Directions to Venues

LIST OF DIRECTIONS (and sundry information) TO CTSA PAINTING VENUES

BAUER FARM PARK, 257 Copse Road, Madison

Bauer Farm Park is opposite the intersection of Copse Road and Hunter's Trail.

From I-95 take exit 61. Turn north on Rte 79. After about 500 feet, turn left (west) on Hunters Trail, drive for ½ mile to the intersection with Copse Road. The Farmhouse will be diagonally across from you. The entrance drive is next to the farmhouse. We will meet here, or drive further up the lane to the garden allotments.

BIRBARIE MARINE BOATYARD, 7 Indian Neck Avenue, Branford, CT

Heading south on I-95, take Exit 55. Turn RIGHT on Rte 1 (East Main), and move to left lane. After 0.3 mi., turn LEFT (south) on Windmill Hill Road. After 0.5 mi., turn RIGHT (southwest) on Damascus Road. After 0.9 mi., Damascus merges with Pine Orchard Road. Stay straight, heading west for about another 0.4 mile.  Turn LEFT (south) on South Montowese Street, and go about 0.3 mile (over the river bridge). Turn right (west) on Toole Avenue, and go to the end. Turn right (north) on Indian Neck Avenue, and go about 0.3 mi.  Birbarie Boat Yard is on your left, right before the bridge over the river.

We will need to park away from the haul-out area. Try to find a place where they will not need to move boats around, and heed any yard workers’ requests.

BISHOPS’ RASPBERRY FIELDS, Dunk Rock Road, Guilford

From I-95, take Exit 57 - Route 1 in Guilford. Turn south toward Guilford Center onto Route 1. Go about 1/2 mile -- past Bishops Farm Market, then take your first right, turning west on Dunk Rock Road. Go approximately 1/2 mile. On your left will be the raspberry fields. If you go a bit further, you will see dirt areas on both sides of the road, which is a good place to park and not be in the way of the farm operation. You might want to select your spot, drop off your stuff, and then park in this area.

BRANFORD GREEN

From  I-95, take Exit 54- Cedar Street, and turn (south) on Cedar Street. Go 0.7 miles, passing under the highway, across Route 1, and up two hills to Branford Center. Turn left on Main Street. After about ¼ mile, the Green will be on your right, and you will see a drive that bears off on a diagonal to the south of the green and toward the town hall and the churches. This often is a good place to find a parking space, but be sure to look for signs limiting parking duration.

BRANFORD SUPPLY PONDS, Short Rocks Road, Branford

From the south on I-95, take Exit 54 - Cedar Street. Turn south (right) and get in the left lane, ready to turn left (east), after about 0.3 mile, onto Route 1. Go about 0.6 mile, and turn left (north) next to a tavern on Chestnut. Chestnut will take you winding through the woods, and over a little bridge between two ponds, about 0.6 mile. After crossing the bridge, you will see a parking area and signs for the trails. We can convene there.

From the north on I-95, take Exit 55 - North Main Street (Route 1). Turn west (right), toward Branford. Go about 0.7 mile to the light at Mill Plain Road. Turn north (right). After passing under the highway, take your first left (west) onto Short Rocks Road. This will take you through a small residential area and along the length of one of the ponds. After about 0.6 mile, you will see the parking area on your right, just before the road turns to go over the little bridge between the two ponds. Do not go over the bridge. We can convene here.

Again, you might want to drive around to find where you think you want to paint and drop your stuff off and come back to park here. However, there are other roadside pull-off areas where I believe you could park without anyone objecting.

BREWER BRUCE & JOHNSON MARINA (note: name change to SAFE HARBOR, although it is still the same organization),145 South Montowese Street, Branford

 

Heading south on I-95, take Exit 55. Turn RIGHT on Rte 1 (East Main), and move to left lane. After 0.3 mi., turn LEFT (south) on Windmill Hill Road. After 0.5 mi., turn RIGHT (southwest) on Damascus Road. After 0.9 mi., Damascus merges with Pine Orchard Road. Stay straight, heading west for about another 0.4 mile.  When the road dead ends, turn LEFT (south) on South Montowese Street, Rte 146.

After about 0.7 mile (underneath the RR bridge, past the marshes and river, and straight at the 3-way stop sign), you will see a large Brewer marina sign on your right. Turn right onto this road and it will take you straight into the marina. Drive through the marina to the gazebo and docks. Park there.

Alternate (and simpler) directions: Take Exit 54 on I-95. Turn right onto Cedar Street. At Rte 1, turn left and almost immediately fork right onto Rte 146 (well indicated). Follow Rte 146 onto and down Montowese St which becomes South Montowese. Follow second paragraph above.

