From the New London Day Paper July 12, 2008. I have always been fasinated by New London, I remember in my early 20's not going there, because people talked about the crime, but to be honest, New London had/has some of the best restaurants, bar, coffee bars and stores in Southeastern CT.

I have a soft spot for the Lighthouse Inn, it was the scene of our first date, the chef then was Tim Grills ( he had owned Timothy's in downtown New London) and I wanted my date to taste the Lobster Crepe, (ok, I was craving it), and then when we got engaged 5 months later, we went back to the Lighthouse Inn. They had a new chef by then and from what I understand now a new owner. It is still a magically place, it is old world charm, with one of the best dark comfy bars in CT. In the middle of winter, go there listen to live music and sit in front of the fireplace and enjoy.

Zavala Mexican Restaurant - State Street is the most authentic mexican in the area, it is a cozy restaurant ( the old Thames Landing), with its colorful walls, family atmosphere, it is excellent. *** Note** a bit pricy for mexican but definately well worth it.

Brie& Blue Cheese Store -
Located on the waterfront in New London's historic downtown district.

A focal point of the unique space is the dramatic deck that overlooks the harbor - a great place to sit & sample our fabulous selection of cheeses and gourmet items. Wine and beer is also available by the glass and by the bottle.

Right next door is the Thames River Wine and Spirits - pick up a bottle wine, cheese and you have yourself a romantic picnic. Personally, I love the wine downstairs
(more affordable)

If you want to hear live music, there are few spots in New London I would recommend, Bank Street Cafe, Roadhouse, and my personal favorite "Stash's"

"Stash's", when I was in my younger days, it was known as a biker bar, and was told it is not good for good girls to go there, well, they always had the best music, so of course, we went anyway. Then something happened they expanded cleaned up and added food service ( real food), and a few years back Graham Thompson ( lead singer at the time for Sugardaddy), bought it, and has brought it up to a whole new level.

Live music, good food and just plain fun. He seems to have the right bands at the right time, and with his own culinaire background has made Stash's a great stop in New London.

There is more places in New London for people to visit and enjoy, so please when you are in Southeastern CT, make and effort to get out and enjoy New London, meet the people, see the history and maybe make some memories of your own.


"New London 'discovered' as a nice place to visit

Psssst. They're talking about us.

This week, The Boston Globe and The New York Times highlighted New London as a place to visit.

Wednesday, the Globe's Travel section said New London has a “gritty, industrial vibe” while also boasting an “impressive number of art galleries and good restaurants.”

”The story of modern-day New London can be seen in Bank Street,” it said, “not far from the mouth of the Thames River, where abandoned industrial buildings, a fancy wine bar, an adult video store, and contemporary art stand side-by-side.”

The Times recently featured 25 Northeast Getaways; New London was the only Connecticut listing. The snippet, which stressed the city's ties to playwright Eugene O'Neill, says: “A seafarers' town from the 1600s to the era of nuclear submarines, New London weathered 20th-century decline and is now a stop for cruise ships.”

- KARIN CROMPTON