Bishop’s Fall Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market 480 New England Road, Guilford
Celebrate the arrival of autumn with apple picking, family activities, seasonal treats, and outdoor attractions during Bishop’s Orchards’ annual Fall Festival. The longtime shoreline tradition offers weeks of harvestthemed fun for visitors of all ages.
Friday, September 11 New London Privateers & Buccaneers Night 5 p.m. Downtown Historic District 9 Pearl St., New London
Dress as your favorite pirate and celebrate New London’s seafaring past during an evening of scavenger hunts, live music, costume contests, and familyfriendly fun inspired by Captain Kidd and the city’s privateering history.
Saturday, September 12 2026 Dave Parcells Madison Triathlon
6:45 a.m. to noon. Surf Club, Madison Town Beach Surf Club Rd., Madison
Athletes will swim in Long Island Sound, bike through Madison’s scenic back roads, and finish with a shoreline run during this popular annual triathlon. The race traditionally reaches capacity well before race day. 75
Hay Burr Inn Giving Back Community Program: Volunteer for a Day!
Friday, September 18
9 a.m. to noon. Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary 169 Black Hill Road, Plainfield
Mitchell Farm Music Festival
Spend a meaningful morning volunteering at Hay Burr Inn during this hands-on community service program. Participants assist with a variety of farm and sanctuary tasks, including barn chores, grounds cleanup, light maintenance and seasonal projects that support the care of rescued horses and donkeys. Open to ages 14 and older; no experience necessary.
Enjoy an evening of live ‘70s music surrounded by peaceful grazing horses. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and relax beneath the tent while enjoying food trucks and a uniquely scenic concert experience.
The Artisan Market at Parmelee Farm 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parmelee Farm 465 Route 81, Killingworth
Browse handcrafted goods, artwork, and locally made products from local artisans while enjoying the scenic grounds of historic Parmelee Farm. Groton City Brew Run 2026 11 a.m. Eastern Point Beach 1 Beach Pond Road, Groton
Lace up for the sixth annual Groton City Brew Run benefiting Riverfront Children’s Center. The event concludes with a brewfest, food trucks, and familyfriendly festivities overlooking the shoreline. Five O’Clock Somewhere Fundraiser Noon to 11 p.m. Windjammer Surf Bar 321 Atlantic Ave., Westerly, RI
Spend the day enjoying live music while supporting the Friends of the Westerly Animal Shelter during this waterfront fundraiser. Botanicals & Brews
1 to 6 p.m. Epicure Brewing 50 Franklin St., Norwich
Plants, craft beer, food, and artisan vendors come together during this botanical marketplace presented by New England Plant Expo. Browse uncommon and rare houseplants alongside handcrafted goods inspired by nature.
Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 FallFest 2025
Noon to 4 p.m. Harkness Memorial State Park 301 Great Neck Road, Waterford
FallFest is hosted by the Harkness Memorial State Park Foundation and takes place on the historic Eolia estate grounds. The event features seasonal activities, vendors, entertainment and food in a family-friendly setting overlooking Long Island Sound.
76 on the shoreline
7 to 8:30 p.m. Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement 300 East Haddam Road, East Haddam
Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20 The Guilford Fair
4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Lane, Guilford
A beloved Connecticut tradition since 1859, the Guilford Fair returns for a full weekend of agricultural heritage, family entertainment, and classic fair fun. Guests can enjoy livestock and agricultural exhibits, live music, craft and commercial vendors, carnival rides, food booths, competitions, and demonstrations. Highlights include the annual parade, scheduled for Saturday morning, along with ongoing entertainment and community performances throughout the weekend.
Saturday, September 19 Deep River Day
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Downtown Deep River
Downtown comes alive with exhibits celebrating the town’s history, along with community organizations, local vendors, membership opportunities, and a popular book sale during this annual hometown celebration. Crafters Care Events Fall Fest 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doody’s Restaurant Totoket Inn 465 Foxon Road, North Branford
Browse more than 50 Connecticut artisans and makers during this annual outdoor craft fair while supporting the North Branford Food Pantry through raffle basket sales. Enjoy lunch at Doody’s Restaurant and discover unique handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and local creations.
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 Hobbiton Garden Faire at Burnett’s 3 to 7 p.m. Burnett’s Country Gardens 380 New London Road, Salem
Celebrate the arrival of fall with a whimsical weekend inspired by Tolkien’s Shire. Browse vendors, enjoy local food, shop for mums, and soak in the garden atmosphere during this family-friendly fall festival.
THE CONNELLY TEAM at Coldwell Banker Realty
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Backed by over 80 combined years of marketing, sales, construction, and real estate experience, our team stands as a beacon of knowledge and professionalism. Whether you’re buying or selling, make the right choice— contact our team for unparalleled service along the CT shoreline in 2026. Your trusted real estate team awaits, ready to exceed your expectations.
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Frank Connelly 203.605.1491 frank.connelly@cbrealty.com
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Sunday, September 20 Rustic Roots Market – Indoor Vendor & Craft Fair 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Elks Lodge 44 Maynard St., Middletown
Shop dozens of local artisans, makers, and small businesses during this indoor craft fair. Admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase throughout the day.