CHAFFINCH ISLAND PARK, Chaffinch Island Road, GUILFORD

From  I-95 take exit 58 (Route 77). Turn south onto Route 77  (Church Street) and continue for approximately 0.8 mile to the center of Guilford. Turn right (west) onto Broad Street, and then take a quick left (south) onto Whitfield Street, driving along the west side of the Guilford Town Green. At the south end of the green, turn right (west) onto Route 146 (Water Street) and travel approximately 1 mile, taking care to stay on 146 at the intersection of Jacobs Lane. Go by a marsh area and then a few homes, and turn left onto Mulberry Point Road. Go over the railroad bridge and south on Mulberry Point Road for approximately 0.5 mile. Turn left onto Chaffinch Island Road. Take care, this turn is a bit hard to see. Travel approximately 0.7 mile to the end of Chaffinch Island Road where Chaffinch Island Park is located. You will find plentiful parking, and there are portable toilets on site.

CHATFIELD HOLLOW STATE PARK, 381 CT Route 80, Killingworth

From New Haven, take I-95 to exit 61, turn left onto Route 79.  After 5.6 miles, you will come to a traffic circle.  Take the first exit in the traffic circle onto Route 80, heading east.  Drive 2.8 miles and the park entrance will be on your left.

From Old Saybrook, take I-95 to exit 63, turn left onto Route 81.  Drive 5.1 miles on Route 81 until you reach a traffic circle.  Take the 3rd exit of the traffic circle onto route 80 heading west.  The park entrance will be on your right after 1.4 miles.

Drive into the park.  Eventually, you will see the lake on your left.  Bathrooms are in one of the first buildings by the lake.  Note: at this point the road is one way and circles around the lake.  If you drive  to the covered bridge, you will have to go around the lake and cross over the waterfall bridge to get back to the picnic area where we may convene at noon.

CLINTON BOAT LAUNCH near ROCKY'S AQUA RESTAURANT, 34 Riverside Drive, Clinton

From I-95 northbound, take Exit 63. Turn left on North High Street, staying in the right lane for a quick right (south) at the light onto Route 81 South (High Street). I-95 southbound, turn south, directly onto Route 81 South. Turn left onto West Main Street; turn right onto Grove St; turn right onto Riverside Drive. Park between the boat launch and left of Rocky's Aqua at 34 Riverside Drive. Views of Cedar Island and boats. Restrooms near launch.

CLINTON LANDING (behind TOWN HALL), 54 East Main Street, Clinton

From I-95, either way, take EXIT 63 - Route 81. Turn RIGHT (south) on High Street (Route 81), and drive for about 0.7 mile. At the traffic signal, turn LEFT (east) on Route 1. Drive about 0.2 mile, through Clinton center and over a little bridge. The town hall will be on your right. We will meet at the back of the parking area near the gazebo. Restrooms are in the town hall.

 

CLINTON PARKING LOT AND RAILROAD BRIDGE, AT INDIAN RIVER

 

Located to the left of the fire department, East Main Street, across from Liberty Bank. Take I-95 to Exit 63, and south on Rte 81. Go left onto Hull St, then left onto East Main (US-1). Park behind the shops on East Main Street left of the firehouse, next to the river. View of Indian River and railroad bridge. Restroom at Clinton town hall across the street.

CLINTON TOWN BEACH

From I-95 northbound, take Exit 63. Turn left on North High Street, staying in the right lane for a quick right (south) at the light onto Route 81 South (High Street). I-95 southbound, turn south, directly onto Route 81 South. Travel on Route 81 for approximately 1 mile, through sharp turns first to the right and then to the left, under the railroad overpass and up a small hill to the intersection with Route 1. Turn left (east) at the traffic light onto Route 1 (Boston Post Road/West Main Street). Travel on Route 1 for approximately 0.5 mi.  Turn right (south) onto Waterside Lane. Travel to the end of Waterside line, and cross an old stone bridge to the Clinton Town Beach entrance and parking lot. (Only available to us before and after the summer season when a substantial fee is required.)

CT RIVER MUSEUM, Essex

Take I-95 to exit 65.  Head north on CT-153 and after ~5 miles, it turns into West Ave.  Follow West Ave as it curves into downtown Essex.  At the little circle, turn right onto Main St and drive to the very end.  Pull into the parking lot at the CT River Museum.

DEEP HEADQUARTERS, 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme.
I-95 north to Exit 70; turn onto CT156 East. Very shortly turn right onto Ferry Road. DEEP Marine Headquarters is at the end of the road. Parking at the end nearest the railroad bridge over the Connecticut River. Trees, grass, picnic tables.

