Sandra Cummings Shoreline Blog

BRANFORD -  "In 1638 the New Haven Colony traded "eleven coats of trucking cloth and one coat of English cloth made in the English fashion" to the Mattabesec Indians for land known as Totokett (Tidal River). The first permanent settlement was established in 1644 when people from Wethersfield came to Totokett, later rename Branford after the town of Brentford in Middlesex County, England.  The Sound provided many of the settlers with a livelihood of shipbuilding and coastwise trade. Industry began in 1655 when the first iron furnace in Connecticut was set up and operated at Lake Saltonstall. Yale College was founded in 1701 when ten ministers met and made a contribution of books. In 1852 upon completion of the railroad, industrialization flourished. Two leading manufacturing firms were founded during this era: the Malleable Iron Fittings Company in 1854, and the Branford Lock Works in 1862. The twentieth century has brought some changes to Branford, but much of its historical heritage remains in the form of old buildings and well-preserved villages."

When it comes to The Connecticut Shoreline there are seven towns in New Haven County with frontage on the Sound but only three are classified as "The Shoreline" - Branford, Guilford & Madison.  Branford being the closest to the City of New Haven is also the most populated and diverse of the three towns.  Housing stock consists of everything from Trailer Parks to Condos to Waterfront Mansions. 

Several small sections of town offer their own unique character. In the Pine Orchard sections you find the exclusive Yacht & Country Club where there is usually a waiting list to join and membership is by invitation only.

Stony Creek has nice views and guided tours of the Thimble Islands that normally run from May - October. You can hop aboard with Captain Bob or Captain Mike and enjoy a 45 minute narrated tour for about the cost of a movie.

Father's Day Weekend is time for the Branford Festival that monopolizes the downtown area with activities.

The historians tell the tale of the past and today Madison remains a mix of old and new. In the quaint downtown area you can stoll along the steet enjoying the feel of the past. Stop for lunch at Cafe Allegre , pick out a book at the R.J. Julia Bookstore or watch a film at the Madison Art Cinema.

 You can also just wander around soaking in the athmosphere, on the eastern end of the downtown section sits the home of Deacon John Grave from the 1600's                                                  

Traveling west beyond Madison Center you can view the modern artwork along Sculpture Mile and also the William Raveis Madison office.

Madison is also home to the largest public beach in Connecticut.  Hammonasset  State Park covers over 900 acres offering 2 miles of sandy beach and a 3/4 mile boardwalk. Nature lovers can enjoy the outdoors in Madison by spending the night at one of Hammonasset's over 500 Campsites.   

The town website is a good source of information about Madison, Connecticut.                

Many times when a person undertakes the challenge of moving to an unknown area they like to compare statistics about their prospective destination with those in the familiar territory they call home.  Thanks to the Internet there is a wealth of information at your fingertips but unfortunately it is time consuming and frustrating to find when needed.

To minimize your stress we have consolidated some of the numbers pertaining to questions buyers have asked over the years.  Of course the numbers are only part of what you will need to get a true picture of life in Southeastern New Haven County.  For more information or a tour of the area feel free to contact us.

Source: U.S Bureau of the Census ( income figures adjusted for inflation )

Time is running out fast for anyone wishing to appeal his or her tax assessment this year.  In Connecticut you have until February 20th each year to file a form with you town Board of Appeals and plead your case.  Many city and towns have assessment data available on-line to help you do research. 

We have listed a few "How-To" articles for the towns of MADISON and GUILFORD that help explain the process. Many cities and towns have assessment data available on-line to help you do research.  Good Luck!

Do you pay attention to how your property is being taxed?  The cost of living is skyrocketing in our area and local government consumption continues to rise. Each year the budget seems to increase by a higher percentage than leading inflation indicators.   What can you do if you are feeling the squeeze?

With the help of the Internet you can find out how your assessment compares with similar homes.  The Town of Guilford offers limited information about Property Assessments or you can stop into town hall for a more detailed look at the records.  Here is an explanation of the process to APPEAL your taxes.

In Connecticut you have until February 20 each year to file a FORM to APPEAL. Time is running out so act fast or mark your calendar for next year.

Today we introduced a new feature giving renters access to information similar to what buyers and seller enjoy on our web site.  Feel free to poke around looking for your next home.  If you need assistance finding a home, more information for one you discover or would like to arrange a showing feel free to contact us.

Here is a link to the RENTAL PROPERTIES currently available in New Haven County,  Connecticut.

Looking for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner in New Haven County?  We all recognize the signs of fast food but if you are traveling into town and decide to slow down and enjoy a meal we have compiled a few of our preferred spots in various towns.

Check out our series entitled  "A few places to EAT..." We also work and eat in many other towns in Connecticut so more will be added as time permits.  Feel free to add comments about your dinning experience at any of our features spots or alert us to new discoveries that we should try. If you would rather not publicly place comments just drop us a note via email.   Dan@CummingsTeam.com or Sandra@CummingsTeam.com

A few places to EAT in Branford, Connecticut

A few places to EAT in Guilford, Connecticut

A few places to EAT in Madison, Connecticut

A few places to EAT in North Branford, Connecticut

A few places to EAT in North Haven, Connecticut

North Haven is filled with an abundance of eats. Breakfast at Scotty's near Elm & Broadway or the Athena Diner just north of the fairgrounds on busy Route 5.

For fine lunch or dinner try Bellini's in the plaza at Broadway and Five or you can drive down the road and sit by the fire at The Rusic Oak at 165 Washington Avenue near exit 12 off I-95.

The town of North Branford is more rural than most but there are a few spots for a hungry traveler to stop.  The Northford Grill at 22 & 17 or Kate's Country Kitchen can be found 2431 Foxen Road, ( Route 80 )                  

For either lunch or dinner you'll be in for a treat at Dalton's Restaurant located in the Brookside Plaza on Route 80 not far from the Guilford town line. Cedar's at Mill Pond in another choice in the Northford section at 1565 Middletown Ave ( Rt. 17)

Branford offers and abundance of food.  For specialties you can try Kampai Japanese Restaurant or if you are thinking south of the border try Su Casa's Mexican Restaurant.

I'm getting a little ahead of myself thinking of dinner delights.

For starters in downtown Branford near the bottom of the hill at the intersection of Main & Ivy Street you will find Scotty's Breakfast Connections.  The Omelette King serves meals daily from 6 am until noon.

Traveling south on 146 is Lenny's at Indian Neck.  Bring some cash because credit cards are not accepted and if you like to eat you may splurge on a $50 lobster treat.  

The Chowder Pot is another seafood spot on Route 1 near exit 56.   You can enjoy lunch, dinner or a night in the lounge.