As anyone knows, one of the best things about living on the Shoreline is a great day at the beach. And that it’s only made better by a great read. That’s why we’ve collected our favorite Americana books to enjoy seaside.

From SMORSTiX in Madison, once you bite into a hot, juicy pineapple in the middle of all the rich sweetness around it, you’ll get it.

The Shoreline’s 300+ year history cannot be told without highlighting its military significance. Scroll on to learn about the Shoreline’s iconic military sites, including the United States Coast Guard Academy, the USS Nautilus, and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park.

Savoring evenings by the water with a sunset view is a summertime staple. Scroll on to experience 6 of the Shoreline’s best sunset spots, including Hammonasset State Park, Madison Beach Hotel, Ferry Landing Park, Fort Griswold, Stonington Point, or while sailing with Mystic Whaler Cruises.

Adventure awaits. Disembark from your busy schedule and set sail on one of the Shoreline’s water tours or cruises. Whether you want to dress up in the evening and sail on a yacht or grab the family for a fun daytime excursion, there's a boat waiting for you.

Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, Hammonasset Beach State Park, offers over 2 miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or relaxing in the sun and surf.

Get outside & explore the Shoreline

I have to admit, when I first started working on this list with R.J. Julia Booksellers my thoughts were to put together a seasonal book list from sone of the best in the business. I thought, what would I want to read while sitting outside + enjoying the warmer temperatures (dare I say with a glass of lemonade?), the thought of being quarantined at home during a global pandemic did not.

As a local business concentrated along the Connecticut shoreline, Ring’s End appreciates the storied history, breathtaking beauty and recreational value of our coastline. The Coastal Color Collection is their way of sharing this natural treasure with you, their valued customers.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Caroline Georgetti of Spark Wellness in Mystic, Connecticut to answer all of your acupuncture questions, and if you’ve been considering getting stuck, you’re going to want to read this!

Did you know with a Connecticut license plate you have free access to state parks? Well technically, we pay for it with taxes, but you're welcome in and out of our state parks without any charge. And that means there's no excuse not to stop in one of the many state parks that dot the Connecticut Shoreline.

From the M/BAR in Mystic, this cocktail is the perfect blend of sweet and savory fall spices.  A little bit more about MBAR: it's a restored gas station featuring barista-crafted coffee, world renowned wine, specialty spirits and inspired seasonal fare in a historic downtown. The perfect place to gather with friends.  

When the woods and the beach meet, Madison becomes the perfect place for a scenic bike ride along the wooded backroads, or take in the shoreline views.

Image driving down historic Boston Post Road, with glimpses of roadside farmer’s markets, peeks of the Long Island Sound, and the quaint downtown of Madison, CT filled with local restaurants and shops. Then make a quick turn down a gravel road, lined with mature trees shading the path to a beautiful bed and breakfast, with bright red Adirondack chairs welcoming you to the property. There you will find the Homestead Bed & Breakfast.

What’s the hardest part about moving? You’re probably thinking the physical moving, the packing - nope, it’s finding a new hairdresser. That’s why I was so relieved to find Lis-A-Lis Salon in Guilford, CT.

Traveling this summer? While you’re planning on where you’re doing, what to pack - have you thought about your four legged friend?

While I often don’t believe there’s anywhere better than the Shoreline (especially during the summer), visiting Acadia National Park is a must-do. Simply envision iconic lighthouses set on rocky shores, pots filled to the brim with bright red lobsters, pine trees towering overhead. Yep - it’s really that beautiful.

As anyone knows, one of the best things about living on the Shoreline is a great day at the beach. And that it’s only made better by a great read. That’s why we’ve collected our favorite Americana books to enjoy seaside.

I’m going to start pretty simply - it doesn’t get much better than Stephanie Smigel and Balayaged and Beautiful.

Don’t have summer planned yet? It’s not too late. Here are a few of our favorite summer camp options for summer 2019.