NEW LONDON COUNTY
Chamber of Commerce
914 Hartford Turnpike
Waterford 860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
Regional Tourism Office
Information 860-536-8822
www.mysticcountry.com
Major Highways
Interstates 95 and 395; U.S. Route 1
Routes 11, 12, 85
Ideally located midway between New York and Boston is a corner of New England that showcases classic town greens, scenic farm byways, ancient stone walls, and bustling waterfronts. Quaint, picturesque villages contrast harmoniously with flourishing urban centers; and vintage cider mills harmonize with state-of-the-art entertainment centers. Commercial centers strengthen the diverse economy through defense dollars, chemical research, retail sales, pharmaceutical enterprises, tourism, and manufacturing.
Defense-related employment represents the backbone of the local economy. Groton is home to major operations like the Electric Boat Corporation with its leading submarine technology and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London-Groton. The region also enjoys a 200-year-old relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard, serving as a homeport and a center for training and research facilities. The area’s nautical heritage plays a major role in the booming tourism industry. Few historic jewels can outshine Mystic Seaport, where a hub of magnificent maritime memorabilia combines with a world-class aquarium, delightful restaurants, eclectic shops, and one of the world’s largest casinos.
Services
The commitment to education throughout New London County is evident in the high caliber of public and private schools, from pre-kindergarten through post-graduate studies. Most of the towns operate their own school systems, ensuring that schools are responsive to local needs. Opportunities for higher education abound in quaint New England towns. The Avery Point Campus for the University of Connecticut provides two-year programs. Mitchell College is located in New London, and Norwich offers Three Rivers Community Technical College. The Hartford Graduate Center, in affiliation with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, allows students to earn graduate degrees in the computer sciences, engineering, and management at its campus at Avery Point in Groton. Those who are looking for a highly selective liberal arts institution will want to explore New London’s Connecticut College. Southeastern Connecticut State University is available within a reasonable commute from home. Possibilities for non-traditional learning abound in world-class facilities like the Science Center of Eastern Connecticut or the innovative OceanQuest, the area’s underwater version of Spacecamp.
Healthcare institutions blend personalized care with leading-edge technology in a network of modern facilities such as the Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. Having completed an ambitious $45.6 million expansion and renovation program, the hospital operates satellite centers in Groton and East Lyme and provides a wide array of supplemental services to surrounding communities. William Backus Hospital in Norwich also maintains a reputation for excellence in care and service. Throughout the county, skilled professionals in private practice represent every major specialty.
Lifestyle
The arts are exceptionally well represented in New London County, where the Garde Arts Center in New London houses the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and plays host to stellar entertainment from across the nation and around the world. Waterford’s Eugene O’Neill Theater Center celebrates the birth of its namesake each year and continues to offer fertile ground for aspiring playwrights. In addition to an outstanding doll collection and diverse permanent displays of fine and decorative arts, New London’s Lyman Allyn Museum features contemporary artists, changing exhibits, and special shows. July and August bring summer musical concerts to Harkness State Park, where audiences enjoy classical, jazz, and folk music under a canopy of stars.
Recreational opportunities are abundant in New London County, particularly if your outdoor interests are boating, fishing, or water sports. Southeastern Connecticut waters welcome everything from personal watercraft to sailboats and powerboats and are well known for some of the East Coast’s finest saltwater fishing. The confluence of waters where Long Island, Fishers Island, and Block Island Sounds join the Atlantic Ocean attract migratory fish throughout the four seasons.
Shoreline beauty is only one feature of destinations like Ocean Beach Park, where amenities like an Olympic-size swimming pool combine with a boardwalk and family attractions. Equestrians, hikers, bikers, naturalists, golfers, and tennis players will discover the ideal setting in New London County’s lush surroundings. Harkness Memorial State Park alone provides more than 230 acres that are ready for exploration and enjoyment, while The Arboretum offers a 415-acre haven.
