The Welcome Inn Bed & Breakfast is a romantic Victorian farmhouse that was built in 1895 by a descendant of one of the founding families of Westbrook, and retains its warm, inviting country charm.

Your hosts, Alison and Robert Bambino, established the bed and breakfast in 1992. Alison is a graphic designer and illustrator and Robert is an accomplished cabinetmaker and antique restorer. This lovely home reflects the care and talent of both of these artistic people.

The Inn and guest rooms are decorated with an eclectic collection of antiques, family heirlooms and collectibles, ranging from nanna's lace curtains and the signed Dali in the dinning room, to the ten foot Deacons bench that greets you on the front porch.

Depending on the season, you can curl up in front of a crackling fire in the large common room with a glass of sherry and a good book, or enjoy one of the many board games. You can also pop some corn the old fashion way.

In summer, relax on the deck or in the garden and enjoy a game of badminton. Retire in the evening to one of four lovely guest rooms, each with private bath, TV and air conditioning. We can create a two room suite with adjoining bath that can sleep up to 6 guests.

Complimentary refreshments are always available.

FAX, modem, computer, and guest phone is available.

True to its name, The Welcome Inn offers friendly hospitality.

Breakfast:

A full sumptuous breakfast is served in the formal dining room. In season, omelettes are made with fresh vegetables from the garden. There is also hand-picked fresh fruit in season from local farms as well as homemade baked goods.

Arrangements can be made in advance for extra breakfast guests for family, friends, or a wedding party at an additional cost. Small dinners and catered parties can also be arranged.

The signature dish is Garden Veggie Fritata. A breakfast treat. Our frittata is made from farm fresh eggs and fresh garden vegetables including tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes, squash, mushrooms, peppers, parsley, basil and squash blossoms in season. It is started on the stove and finished in the oven. Always oohs and aahs when presented at the table. A feast for the eyes as well as the palette. Special seasonal pancakes like cranberry/pumpkin and many other luscious dishes.

Location:

The Welcome Inn is conveniently located to everything the Connecticut shoreline and River Valley have to offer.

Venture out to explore and enjoy the many wonderful things the area has to offer including:

• Hiking
• Biking
• Our beautiful beach
• Canoeing and kayaking

Camelot Cruises provides several theme cruises, including murder mystery/dinner, New Orleans dinner, and day-long Long Island cruises, as well as those featuring lunch, brunch, or dinner.

Premium outlet shopping is also a great way to spend the day, or you can visit a few of the more than 400 antique dealers within a 10 mile radius.

Theater arts abound in the area with The Godspeed Opera House and The Ivoryton Playhouse, as well as the Shubert and Long Wharf theatres in New Haven and Bushnell in Hartford.

Museums and art galleries are plentiful, as are jazz and music festivals throughout the year. Popular Mystic Seaport is also nearby. For day trips, Manhattan, Cape Cod and Boston are each two hours away, and an hour takes you to Newport, Rhode Island. If you are feeling lucky, try your hand at one of the casinos for nighttime entertainment.

Description of Area:

Westbrook is located on the Connecticut shoreline, and is considered part of the Connecticut River Valley. The area was settled in the early 1600's - so there are many lovely historic homes, landmarks, and museums.

A boater's dream, we boast the second largest marina in the northeast and a huge marine district for the purchase of boats, sails, repairs, and all manner of equipment.

We have a beautiful beach you can enjoy, there are great restaurants, and 400 antique dealers in a 10-mile radius.

This area is a birdwatcher's delight and fall foliage is spectacular!

There is also Mystic Seaport where the movie Amistad was filmed, and its' wonderful Aquarium.

Nearby Points of Interest:

This area has much to offer, including:

Essex Steam Train & River Cruise, Island Cruises, theme Connecticut River cruises such as Murder Mystery Dinners, Dixieland, and Jazz Cruises. Enjoy great theater at the Goodspeed Opera House, where many Broadway plays originated; also the Ivoryton and Chester Playhouses. If you don't mind a 20-minute drive, there are the Shubert and Long Wharf Theaters in New Haven. A 40-minute drive will take you to The Bushnell Theater in Hartford to enjoy Broadway cast productions.

Cross the Connecticut River on a ferry to a landing that has existed since the 1700's, and continue to historic Gillette Castle to see a spectacular view of the Connecticut River Valley.

In winter, you may take a carriage ride through the park with a brace of white horses as the sleigh bells ring and you enjoy the period decorations. Walk the lovely historic streets of Essex and Chester Villages. There are wonderful Christmas celebrations throughout the area. In New London you may visit the submarine base and other historic points of interest, and more...

Directions:

We are conveniently located for all travelers.

• 45 minutes from Bradley International Airport
• 1:15 hours from Green Airport in Rhode Island
• 1:15 hours from Newport
• 2 hours from New York or Boston
• ½ mile from I-95 and 3 miles from RT. 9

Amtrak and Metro North Stations from New York are nearby. You will need a car when you get here. Rentals are quite affordable. Around $26+ per day unlimited mileage. Call for information.

From New York/New Haven, take I-95 north (becomes Connecticut Turnpike) to Exit 65. At the end of the exit make a left turn on to Rte. 153 (Essex Road). We are down about 1/3 of a mile on the left, just before the light.

From Boston/Rhode Island, take I-95 south to Exit 65 (Connecticut Turnpike). At the end of the exit make a right onto Rte.153 (Essex Road). We are down about 1/3 of a mile on the left, just before the light.

From Hartford/Bradley International Airport, take I-91 south to Rte. 9 south (Old Saybrook). Get off at Exit 3 (Essex, Rtes. 153/154). At the end of the exit is a stop sign; go through to the next stop sign (Rte. 153). Make a right and go about 4 miles. You will come to a stop light at Rte. 166; continue through. We are just on the right past the light.

Look for the sign with the pineapple!

Pets:

Welcome Inn Bed and Breakfast is home to 2 cats, "Fuzzles" and "Bear". Sorry, no guest pet accommodations available.

About The Innkeepers:

• Alison and Robert Bambino are your innkeepers
• Robert is an antique restorer and cabinetmaker, who has built or restored many pieces in the Inn. His shop is on the premises. Alison is and illustrator and graphic artist. This lovely home reflects the care and talent of both of these artistic people.
• English and Bambinise are spoken

Other Information:

If you forget, beach towels and chairs available. We supply Beach Passes.

We will gladly assist our guests with reservations for restaurants, tours, or other activities. When reservations are made at our Inn, we will be glad to mail brochures for area activities and points of interest.

We also cater small dinners, wedding breakfasts and other occasions - including business functions.