DUDLEY FARM, 2351 Durham Road, Guilford

From Hamden/New Haven, take I-91 to Exit 8 – Middletown Avenue. Turn southeast onto Middletown Avenue, and continue onto CT 80 – Foxon Blvd. After 9.5 miles, turn left onto CT 77 North – Durham Road. Just after the turn onto Durham Road, Dudley Farm is on the right side.

From I-95, take Exit 58 – CT 77.  Turn north on CT 77/Durham Road. Go for 4.4 miles. Just after crossing CT 80, Dudley Farm is on the right side.

EAST WHARF BEACH, Madison

From the south on I-95, take Exit 61. At the end of the ramp, turn right (south) onto Rte. 79 (Durham Road), and proceed 0.5 mi. Turn left (east) on Rte. 1 (Boston Post Road), and continue 0.4 mi. Turn right onto East Wharf Road, and follow to the end (about 0.5 mi.)

From the north on I-95, take Exit 62, and turn left (south) onto the Hammonassett Connector for about 1.2 mi. Turn right at the traffic light onto Rte. 1 (Boston Post Road). Go for about 1.5 mi.. Turn left onto East Wharf Road, and follow to the end (about 0.5 mi.) You will find plenty of parking. We will meet at the gazebo.

ESSEX PARK, Essex

On Main Street, next to post office. Free parking near post office. Restroom, gazebo, water views, street view and trees. Shade available.

From south, take I95 north. Take exit 65 for CT-153 N.
Follow signs for CT 153 N/Essex and continue to Essex.
Follow road into Essex. Keep right onto Main street (one way).
Park is on the right next to the Post Office.
Parking behind Post Office.

From north, take exit 67 for CT-154 N.
Keep left at fork, follow signs for CT 154 N/Essex Ivoryton/Centerbrook.
Turn left onto CT 154 E/Middlesex Turnpike.
Turn right to stay on South Main street.
Turn right onto South Main street. Continue straight onto West Avenue.
Turn right onto Main Street. Park is on the right next to the Post Office.
Parking behind Post Office.

ESSEX STEAM TRAIN, 1 Railroad Ave., Essex

From I-95, take Exit 69. Merge onto CT-9N toward Essex/Hartford. After 3.7 miles, take Exit 3. Turn LEFT (north) onto CT-154. After 0.2 mi., turn LEFT onto Middlesex Turnpike (Saybrook Road. After 0.3 mi., turn LEFT onto Railroad Avenue. The station is directly ahead. If you do not see anyone from our group in this area, look for a CTSA sign on a tripod to direct you.

FLORENCE GRISWOLD MUSEUM, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme

Heading north/east on I-95, (from Guilford go 18.7 miles) take Exit 70 (US-1 N - CT 156 W). Turn left onto CT 156 W/ US-1 N -- Shore Road. Go 0.2 mi. Take the first right onto US-1 N -- Halls Road.  Go 0.7 mi. Turn left onto US-1 N - Lyme Street. The Museum will be on your left. Park in the third parking lot behind the small studio. Before you park, you may wish to drop off your gear near to where you want to paint.

FOOTE RIVERSIDE PARK – Pine Orchard Road at Branford River Underpass

Heading south on I-95, take Exit 55. Turn RIGHT on Rte 1 (East Main), and move to left lane. After 0.3 mi., turn LEFT (south) on Windmill Hill Road. After 0.5 mi., turn RIGHT (southwest) on Damascus Road. After 0.9 mi., Damascus merges with Pine Orchard Road. Stay straight, heading west for another 0.3 mile. Foote Riverside Park (NO SIGN) will be on your left. You will see the river and a railroad bridge.

To reach the three Branford River overlooks, continue westward over the river for 0.1 mi. Turn LEFT (south) on Montowese Street, and go under the railroad overpass. Immediately beyond the railroad bridge, Overlook #3 on the map is on your right. Diagonally across the road is Overlook #1. Finally, continuing south, cross the river and turn LEFT on Tabor Drive. Immediately on your left is Overlook #2.

FOOTE MEMORIAL PARK –  Melrose Avenue, Branford

Heading south on I-95, take Exit 55. Turn RIGHT on Rte 1 (East Main), and move to left lane. After 0.3 mi., turn LEFT (south) on Windmill Hill Road. After 0.5 mi., turn RIGHT (southwest) on Damascus Road. After 0.9 mi., Damascus merges with Pine Orchard Road. Stay straight, heading west for another 0.4 mile. Turn LEFT (south) on South Montowese Street, and continue for about 0.5 mile to the first stop sign. Turn right (west) on Indian Neck Avenue, and then take the first left (southwest) on Melrose Avenue. The park entrance is at the end of Melrose. The path to the overlook runs along the right side of the tennis courts.

