It’s a short walk to all the historic district attractions from the New London Plaza Hotel (35 Governor Winthrop Blvd., 860-443-7000, nlplaza.com, from $69), which has an indoor pool and restaurant. Outside of downtown are the Clarion Inn (269 North Frontage Road, 860-442-0631, www.clarionhotel.com, from $89), which also has an indoor pool, and the Red Roof Inn (707 Colman St., 860-444-0001, www.redroof.com, from $50). Both welcome pets.
DINE
Mangetout Organic Cafe (140 State St., 860-444-2066, www.mangetoutorganic.com, $3.60-$7.85) offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare in a neon-yellow dining room. A curry chicken salad wrap was fresh and just a little bit spicy. Enjoy tempting desserts such as ginger-walnut bread pudding with a cup of fair-trade organic coffee. Dutch Tavern (23 Green St., 860-442-3453, www.dutch-tavern.com/site/welcome.html, $2.25-$3.75), said to have been a favorite of playwright Eugene O’Neill, features an original coral-colored stamped tin ceiling, rough wood floor, and old-fashioned phone booth. The bargain-basement menu includes cheeseburgers, homemade soups, chili, and sandwiches. Family-run Dev’s on Bank Street (345 Bank St., 860-442-3387, www.devsonbank.com, tapas $4.25-$13.25, entrees $14.50-$24.50) is a romantic restaurant with lots of personality. Each dining room reflects a different country in its decor, and dishes range from eclectic Spanish to miniature crab cakes to a make-your-own burger bar. A relative newcomer to the downtown scene, Chaplin’s (165 Bank St., 860-443-0684, chaplinsrestaurantnewlondon.com, $11-$20) specializes in fresh, local seafood; popular items include crab cakes, mussels marinara, and bouillabaisse.
DURING THE DAY
