Dine at the inn where British soldiers stayed during their occupation of the Shoreline in 1812, and is today one of Billy Joel's favorites when he's in town. The restaurant at The Griswold Inn, lovingly referred to by locals as "The Gris", serves traditional New England fare in a relaxed and lively setting that is favored by locals and tourists alike. Their seasonal menu takes advantage of fresh seafood, regional meats and produce whenever possible to ensure an authentic flavor for their dishes. Christmas is also an excellent time to visit, and you can bet on a quartet of carolers stopping at each table to sign your song of choice. On Sunday, come for their famous Hunt Breakfast, which offers a sumptuous variety of breakfast and lunch entrées in a buffet style. Every night of the week, there is live music in The Taproom: you might think the ceiling is painted brown, but it is actually the result of nearly 225 years of tobacco smoke stains.

Approximately 30 minutes outside of New Haven, in the small, picturesque town of Westbrook, is Water's Edge Resort & Spa. The enormous beach front resort offers its guests ocean views, a relaxing atmosphere and fine dining. This is a favorite spot for Sunday brunch, business meetings, weddings or simply a restful weekend. Guest rooms are divided into short or extended stay, some even having living rooms, fridges or fireplaces. On the premise, there are even two indoor tennis courts so you can get in your game, rain or shine. Locals and guests enjoy its award-winning Sunday buffet brunch (according to Connecticut Magazine and Zagat) that features a complete range of breakfast treats, seafood and beverages. Check their website for promotions and packages to get the most of local flavor and unique opportunities for guests of all ages.

The Truckstop Café may have graduated to Café Routier, but continues to have Chef Jeffrey Renkl serve authentic French food at reasonable prices. The stylish décor and comfort menu make for the ideal meal after a hard day's work. Try the Pan Roasted Duck Breast served with grilled peaches, blueberries, lemon-chive cous-cous, and blueberry-balsamic gastric. Take your pick from an exquisite list of wines and martinis. To appease that chocolate craving, there's Chocolate Pudding and Espresso and Whiskey Granita topped with white chocolate whipped cream! The cafe opens daily at 5:30p.

Sometimes the best places are homespun and Pat's Kountry Kitchen in Old Saybrook is just that. The line to get in on Sunday mornings and the crowds in the shop across the street make it apparent that Pat's is a popular spot. Servers serve generous portions of home cooked meals dressed in pseudo-colonial costumes and children are encouraged to sit next to huge stuffed teddy bears. The food is good, the atmosphere warm and fuzzy, and the location divine. Try the famed clam hash. You won't regret it!

Opened in 1989, The Vanilla Bean Café is a happening little cafe and nightspot in the Quiet Corner of the state. The grill menu offers a wide choice of beef, buffalo, veggie and turkey burgers while the lunch and dinner menus serve up sandwiches, pasta and quiche. Be sure to bring the kids: all kid's menu items are just USD3! You can also catch some live folk and bluegrass music many nights of the week and whet your whistle with one of the many selections of on-tap brews or bottles.

This lovely 1730s home in historic Storrs-Mansfield is close to the University of Connecticut and one of the area's best places to have a gourmet, colonial dining experience. The name of this establishment, Altnaveigh, comes from the Gaelic word for "hill top." Guests can enjoy delicious plates of pasta, grilled meats, seafood, sandwiches and much more. There are even several different dining rooms for your choosing, but be sure to book in advance to insure you get to sit in the room of your choosing!

Located in West Hartford's growing shopping district, is this restaurant reminiscent of a metropolitan oyster bar. It is the fourth creation of restaurateur Ricard Rosenthal. It was awarded Best New Restaurant by Connecticut Magazine and "Best Seafood Restaurant" in 2003 and 2005.The understated atmosphere of muted colors and comfortable seatings allow the diners to focus on food. Featuring moderns renditions of classic American seafood, the menu has something for everyone. Seafood is the focal point, there are selections for the land bound. Ethnic influences are apparent throughout a menu filled with new interpretations on traditional fare.

This is an casual Italian bistro providing each guest with a truly enjoyable dining experience. In the first year of its operation it won "Best New Restaurant" from Connecticut Magazine. It also earned recognition for "top grossing restaurant in its size" from Restaurant Hospitality. It serves thin wood-smoky-flavor crusted stone pies with arrays of toppings, outstanding pasta dishes luscious daily risotto specials. The desserts like the traditional tiramisu complete the meal.

Peppercorns Grill, brings to Hartford, Italian flavors straight from Rome. Peppercorns was established in 1989 by the Cialfis brothers: Dino and Sal, who learned this art from their uncle in Rome. Relish your pasta, rich in herbs and sauces, in the intimate settings of this space. The restaurant serves lunch till 3p and after that they begin serving dinner. Dine at this cozy restaurant and let your heart say Mama Mia!

Damon's Tavern in Hartford serves up great food and drinks at fair prices. During the day, it's a great place to stop just outside of the downtown Hartford area for your favorite comfort foods, like macaroni and cheese (for adults!), cottage pie, pizza and burgers. If you want to catch the Red Sox game, tune in to one of the 43 HDTVs on site! Be sure to try the mouthwatering Meatloaf Muffins, delicious "muffins" made of meatloaf, served with garlic mashed potatoes and gravy. For beer lovers, there are plenty of beers on tap every night, so pull up a stool and enjoy your night out!