10 Secret Spots In Westbrook, CT Totally Worth Checking Out
Westbrook is one of the smallest towns in Connecticut. While it is considered to be a quiet and sleepy town that just meant that growing up we had to create our own ways to entertain ourselves. So if you ever find yourself on the shoreline of Connecticut here are ten places that are worth checking out.
1. Westbrook Cemetery
While most people see the word cemetery the try to stay away from there unless they absolutely have to, but in Westbrook a nice spot has been discovered. The cemetery is small, but if you travel all the way to the back there are a few stone steps that lead you down to a small grassy area. There you can have a seat on a stone slab under a beautiful oak tree where you will have a beautiful view of the Menunketesuck River. I always loved coming to this spot to read or draw when I was in need of some alone time.
2. Wild Hog Smokin’ Cue
The best spot in the summer time to get some great food is the Wild Hog Smokin’ Cue. Located in a little beach shack at the Westbrook Public Beach they staff will be cooking all day to make the best smoked meats you can imagine. The crowds can sometimes be a pain, but you will have the sun and the sand to keep your mood up while you wait for your tasty treats.
3. The Highliner
For those of you that will need a nice spot to have a drink at the end of the day then you should grab a bar stool at The Highliner. A nice spot for the locals hidden behind the Westbrook Train Station. This bar is perfect for some good bar food, live music, and getting together with close friends.
4. Submarine Museum
One of the claims to fame that Westbrook has is that the town is the birth place of David Bushnell. He was an american patriot and the inventor of the submarine. You can actually stay at the historic Bushnell farm that is in the next town over in Old Saybrook, but while in Westbrook you should take the time to stop at the Museum of Early Engineering Technology. The museum is located in Bushnell’s meticulously maintained 325-year-old home. It is only open Thursday from 5 to 7, but it is free admission. If you are a fan of history this be the best stop to make while you are in town to update your knowledge on what is what when it comes to the history of the submarine.
5. The Town Green
While the location of Westbrook’s town green isn’t exactly a secret it is still a fun place to hang out on a sunny summer day. It seems there is an event every other week that will have live music, fun people and plenty of good times. Every special event in Westbrook is hosted there from their Craft Fair to the Town’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony so there will be some kind of an event for you to be able to attend any time of year you visit.
6. Julie’s Cup of Joe
A new gem that has been added to Westbrook list of special spots is Julie’s Cup of Joe. Owned and operated by Westbrook residence Julie and Joe Campbell. The quaint little coffee shop is the perfect place to stop to get a fresh cup of coffee and delicious baked goods, but something very special about this cafe is there staff. Julie’s uses their shop to help hire people on the disability spectrum who might not have the opportunity to work elsewhere. Those that are currently working there plan to be there for the long hall and really feel like they are contributing to the community. If you start your morning off here while you are in town you are guaranteed to have a smile on your face for the rest of the day.
7. Haywire
Haywire is without a doubt the best burger place that can be found in the entire state of Connecticut. Inside and out it has an amazing rustic vibe that you will just love. They serve different sixteen kinds of burgers of their own creation. Each one more mouth watering than the next. They even have a vegan option so there is something for everyone to enjoy. All the ingredients are sourced from local farmers making all the difference in taste. Just make sure to have plenty of napkins around because these loaded burgers can be hard to control. This restaurant is the perfect place to start off a girls night out, a nice dinner with the family, or for a first date. Cause hey, even if your date leaves you unsatisfied at least the burgers won’t.
8. Messerschmidt Pond
Messerschmidt Pond is one of the best spots in Westbrook. It is a great location to go fishing, having an afternoon picnic, or to just spend that day our doors. The pond can be found on the Cockaponset trail, its about three miles long so it be a great location if you are trying to find a new spot to take your fur baby or it could be so romantic for a date since the trail has wild flowers throughout the walk.
9. Caleb’s Trail
This trail was a project in the works for quite sometime. The State of Connecticut, Old Saybrook, Essex and the Trust For Public Land teamed up to preserve over a thousand acre forest in the towns of Essex, Old Saybrook and Westbrook that is open to the public. It was once planned to be the location for 200 new homes and a golf course, but the plan thankfully changed course and became a spot everyone can enjoy.
10. Westbrook High School
Westbrook’s high school is no secret, but the fact that the schools fields are open to the public is. As long as you are respectful to the school’s property everyone is allowed access to the schools baseball, soccer, and football fields. There are even two lakes located on the schools grounds that are open for fishing and even trails that you can spend hours venturing in if you are looking to kill a Saturday with your friends.
