Cruising the Long Island Sound

Port Jefferson was an active shipbuilding center in the mid-19th century. The Mather House Museum provides a glimpse into the home of some of these shipbuilders, while the Maritime Explorium at Harborfront Park is located in an 1890s chandlery and now features hands-on interactive family activities. Theater Three on Main Street entertains all ages. At the marina, Admiral’s Deck features dockside dining while WAVE Seafood Kitchen serves indoors with a waterview. On any given summer day, downtown bustles with arrivals by boat, ferry, train, motorcycle and car. Restaurants, shops, galleries and markets are all within walking distance of the docks. There are farm markets on Sundays as well as free harborfront concerts, movies and children’s shows throughout the summer.

A historic whaling town, Sag Harbor prides itself on being “unHamptons.” The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum promotes the area’s rich culture. Foster Beach on Noyack Bay is a great place to unwind after a long day of fishing, clamming, or paddle-boarding in the harbor. Walking distance to town, there is an abundance of restaurants nearby, including the American Hotel, the Corner Bar, Dockside Bar & Grill, Nello Summertimes, and Cittanuova.

As a quintessential beach town, Montauk offers expansive beach access stretched across miles of coastline featuring vintage boutique shopping and exquisite surf cuisine at popular eateries such as The Gig Shack and The Hideway Restaurant. Montauk, or “The End” as locals call it as the easternmost part of Long Island, has morphed from fisherman’s enclave to a polished surf town. IGA Grocery is located about 3 miles away from Montauk Yacht Club.

Whatever you are searching for, Block Island seems to have it: art galleries, hiking, fishing, bars, food and shopping are all available within arm's reach, and you'll be no farther than a 20-minute bike ride from the southern and northernmost points of the Island. You'll find most of the island's cafés and inns near Water Street in Old Harbor. If you're in search of oysters, steamers or lobster, you almost can't go wrong with any of the local restaurants. Finn's Seafood Restaurant is a popular place for seafood, and its fish market below the restaurant emphasizes their commitment to getting you a fresh meal. Take-out is also available. The Salty Dog on Water Street is a local institution, and offers a wonderful view of Old Harbor. The Orange Cat Café offers a variety of baked goods and some excellent coffee. For those with a sweet tooth, look for Blocks of Fudge on Chapel Street.

Mystic River Marina is a fantastic full-service facility that has been family owned and operated since 1957. Located on the secluded Mason's Island in Mystic, Connecticut, guests will enjoy beautiful views of Long Island Sound. The marina is in a protected area below the bridges, allowing boaters to rest easy on calm waters. Mystic River Marina has awesome amenities for the vacationing boater to enjoy. It is home to a swimming pool, laundromat, a beautiful picnic area, and a clubhouse. There is also a delicious restaurant on the property, Kitchen Little. Here guests can dine on amazing breakfast dishes and also a variety of awesome sandwiches. There are additional restaurants nearby as well. Groceries, rental cars, and bike rentals are all within a short distance to the marina too. Last, but not least, Mystic River Marina prides themselves on providing guests with the highest quality marine services. The 165-slip, full-service facility specializes in repowers, diesel, and gasoline engines and generators, engine repairs, custom canvas work, underwater hardware repair, complete hull repairs, fiberglass repairs, interlux authorized yard, and bottom blister repair. For basic boating needs, there is a Ship Store on location as well. There is a gas dock with both gas and diesel, as well as a pump-out station.

Old Saybrook, 27 miles west of Mystic, sits where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound. Saybrook Point was the site of a prominent fort and an important coastal trade center during the 1700s and 1800s for vessels from river boats to ocean ships. Present day Old Saybrook is as charming as ever, dotted with clapboard houses, boutiques, antique stores, galleries, and cafes that brim with history. The town’s coastal location a ords ample opportunity for water activities. To the southwest is Harvey’s Beach, a perfect spot for the entire family to cool off on a hot day. Kayakers will love exploring the North Cove and South Cove, both very protected. And there’s plenty of nonwater fun to be had too. In this bike-friendly town, cycle along the 10-mile loop out to Saybrook Point for breathtaking views, meandering along Long Island Sound as you go. Be sure to make a detour to check out Lynde Point Lighthouse, which sits at the mouth of Connecticut River. Ready for a game of golf ? Stop by the Fenwick Golf Course, completed in 1896, to play a round. The waterfront Mini-Golf at Saybrook Point will make everyone in the family happy.

Steps from the waterfront, Main Street is home to an eclectic array of boutiques, gift shops and stores, as well as several places to dine. Chief among these is the Griswold Inn, which has been serving mariners since 1776 and is the oldest continually operating tavern in the country. There’s plenty to do and see in and around Essex, starting with the excellent Connecticut River Museum, directly on the waterfront. The Essex area offers numerous marsh-lined creeks to explore in a kayak or SUP. On the opposite side of the river, you can enjoy the beach at Nott Island and explore this wildlife preserve. Places to dine locally include The Griswold Inn, a local institution known for its hearty food — featuring a pub and wine/tapas bar with live music and Abby's Place for casual breakfast. For casual seafood and pub fare on Main Street head to Black Seal Grille.