The Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme has been in existence for an untold numbers of years and has been a Connecticut treasure. It has drawn visitors worldwide for decades and has been the destination for travelers and tourists looking to enjoy its history, colonial charm, warmth, and ambience. The restaurant served a menu of wonderful dishes to both guests and the general public and hosted untold weddings, anniversaries, and special events. The mansion, the beautiful grounds abutting the Lieutenant River, convenient location on Post Road, all added to the charm of the village.

What a loss!

No longer can we enjoy this treasure. It represents a serious loss to our community, and to all those who traveled near and far with the Inn as their destination. Acquired by the Connecticut Audubon recently, it no longer serves as an inn and will house the Estuary Center for the Society. Its plan is well thought out, but I would like to suggest that the new owners consider maintaining the inn as an inn, which could preserve its fine history, provide a revenue stream for the society, while adding outbuildings to satisfy its other objectives as it moves forward. They could hire an innkeeper and staff, which could continue to provide the same outstanding services to the community. Preserve the treasure!

Richard Willett

Old Lyme