From farm dinners to breakfast on the beach, here are a few things we look forward to every summer.

I-Park
I-Park is a rural, retreat-type artists-in-residence program set in a 450-acre nature preserve. They offer open studios to view the works and speak with the artists, as well as trail walks that are free and open to the public on set dates throughout the year. Open studios from 2 – 5 pm on 6/29, 8/3, and 9/7. Open Trails & Music, 9:30 – 3:30 on 8/9 and 9/13. 
428 Hopyard Road, East Haddam

Crescent Beach Stand  (pictured above)
Most folks visit the snack shack at Crescent Beach in Niantic for Flander’s famous chowder, clam fritters, and fish and chips, and I say absolutely go. But breakfast here is a fantastic start to the day before the crowds gather. Offering “New Wave Old School” selections (Avocado Toast! Crab Cake Eggs Benedict!), Ashlawn Farm Coffee, and all the classics, this is a serene spot for the first meal of the day. We lingered over iced coffee while gazing at the waves gently lapping the shore. Idyllic.
37 Bayview Avenue, Niantic 

Dinners in the Farm House at Field House Farm Madison, 7/19 & 8/15
Acclaimed chef David Borselle prepares an elegant four to five-course dinner with wine pairings presented by Tony Lombardozzi, representative of Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants, and dessert by Hen & Heifer. 

White Gate Farm Fest
A monthly family-friendly event on a bucolic organic farm. Enjoy live music, wood-fired pizza, sushi, and treats from the farm store. BYOB, chairs, blankets. Dogs on leashes are welcome.  Free. 3 – 7pm,  Dates: 6/28, 7/26, 8/23, 9/13, 10/25. Check the website for farm-to-table dinners, classes, and kids’ events. 
83 Upper Pattagansett Road, East Lyme

Tuesday Dinners at Cafe Flo, Old Lyme
One of our absolute favorite lunch spots, smack on the Lieutenant River with the view made famous by the Lyme Art Colony, offers dinner on Tuesday nights starting 7/10-9/2. 
96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme

Summer Nights at Stone Acres Farm 
Feast on the bounty of coastal New England on this 1765 farm in Stonington. The team behind the award-winning restaurants Oyster Club, The Port of Call, Engine Room, and Haring’s presents a multi-course seasonal menu, plus fabulous wines, craft and local beers, and refreshing cocktails. Wed-Sat evenings, starting at 5 pm, 6/4 – 8/29. Reservations necessary. 
393 North Main Street, Stonington

Paella on the Patio
Lunch at GG at Home is always a treat, from their tempting sandwich combos and hefty salads to those ridiculous house-made chips and chocolate chip cookies, but the day to go is Tuesday for paella on the patio! Head over at noon to watch the chef stir up the enormous vat, redolent with garlic and studded with fat clams, shrimp, mussels, chicken, sausage, and saffron-tinted rice with just the right amount of chew. This lunch feels like a mini vacay, sitting outside on the terrace and soaking up the water view. 
185 Main Street, Niantic

Bishop’s Orchards Construction Tyme
A hands-on experience that lets young builders operate kid-sized construction machinery and explore equipment up close. Unlimited access to the activity area featuring bounce pads, a mega slide, and more. Ideal for ages 3-12. 7/12 – 8/10,  10-4 pm daily. Bishops Main Orchard, 480 New England Road, Guilford

River Tavern Feast in the Fields, 8/1-8/2, 8/8-8/9
Farm Dinners are at Hunts Brook Farm in Quaker Hill for two weekends in August. Enjoy a farm-fresh five-course feast with wine, local beers, and live music. Tickets can be purchased at dinnersatthefarm.com.   

Essex Steam Train: Dinner Train
The last time I took the Essex Steam Train, my daughter was five years old, and I was caught in an elaborate lie about why Cinderella no longer lived in Gillette Castle. She’s now 30, and I finally got back on the rails! The restored 1920s Pullman diners are elegant and dinner is prepared right on board in the circa 1953 kitchen car. Our Salmon and Chicken Francaise were served with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, and rice pilaf, and we cleaned our plates. With no cell phones to distract us and no escape for the next two and a half hours, we were happily held captive as we sped by Gillette Castle, the Goodspeed Opera House, and the broad vistas of the CT River. Check the website for special events this summer: Rail/Bike Adventure, Afternoon Teas, Tacos & Tequila and more.