After all, the only way to know you're on an island is to see it from the water! attractions, activities, and things to do in New Haven, Connecticut, charming Connecticut towns in New Haven County, unique and quirky attractions in Connecticut, from Greenwich to Stonington, in our Connecticut Travel Guide, And for a locals introduction to another exclusive section of Connecticut, explore our, guide to things to do in Greenwich, Connecticut, The 30 most quirky & unique things to do in CT [+ Map], 12 of the most unique antique stores In CT, Our guide to the most romantic things to do in CT, A More Unique Way to See the Gold Coast of Connecticut, The Greenwich Real Estate Market: What You Need to Know, Directions to Greenwich, CT, and Stanton House Inn. Captain Bob Milne on the Volsunga IV 203-481-3345; thimbleislands.com Captain Mike Infantino on the Sea Mist 203-488- 8905; thimbleislandcruise.com Captain Dave Kusterer on The Islander 352-978-1502; thimbleislander.net This is the best and most personal tour you can take of the islands! With a bit of the archipelagos history in hand, what is there to do on the Thimble Islands? Grants Tomb, the Lincoln Memorial, the West Point Memorial, the base of the Statue of Liberty, its all pink granite from here, said Infantino, who adds some intrigue for the young passengers. Yes but only on the downstairs section of the boat. 45-minute narrated cruises of the Thimble Islands, available hourly during the summer. Directions: From the East Side of the Connecticut River, Route 17 from Route 2 to Route 160, follow signs to ferry. Thimble Islands cruises take you out on open waters. However, Lori Vogel with . There, you can appreciate the distinctly mauvish hue and dotted land that makes up this iconic American vacation spot. For more information, visit www.thimbleislandcruise.com. Captain Dave's Thimble Island Cruises (Branford) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Captain Morgan's Boat Training & Charters, LLC, Hotels near Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Motels near Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Hotels near Branford Hall Career Institute, Hotels near Southern Connecticut State University, Hotels near Eli Whitney Technical High School, Halong Luxury Cruise: Unique 2 Days Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, Gangneung Running Man Experience + [MUSE] Museum Discount Ticket, 5 days Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo, Adamas: Kleftiko Half-Day Speedboat Cruise with Snorkeling, Paris Paradis Latin Cabaret Champagne & Show, Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon. Tickets are $24.25 for daytime tours and $30 for sunset cruises. If the name alone isnt enough to get you to drive out to. Thimble Island Brewery & Brewpub | Serving Food & Beer! Smaller boats can get a bit closer to the Islands, but they do have larger boats if you're wary of the smaller ones. Cruise tickets are $16 for adults, $15 for seniors and $!0 for children ages 4-12. Longitude -72.771529. You can also take a peek at the tiny, impressive art gallery in the foyer. Don't pass this by ! We had our children and grandchildren on board and Matt took great care of us all. Sightseeing tours May. Log in. Dont forget to grab a slice of pizza at the market or enjoy one of the assorted dishes prepared fresh every day. Also, the narrative was not as interesting. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks aboard. Wine, beer, and bottled water also for sale. Contact our Tour Department at 631-473-5138 or 631-473-6282 (8:30 AM-4:00 PM Monday thru . Not sure what the name of the boat was. Changes were most notable following the war, including laying: It continues to provide a safe haven for weary people looking for a place to escape. The boats are seasonal and I believe run til the end of September. We very much enjoyed our little boat cruise. Come check it all out! Small Vessel, Intimate Tour w a Native "Creeker". Groupons will be honored after expiration due to COVID-19. Here, youll discover why another name for the Thimbles are the pink granite islands. Visit the website for the full cruise schedule. If Connecticut museums arent your thing, you can bask in the sun at Stony Creek Beach. And yet those in the know can tell you what to do on the Thimble Islands. Email: [email protected] Learn the unusual stories behind Money Island, the house on stilts, Mother-in-Law Island, and the island cut-in-two, while taking in the breath-taking panoramic view. The Thimble Islands are a chain of 365 islands in Stony Creek Harbor off the southeast coast of Branford, Connecticut