Throughout the region, the potpourri of “old and new” gives New London County a distinctive appeal. Home choices range from elegant Victorians shaded by ancient trees to newer construction. Waterfront cottages, horse properties, handsome estates, and modest bungalows in the heart of town are just a few of the possibilities. From rolling hills to picturesque seaports, New London County offers an enviable quality of life.
Colchester, Salem, Lebanon
Colchester Offices
860-537-7220
www.colchesterct.gov
Salem Offices
860-859-3873
www.salemct.gov
Lebanon Offices
860-642-2011
www.lebanontownhall.org
Chamber of Commerce
860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
The growing town of Colchester reached its first milestone in the 1800s after the first Hartford-New London turnpike opened. Highways encouraged the birth of industry, and eventually transformed the pristine landscape into a semi-rural commercial center. The Town of Salem began as a prosperous wheat-growing district and has managed to retain a rural flavor. A location somewhat removed from major highways has allowed Salem to preserve the country flavor of a quiet bedroom community. The Town of Lebanon has been characterized as a primarily agricultural community. The farms, fields, lakes, and landmarks all harmonize to form a striking pastoral setting that creates a picturesque and relaxing backdrop for residential development. The birthplace of five state governors, Lebanon boasts a mile-long town green that retains much of the cultural and natural charm of its original 18th century heritage. All three of these beautiful communities attract new residents to a country lifestyle within a reasonable commute from bustling urban centers and prime recreational amenities that range from state parks and forests to charming seashore resorts.
East Lyme, Old Lyme, Lyme
East Lyme Offices
860-739-6931
www.eltownhall.com
Old Lyme Offices
860-434-1605
www.oldlyme-ct.gov
Lyme Offices
860-434-7733
http://townlyme.org
Chamber of Commerce
860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
The town of East Lyme is best known for the variety and extensive number of beaches scattered along the Long Island Sound and the Niantic bay. Along with local taverns, inns, historic sites, and cottages, the beaches have contributed to the town’s popularity as a vacation retreat and haven for summer visitors. State parks and forests cover large expanses of the hilly interior. Neighboring Old Lyme welcomes thousands of seasonal visitors each year to miles of shoreline, tidal marsh, inland wetlands, and forested hills. The town claims a tradition of volunteerism and a commitment to the arts, encouraged by the resources at the Lym Academy of Fine Arts. Fine examples of colonial and Federal architecture grace tree-shaded lanes and country roads. Local businesses include a growing number of high technology design and production companies, although the area is home to many commuters. The sparsely populated rural town of Lyme encompasses sections of the Nehantic State Forest, Lords Cove Fish & Wildlife Area, and the Becket Hill and Selden Neck State Parks. Gillette Castle State Park is one of the major attractions, a majestic medieval castle build by the actor William Gillette.
Griswold, Lisbon, Preston, Voluntown
Griswold Offices
860-376-7060
www.griswold-ct.org
Lisbon Offices
860-376-3400
www.lisbonct.com
Preston Offices
860-887-5581
www.preston-ct.org
Voluntown Offices
860-376-4089
www.voluntown.gov
Chamber of Commerce
860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
Lisbon was built around a hilly and rocky terrain that actually required a railroad tunnel in its early days. Retaining much of its traditional agricultural character, the community offers the intimacy of a small-town atmosphere. The nearby community of Griswold adds another choice for rural living. Youth athletic activities sponsored by the recreation department are first-rate in Griswold, contributing to the success of high-school level sports competition. The picturesque community of Preston is also in this area. Many working farms remain in Preston, blending with vintage residences and single-family homes along winding country roads. The town claims two historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Preston City Village and the Poquetanuck Village. The picturesque community of Voluntown is pleasantly rural and nestled on land graced by lovely river valleys, sparkling lakes and ponds, and the pine stands of the Pachaug State Forest.