FOUNDERS  MEMORIAL PARK, 100 Coulter Street, off Main Street, Old Saybrook

From I-95, take Exit 67. Merge onto CT 154, heading south/west. After about 0.5 mi., bear left (south) onto Main Street. Go about 0.2 mi., and turn left (east) onto Coulter Street. Drive east and then northeast on Coulter Street to the end of the road, which leads to the driveway into the park. Go to the top of the hill, where you will find plentiful parking and splendid views of the river and marshes. We will meet here.  The drive from Guilford takes about 30 minutes. (No shade.) Closest restroom is at Starbucks on Main Street.

THOMAS GRISWOLD HOUSE,  171 Boston Street, Guilford

From I-95, take Exit 59 – Goose Lane. Turn south on Goose Lane. Go straight across Route 1 onto Soundview Road, and at the stop sign turn right (west) on Boston Street. After about 0.6 mile, the Griswold House will be on your left. Parking in the field.


GARDINER'S LANDING AND PARK, Old Saybrook

(Located next to site of former Dock and Dine restaurant)
From I-95, take exit 66, Spencer Plains Road, Old Saybrook.
Go towards US-1 and turn left. Drive for about 2 miles, then right onto Main Street. Follow Main Street and drive straight until you get to Saybrook Point Inn. Left into large parking lot. Park is at the end of the parking lot. Restroom at edge of parking lot. Rocks, houses, Connecticut River views.

GREAT ISLAND BOAT LAUNCH, 99 Smith Neck Road, Old Lyme

On I-95 north: Take Exit 70 after bridge (the Lyme Art Association exit). Turn right onto Rte 156. In 1.7 miles, turn right onto Smith Neck Road (small brown boat launch sign on the right). Follow to the end. Park in upper parking lot (don't block the boat launch). Views of river, marsh, distant lighthouse in Old Saybrook, and views of Great Island. (Very little shade)

GUILFORD GREEN

From  I-95 take exit 58 (Route 77). Turn south onto Route 77 (Church Street) and continue for approximately 0.8 mile to the center of Guilford where the road dead ends at the town green. Turn right (west) onto Broad Street, and then take a quick left (south) onto Whitfield Street. The Marketplace at the Guilford Food Center is on Whitfield Street at the lower edge of the green.  Park anywhere along any side of the green to paint. Restrooms in the Town Hall or the Library.

GUILFORD TOWN DOCKS AND MARINA

End of Whitfield Street. From  I-95 take exit 58 (Route 77). Turn south onto Route 77  (Church Street) and continue for approximately 0.8 mile to the center of Guilford. Turn right (west) onto Broad Street, and then take a quick left (south) onto Whitfield Street, driving along the west side of the Guilford Town Green.

At the southwest corner of the green, continue straight on Whitfield Street. After 0.3 mile, bear slightly right on New Whitfield, and continue until you get to the waterfront, another 0.8 mi. (No shade) Portable toilets.

GUILFORD TRAIN STATION

From  I-95 take exit 58 (Route 77). Turn south onto Route 77  (Church Street) and continue for approximately 0.8 mile to the center of Guilford. Turn right (west) onto Broad Street, and then take a quick left (south) onto Whitfield Street, driving along the west side of the Guilford Town Green.

At the southwest corner of the green, continue straight on Whitfield Street. After 0.3 mile, bear slightly right on New Whitfield. Cross over the train tracks, take your first left (east) (Pages Lane). Go to the stop sign, and turn left again. The train station is straight ahead.

HAMMONASSETT BEACH STATE PARK – MEIGS POINT / NATURE CENTER, Madison

From I-95, take Exit 62, and go south on the Hammonassett Connector. After 1 mile, at the traffic light on Route 1 (Boston Post Road), go straight through and into the park. Follow the signs for the Nature Center, counter-clockwise around the round-about and then east for about 0.5 mile to the Nature Center (on your left) or a bit further and around the corner to the Meigs Point parking area. (If painting the salt marsh to the right of the nature center, no shade.) Restrooms across from the Nature Center.

HENRY WHITFIELD STATE MUSEUM -  248 Old Whitfield Street, Guilford

From  I-95 take exit 58 (Route 77). Turn south onto Route 77  (Church Street) and continue for approximately 0.8 mile to the center of Guilford. Turn right (west) onto Broad Street, and then take a quick left (south) onto Whitfield Street, driving along the west side of the Guilford Town Green.

At the southwest corner of the green, continue straight on Whitfield Street. After 0.3 mile, bear left onto Old Whitfield Street. Turn left onto Stonehouse Lane. The museum is on the left.

