YOUR GUIDE TO EAST LYME’S BEST FOOD, PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES.
The Connecticut shoreline is notoriously teeming with the highest quality products and services. Our towns are charming, our history is rich, our commodities are luxurious.
I’ve visited each incredible one as a Connecticut native, but one seems to me more special than the rest. I wasn’t born in East Lyme, but I chose it.
The small businesses here and what they accomplish are prodigious.
It is with great pride that I release my list of 2024’s top products, services, food, and events for East Lyme, Connecticut.
With love, Sammy
*Be sure to leave a suggestion at the bottom for Favorite Things East Lyme 2025!
These are a MUST TRY. The sauce is heavenly and the scallops have been cooked to perfection every time I've ordered it (which is like, 347 times). *Bacon wrapped scallops in a housemade BBQ bourbon glaze made from @buffalotracedistillery Benchmark bourbon.
This savory dish absolutely melts in your mouth. Warm chunks of lobster in a fresh, crisp crepe dripping with cream sauce. Eat it on the upper deck while overlooking the ocean for an added treat. *Maine Lobster, Mascarpone Cheese, Shiitake Mushrooms, Asparagus, Fire Roasted Tomato, Lobster Cream, Arugula & Shaved Parmesan.
You've probably heard of these IV treatments people are getting after a long night of indulging. It's true what they say: these vitamin drips can make you feel like a new person. They're amazing for everything from jet lag to a weakened immune system, and Stel's Beauty offers multiple different kinds. Try it out in the Grota Solna salt cave right next door! The ultimate luxurious reinvigoration for your hard working body.
It's no mystery why Flanders donuts is an award winning dessert landmark in SE CT. Be sure to pop in at least once a month to try all of their specialty featured donuts. Pictured here are maple bacon and eggnog.
This sells out every year so be sure to reserve your spot early! Black Hawk fishing helps hosts the annual Care & Share fundraiser and takes lucky guests out to sightsee different landmarks and gaze out at playful seals. Bring a cooler and snacks and all of your adventure loving friends! What a great way to support a great cause.
This healthy appetizer is probably designed as a shareable, but I housed the whole thing one day out on their charming main street patio. It probably wasn't very lady like, but it was delicious and I went back within a week for more. Roll your sleeves up and indulge on this one. *Shishito peppers lightly oiled and cooked to slight char, with sesame seeds and a sriracha aioli.
I cannot possibly think of two greater things being joined together than yoga and teenie feisty goats. Relaxing and lively at the same time, these outdoor yoga sessions allow you to mingle with friendly goats at this charming family farm.
A comfort food legend. The Village is a quiet, IYKYK local spot that never disappoints. Rita and her team treat everyone like royalty and their freshly made food is unreal. I also recommend their iced coffees and spanakopita.
Only $6! I might be biased because the bartender's name is also Sammy, but these large margies are works of art. Choose from ginger, hibiscus, cinnamon & honey, coconut, mango, chipotle, strawberry, and more. 10/10 recommend a spicy ginger margarita with tajin on the rim!
More than 50 teams participated this year in the VFW's quick-growing fundraiser overlooking the ocean. There's a huge raffle and tons of food, beverages, and smack talking. All proceeds benefit our amazing veterans and the Niantic VFW organization. Start training now for next year's tourney- these teams aren't messing around!
This platter was the most recommended item by East Lyme locals for two years running. I am SO GLAD I discovered this, and I really hope you do too if you haven't already. Their famous Falafel balls served with Mujadara (lentil rice), chopped salad, hummus, garlic sauce, and two warm pitas.
Fresh pressed apple cider, local oysters, cider donuts, guided tours of the historical property, community gardens, meet-and-greets with friendly farm animals, and live music. Such a fun and relaxing event!
This year was brimming with challenges for our local firemen. There were multiple prolonged forest fires that devoured tens of acres from Rocky Neck to Oswegatchie. There was also a near cancellation of the beloved Santa run. And there was very impactful transitions and politics that took place. Our volunteer firemen were there to battle through all of it. It is vitally important that our town's firemen, including and especially the volunteer firemen, know how cherished and vital they are. We see you, we need you, and we love you!
Four words: Braised beef short ribs. Just to-die-for. My second favorite: Not Your Momma's Meatloaf. I don't know what the red goo is that they put on top but it's absolutely perfect. There is nothing better after a long day than grabbing something quick that is also fresh and delicious. They have coolers full of all different kinds of packaged gourmet meals. No need to feel guilty about phoning in dinner when it's GG At Home that you're calling.
Let's give a warm welcome to Niantic's first ever tattoo studio! I love this for us! Black Lantern Tattoo Company is clean, professional, welcoming, and located in the unique A frame building on Main St (321 main). Go see Andy and get some new body art, whether it's your first of your hundredth.
Given how delicious and flavorful this jam is, I honestly don't believe that it is low sugar. It combines raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries for a perfect farm fresh treat.
Make sure you get there nice and early! The Sheep gets rightfully packed wall-to-wall every March 17th with a lively crowd ready to indulge in authentic Irish dishes and drinks. And at some point, the tables will get dragged to the walls so bagpipers and award winning dancers from Spirited Soles Irish Dance Academy can get the whole crowd roaring. See you next St. Patty's!
A blend of BBQ, teriyaki, and buffalo sauce, pterodactyl wings are a sweet and savory delight. It has a barely detectable punch of heat which makes it great for all different palates. Pairs perfectly with the best mac'n'cheese you've ever had.
Okay I'm not gonna lie to you: I would never, ever have ordered this on my own. I'm usually a supreme or bacon & onion kinda girl. But when my friends got this delivered I couldn't believe how much I loved it. Even if this specialty pizza is vastly different than your go-to favs, I promise you- it's really, really good. *Brie, granny smith apple, cheddar, prosciutto, sauteed onions, crushed red pepper, and honey. Yum!
An incredibly helpful, friendly, & experienced staff- check✔️. One of the oldest and coolest buildings in town- check✔️. Family owned and operated- check✔️. All of the charm and history of a beloved small town business- CHECK✔️. Support these precious small businesses at all costs- the alternative is not pretty. Thank you Darling Auto for always being so reliable and friendly!
