Inside: Discover Extraordinary Living
Nestled along the picturesque Connecticut shoreline, Guilford is a classic New England town brimming with charm, history, and seaside beauty. The quaint town center is dotted with 17th, 18th, and 19th-century residences as well as Colonial-era landmarks—all centered around the Guilford Green, the prime gathering spot for community events including concerts and antiques shows. Serene beaches and lush trails are another draw: Jacobs Beach is within walking distance from town and residents enjoy easy access to public marinas, a yacht club, private and public tennis courts, the Guilford Lakes Golf Course, and many trails for hiking or riding.
Here are some of the best things to eat, buy, see, and do in Guilford:
Dining
Quattro’s
14 Water St, Guilford
Craving authentic Northern Italian cuisine? Head to Quattro’s, a local favorite that has received acclaim from CT Magazine, the Shoreline Times Readers’ Poll, and Zagat. On the menu are classic pasta dishes, meat and seafood entrees, mouthwatering desserts, and a Latin-fusion twist: creative tapas. Steps from Guilford Green, the restaurant is also known for its carefully curated wine list and daily happy hour specials.
Prime On Whitfield
65 Whitfield St, Guilford
Upscale American dining is the experience at Prime, where residents rave about the top-notch steak and seafood dishes and impeccable service. Expect “wow” dishes like Wagyu Pork Chop Scarpariello and Lobster Rangoon as well as spirited menu items like Benihana Who? (Japanese hibachi), Pigs on a Wire (honey-cured bacon), and That’s One Prime “Mutha-Clucka” (a fried-chicken sandwich). Handcrafted cocktails and an impressive wine list round out the offerings.
Historic Site
Thomas Griswold House
171 Boston St, Guilford
Step back in time at the Thomas Griswold House, a beautifully restored home that offers a glimpse into Guilford’s historic past. The New England saltbox house was built in 1764 by Thomas Griswold on land that had been in the family since 1695. While visiting, tour the meticulously furnished rooms and learn about the town’s early settlers and their way of life. The house and grounds are also used for community events, such as holiday picnics, fairs, and educational purposes.
Parks and Recreation
Jacobs Beach
140 Seaside Ave, Guilford
Spend a day soaking up the sun and surf at Jacobs Beach, a local favorite beach overlooking Long Island Sound. The 25-acre shoreline park also boasts a boardwalk, bathhouse, outdoor showers, two picnic shelters, half basketball courts, a playground, volleyball court, and kayak racks for rent. Seasonal beach passes are available.
Offering some 30 miles of trails maintained by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust, Westwood is the perfect spot to lace up your hiking boots and explore the area’s scenic beauty. With access points from Guilford Green, it’s easy to get from town right into Westwood’s unique landscape, which includes everything from cave structures, waterfalls, saltwater, and freshwater marshes to an inland tidal lake, carved rock sculptures, and rock formations.
Shopping
Bishop’s Orchards
1355 Boston Post Rd, Guilford
Experience the best that Connecticut’s countryside has to offer at Bishop’s Orchards. This popular, family-owned farm market is stocked with a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods year-round, as well as seasonal u-pick strawberries, apples, and pumpkins in its fields. An on-site creamery and winery add to the allure, as does the chance to visit the farm’s llamas, alpacas, and goats.