The museum director asks that all artists park at the top of the traffic circle on the grass, in one line from the rail fence (marked ‘staff and overflow parking’ north towards the neighbor’s house.  If there is any confusion on this, staff will assist artists in reparking their cars at 9 am.  The museum and visitor center opens at 10 am (except on Tuesdays!).  That’s when artists can access the restrooms.

 

HYLAND HOUSE MUSEUM, 84 Boston Street, Guilford

From I-95, take Exit 58; Drive south on Rt.77 through the traffic light at Rt. 1, and on to the north end of the Guilford town Green. Turn left (east) for a half-block on Broad Street, then right (south) on Park Street (clockwise around the east side of the green). Turn left (east) on Boston Street. Go about two blocks. Dark red Hyland House will be on your left. Park on the south side of Boston Street or on the side street just to the west of Hyland House. If you park opposite the house on Boston Street, please leave some spaces between cars so that those who wish to paint from the opposite sidewalk may do so with a clear view. If you do not find a proximate parking place, you might want to pull into the driveway to the west side of the house and drop your gear before you park, but be mindful that you may need to be patient backing out into traffic on Boston Street. There may be a few parking spaces available in the driveway. Paint anywhere on the property, back or side yard. The back of the house has a spectacular shed roof.

LEETE’S ISLAND, Shell Beach Road, Guilford

Driving east on I-95, take the Leete's Island Road exit, EXIT 56. Turn right (south) on Leetes Island Road toward Stony Creek. After 1.5 miles, at the Stony Creek Package Store, turn all the way left (east) to stay on Leete’s Island Road, Route 146. (The Taken for Granite shop will be on your right as you turn onto Rte. 146.) Go for about 2.3 miles, passing under a railroad bridge and up a small hill. At the top of the hill, turn right (south) on Shell Beach Road.

Driving west on I-95, take EXIT 58 (Route 77). Turn south onto Route 77 (Church Street) and continue for approximately 0.8 mile to the center of Guilford. Turn right (west) onto Broad Street, and then take a quick left (south) onto Whitfield Street, driving along the west side of the Guilford Town Green.

At the south end of the green, turn right (west) onto Route 146 (Water Street) and travel approximately 1.3 miles, taking care to stay left on 146 at the intersection of Jacobs Lane. After a sharp left turn under the railroad bridge, turn right, staying on Route 146. Continue for another 1.3 miles. At the crest of a hill, just after you pass the red barns of the Leete farm, turn left on Shell Beach Road.

Proceed for about 0.3 mile, down the hill by a little red barn, and straight along the causeway, by a small currently dysfunctional guard booth.

Right after the booth, turn left on Pump Lane, and drive to the end, staying left where the road forks. You will end up at a small beach, where you will find plentiful parking in a dirt lot adjacent to the marsh. We will meet here.  --  Alt.   Keep going straight. Just beyond this booth, on your right, you will see a children’s play area, a boulder barrier, and the sea beyond. We will meet here.

LENNY’S RESTAURANT, 205 South Montowese Street, Branford

Heading south on I-95, take Exit 55. Turn RIGHT on Rte 1 (East Main), and move to left lane. After 0.3 mi., turn LEFT (south) on Windmill Hill Road. After 0.5 mi., turn RIGHT (southwest) on Damascus Road. After 0.9 mi., Damascus merges with Pine Orchard Road. Stay straight, heading west for another 0.4 mile. Turn LEFT (south) on South Montowese Street, and continue for about 0.9 mile. (You will pass over the Branford River, through one stop sign, by Brewer’s Bruce & Johnson Marina.) About 0.2 mi. after Brewer’s, Lenny’s will be on your right.

MADISON SURF CLUB, 87 Surf Club Road, Madison

From I-95, take Exit 61. Turn south off the exit onto Route 79 South (Durham Road). Travel on Route 79 for approximately 0.7 miles. Turn right (west) at the traffic light onto Boston Post Road. Travel on Boston Post Road for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn left (south) onto West Wharf Road. Travel on West Wharf Road for approximately 0.3 mile to the end of the road, where you will find the entrance to West Wharf Beach.

Turn right (west) onto Surf Club Road. Travel on Surf Club Road for approximately 0.5 miles to the Surf Club entrance, then follow the drive (counter-clockwise) around to the far side of the parking area, near the grove of trees by the beach. We will meet there. (Only Madison residents during the summer; open to all before and after summer season.)

MADISON Historic Green

Take I95 and exit onto route 79. Follow 79 east to US1, Main Street, Madison center. Turn right on US1 and go short distance to green. Restrooms in Madison Town Hall.

