Memories Made Here

influenced menus; and an exceptional beverage list, no two stays are identical. 46 Main St., Ivoryton. 860-767-0330; copperbeechinn.com

INN WITH A VIEW

STEAMBOAT INN

Downtown Mystic’s only waterfront inn overlooks the Mystic River and its famed bascule bridge, a work of mechanical genius that has fascinated observers for 95 years. Dockage is available, while rooms with water views and subdued nautical decor enhance the illusion of waking up on a yacht even for guests who only dream of boat ownership. Complimentary bikes make it easy to explore the local byways. Just be back by 5 p.m. for sherry and cookies and a seat on the dock, as late-day light glitters on river ripples. 73 Steamboat Wharf, Mystic. 860-536-8300; steamboatinnmystic.com

Learning Escape

THE

Spa At Norwich Inn

More than a destination for pampering, this Norwich country retreat offers learning opportunities for lasting wellness. Day spa and overnight guests can try beginner-friendly fitness classes like belly dancing and yoga, and discover new techniques for everything from meditation to makeup application. Register for a cooking class with chef Lee Masten, and you’ll take away healthy recipes and a new attitude toward mindful eating. 607 W. Thames St., Norwich. 860-425-3500; thespaatnorwichinn.com

OCEANSIDE B&B

THIMBLE ISLANDS BED & BREAKFAST

As the day winds down, innkeepers Julie and Tony Broom serve their guests wine and cheese on the porch, then trust nature for cinematographic action. It’s almost Disney-perfect, as egrets swoop, placid waters mirror animated clouds, and the sun sinks behind the Thimble Islands, turning the sky violet and peach. While eight of these tiny isles are for sale—for $78 million—the inn’s two water-view rooms (one with a jetted tub) offer privacy for a more down-to-earth price. 28 West Point Road, Branford. 203-927-5167; thimbleislandsbb.com

Dining

BAKERY SIFT

The brainchild of executive chef and co-owner Adam Young, along with wife Ebbie, this French-inspired bakery is dominated by a long white marble counter, where row upon row of edibles are presented like fine works of art. We’re talking pastries, artisanal breads, flaky croissants, and crispy-chewy cookies and macarons, not to mention sandwiches and prepackaged snacks. Then there are the eye-catching desserts, such as the glossy, colorful fruit tarts, that are arguably the pièce de résistance of the pastry chef’s craft. 5 Water St., Mystic. 860245-0541; siftbakeshopmystic.com

BARBECUE

BEAR’S SMOKEHOUSE

Serving up Kansas City–style wood-smoked meats at three locations, Bear’s is the go-to for serious ’cue. While it’s best known for brisket and burnt ends, the kielbasa, pulled pork, and slow-smoked chicken are crowd-pleasers, too. And don’t miss the authentic comfort-food sides: smoked BBQ beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread, to name just a few. 25 Front St., Hartford; 2152 Poquonock Ave., Windsor; 454 Ellington Road, South Windsor. 860-785-8772; bearsbbq.com

BURGERS

ENGINE ROOM

The burger choices at this Mystic eatery bring together a delicious mix of Connecticut and Rhode Island products. Exhibit A: The Mushroom Mae, a beef burger piled high with Rhode Island crimini mushrooms and Melinda Mae, a robiola-style cheese from the Mystic Cheese Co. The restaurant itself is a lively destination whose decor hints at the space’s previous life as the Lathrop Marine Engine building. 14 Holmes St., Mystic. 860-415-8117; engineroomct.com

FARM-TO-TABLE DINING COMMUNITY TABLE

While many dishes and the elegant modern decor at this Litchfield County gem summon up Scandinavia, the ingredients are proudly New England. The frequently changing menu reflects collaborations with nearby farms and fishermen, as well as foraged wild ingredients and house-made honey and bread. 223 Litchfield Tpk. (Rte. 202), Washington. 860-868-9354; communitytablect.com

FINE DINING

LE PETIT CAFÉ

Chef-owner Roy Ip’s intimate French-inspired bistro in Branford is a perennial high scorer in the Zagat restaurant guide, but you’ll need to plan ahead to dine here, as seating for the fourcourse prix fixe dinner is by reservation only. But whether you’re tucking into savory duck cassoulet, hearty steak au poivre, or any of the other options on the menu du jour, every bite will tell you it’s worth it. 225 Montowese St., Branford. 203-483-9791; lepetitcafe.net

ICE CREAM

FERRIS ACRES CREAMERY

Standing in line for a scoop at this venerable Newtown dairy farm, you may well spot the herd of cows in the nearby rolling hills that call Ferris Acres home. The creamery boasts enough playful flavors to tempt anyone’s taste buds (we’re keen on Cow Trax: peanut butter ice cream with caramel swirls and mini chocolate chips). 144 Sugar St. (Rte. 302), Newtown. 203426-8803; ferrisacrescreamery.com

LOBSTER ROLL

ABBOTT’S LOBSTER IN THE ROUGH

Pairing local seafood with Mystic River views, Abbott’s is a 70-year-old Noank institution. Open seasonally, the casual BYOB restaurant has just about anything a shellfish lover could desire but is best known for its signature hot lobster roll: a quarter pound of warm, succulent lobster drizzled with butter and served on a toasted hamburger bun. Those with heartier appetites are welcome to upsize to the 7-ounce “OMG” version or the full-pound “LOL.” 117 Pearl St., Noank. 860-536-7719; abbottslobster.com

SEAFOOD

THE WHELK

Situated along the Saugatuck River, this chic Westport restaurant-bar starts things off right with unexpected but crave-worthy apps, like deviled eggs with fried oysters and pickled onions, and smoked trout dip with roe and crispy skin. After that, the menu transitions from small plates and a raw bar (local oysters are a specialty) to seasonal specials and larger plates—an approach that encourages and rewards sharing. 575 Westport Ave., Westport. 203-557-0902; thewhelkwestport.com