Things To Do In Groton, Ledyard and New London! 

 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Florence Griswold Museum A National Historic Landmark and America's best-known center of Impressionist painting the Griswold Museum comprises 11 beautifully landscaped acres nestled along the Lieutenant River and includes an education center, a restored artist studio, gardens, and the 1817 Griswold family home. Founded by Florence Griswold, an inductee into Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame for her unsurpassed contribution to the world of art, the Griswold Museum remains a center of artistic education and inspiration. US Navy Submarine Force Museum The birthplace of the Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered submarine, the US Submarine Museum is the United States Navy's official submarine museum. Through informative exhibits and presentations, photographs and rare artifacts, the museum recounts the history of the US Submarine Force.  Special features include a working periscope, operational mini-submarines and footage of the launching of the Nautilus’ maiden voyage in 1954. Denison Homestead Museum Built in 1717 and continuously owned by the Denison Family, this early 18th century Colonial farmhouse is nestled on 200 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, and meadows. In addition to the majestic home the property includes 18th, 19th, and 20th century period gardens and over eight miles of nature trails. Beautifully appointed with original pieces of period furniture, the house is furnished with family heirlooms and each room reflects a different period in the history of the Denison family and the young nation. Lyman Allyn Art Museum Harriet Upson Allyn established the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in 1926 in memory of her father, Lyman Allyn, as a place for local citizens to learn about art and culture. Housed in a handsome Neo-Classical building designed by Charles A. Platt, the permanent collection of over 15,000 objects includes paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, furniture, decorative arts, and American art from the 18th through the 20th centuries. Connecticut Ballet Company Founded in 1981, Connecticut Ballet is a resident performing company housed at the Rich Forum and Palace Theatre in Stamford. Directed by Brett Raphael, the 16-member company tours full-length ballets (Nutcracker, Coppelia, Giselle) and exciting and new one-act ballets created by today's most promising choreographers. Yale Repertory Theater The Yale Repertory Theater is one of the finest theater companies in the nation. Recipient of the Tony Award in 1991 for Outstanding Regional Theater and the 1992 Jujamoyn Theater Award for its overwhelming contribution to the development of creative talent in the theater, Yale Rep has a well-deserved reputation for developing and expanding the art of fine acting.  Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Under the inspired direction of musical super star Xiao-Lu Li, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony has brought education, enrichment and entertainment of the highest quality to the residents of Eastern Connecticut.  Each year the Symphony presents five subscription concerts many of which feature world-renowned guest artists who have graced the stage of the historic Garde Arts Center.  Lectures, symposiums and free community concerts make the Eastern Connecticut Symphony an integral member of the cultural community. Garde Arts Center Since its inception in 1985, the Garde Arts Center has revitalized the community of Eastern Connecticut.  Comprising four adjacent historic buildings, a center for arts, education, commerce and community events, the Garde Center has become the cultural cornerstone for the entire area.  Featuring opulent Moorish inspired décor and lavish exteriors, these four historic buildings built in the early 1920’s are the pride of New London and the perfect location for first class entertainment.

 SPORTS AND RECREATION

Foxwoods Golf and Country Club East Connecticut Golf Courses Fort Trumbell State Park Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve Hopeville Pond State Park Ocean Beach Park Rocky Neck State Park American Sailing Academy New London Downeast Lighthouse Cruises New London Parks

 SHOPPING

Mohegan Sun Resort Shopping Center Putnam Antique Marketplace Antique Store Listing New London Mall Groton Shopping Plaza East Connecticut Shopping Centers East Connecticut Department Store Listing New London Retail Shopping Listing

 DINING

Octagon Steakhouse The sleek design and sophisticated décor of the Octagon Steakhouse has made it the restaurant of choice for food lovers the world over. Praised by culinary institutions and food critics, the Octagon is the prime dining spot for power lunches and special occasions.  Timothy’s at Lighthouse Inn Located in the historic Lighthouse Inn, known for its beautifully decorated and dramatic room, Timothy’s Restaurant covets a well-earned reputation for award winning cuisine and superlative service. Always reserved for that special night out, Timothy’s offers a unique dining experience that truly makes the evening a memorable event. Zavala Restaurant Chef Martin Zavala continues to charm local taste buds with his creative interpretations of Mexican classics.  Committed to using the freshest ingredients possible, Chef Zavala specializes in a wide variety of delicious salsas.  The lively atmosphere and authentic Mexican folk music give visitors the impression they have just stepped across the border. Gridlock Grille Family owned and operated, the Gridlock Grille specializes in fresh lobster prepared to perfection.  Standard American fare including prime rib, steaks and burgers round out a hearty menu. Family friendly, the Gridlock Grille also offers a special selection geared toward the kids.

 SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

Nathan Hale Homestead Situated on 12 acres of idyllic countryside and adjoining the 500-acre Hale State Forest, stands the Nathan Hale homestead. Home of the Revolutionary War hero whose famous words “I have but one life to give to my country”, this Georgian house represented the newest ideas in country living.  Replete with original furnishings and family memorabilia, the historic home reflects the lifestyle of the first generation of American citizens and is visited by over 3500 people annually. Mystic Seaport The Museum of America and the Sea, is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Climb aboard historic tall ships, stroll through a re-created 19th-century coastal village and see a working preservation shipyard in action.  Birthplace of such Maritime legends as the freedom schooner the Arnistad, the Museum of America and the Sea tells the story of the nation’s love affair with the sea through the past two hundred years. Mystic Aquarium Dolphins, baby alligators, the Titanic, penguins and much more.  There is never a dull moment at the Mystic Aquarium.  Travel through time at the Dinosaur exhibit, touch a Beluga Whale or meet frogs from around the world.  One of the nation’s best-loved aquariums, the Mystic Aquarium also features the world’s only exhibits based on Dr. Robert Ballard’s deep-sea discoveries.  Connecticut College Arboretum Conceived and constructed as a sanctuary to which visitors could escape from the stress and demand of daily life, the Connecticut College Arboretum provides necessary contact with the natural world and an opportunity to reflect and relax in beautiful surroundings. Established in 1931, it features 750 acres that represent a variety of natural ecosystems, hiking trails, ponds and landscape plants.   Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center The world's largest and most comprehensive Native American museum and research center offers an array of engaging experiences for young and old, from life-size walk-through dioramas that transport visitors into the past, to changing exhibits and live performances of contemporary arts and cultures. Four full acres of permanents exhibits depict 18,000 years of Native and natural history in thoroughly researched detail, while two libraries, including one for children, offer a diverse selection of materials on the histories and cultures of all Native peoples of the United States and Canada.