MEDAD STONE TAVERN, 197 Three Mile Course, Guilford

From I-95, take Exit 57 (US Rte. 1, Boston Post Road). Turn east on Rte. 1, and proceed 1 mile. Turn right (south) on Three Mile Course, and proceed 0.2 mile, to a four-way intersection, where the road jogs slightly to the right. Stay on Three Mile Course for another 0.2 mile. Medad Stone Tavern is on your right. The driveway entry is on the south side of the property.

Alternatively (more direct, but also more traffic and lights), southbound on I-95, take Exit 59 (Goose Lane). Turn right (south) off the ramp onto Goose Lane, and proceed 0.2 mile to US Rte. 1, Boston Post Road. Turn right (west), onto US Rte. 1, and proceed 1.4 miles. Turn left (south) on Three Mile Course.

MERCY BY THE SEA (CENTER), Neck Road, Madison, CT

Heading north/east on  I-95 take exit 59 (Goose Lane). Turn right onto Soundview Road, and stay left. After about 50 yards, turn left (east) onto Boston Post Road. After about 2.2 miles, turn right (southeast) onto Neck Road.

Heading south/west on I-95, take Exit 60. Turn left (south) onto Mungertown Road.  After about 0.6 mi., bear left (east) onto Boston Post Road Rte.1. After about  0.2 mi., turn right (southeast) onto Neck Road.

ALL – On Neck Road, after about 100 yards, turn turn right again (south), continuing on Neck Road. Travel about 3/4 mile to Mercy Center. Driveway is on the left immediately after brick school building, between the two white stone columns. Follow the long, narrow driveway, bearing right, into the parking lot in front of the main building. If you like big old trees for your subject, you need go no further. To reach the greenhouse, gardens, and waterfront follow the path that bears around to the left (east) of the main building. Let’s meet at the gazebo, near the waterfront.

The management asks that each of you signs in at the front desk before settling down to paint.

NECK ROAD BOAT LAUNCH, Off Neck Road, Madison

Heading north/east on  I-95 take exit 59 (Goose Lane). Turn right onto Soundview Road, and stay left. After about 50 yards, turn left (east) onto Boston Post Road. After about 2.2 miles, turn right (southeast) onto Neck Road.

Heading south/west on I-95, take Exit 60. Turn left (south) onto Mungertown Road.  After about 0.6 mi., bear left (east) onto Boston Post Road Rte.1. After about  0.2 mi., turn right (southeast) onto Neck Road.

ALL – On Neck Road, after about 100 yards, turn turn right again (south), continuing on Neck Road. Follow the Boat Launch signs. After about 1.3 miles, at the end of Neck Road, turn left (east) onto Ridgewood Avenue. After about  0.3 miles, at the end of Ridgewood Avenue, turn right (south) onto Circle Beach Road (dirt road). After about 0.3 mi., the boat launch entrance is on the right. You will find plentiful parking, but if the tide is coming in, it is a good idea to park a bit away from the river.

OLD SAYBROOK TOWN GREEN

I-95 to Exit 67. Take 154 south to US-1 south. Turn left at the light onto Main Street. Watch for Town Green on the left, next to the Fire Department (in front of the town hall, and next to The Kate). Park on Main Street. (Shade and gazebo)

OLMSTED OUTLOOK PARK, GUILFORD

At the intersection of Broad Street and River Street.
From  I-95 take exit 58 (Route 77). Turn south onto Route 77 (Church Street) and continue for approximately 0.8 mile to the center of Guilford where the road dead ends at the town green. Turn right (west) onto Broad Street. The park is on River Street, at the end of Broad Street. Turn right on River Street to a small parking area on the left (watch for ducks); or park on Broad Street and walk a few yards across River Street. No bathrooms on site, but a short walk to Guilford Community Center on Church St.

 

OYSTER RIVER MARKET, Ingham Hill Road and US 1, Old Saybrook

On I-95 north, take exit 66, Spencer Plains Road. Turn right off the exit and then left onto US 1; go 1.2 miles to Oyster River Market (it used to be Maynard's). Park on river bank to the right of market or at McDonald's next door. (Don't park on Ingham Hill Road). Restrooms in McDonald's. 1057 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. River and marsh view as well as the market building.

 

PARKER MEMORIAL PARK -- and  BRANFORD POINT,

Heading north on I-95 from New Haven, take exit 51, merging onto US-1/Frontage Road. Drive eastward toward Branford for 3.5 miles, and turn right (SW) onto CT-142 (Short Beach Rd. After 0.5 mile, turn  left onto Stannard Ave.  - Then after 0.7 mile, turn right onto Harbor St.

