We left Stamford on Thursday morning and made the 62-mile run to Westbrook amid solid three-foot chop. I had to stick to 25 MPH to keep in comfortable on the flybridge.
About two hours in the northeast blow died as the winds shifted southwesterly.
At that point, I edged us up to 30 MPH and shaved ten minutes off the trip.
The autoroute had plotted a course to Pilots Point entering south of Duck Island. It showed 10’ of water all the way in, but at the last minute I changed course and entered on the north side of the island.
Although the channel to the marina is narrow, there was 15’ of water all the way into our wonderful 100’ slip.
Bill from New England Bow Thruster was coming aboard in Pilots Point to install a super-dry bilge pump in the transom while we walked over to Bill’s Seafood for lunch.
I picked Bill’s because it was only 4 tenths of a mile according to Yelp, but that would require walking on water. It actually turned out to be a one-mile walk through a very scenic marshland.
There doesn’t appear to be much to Westbrook. Bill’s and most of the local businesses are on Route 1, which runs past the marina’s front gate.
Bill’s Seafood
Bill’s looks like a fun place…
I was immediately impressed by all the beer glasses being chilled next to the tap.
We sat at the bar amidst the locals and ordered a Headway IPA from Counterweight Brewing.
It had a deep IPA flavor without being overly fruity – quite good.
Mexican brice, salsa, sour cream
fries, cole slaw, and tarter sauce
Mrs. Horne was underwhelmed by both the halibut and the beer batter.
The guys at the bar were raving about the “Hummel” hot dog, so I ordered one.
It was fine, but still just a hot dog. The Curly Fries were great.
On the walk back to Safe Harbor, I noticed that they too had a pool for members.
After lunch, I retreated to the Skydeck to read as the temperature cooled and it definitely felt like fall.
Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar
The top-rated restaurant within walking distance looked interesting so I booked it.
I love it when a restaurant posts its NYT reviews in the entrance.
The decor may have been a little dated, but it fit in well with the seaside venue.
We sat at the bar (of course)…
I started with a great glass of Cabernet.
The bread service was fine – warm, crusty, and a tasty Olive Oil for dipping.
LOBSTER RAVIOLI – $25
House-made lobster ravioli, luxuriously served with a creamy vodka sauce, finished with shaved parmesan
This was one of the best lobster rav’s I’ve ever had. At $25, it was certainly the cheapest, and I could barely finish half the dish.
We walked home during the magic hour…
We fueled up and headed to Block Island around 9:00. Safe Harbor Pilots Point is a great Marina, but I’m surprised they let this bozo tie up with his anchor sticking out into the 100’ slip!
Next Up: Block Island
We are on Block now. Winfields is a good dinner choice. There are bar stools you can usualy grab, or reserve on Tock. Bar side is better. The Barn is good too.