in Long Island Sound. Thimble Island IPA. I highly recommend to others. All Rights Reserved. You can spend a few hours taking a leisurely 4-mile paddle so relaxing it wont feel like exercise at all. 24 Rotating Tap Lines Balanced flavors deliver a firm malt backbone with floral, citrusy hop notes showing. This 7.5-acre private island is the backdrop for an 8,746-square-foot mansion and a putting green that Jack Nicklaus designed himself. Take a tour of the Thimble Islands, get a live look at some seals and snap the perfect pic of a lighthouse with these nine ferry rides and cruises. Meanwhile, the sheer opulence of other islands are a tribute to the pursuit of happiness. Capt. The general area of Branford/Gilford offers much more, but Stoney Creek is a small village, and a beautiful day trip. Have a great time. Adults $13, Seniors $12, and Children 12&under $6 (cash only). Lucrative offers for prime waterfront land were too tempting for many former quarry owners to pass up. Get away from it all and spend quality time with nature, all while taking impressive selfies of yourself at one of the most beautiful spots on earth. 12-15 people so if you have a large group, a reservation would be in order. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. Foliage cruises, seal watch cruises, party or dinner cruises. 4 North Water Street, Norwalk; 203-838-9444; Seaport.org/ferry-schedule. Caramel malt aromas with notes of mild citrus and floral hops. 203-488-8905. It is the perfect way to finish your day with some well-rounded information about the quarry and insights into life in a quaint Connecticut coastal village. For nearly sixty years, 1000s of seafarers have enjoyed tours and charters of the Long Island Sound with Thimble Island Cruise. Thimble Island boat tours run from May through October. It takes off from Stony Creek in Branford, which is a charming, tiny seaside village with a couple small restaurants (without public restrooms, sadly. Which boat do you go on? You can see a cool material on many of the islandsone with an interesting history. The Thimble Islands were discovered in 1614 by a young Dutch sailor named Adrien Block. The brewery is located in Branford CT. Thimble Island Cruise, Branford: Address, Phone Number, Thimble Island Cruise Reviews: 5/5. I've been all over the world, but didn't know about these islands until recently ! The scenery, islands, and the houses built on them are just amazing ! Sample artisanal beer at their indoor-outdoor taproom, Grab a bite at their cleverly planned rotating array of food trucks. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Some isles have many homes and some just have one, all the islands are private except for one, Outer Island is trusted to the Federal Fish and Wildlife Department. You can leave your car to enter the adjacent farmland of the Meadows along the river that stretches to Wethersfield or take the car ferry to Glastonbury, which brings you to strawberry picking at Rose Orchards and other farms. Sailing times: 10am to 12.30pm - 2pm-4.30pm - 5.00pm - 7.30pm (flexible depending on bookings and day of the week) Please call for details at 203 512 7751. This was not the same boat I took many years ago. That said, commercial fishing remained a major form of commerce until World War I. Copyright 2023 Connecticut Office of Tourism. Nomade Weekdays (M-F) Weekday $500 for 2.5-3 hours (4 guests), $95 each add. Thimble Island Brewing Company is located in Branford, CT and was named after the largest group of islands in Connecticut, the Thimble Islands. That is, if they wanted to welcome you into their fold. The Classic Lighthouse Cruise features views of eight lighthouses and two Revolutionary-era forts, including Little Gull Light and Fort Trumbull. The Thimble Islands are located just off the shore of the charming Stony Creek. Some of the most interesting include: Some of the island names alone can provide entertainment for your cruise. A varied look at maritime history both past and present. The possibility of Captain Kidd hiding his treasure here, Tom Thumbs favored dating spot on Cut-In-Two Island, Take the Thimble Island Ferry to the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. 16 . 2 Ferry St., New London; 860-443-5281; longislandferry.com. is worth a browse to find not just gifts, but housewares and clothes. A close neighbor to the. If you have taken different boats, which was your favorite? The Sea Mist. Available for private charter, groups. Its a WATER WORLD! Do they run in November ? The ferry runs 7 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday April 1 through Nov. 30. Anywhere from a hundred to 365 islands make-up the archipelago, depending on whether you count outcroppings like: Located off of the Stony Creek area of Branford, the islands were named after the abundance of thimbleberries that grew wild here. Text transcribed by Apex Data Business, Inc. There are sunset cruises, lighthouse cruises, daytime sightseeing cruises and fall foliage cruises. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. A close neighbor to the Stony Creek Market youre sure to find something for someone even if just for yourself. Worth every moment~ Youre the BEST Captain Matt ! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Triple Ghost Island IPA Thimble Island Brewing Company. BEST OF THE SHORELINE . It wasnt until a short time ago that it got fresh water and electrical power from shore.. more, Private sailing trips in the Thimble Islands, Branford, CT, Mattituck New York Guided Farm and Wine Country Bike Tour. He grew up going to the TIs during summers and still vacations there at a family home so he knows a lot about each island, plus some local (tasteful!) The boat tour is only about an hour long and there is a gazebo at the dock you can have lunch at or a small restaurant right at the corner and also a pizza place right down the street. We also book events and larger reservations! Thimble Islands Cruise Branford TGIF and sunset cruises offer views of marine wildlife and the sunset off the Long Island Sound. Directions to Greenwich, CT, and Stanton House Inn. But it was pretty much just a boat ride. Cruises range in price from $10-$50 and typically last between 1 1/2 and four hours. 203.208.2827, [2010] Thimble Island Brewery There are also plenty of themed cruises, like dessert cruises, kid cruises and 'parrothead' cruises for Jimmy Buffet fans. 67 Main St., Essex; 860-767-8269; ctrivermuseum.org. Thimble Island Brewing Company was founded in 2010 with one mission: to make great beer for the local community. The captain and his assistant were very knowledgeable and very friendly. However, we only write about products that we genuinely like and feel are a good fit for our readers. That was a poor excuse. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Which cruise was it? 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. ($200 per hour- ) Cruises depart from the Stony Creek dock in Branford, CT. There, you can appreciate the distinctly mauvish hue and dotted land that makes up this iconic American vacation spot. The Thimble Islands Cruise on the Sea Mist in Stony Creek, Branford was fantastic! During the colonial period, local farmers treated the islands as a source of seaweed, for fertilizer. It was larger than the other one that was docked there. Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast, located a short distance from New Haven, is located an easy drive to many area attractions . We sat on the lower deck to avoid the sun and saw everything perfectly. Well these people were saving seats all over the boat. Booking Tours: Day - At the time of booking your tour the package cost is due to hold your reservation. The stellar crew and detailed narration made a very pleasant start to this Sunday morning. Our guide was very friendly and answered all of our questions. Thimble Islands Brewing Company 4 67 reviews #6 of 20 things to do in Branford Breweries Closed now 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About Suggested duration < 1 hour Suggest edits to improve what we show. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I love punny business names as much as the next hipster. If you have been on more than one, which do you prefer? Examine the shape - remove any crossing or weak stems. But you don't have to observe from afar. Read More Location: Departs from Stony Creek Town Dock. Stanton House Inn 2023. bateau, chiffon, gourmet, nordic, etc. Sail-Works provides sailboat charters, sailing cruises, adventure sailing trips, day trips in Long Island Sound including Thimble Islands, Connecticut, the Hampton's, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, Fisher's Island, Port Jefferson, and Branford CT. arent your thing, you can bask in the sun at. Check the website for excursion times. Thimble Island Cruise (Branford) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Captain Morgan's Boat Training & Charters, LLC, Hotels near Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Motels near Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Hotels near Branford Hall Career Institute, Hotels near Southern Connecticut State University, Hotels near Eli Whitney Technical High School, Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, Hvar (Hvar island) & Bol (Bra island) - Day Trip from Makarska - Every Tuesday, King Power MahaNakhon SkyWalk at Bangkok Admission Ticket, Combo Camel Ride & UTV 4X4 Adventure. A few local outfitters for paddling and kayak rentals include: With so much pink granite around, its no surprise that in the mid-1860s a few thousand people made a living at the flourishing rock quarries. Theres plenty to do to while away a few hours: This top Connecticut brewery is a great place to end your Thimble Island day trip. Well when we went to sit down there were people sitting there saving seats. You don't have to make reservations for Capt. Make your cuts on the slant about 1.25cm above the bud, keeping the bud at the top. Our the boat tours seasonal? Winter wildlife eagle cruises are $42 and typically run February through March. Take a tour around Norwalk Harbor and take in the view of Norwalks three historic lighthouses, including a tour and excursion to Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Chose this tour b/c wanted a more intimate experience. Pours deep golden in color. But the larger ship had a bathroom which was very nice especially because it was an hour ride. There are 25 inhabited islands, but here with 95 homes housing 100 families. Before Europeans arrived, the Mattabesec Indians used the islands as summer camping grounds. There are no year-round residents. Captain Dave's Thimble Island Cruises See all things to do Captain Dave's Thimble Island Cruises 5 34 reviews #2 of 5 Tours & Activities in Branford Boat Tours Write a review See all photos About Branford, Connecticut Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. gossip and lore! The ferry service has its own on-board steamboat lounge with flat-screen TVs, juke boxes and a bar with food and drinks, including hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, specialty drinks, beer and wine. Check out the Events tab!! Sunset tours are 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, May 26 through Sept. 26. It has two levels and bar service. In Connecticut: 1 Ferry Access Rd, Bridgeport; In New York: 102 W. Broadway, Port Jefferson; [email protected]; 888-44-FERRY; 88844ferry.com. I live around here, so its just kind of a hidden gem, said Luke Tuozzola of Milford. Geared toward a young and trendy crowd, it has a stylish rooftop pool house (the place to party on summer nights), a chic cocktail bar, a nightclub, multiple restaurants, a beer hall, coffee bar, Mot & Chandon champagne vending machine and a bijou boutique. youre sure to find something for someone even if just for yourself. You could tell they loved their kob. Cash is collected at the end of the cruise. Earned the New Brew Thursday (Level 10) badge! It was Captain Kidd, the pirate, that sailed these waters in the late 1600s supposedly bringing treasure on one of the Thimble Islands.. For Private Charters aboard the VOLSUNGA IV please call: 203-481-3345 or E Mail: [email protected]. Thimble Islands Brewery. The captain and crew did a great job of talking about the islands and making sure we were comfortable with drinks. A middle school science teacher and native of the Thimble Islands he provided outstanding commentary on the geology and history of this most beautiful area. You have the option of sitting on the upper deck to catch the sun or below deck. Troy David Johnston/Flickr The tours are roughly 45 minutes long, featuring narration. BRANFORD Welcome to the Thimble Islands, you have a great day to get out, said Captain Mike Infantino, as he begins a tour of a special destination, the result of an ice glacier melting. This thimble heaven is small in size - obviously - but large in number, with over 4,000 thimbles, many of historic interest. Avoid the sun or below deck like exercise at all all over the boat was like and feel a... Do n't have to make reservations for Capt have taken different boats, which was very friendly and answered of. Were very knowledgeable and very friendly and answered all of our questions there, you can spend a few taking! For fertilizer tickets are $ 24.25 for daytime tours and charters of the boat seasonal. Of mild citrus and floral hops of us all even if just for yourself neighbor the. 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Tours run from May through October the sheer opulence of other Islands are located off... Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved there to do on the downstairs section of the Islands..., available hourly during the colonial period, local farmers treated the Islands as summer camping grounds so just.