Heading south on I-95: Take Exit 54, and turn left (south) on Cedar Street. Go 0.7 miles, passing under the highway, across Route 1, and up two hills toward Branford Center. At the end of Cedar Street, turn right (west) on Main Street. After 0.2 mile, at the light, turn left (south), onto Kirkham Street. Go for about 0.6 mile, passing over the railroad. (Kirkham runs into Maple Street just before the railroad overpass.)  At a small deli, turn left (~south) onto Harbor Street.

All, on Harbor Street, after 0.6 mi.,  Parker Memorial Park will be on your right. Do not enter the park unless you prefer to paint there. Continue straight to the end of Harbor Street.

ALTERNATE DIRECTIONS TO BRANFORD POINT -- FROM BRANFORD GREEN 

From Branford Green, heading south on Montowese toward the Branford River, go about 0.4 mi, and turn right (west) on Meadow Street (If you go under the railroad underpass, you’ve gone too far.)  Follow Meadow Street for about 0.6 mi to where it dead-ends (to your right is Kirkham, and to your left is Maple Street.) Turn left on Maple, and go over the railroad tracks. Continue south/southwest on Maple for about 0.5 mi. to Harbor Street. On your left, you will see a deli and a blue Victorian House. Turn left (south) on Harbor Street, and drive to the end (about 0.8 mi.) You will find a small parking area there. If if we need additional parking, you will find plenty of space just inside the adjacent Parker Memorial Park. Some of you may recognize that site, where we painted a few years ago at the cottage of Annie Redmond.

Enter the park, and drive beyond the major parking areas. As the drive curves around, you will see an area on the right side where you can see through to some water. We will meet and park here. Then you can drive around into the waterfront park and decide whether to drop off your gear and paint there or paint at the cove parking area.

PARMELEE FARM, 465 Higganum Road (CT-81), Killingworth

From points west, the easiest direction is to take I-95 east to exit 63, take a left off the exit and then another immediate left onto route 81 north.  Continue on Route 81 to the traffic circle 5.3 miles and take the  2nd exit of the circle to continue north on route 81.  Destination will be on the right in 2.1 miles.

From points east along the shoreline, take I-95 to exit 63 and take a left off the exit also to head north on route 81.  Continue on Route 81 to the traffic circle 5.2 miles and take the  2nd exit of the circle to continue north on route 81.  Destination will be on the right in 2.1 miles.

There are shorter routes, depending on exactly where you live.  For example if you live across the CT River, you would take route 9 north to exit 6 for Chester, take a left off the exit and continue on 148 till you come to route 81.  Take a left onto route 81, heading south.  Parmelee Farm will be a short ways on your left.  

Please park in the large parking area, and do not take your vehicle further onto the property. 

PLEASANT POINT TRAINS, Pleasant Point Road, Branford

From I-95, take exit 55. Turn west on Route 1, heading toward Branford Center. After about 0.2 mile,  take your first left, (south) right after the Mobil station, onto Windmill Hill Road. After about 1/2 mile, turn left (east) on Damascus Road. After about 0.6 mile, bear right (south) on Totucket Road. After about 0.4 mile, turn left (east) on Pleasant Point Road. After about 0.2 mile, you will see the train cars. If you're coming from Guilford shoreline, you're probably better off coming by Route 146 to Totucket Road, which is about 0.5 mile after you go over the Tilcon railroad grade crossing -- near the former private Wightwood School.

STONY CREEK WATERFRONT, Thimble Island Road, Stony Creek (Branford)

Heading north/east on I-95, take Exit 56. Turn right (south) onto Leete's Island Road.

Heading south/west on I-95, take Exit 56. Turn left onto E. Industrial Road. After 0.3 mi., at the traffic light, turn left again (south) onto Leete's Island Road.

On Leete's Island Road, go 1.6 mi to a stop sign at Rte 146. Stony Creek Package Store will be in front of you. Cross Rte 146 diagonally to Thimble Island Road, going between the package store and a shop called Taken for Granite. Go about 0.4 mile, passing under a railroad bridge. After the bridge, continue for about 0.2 mi. to the area along the sea wall, near the gazebo. Park on the street. We will meet here.

STONY CREEK TROLLEY TRAIL HEAD, West Point Road, Stony Creek

Heading north/east on I-95, take Exit 56. Turn right (south) onto Leete's Island Road.

Heading south/west on I-95, take Exit 56. Turn left onto E. Industrial Road. After 0.3 mi., at the traffic light, turn left again (south) onto Leete's Island Road.

