Day Trips II- The Lymes, Conn.

When finally arriving on the opposite side of the "mighty" Connecticut River at Ely's Ferry in Lyme, Ct you will be greated to the left by a small picnic area and to the right by the old Ely House, a great example of mid 18th century wealth brought from the water. The Ely family has been prominent in this area since first settlement in the mid 1600s and many descendents still live in the Lymes (Lyme, Old and East). Here you will likely be greeted by other leaf peepers and those just looking to take an alternate route to avoid that major interstate traffic. Follow through the winding roads past various maples, ash, oak and a smidgen of green from the pine. Birch and other types are also very prominent in this area.

 Heading toward Ely's Ferry (Lyme, Ct)  From the Lyme side

This area of Lyme or the socalled "North Society" was an 3rd settlement of the original (Old Lyme) and was officially a society around 1730 after the 2nd society petitioned the governor for their own church in about 1719 finally reaching accord in 1723 in modern day "East Lyme".

Within this area are hidden gems of homes. Manhattanites and old money people from writers and painters to corporate executives and blue bloods. One can see why the Old Lyme / Lyme area was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s for impressionist artists from the old Griswold House in Old Lyme.

Finally when passing a small canal head toward Route 156. One can either go left or right but for the point of avoiding a turn around in Hamburg or Salem take a right and follow about a mile and half while enjoying the healthy trees and their golorious colors. However a little side stop I would recommend is on your left, a small sign announcing "Farm Coffee" is near to the ground at Bill Hill Road. Take a hard left here and follow for about a mile. You will pass ancient farms and homes dating to the 1700s here. Just when you think you are lost on the left a large farm and 18th century white colonial annoucing "Farm Coffee". Here Ashlawn Farms roasts their own coffee, has a small coffee shop with pastries and even a summer farmers market (weekends). Stop in and grab a cup of java and do not forget to put your pin on the map for your hometown!
 Ashlawn Farm, Lyme, Ct.

Returning on Route 156 follow south toward Old Lyme. These leisurely drive is a great one as the leaves are full of color, as you drive you will hear the sounds of crackling leaves on the road and the smell of autumn fills the air so roll down that window.

Entering Old Lyme you will need to follow the signs to the left passing Super Stop & Shop and then proceeding toward "Lyme Street". However instead of this way another more enjoyable ride can be had by following 156 along the water until you see a sign for "Historic District". Take a left here and follow through 19th and 18th century neighborhoods. This is the Lieutenant River Section a well to do and always has been area of Old Lyme with finely manicured lawns and homes. Arriving at Lyme Street (Main Street) you are greeted by the Old Lyme Congregational Church  and the Boxwood Manor (Mansion) across the street to your left. Lyme Street is a sleepy main street but offers a handful of interior shops and Old Lyme Ice Cream in a victorian setting. Check to see opening hours during the autumn.  Follow passed the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts (Impressionists again!) and toward three worthy stops. 1.-Florence Griswold Museum (starting point along with the Weir family for the American Impressionist Movement) with a great collection of Impressionist Art from the local area (majority of the works). Just past the Museum is the venerable Old Lyme Inn. For a light lunch or some "tavern food" stop in for a bit and enjoy a New York Times rated establishment, always popular. Afterward just up the street is the favorite Bee & Thistle Inn (1756 Mansion) offering an assortment of local wares for lunch and dinner. One of the most romantic spots in the state. Both Inns offer rooms, but check ahead as they are often fully booked!

 Florence Griswold Museum

After a stop head north on Route 1 following until you reach Sill Road. Named after David Sill and family another of the settlers, David Sill was a Lt.Col in the American Revolution and a well respected businessman in the area. Just up Sill Road is the venerable Peck Tavern. A late 17th century building with 4 rooms in a quiet woodsie area. Originally a Tavern that was a meeting place for local Sons of Liberty during the pre- Rev War years the Peck Tavern is now an Inn. Check it out.

 Lyme Street in Old Lyme     Peck Tavern ca. 1690

 Old Lyme Inn   Bee & Thistle
After a long day driving and stopping either continue to our Day Trips Part III or kick back with a wonderful dinner at:

1-Bee & Thistle Inn on Lyme Street
2-Old Lyme Inn on Lyme Street
3-Sherlocks Grille on Route 1 (at shopping center).

Loop in a Nut Shell

Lyme to Route 156
156 to Bill Hill Road (left)
Stop at Ashlawn Farm Coffee
Return and Follow 156 to Historic District of Old Lyme
Left on Lyme Street
Stop at Florence Griswold Museum
Stop at Old Lyme Inn
Stop at Bee & Thistle Inn
Route 1 North to Sill Road
Follow to Peck Tavern
Return to eat at Old Lyme Inn, Bee & Thistle or Sherlocks Grille.

If you need additional suggestions please contact us at info@ 79 green street.com or post a comment on www.thenewenglandcoast.com