As an adult living in Massachusetts the big place to go for the summer is, of course Cape Cod. However, I have actually never spent any really large amount of time at Cape Cod for the summer. This is because for almost 60 years my family has owned a cottage in the Long Island Sound shore town of Old Lyme. My grandparents and great-parents purchased what we affectionately call “the cottage” when my father was a small child. The cottage is truly that – a cottage complete with paper thin walls, a single outdoor shower, and plumbing that is only certified to work for three seasons.
View from the beach…
Specifically, my cottage is in/near a section of Old Lyme called Soundview Beach. While we are not on Hartford Avenue which is the main drag of Soundview Beach we are in the general area.
Soundview Beach is a great example of a place that has changed significantly over the years. Soundview beach has gone from being a heyday town during the time when my father was growing up (around 50-55 years ago), to being a place filled with strip clubs and what my parents define as “seedy” to what it is currently: a place where there is definite improvement and life next to places still waiting to be brought back. There are ice cream shops, hot dog stands, a carousel, and many more family friendly establishments. Additionally, there are several bar/restaurants right on the beach!
Soundview also has an active beach association. The beach association puts together great events like bingo, beach donuts, and the Fourth of July Parade! This year we were lucky to witness the community Fourth of July Parade. The parade was a great celebration of the United States and of the Community. It seemed like all ages turned out, decked out in Fourth of July Garb.
Fourth of July Parade
Soundview beach is one of the few public beaches on the Connecticut Shore. There is parking (both on street and pay lots), restaurants, beach side bars, ice cream stands and more.
Soundview beach is located at: One Hartford Avenue, Old Lyme, CT 06371.
If you are in Connecticut and going to explore the Connecticut shore I highly recommend visiting this gem!
Beach Chairs at Soundview
