The "Creek" has an unassuming old port allure and calming waters peacefully lapping the shore. The Thimble Islands provide the backdrop for adventure, recreation or a simple B&B stay. Summer tours around the islands aboard the Sea Mist or the Volsunga IV provide not only gorgeous views but also interesting history about the islands and their inhabitants. If you are feeling more adventurous, set out in kayaks, a canoe or a personal motorboat to explore at your own pace. If water exploration is not your cup of tea, enjoy a walk or bike ride through the village or along seaside trails, swim or sunbathe on the quaint beach. Pick up a delicious lunch at one of the "Creek’s" two eateries, Thimbleberry and the Stony Creek Market and take some time to listen to stories freely shared by the locals. Some of those stories just might reveal secret fishing spots that can be found all over Branford either from shore or boat.
"Summer tours around the islands aboard the Sea Mist or the Volsunga IV provide not only gorgeous views but also interesting history about the islands."
If it’s an uptown vibe or fine dining you desire, choose from one of 200 Branford culinary venues. Donovan’s Reef is a local favorite serving up some of the finest food on the shore along with long time establishments like The Chowder Pot, Lenny’s (seafood destinations with steamers to die for) and Tommy Sullivan’s (Irish). The Stand (BBQ) and the Lobster Shack (the latter serving one of New England’s Best lobster roll) have quite the social media buzz following them. Pasta Cosi and Lomonaco’s (Italian), G Zen (Vegetarian), Le Petit Café (French), and Darbar (Indian) make dining in Branford a sheer delight.
While on the main street take in the town green, a quintessential common space to just sit and relax. The historical green is also the site of the Branford Festival and the ever popular Branford Father’s Day road race. Nearby, just short distances away are one of three local microbrews (Thimble Island, DuVig, & Stony Creek.) The Stony Creek Brewery is a prominent site located on the Branford River waterfront and is open for tastings, tours and all-around fun. Branford has it’s share of exclusive clubs that feature private pools, sandy beaches and even a scenic golf course, (a charitable event is your best bet to get in a round). The Owenego Club is great spot for nine-and-dine, or maybe a tennis lesson.
Stony Creek in Branford, CT awaits the vacationer who wants to fill a day to the brim with activities or simply let the time slip away near the water. That is why this “Raveis Escapes“ destination is one that allows you to just “be”.
Featured Listings
10 Wilford Road, Branford (Indian Neck), CT
$1,499,000
Experience an elevated Branford shoreline lifestyle less than 200 yards from Long Island Sound, with deeded beach rights and no flood insurance required. Just around the bend, enjoy fine restaurants, scenic trails, picturesque Route 146-a favorite among cyclists-and the iconic Owenego Club, offering tennis, a beach, and waterfront dining. Set on a rare 1.28 acres, this 3,048 -square-foot residence offers privacy, space, four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and thoughtfully designed living areas. The main level features a well-appointed kitchen and gracious family room with a fireplace for year-round living and entertaining. Upstairs, the bedrooms offer a peaceful retreat, comfortably separated from the main living areas. Flowing from the kitchen, an inviting living area opens to a spacious deck-ideal for morning coffee amid serene coastal surroundings. The versatile walk-out terrace level features a kitchenette and opens to the backyard patio, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living. This flexible space is ideal for recreation, entertaining, or additional accommodations. An open-air shower provides shoreline convenience, while the detached garage offers parking, storage, or workspace. Solar panels enhance energy efficiency. With substantial acreage, flexible living spaces, and proximity to the beach, this distinctive residence invites you to enjoy an elevated Branford shoreline lifestyle.
60 Maple Street, #32, Branford, CT
$1,599,999
Wake up to sailboats gliding into the harbor from this stunning ranch-style condo at coveted Anchor Reef. Unit 32 offers one of the community's most premier waterfront positions, with sweeping, unobstructed views of the Branford River that greet you from the living room, kitchen, and a generous covered balcony - your personal front-row seat to New England coastal living. Spanning 1,731 square feet of thoughtfully designed single-level living, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home impresses at every turn. The living room dazzles with a dramatic navy tray ceiling, cozy gas fireplace, warm hardwood floors, and walls of windows that frame the marina like a painting. The open-concept kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a built-in wine cooler, herringbone tile backsplash, and pendant lighting - perfect for entertaining. Elevator access, association pool, and tennis courts round out a lifestyle that's as effortless as it is elegant. Steps from Branford's charming town green, acclaimed restaurants, and boutique shops, this is coastal Connecticut living without compromise
00 Potato Island, Branford (Thimble Island), CT
$3,890,000
Set on its very own private isle, this extraordinary 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom retreat redefines luxury coastal living. Enjoy unmatched privacy and serenity, all just a five-minute boat ride from the idlyllic Stony Creek mainland-a rare balance of peaceful island living with effortless convenience and peace of mind. Family and guests will appreciate the added benefit of a seasonal water taxi, operating hourly in the summertime, ensuring smooth and enjoyable arrivals and departures. Sunlit interiors showcase sweeping, unobstructed water views from nearly every room, while gentle sea breezes drift through a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. Elegant living and entertaining rooms spill onto a series of spectacular balconies and terraces, each oriented to capture the ever-changing hues of sunrise and sunset over Long Island Sound. The kitchen, slightly staged with new countertops, offers both style and flexibility-ready for your personal touch to transform it into a culinary haven. This property is brimming with potential: imagine your own vacation escape for spring, summer, and fall, a lucrative VRBO investment, or an unforgettable wedding venue where guests are enveloped in the island's enchanting atmosphere. The primary suite is a world unto itself, boasting its own private balconies, a spa-inspired bath, and vistas that stretch to the horizon. Three additional bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for family and guests alike. Outdoors, the resort-caliber amenities continue-a heated gunite pool shimmers beside lush, manicured lawns, while an expansive 1.1-acre landscape unfolds with secret gardens, winding pathways, and sunny lounging decks. Whether hosting sunset socials by the pool, launching a kayak from your private dock, or simply savoring total seclusion, every moment here is infused with the magic of island life. This is more than a home-it's a legacy estate, a private sanctuary, and an invitation to experience Connecticut's most enchanting coastal enclave. Escape the ordinary and claim your place among the Thimble Islands' storied shores.
 CT - The Escape That Lets You “Be.” - Raveis Escapes)
