Saybrook Point

Years ago when I was about 7 or 8 years old, we stopped at Saybrook Point for lunch during some extended road trip along Interstate-95. One of the small buildings here served fried seafood and steamed clams on a picnic table patio. They must have had good prices because my parents let all of us kids order whatever we wanted. I ordered the fried clams. Previously, the only fried clams I had eaten were the clam strips offered on the childrens menu of all the Howard Johnsons that once lined the turnpike. When my order of whole-belly clams arrived, I was more than a little surprised. In typical 8 year old fashion, I spent about five minutes playing around with each clam, never quite sure when to stop chewing and finally swallow. When no one was looking, I tossed a few half-chewed lumps to the gulls. Eventually my father moved in and finished my plate. The clam shack is now gone; replaced by some overpriced, upscale, tourist trap selling frozen shrimp with views of the river. There are some exceptions, but I am usually skeptical today of many of the waterfront eateries. Too many of them are selling the same food that can be found in Omaha or Bakersfield. You pay for the view, and the fantasy that your meal arrived via the docks, rather than the interstate. Saybrook Point offers an attractive view at the mouth of the Connecticut River. There are restrooms, benches, and a miniature golf course. There is also a building called The Pavillion that is used for town functions and is available for rent. This is a nice spot to watch the activity on the river. As for the whole-belly clams,,,,....they are now the only type I will eat. No offense, Howard Johnson. CT Coastal Access Guide: Saybrook Point Map