Museum Nutmegging: Exploring Two Hidden Gem Museums in Connecticut - The Florence Griswold Museum and Lyman Allyn Art Museum
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Nutmegging around the Nutmeg State one finds that it is full of incredible cultural spots, but some of my absolute favorite museums are the ones that don’t always make the typical travel lists. If you’re looking for art, history, and a little bit of magic without the crowds, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London are perfect destinations. And because I like a good day trip with a mix of indoor and outdoor fun, I’ve divided this into ideas for both winter and warm-weather visits!
Winter Adventures: Cozy Museum Days & Nearby Treats
Florence Griswold Museum – Old Lyme
Winter is the perfect time to wander through the Florence Griswold Museum’s beautiful historic home and art galleries without the summer rush. In the early 1900s in order to make ends meet, “Miss Florence” turned her home into a boarding house. The arrival of one artist led to more artists, American Impressionists, to make Miss Florence’s home their destination for the warmer months, for en plein air painting and for hi-jinks. Miss Florence would invite them to paint murals on the doors of their rooms, but did she really want them to paint murals throughout her formal dining room? The paintings are still there and there’s something magical about seeing the hand-painted doors inside Miss Florence’s house while looking out at a snowy landscape. Click to visit the website.
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Winter Extras:
- Visit Krieble Gallery at the Florence Griswold Museum for their changing seasonal exhibitions through each year.
- Head over to the Old Lyme Inn for late afternoon tea or an early dinner.
- Stick around after dinner to pop into the Side Door Jazz Club at the Inn, hailed by Downbeat magazine as one of the best jazz spots in the country.
Lyman Allyn Art Museum – New London
For a classic winter museum day, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum is a fantastic choice. This under-the-radar gem houses a wonderful collection of American and European art, plus thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions. The historic mansion setting adds an extra layer of charm, and their special exhibitions always surprise me.
Winter Extras:
- Grab a coffee and lunch at Muddy Waters Café – A New London staple with an inviting, warm vibe and delicious pastries.
- Visit the Garde Arts Center – If you time it right, you might catch a film or live performance at this beautifully restored 1920s theater.
- Check out the Custom House Maritime Museum – If you love maritime history, this small but fascinating museum offers a great indoor complement to your Lyman Allyn visit.
Warm-Weather Escapes: Art, Gardens, and Coastal Strolls
Florence Griswold Museum – Old Lyme
When the weather is warm, the Florence Griswold Museum truly comes alive! The gardens burst into color, and you can stroll along the Lieutenant River, imagining the painters who once set up their easels along its banks. Don’t forget to bring a sketchbook if you’re feeling inspired!
Warm-Weather Extras:
- Explore the Florence Griswold's gardens and seasonal outdoor sculpture trail – This path winds through the museum grounds, offering a mix of nature and art
- Take a walk in the nearby Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center – A beautiful spot to soak in the coastal environment. Better yet: visit Black Hall Outfitters and rent a kayak to explore! My favorite is the pedal-drive kayak, but take your pick.
- Lunch at the charming Old Lyme Inn – A historic setting with delicious seasonal fare.
Lyman Allyn Art Museum – New London
A warm day makes the Lyman Allyn Art Museum even better because you can pair your visit with outdoor adventures. Their sculpture-filled gardens are wonderful to explore, and New London’s proximity to the coast means you can easily add a seaside stroll to your itinerary.
Warm-Weather Extras:
- Walk through Harkness Memorial State Park – This stunning park in nearby Waterford offers ocean views, beautiful gardens, and a mansion to admire from the outside.
- If you’re lucky and it’s open, check out Monte Cristo Cottage, the boyhood home of playwright Eugene O’Neill and the home that inspired his classic plays Ah! Wilderness! and Long Day’s Journey Into Night.
- Head to Ocean Beach Park – If it’s a particularly warm day, why not dip your toes in the sand after your museum visit?
- Dinner at Tony D’s – One of my personal favorites! An excellent spot in New London for Italian food and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Why I Love These Museums & Why They Deserve a Visit By You
Both the Florence Griswold Museum and Lyman Allyn Art Museum offer rich cultural experiences without the overwhelming crowds of bigger institutions. Whether it’s a winter retreat into warm, art-filled spaces or a summer escape filled with coastal beauty and creativity, these museums (and their surroundings) make for unforgettable day trips. I’d love to hear if you’ve visited either—or if you want to share your favorite off-the-beaten-path museum: dmayhew@hpearce.com.
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