On Leete's Island Road, go 1.6 mi to a stop sign at Rte 146. Stony Creek Package Store will be in front of you. Cross Rte 146 diagonally to Thimble Island Road, going between the package store and a shop called Taken for Granite. Go about 0.4 mile, passing under a railroad bridge. After the bridge, take your first right onto West Point Road (I think). This road will dead-end in a parking area at the trail head. We will meet here.

TROLLEY ROAD, Guilford

From  I-95 take exit 58 (Route 77). Turn south onto Route 77  (Church Street) and continue for approximately 0.8 mile to the center of Guilford. Turn right (west) onto Broad Street, and then take a quick left (south) onto Whitfield Street, driving along the west side of the Guilford Town Green.

At the south end of the green, turn right (west) onto Route 146 (Water Street) and travel approximately 1.3 miles, taking care to stay left on 146 at the intersection of Jacobs Lane. After a sharp left turn under the railroad bridge, leave Route 146, and go straight onto Sachems Head Road. After about 0.6 mile, bear right onto Colonial Road, then after about 200 yards, turn right on Old Sachems Head Road. After about 0.2 mile, turn right on Trolley Road, and go to the end, where you will find plenty of space to park. We will meet there.

   

30 UNCAS TRAIL, Old Saybrook

I-95 North to exit 66 Spencer Plain road

Right off ramp, go short distance to US 1, Left onto US 1

Take Right exit after Dairy Queen

Old Post road to stop sign

Right onto Nehantic Trail

At fork bear left onto Attawanhood Trail

Right onto Obed Trail, left onto Uncas Trail

Tan house on left near end

Marina, two beaches, and salt marsh, no shade.
Park on lawn (no street parking). Restroom. Patio for lunch.

VAN WILGEN'S GARDEN CENTER, 51 Valley Road, North Branford, CT

Northbound on I-95, take Exit 56, and turn left (north) on Leete’s Island Road.

Southbound on I-95, take Exit 56, and turn left (west) on East Industrial Road. The truck stop will be on your left after you make this turn. After 0.3 mi., turn right (north on Leete’s Island Road (Stop & Shop is on your right).

On Leete’s Island Road, stay in the middle lane for about 0.2 miles to the intersection at Rte. 1. Go straight through this intersection to School Ground Road (Chowder Pot Restaurant on your right), and proceed down the hill for 0.5 mi.  At the end of the road, turn right (north) on Rte 139, and then take your next right (east) on Valley Road. After 0.3 mi., Van Wilgen’s will be on your right.

Since this is a business establishment, please be mindful to leave the closer parking spaces for customers. Also, please plan to occupy a minimal footprint when you set up to paint, and stay clear of lanes where the garden center might need to move equipment or customers might need to have access to plants. We are welcome to browse but not paint inside the greenhouse.

 

WESLEY AVE & PATCHAUG RIVER BRIDGE, Westbrook

On I-95 north, take exit 64 for CT 145. Turn right on 145 South, then left onto Old Clinton Rd. Then right onto Wesley Avenue. Park on Wesley Avenue past the bridge. River and marsh views. Restrooms at Dunkin Donuts nearby on US 1.

WESTBROOK GREEN, Westbrook

From I95, take Exit 65 and drive a short way to Westbrook; the Green is at US 1 and Westbrook Place.

Parking and restrooms across the street.

 

WEST WHARF BEACH AND MADISON SURF CLUB

From I-95, take Exit 61. Turn south off the exit onto Route 79 South (Durham Road). Travel on Route 79 for approximately 0.7 miles. Turn right (west) at the traffic light onto Boston Post Road. Travel on Boston Post Road for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn left (south) onto West Wharf Road. Travel on West Wharf Road for approximately 0.4 miles to the end of the road, where you will find the entrance to West Wharf Beach.

…Surf Club: 0.3 miles. Turn right (west) onto Surf Club Road. Travel on Surf Club Road for approximately 0.5 miles to the Surf Club entrance, then follow the drive (counter-clockwise) around to the far side of the parking area, near the grove of trees by the beach. We will meet there.

YOUNG'S POND, Blackstone Avenue, Branford

From I-95, take exit 55. Turn west on Route 1, heading toward Branford Center. After about 0.2 mile,  take your first left, (south) right after the Mobil station, onto Windmill Hill Road. After about 1/2 mile, turn left (east) on Damascus Road. After about  0.6 mile, bear right (south) on Totucket Road. After about 0.7 mile, Totucket Road becomes Blackstone Avenue. Continue for another half mile. You will pass fairways of the Pine Orchard Country Club on both sides. Young’s Pond Park will be just beyond, on your right. There is a good-sized dirt parking area. (If you reach Pine Orchard Road, you’ve gone too far  by about 0.1 mile.)