Nestled in the historic village center of Old Lyme, you’ll find Lyme Street, a lovely setting of historic homes and cultural activities. Visit the Florence Griswold Museum, with its historic boardinghouse, modern art galleries, and scenic riverfront grounds that tell the story of what attracted artists to this area a century ago. This sets the stage for the rest of your visit … a stop in the Lyme Art Association, where those artists a century ago created their own venue to sell their creative works. Marvel at the larger-than-life sculptures at Studio 80+ Sculpture Grounds outdoor gallery, a surprise tucked away on Lyme Street! Stroll south on Lyme Street, and you’ll find several art galleries including The Cooley Gallery, specializing in fine American art. An ice cream cone or a stop in the candy shop makes the stroll complete!

Evenings come alive when the Side Door Jazz Club brings some of the best jazz musicians to the stage. Downbeat Magazine recently called it “one of the top jazz venues in the world.” Nightingale’s Acoustic Café is just the right pocket-size venue with a coffeehouse vibe to enjoy local talent in jazz, soft rock, and the blues. Stay the night at the Old Lyme Inn to make it a perfect easy getaway. 

Special events happen throughout the year, including a Spring Fling gallery stroll, Make Music Old Lyme on the summer solstice, the Old Lyme Midsummer Festival in July, Fairy Doors on Lyme Street in October, and Light Up Old Lyme during the winter holidays. Musical Masterworks, a renowned classical music series, showcases its series between October and May.

Or plan your Old Lyme getaway for when you can take an art class at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts or the Art Association; or, sign up for a cultural lecture at the Old Lyme Historical Society, the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, or the Museum.

Come see us for a delightful, easy getaway.