Crossing the Thames River on I-95, you can’t miss a submarine-shaped billboard proclaiming Groton the “Submarine Capital of the World.”
That’s no hyperbole. Groton is home to the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London, the Naval Submarine School, the Submarine Force Library and Museum; the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, the historic USS Nautilus; and the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard.
The state has so much sub history that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy designated October 2015 through October 2016 a yearlong observance of “Connecticut’s Submarine Century,” celebrating 100 years of submarine activity in Connecticut.
“Connecticut was the perfect location for our nation’s first submarine base in 1916, and since that time our state has become the professional birthplace of every officer and crew members in the Navy’s undersea profession,” Malloy said in a press release. “The storied history of the Navy’s submarine force is directly connected to the State of Connecticut, and we are proud of the critical asset this state has been able to provide for our nation over the last century.”
Exploring that storied history makes for perfect family staycations. Groton and New London have planned a summer filled with submarine-related activities and surrounding shoreline areas feature museums, historic forts, parks and beaches, restaurants and ice cream shops to round out day trips.
Groton Mayor Marian Galbraith says the Submarine Century calendar includes lectures, films, concerts, community festivals, a submarine art trail and more.
Even better — most of the events are free.
A special feature of the Submarine Century celebration is the CT Sub Trail — a public art project showcasing a fleet of 20 fiberglass submarine sculptures painted by regional artists.
“The mini subs will be showcased in Groton’s 4th of July parade, then delivered to outdoor locations along the trail,” says Galbraith.
If you’re planning a “Dive, Dive, Dive!” outing, you’ll want to start at the United States Navy Submarine Force Museum, located on the Thames River, (pronounced THAYmes, not TEMes), in Groton. It’s the only submarine museum managed exclusively by the Naval History & Heritage Command division of the U.S. Navy. The place is filled with interactive exhibits, periscopes, submarines and diving bells, including a replica of “The Turtle,” one of the first combat submarines, built in 1775 by Old Saybrook resident David Bushnell.
Outside, at the museum’s dock is the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, which is open for tours. (If you’re claustrophobic, you might want to skip the 45-minute tour through the boat’s very close quarters.)
Norwich resident Gen Schies, who recently visited the museum for the first time with her 11-year-old twins Aubrey and Ben, and 9-year-old daughter Samantha, was surprised at how much it offered to do and see.
“This place is definitely a winner,” says Schies. “The kids and I were fascinated with it all and the fact that it’s free is amazing.”
Eury Cantillo, the museum’s director of education, says submarine-related events will include a new exhibit of submarine art, science activities for children, (including live broadcast feeds from explorer Bob Ballard’s remote robot submarines), and a centennial celebration on June 23. All activities, admission and parking are free.
“We’ll have a presentation of the history of the submarine base and special activities for submarine lovers of all ages,” says Cantillo.
Additional Submarine Century Events
On Tuesday, June 21, Submarine Century celebrates its 100th anniversary with a free community party in Groton’s Washington Park. The event includes music, food and family activities.
On June 22, the Coast Guard Academy Band performs a tribute to Connecticut’s Submarine Century with a tribute concert at Eastern Point Beach in Groton.
The 10th annual Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 23, is a free, nautically-themed family festival celebrating literature and the environment. This year’s festivities include submarine-themed educational and entertainment activities.
Groton New London Airport Open House & Walking Tour on August 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., celebrates National Aviation Day and Connecticut’s Submarine Century with self-guided walking tour indoors and on the airfield ramps, jet hanger and aircraft cockpit visits, a Navy Art Exhibition and special submarine displays and activities.
Groton’s Fall Festival, on Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Poquonnock Plains Park, features vendors, entertainment, the Silver Dolphins precision drill team, an ensemble from the Navy Band, the Submarine Base Fire Department and other submarine activities.
A calendar of Connecticut’s Submarine Century events can be found at www.ctsubmarinecentury.com.
Nearby Destinations
>>The Coast Guard Academy and Coast Guard Museum, on the banks of the Thames River in New London, welcomes visitors for self-guided tours of the campus daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walking maps are available in the museum or from the admissions office, both located in Waesche Hall on the north end of campus. Stop by the Dry Dock cafe in Leamy Hall for a snack and a beautiful water view. (An ID is required to drive onto the campus.) For more information, including spring and summer hours, visit: uscga.edu
>>What’s a daycation without a trip to the shore? Ocean Beach Park in New London, rated one of the country’s best beaches by National Geographic, has a sandy beach, boardwalk, amusement park rides, arcade, an Olympic-size pool, water slide and spray park, and miniature golf. The price of parking, $22 on weekends, (plus tax), includes park admission for everyone riding in the car, and there are additional charges for some activities. Information: ocean-beach-park.com ocean-beach-park.com.
>>History buffs will want to visit two famous forts, At Fort Trumbull, built between 1839 and 1852, in New London, you can get an interactive look at more than 225 years of military history at the visitor’s center and walk the fort, ramparts and boardwalk for a view of the Thames River. (Fort Trumbull opens Memorial Day weekend.) Information: ct.gov/deep/forttrumbull.
>>Add a touch of reality to Revolutionary War history lessons with a visit to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton. The fort, which overlooks the Thames River, was the site of an 1781 massacre led by the infamous traitor Benedict Arnold. The Ebenezer Avery House, which sheltered the wounded after the battle, has been restored on the grounds and a Revolutionary War museum depicts the era. The museum and Ebenezer Avery House open on Memorial Day. Information: ct.gov/deep/fortgriswold.
>>Mystic Seaport, with its re-created 19th-century seafaring village, tall ships, children’s museum and maritime galleries, is a fun family destination. Information: mysticseaport.org.
>>Mystic Aquarium is home to beluga whales, African penguins, Steller sea lions and other sea creatures; a 4-D theater and hands-on activities. Information: mysticaquarium.org.
>>What’s a daycation without shopping? Olde Mystic Village features shops, restaurants and a movie theater. Information: oldemistickvillage.com.
Where To Eat
If you’re looking for a lunch spot, keep the sub theme going with a sub sandwich.
Legend has it that during World War II an Italian grocery shop in New London got an order for hundreds of hero sandwiches from a local Navy submarine base. Staff nicknamed the sandwiches “subs” and the name caught on. That shop isn’t around any longer, but just a few mintutes drive from the Sub Force Library and Museum are the Pizza Palace, 944 Poquonnock Road in Groton, which has been turning out traditional grinders or “subs” for more than 50 years; and Bennedito’s, 233 Poquonnock Road in Groton, a popular spot for subs-to-go.
What’s a trip to the shore without ice cream? Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream Café, located right beside the Mystic River Bridge, is known for its small batch ice cream in flavors such as Mystic Turtle, Seaport Salty Swirl and Barbados Rum N’ Raisin. Information: mysticdrawbridgeicecream.com.
Barry’s Ice Cream & Candy Bar, 60 Bank St, in New London, has smoothies, sundaes, splits, shakes and a whole range of frosty specials. Information: facebook.com/BerrysIceCreamandCandyBar.
