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Weekend Getaway Ideas: 5 Towns to Visit Along Connecticut's Shoreline

by Kelly Esposito | Hallock’s Appliances

Shopping for your new kitchen appliances doesn't have to be just another chore needing to be checked off your "to-do" list; you can make a day out of it! Whether you're looking for a new grill this summer to entertain, or upgrading your kitchen, every Hallock's showroom is surrounded by charming coastal towns, local restaurants, scenic parks, and plenty of hiking trails worth exploring.

From Connecticut's shoreline, to neighboring Rhode Island, here's how you can turn your next Hallock's visit into a memorable adventure.

Hiking trail through Sleeping Giant State Park near Branford, Connecticut

Branford: History, Hiking, and Bulldogs

Branford is one of Connecticut's most charming shoreline communities, so if you're in the Hallock's showroom off exit 54, make sure you get out and explore. Branford has a little bit of everything; from picturesque waterfront views and historic charm, to outdoor adventures, and one of the most famous universities just a short drive away, there's plenty of ways to turn your trip to Hallock's into something exciting.

After you find what you're looking for with help from the wonderful team at the Branford location, take a short drive to Sleeping Giant State Park. Sleeping Giant has more than thirty miles of hiking trails and scenic overlooks. This state park is one of the area's most popular destinations for spending a bit of time in nature. Make sure you pack a picnic from one of the local restaurants and enjoy the gorgeous views this iconic hiking spot has to offer.

Not a fan of hiking? You can head into New Haven and take a walk through one of the most iconic colleges ever - Yale University. If you look closely, you might even see some familiar appliances along the way. Hallock's is proud to work closely with the university, helping to supply appliances throughout their campuses. It's a great reminder that the products you see in our showroom are trusted in homes and institutions across the region.

Downtown Clinton, Connecticut storefronts along historic Main Street

Clinton: Small Town Charm with Big Flavor

I may be a little biased because Clinton is my hometown, but it's one of my favorite places on the Connecticut Shoreline, and Hallock's roots run deep here, making this location a favorite for many longtime customers. Hallock's is located on the historic US Highway 1 on Main Street, surrounded by local businesses, specialty shops, and some of the best pizza places in the state.

If you're in the Clinton showroom, and can't resist the smell of freshly made pizza wafting through the air from their neighbor Grand Apizza, definitely ask the dedicated sales team about Frigidaire's new outdoor pizza oven. Once you've worked up an appetite, make sure you stop by Grand for a slice or two - it's my favorite on the shoreline, and since my husband works in the Clinton showroom, I ask him to bring it home at least once a week! Once you've had your fill on pizza, take a walk through downtown Clinton and enjoy the boutiques and businesses that make Clinton great!

Waterfront view where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound in Old Saybrook

Old Saybrook: Coastal Beauty and New England History

Old Saybrook has been welcoming visitors from all around for hundreds of years, and it's easy to see why. Located right where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound, the town combines its rich history with plenty of gorgeous waterfront scenery.

After your morning browsing Hallock's for the perfect appliances for your remodel, take the afternoon to walk along Old Saybrook's Main Street. You'll find locally owned shops, cozy cafes, and historic architecture that reflects the town's colonial roots; while downtown, you have to make it a point to stop by the best FroYo place, Sweet Luna's - it's the perfect treat to end your afternoon!

If it's a nice day and you have the time, head toward the shoreline and enjoy a peaceful walk along the water, or grab lunch at Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Inn. Old Saybrook is known for its beaches, marinas, and views that are so gorgeous they look fake. And if you're not into spending some time at one of the many beaches, maybe Old Saybrook's history of being one of the oldest settlements interests you. Between historic landmarks and beautiful coastal landscapes, there's plenty to discover just moments from our Hallock's showroom.

Portable grill set up on a beach near Mystic, Connecticut

Groton: Your Gateway to Mystic

Our Groton location is just minutes away from probably the most picturesque and popular towns in Connecticut: Mystic. After finding the perfect grill, like the portable Weber Traveler, head toward the waterfront to see everything Mystic has to offer. Spend your afternoon on the beach, grilling up burgers and dogs and taking in the view before you.

After your afternoon on the sand, spend some time walking down Mystic's charming downtown with unique boutiques, local restaurants, and plenty of ice cream shops to choose from. If it's too hot to spend the day at the beach, check out the iconic Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium - my favorite is definitely the jellyfish!

Shops and cafes in downtown Westerly, Rhode Island near Wilcox Park

Westerly, RI

Just across the Connecticut border, our Westerly showroom puts you right downtown. Filled with locally owned shops, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and beautifully preserved historic buildings, it's hard to not want to spend a leisurely afternoon exploring everything this quaint town has to offer. Grab a coffee and take a walk through Wilcox Park, or enjoy lunch at one of the independently owned restaurants before heading toward the beach.

Speaking of beaches, Westerly is famous for its beaches - most notably Misquamicut and Watch Hill. Who wouldn't want to spend the afternoon after shopping for a new appliance by the water? Dip your toes into the water, enjoy the sun, and take peace in knowing you turned the chore of appliance shopping into a family outing.

More Than Appliances

At Hallock's, we believe that shopping for appliances should be more than a chore; it should be enjoyable! Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the right products for your home; it doesn't matter if you're looking for a new grill for the end of the summer, need a single appliance, or are in the market for all of them due to a remodel. Because our showrooms are surrounded by incredible communities, your visit can become part of a fun day exploring everything the Connecticut and Rhode Island Shorelines have to offer.

The next time you're in the market for an appliance and are heading into one of our five locations, don't rush home afterwards. Grab lunch from a local favorite, explore a hiking trail, walk along the beach, walk through Yale's campus, or simply just enjoy the downtown area you may have never visited before.

The team at Hallock's is so excited to see you soon! No matter which of our five locations you decide to stop by, you'll find plenty of local gems just moments away that are truly worth discovering.