With only four miles of shoreline from east to west, Westbrook makes the most of its location at the confluence of its pair of tidal rivers. The meandering banks of the Menunketesuck to the west and the Patchogue to the east add considerable dockage space in a network of north-south channels amid the marshlands. Yachtsmen from Maine to Florida have long considered Westbrook's Duck Island (the entrance to Westbrook harbor) and its 1000 foot breakwater to be safe anchorage. Shoal waters here are also good fishing and lobstering sites.
Marinas, yacht clubs, bait and tackle shops and marine supply stores are more apparent in Westbrook than in any other town on the shoreline. Boats of every description seem to exceed the population of 6,500 or so citizens who live here year-round. Even when the population surges in summertime, the newcomers tow in more boats, so the ratio of vessels to residents still seems three-to-one. In other towns, the waves on the beach and the gulls in the air provide the loudest summer music; here the seasonal sound is the thrum of outboards and the slapping of rigging.
Boats have always been the business of Westbrook, from the very beginning of its settlement by the English. From the seventeenth century, when the area was called Pachogue, all the way to the advent of the railroad and the steamship, the town was a shipbuilding center.
Today Westbrook's 16.2 square miles maybe best known as a safe haven for recreational vessels and a small fleet of fishing boats, but is also home to the federal wildlife reuges, ponds, rivers and woods. Traffic at its marinas is heavy on summer weekends, as crafts from kayaks to yachts negotiate the shoals and sandbars of the Sound and the shallows of its muddy rivers. Road traffic doubles, too, as tourists jockey for position on the trails and beaches - as well as on the water.
The sprawling Water's Edge complex offers a resort experience, complete with spa services, pools, tennis plus a restaurant and grand ballroom that overlook the sea. Out front, on Boston Post Road frontage, eight brand-new stores called The Shops at Water's Edge offer intriguing goods from local crafters as well as far-flung artisans.
The Village Center
Tanger Outlet Shops
Westbrook is a quiet, picturesque, colonial town offering the pleasures of recreation on the shore of Long Island Sound, including beautiful beaches, tidal rivers and local ponds. Westbrook center is very inviting with its wonderfully quaint shops, town green, and fantastic dining options to suit a wide variety of tastes, including (but in no way are limited to) great Italian, Japenese, Chinese, Pizza and American Fare. We have our favorites, but you'll have to discover yours in and around Westbrook. Hint - try the Cafe Routier located on Rte 1 (and have the fries with dipping sauce)!
There are endless opportunites for enjoyment off the water too! The joys of antiquing for those who have a taste for the seasoned items so often found in our New England towns to leisurely shopping at small owner run boutiques. Try outlet shopping at Tanger Outlet stores in Westbrook where more than sixty nationally known retailers are happy to let folks shop till they drop. There are also premium outlets in nearby Clinton to the plentiful stores to meet all the daily needs for you and your family.
You can also enjoy any number of feature films at the Marquee Cinema located behind Tanger Outlets. Stadium seating, full snack bar, 12 cinemas to choose from.
Small Town Feel - Westbrook has plenty of it. The Memorial Day Parade filled with Little Leaguers, school bands and fire trucks you'll feel transported right back to 1955. Enjoy the Summer Carnival in mid-July and the famous Westbrook Muster in August. Free summer concerts on the town green are always a fun time too!
Volunteerism is a vital part of this community. From the fire department and ambulance service to the service clubs which provide the social and philanthropic needs of the community. Westbrook has a reputation as a desirable place to live and raise a family. The active churches, friendly residents and excellent schools keep this community by the water a favorite of the residents who love it so much.
Major universities such as Yale University, 45 minutes to the west in New Haven (although the first site of Yale was in Old Saybrook!); Wesleyan University, 20 minutes to the north in Middletown; and the United States Coast Guard Academy, 30 minutes to the east in New London, only begin the list of academic and cultural opportunites located close to Old Saybrook.
Great Area-Community Events:
·Old Saybrook - Free concerts on the green - starting in July every Wednesday evening from 7-8 (bring a blanket and snacks!)
·Essex - Hot Steamed Jazz Festival at the Valley Railroad each June - ride the antique train and hear great music!
Old Saybrook - Liberty Bank Art & Craft Show in late July is always a favorite - views hundreds of booths with all kinds of unique treasures
Old Lyme -The annual Midsummer Festival featuring a Market En Plein Air with CT grown flowers, veggies, fruits, breads, fine cheeses and herbs . Hands on activities for the whole family!
·Deep River - Annual parade with fife and drum corps from around the country. Mid-July weekend of fun!
·Old Saybrook - Summer Pops concert and Fireworks show at the Saybrook Point. Amazing!
·Essex - Trees In the Rigging Parade which starts at the town hall and anyone can join in and carry their own lantern, see the antique cars and make their way to the town dock for a parade of illuminated vessels on the CT River and await Santa´s arrival by boat.Usually 1st Sunday in December.This is a fun time!
·Old Saybrook - The Torchlight Parade; Community Carol Sing and Muster.Over 30 years this colonial tradition has been taking place down Main Street.Floats, antique cars, over 40 fife and drum corps.Bring your torch or lantern and watch the sites roadside.Then walk to the town green for a community carol sing.It doesn´t get better than that!
·Essex- In December Santa visits the Valley Railroad for special train rides.Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and usually an elf or two.The kids love it!
The Schools of Westbrook - Click on each photo to go to the schools website for more information.
Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Connecticut. EHO.
