Branford

• Shore Line Trolley Museum (Branford Electric Railway Association), 17 River Street (East Haven), ☏ +1 203 467-6927. Seasonal - check website. Museum features displays and hands-on exhibits, a collection of nearly 100 vintage trolleys, guided tours, and trolley rides along the historic Branford Electric Railway. Children under 2 are free. Open seasonally, scheduling may vary, be sure to see website for details. 

Branford also has a number of beaches to spend a lazy day in the sun. There are numerous marinas in the town as well, so bring your boat for a fun day in the water. At night be sure to check out Regal Cinemas. With its easy location right off the highway and showing all the hottest movies, the movie theater is a great way to spend a night out or find something to do on a boring Sunday.

• Branford Point Beach. 10AM-10PM (park). While visiting the park there are facilities for swimming as well as picnicking. There is a small playground for younger children to enjoy. Fishing is prohibited in the swimming area, but is allowed from the end of the pier. Small boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, etc. maybe launched from the State Boat launch, located on Goodsell Point Road. 
• Thimble Islands tour (I-95 to exit 56, south on Leetes Island Rd to Thimble Islands Rd; all tours depart from Stony Creek Public Dock). See an archipelago of tiny islands, many with lavish homes. Legend says that Captain Kidd buried his treasure here. Three 45-minute tours per hour leave during peak season. No reservations. ~$14. (updated Aug 2016)
• Branford Supply Ponds trails. Several scenic forest trails wind around the Branford Supply Ponds.
• One of the largest events in Branford every year is the Branford Festival on the third weekend in June. It features food, crafts, children's rides, music and a 5-mile (8-km) road race.

• Branford Art Center Gallery, 1227 Main St., ☏ +1 203 208-4455. Various local artists are featured in displays, and their works are frequently up for purchase. 
• Branford Book & Card Shoppe, 1024 Main St., ☏ +1 203 488-5975. This quaint store sells various goods including decorations, cards, magazines, candies, books, and unique Branford pillows with various locations and coordinates in the town. 

There are many places to eat in Branford, ranging from restaurant chain classics to exquisite fine dining. If you're on a tight budget be sure to check out the Gourmet Wok for all of your favorite, yet inexpensive Chinese food. If you don't like Chinese, the Parthenon Diner has a wide variety of food for cheap. It even has some expensive things if you please, but the majority of the food is relatively inexpensive. If you're looking for a good mid-priced bar & grill, be sure to check out Eli's or Humphrey's for good burgers and fun. If you're looking to splurge on some fine dining be sure to check out La Luna for amazing Italian food, or the USS Chowder Pot III, which is home to some of the best seafood in New England.

• Stony Creek Brewery, 5 Indian Neck Ave., ☏ +1 203 433-4545. Local drinking place on the water. Food trucks park outside and sell food, while the brewery sells its own beers. 

There are numerous places to stay in Branford. While the town does not have any "high class" hotels, they do have some very accommodating chains. A good one to pick from is the Holiday Inn Express on Rt. 1. You can't miss it with its dolphin fountain in front of the lobby. Beware of the places that look dingy, they most likely are. The Branford Motel is a haven for high schooler's parties and drug deals. If possible, Stay away!