Montville, Ledyard
Montville Offices
860-848-3030
www.townofmontville.org
Ledyard Offices
860-464-8740
www.town.ledyard.ct.us
Chamber of Commerce
860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
Located on the western side of the Thames River, Montville is a balanced community that incorporates the villages of Uncasville, Mohegan, Chesterfield, and Oakdale. The amenities of New London are available to the south, while Norwich is a short drive to the north. The local leisure attractions are impressive, including the 160-acre Camp Oakdale Park with a community center and recreational facilities, Gardners Lake, Fort Shantock State Park, and a boat launch. The town is situated on the Thames River estuary and hosts a section of the U.S. submarine base. Although several major employers are located close to home, most residents are commuters. Ledyard is a community where single-family homes are separated by red maple swamps and rocky, rugged uplands.
New London, Waterford
New London Offices
860-447-5200
www.ci.new-london.ct.us
Waterford Offices
860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
Chamber of Commerce
860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
The town of New London is located the mouth of the Thames River near the eastern end of Connecticut’s Long Island shoreline. Characterized as a commercial harbor town, New London is also the home of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and massive marine construction and repair facilities. Historic sites are abundant, many of them related to the military, whaling trade, and famous native sons. The Garde Arts Center and Connecticut College fill the calendar with performing arts productions. Neighboring Waterford is a community that grew up at the mouth of the Niantic River. Bordered in three sides by water, Waterford maintains several beaches and marine facilities for both fresh and salt water. The Harkness Memorial State Park, once a magnificent summer estate on Long Island Sound, is now available for public recreation. Like many small New England towns, Waterford has a tradition of support for the arts and is home to the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.
Norwich, Franklin, Bozrah, Sprague
Norwich Offices
860-823-3700
www.norwichct.org
Franklin Offices
860-642-6606
www.franklinct.com
Bozrah Offices
860-889-2689
http://townofbozrah.org
Sprague Offices
860-822-3000
www.ctsprague.org
Chamber of Commerce
860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
Norwich is nestled in an area where several streams converge to form the navigable head of the Thames River. Sports enthusiasts in Norwich enjoy minor-league baseball, the Senator Thomas J. Dodd Stadium, and a popular ice arena. Other highlights include Chelsea Harbor Park with its marina, resort waterfront, shops, and family attractions. Historic sites and a strong arts council add to the quality of life. The town of Franklin was originally called “West Farms” and settled by residents of Norwich. The town’s population has remained relatively stable since the 1800s when farmers lived on the hillsides and no clear “village center” had been established. Dairy and poultry farming is still the area’s mainstay. Sprague offers a quiet town with a solid economic base.
Groton
Municipal Offices
860-441-6640
www.groton-ct.gov
Chamber of Commerce
860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
Well known as the submarine capital of the world, Groton is nestled on Fishers Island Sound between the Thames and Mystic Rivers to serve as a regional center for commerce and industry. At the same time, the town’s scenic shoreline and important historical sites have made the region a popular tourist attraction. In addition to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, the town is home to the Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum. No doubt, the adjacent Mystic area with its variety of fine attractions enhances Groton’s appeal as a vacation destination. Mystic Seaport is a spectacular waterfront collection of ships, buildings, crafts, trades, music, food, arts, and traditions. The Museum of America and the Sea offers a glimpse into New England’s maritime heritage. Olde Mystic Village claims more than 60 delightful shops in a New England style village atmosphere, while the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium showcases 3,500 living sea creatures.
Stonington (Mystic Area), North Stonington
Stonington Offices
860-535-5060
http://www.stonington-ct.gov
North Stonington Offices
860-535-2877
www.northstoningtonct.gov
Chamber of Commerce
860-701-9113
www.chamberect.com
Bordering Rhode Island to the east is the Town of Stonington, the only Connecticut community that faces the Atlantic Ocean. Many companies have moved to Stonington for its outstanding services, highly skilled labor force, and enviable lifestyle. New residents will discover an increasingly rare and attractive blend of seaside and semi-rural locations for residential development. Stonington encompasses the many seacoast attractions in Mystic and Old Mystic as well as Pawcatuck and Wequetequockvillages. The North Stonington area includes Groton Long Point and Stonington boroughs. The town, named for the stony character of the hillsides, includes Clarks Falls, Laurel Glen, and Pendleton Hill. Agriculture remains the primary industry in North Stonington.
