One of my favorite things about Connecticut is how incredibly historic it all is. The entire New England region has such a storied past, with so many legends of places where founding fathers visited or slept. We've even got an inn in Connecticut where George Washington spent a few nights! When it comes to restaurants, you'll find no shortage of historic eateries here, either. There are several decades-old, and even century-old restaurants that have been serving generations of diners for many years. One restaurant that hasn't been opened quite that long, but was still an iconic part of Connecticut history is The Old Oak Tavern in Gaylordsville, CT. The restaurant itself is fairly new, but its location has quite the past. Check it out:
The restaurant is named for the famed oak tree that once stood in Gaylordsville. Known as "Washington's Oak," it served as a meeting spot for George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette on several occasions during the Revolutionary War.
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The oak tree was something of a local landmark, surviving for an incredible 300 years before finally succumbing to disease in 2003.
While the tree is no more, the Old Oak Tavern does contain a bit of history in its building. This was the first post office and general store in Gaylordsville, constructed by Reverend Peter Gaylord in 1805.
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The rustic interior speaks to the history of this place - those exposed beams are gorgeous!
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We don't blame you if you want to eat on the patio, though. The Housatonic River views are grand.
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You'll find a wide array of menu items here, with burgers, salads, and tacos to choose from.
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There are also loads of options for seafood lovers.
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The Old Oak Tavern strives to use local ingredients whenever possible, meaning you get the freshest and most delectable dishes while supporting local farmers.
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Next time you'd like to dine out in a historic restaurant in Gaylordsville, CT, check out the Old Oak Tavern. While it's only been open since 2016, the historic building and timeless vibes make it feel much older than it is!
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For more information about the Old Oak Tavern in Gaylordsville, CT, check out the Old Oak Tavern Facebook page or Old Oak Tavern website. You're also not far from this charming B&B.
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