I notice from the train from New York-Boston and/or Montreal what a pretty-looking town New London, Connecticut seems to be, and was surprised doing a search on this site that not much is mentioned about it.

Is this a pleasant place to visit/go to relax and be by the ocean? Historically interesting? Glad to hear any opinions/thoughts.

DAN

dan...new london/groton is a former navy town.now home to the US Coast Guard Academy. nearby is Mystic and also Stonington....both great towns with a lot to offer, near the water.

Thanks maykb

If you were to visit New London/Groton, what would you recommend as an itinerary (sights, restaurants, places to go to get a real feel for New London ambience)? Do you think this is a place you can visit without a car? (i.e., Get off the train at New London station, find a hotel and tour?)

Thanks for any thoughts.

DAN

dan,

i tried to reply before, but it didn't post...let's try again.

sorry, i don't know that much about New London but i think that you would want a car, and that nearby Mystic might be more interesting. perhaps this posting will move the message up and someone more familiar with New London will answer.

good luck to you!

Hi, New London /Groton is a navy town. The US Submarine base in Groton has a wonderful musuem(free) and the first nuclear submarine is docked so to speak at the base and is a great tour. Its self guided and free. I'll bet I have been on board at least 10 times. I used to live in Groton.You will need a car, things are few and far between. There is an Indian run casino in Ledyard, about 20 minutes from Groton. They have a wonderful property, full of history and museums and storytelling.Not just slots. There is a hotel and motel on the grounds. Mystic Seaport is about 20 minutes away, off I-95. Great day trip and they have the Mystic Aquarium.There are alos outlet to shop if inclined.There's lots of history, do some more research on the internet. Try Groton, Mystic, Westerly Rhode Island too. Just about 20 mintues past Mystic.
In Groton there is a ferry going out to Block Island Rhode Island. Takes 2 hours, one way, and its just super. You will also enjoy Block Island. Small, motor scooter, bike or car rental. I have been a foot passenger out there and really had a wonderful day. Hope this helps..Dona

Sorry, my mistake, the ferry is out of New London..not Groton. Its been a few years!

Dona, Maykb,

Thank you for all your thoughts.

Best wishes, DAN.

I would suggest Mystic; there is an historic seaport, and very quaint downtown area with lots of great restaurants. For information on the Mystic area try: www.mycoast.com

For amazing super casual outdoor dining try Abbotts - great place to sit on a picnic table and watch the boats go by.
www.abbotts-lobster.com

Stonington Borough is also a beautiful area, I recommend Skippers Dock for casual lunch or dinner overlooking the harbor.

Try this link for a view of the harbor: http://www.stoningtonct.com/stoningtonharbor.html

Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos are relatively close by as well (should be easy to find the websites for).

Enjoy CT!!!