Like the New Yorker who has never visited the Empire State Building, I finally took a tour of the Thimble Islands!  If you haven’t hopped aboard for a sail around these 25 inhabited islands, it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon, especially if you’ve got guests in town.

This Branford curiosity, an archipelago of 25 islands, some with one house perched precariously on a rocky outcropping, others with enough for a tiny village, was built mainly during the Victorian era and inhabited by politicos, actors, and even Tom Thumb. From humble beach cottages to elaborate mansions complete with tennis courts and swimming pools, it’s a fascinating glimpse into island life that architecture buffs will enjoy! Some houses lack running water and electricity, relying on generators and rain harvesting, while others are connected to the mainland. There’s even a water taxi available to ferry friends and groceries (in case you’ve forgotten that container of milk!). A few are available for rent on AirBNB and VRBO.

The daytime tours are narrated, which I found fascinating, while the happy hour tours are not (yes, there is a bar onboard, and no, you can’t bring your own liquor). Several outfits provide excursions. We boarded the Sea Mist for an afternoon cruise, captained by a local with a fun sense of humor and extensive knowledge of the individual islands.

Reservations are a must. Book here: https://thimbleislandcruise.com/