Madison Pride Fest 2026
Noon to 3 p.m. Madison Town Green 10 Meeting House Lane, Madison
Celebrate inclusion, diversity, and community during Madison’s annual Pride Festival.
� O C T O B E R � Saturday, October 3
Saturday, September 26
Small Town Music Fest 2026
Hometown Fall Festival
This free, all-day outdoor music festival showcases local bands alongside food trucks, artisan vendors, and a beer garden, creating a celebration of community and smalltown charm. Rain date is Saturday, October 10.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holdridge Home & Garden 749 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard
Celebrate the arrival of fall with a family-friendly festival featuring seasonal activities, Kona Ice, and delicious fare from Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock Food Truck. Burnett’s Country Gardens Butterfly Release 2 p.m. Burnett’s Country Gardens 380 New London Road, Salem
Witness monarch butterflies take flight during this annual celebration of nature and migration. Families can enjoy food, entertainment, and an unforgettable afternoon surrounded by gardens as hundreds of butterflies begin their journey south.
Saturday, September 26 through Sunday, November 1 Wee Faerie Village: Gemstone Station
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (Open Monday, October 12) Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme
This year’s whimsical Wee Faerie Village sparkles with gemstones, precious minerals, and shimmering metals as tiny fairy homes celebrate the treasures found beneath the earth. The beloved annual exhibition transforms the museum grounds into an imaginative world for visitors of all ages.
Sunday, September 27 2026 Connecticut Walk for Apraxia 8 a.m. Parmelee Farm 465 Route 81, Killingworth
Join families and supporters from across Connecticut for this free community walk benefiting children with apraxia of speech. Participants can build fundraising teams, earn prizes, and celebrate the event’s Apraxia Stars during a day focused on awareness and community. 78 on the shoreline
11 a.m. Chubby Dog Coffee Co. 144 Main St., Danielson
Crafters Care Events: Fall Y’all Craft Crawl 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Caius Farm Brewery 101 North Branford Road, Branford
Sip your favorite craft beverage while browsing handmade goods from more than 25 local artisans during this festive fall shopping event. With seasonal décor, early holiday gift ideas, and brewery favorites, it’s the perfect way to welcome autumn. Guilford PorchFest
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guilford Green 51 Whitfield St., Guilford
Neighborhood porches become intimate concert stages during Guilford PorchFest, where local musicians perform throughout downtown in an all-volunteer celebration of creativity and community. Bring a lawn chair and spend the day strolling from porch to porch while discovering hometown talent. Toxoween Market
Noon to 5 p.m. Tox Brewing Co. 123 Bank St., New London
Kick off spooky season at Tox Brewing Co.’s second annual Toxoween Market featuring local vendors and family-friendly activities. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 Fall Craft Fair
11 a.m. North Branford Congregational Church 1680 Foxon Road, North Branford
Celebrate autumn with handmade crafts, local vendors, seasonal décor, delicious food, and small-town charm during this two-day community craft fair.
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Thursday, October 8 When History Speaks: The Historic Haunts of New London 7 to 8:30 p.m. Downtown Historic District 27 Water St., New London
Join historian and paranormal investigator Traci Boiselle for an evening walking tour exploring New London’s haunted past. Combining historical research with paranormal investigation, the tour examines the city’s most storied buildings and the people whose legacies may still linger.
Saturday, October 17
27 Hope Street - Niantic, CT 06357 860-941-5973 pasttopresentauctions@gmail.com www.pasttopresentct.com
Bauer Park Fall Festival
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bauer Park, 257 Copse Road, Madison
This longtime fall tradition returns with seasonal activities, community fun, and the whimsical scarecrow displays that have become a hallmark of the annual festival.
Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18 Mystic Apple Festival
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Olde Mistick Village 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic
Celebrate the flavors and traditions of fall during Olde Mistick Village’s annual Apple Festival. Browse artisan vendors, handcrafted goods, seasonal treats, and familyfriendly activities while enjoying everything from apple and pumpkin specialties to maple and caramel favorites.
80 on the shoreline
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YOUR SHORELINE HOME FOR COMPLETE EYE CARE. Middlesex Eye Physicians is bringing a brighter perspective to the Connecticut shoreline this spring. Our three coastal offices offer the same commitment to excellence and even more ways to serve you. Experience comprehensive ophthalmology and complete eye care solutions with decades of combined expertise, all dedicated to your vision health.
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177 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT • 860-447-2235
www.waterforddentalhealth.com
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your project on track and true to your vision and needs.
Call Us: (203) 288 - 3866 www.thekitchencompany.com www.thekitchencompany.com 370 Sackett Point Rd. www.thekitchencompany.com www.thekitchencompany.com www.thekitchencompany.com www.thekitchencompany.com 370 Sackett Point Rd. www.thekitchencompany.com North Haven, CT 06473 370 370 370 Sackett Sackett Sackett Point Point Point Rd. Rd. 370 Sackett Point Rd. North Haven, CT 06473 370 Sackett Point Rd. North North North Haven, Haven, Haven, CT CT 06473 CT 06473 06473 North Haven, www.thekitchencompany.com