Living in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the ocean is literally a backyard road trip for me. With foliage off the trees, it’s viewable from my backyard. To actually reach the water, it’s a five-minute walk. With waterside activities at a variety of beaches in town, oceanviews are not hard to come by. Although I live in close proximity to the ocean, when visiting a coastal town such as Westbrook, Connecticut, the sea enchants me.
During a recent visit to Connecticut, I spent the day in the woods of Burlington and New Britain. Although I face the Atlantic every day, the allure of the sea led me down to Westbrook. In New Britain, I hopped on fairly busy Route 9 south for about half an hour and then headed south on 95 for a few exits. In Westbrook, I headed south past Route 1 down a random road, Salt Island Road.
The road terminates quickly into a small parking area at Middle Beach. Here I sat and enjoyed the ocean view while eating leftovers from These Guys Brewing Company in Norwich. (Their food is so tasty.) Just to feel the ocean breeze, smell the salt sea air, I drove more than an hour in total out of my way. The sea was pulling me in; the allure of the sea is palpable.
Eating here, I was satisfied, and returned home. At the beach, which is small, there were a few families and dog walkers. Due to social distancing, I did not venture onto it but enjoyed the ocean view from the seawall.
Salt Island near Westbrook
Westbrook is known for its barrier islands. Located just beyond Middle Beach in Long Island Sound is Salt Island. It looked like only a short paddle away. Historically, this was the site of Salt Island Oil Company, a fish oil and fertilizer company that made this beautiful area reek of fish innard stench. It is now protected under the banner of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
