In a picturesque nook of Branford sits a hidden gem of the Connecticut shoreline – The Owenego. Laid back in spirit and playful in nature, the “O” as we are lovingly known, is a family-oriented beach and tennis club, where guests can swim, kayak, play tennis, or simply lounge on the lawn. Having welcomed guests since 1847, the Inn is quintessentially New England, offering charming, cottage-themed accommodations that invite guests to unplug and unwind.

The O caters all types of celebratory gatherings, and specializes in casually elegant, beachfront weddings. The views offered by this historic establishment are surpassed only by the kitchen’s fine cuisine and staff’s hospitable service. Come explore the O to discover why some guests come for a day and join for a lifetime.

COME FOR A DAY….
JOIN FOR A LIFETIME.

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

Don 2

"My first memory of the Owenego was at age three (1951). My sister taught me to swim there. From that point on I knew it was a great family beach and tennis club. Now when you pull in the parking lot, you are transformed to the peaceful scenes of Long Island Sound and beautiful flowers 
everywhere. Members and guests have the choice to play tennis, kayak (my favorite), swim, fish, enjoy evening dinners and drinks, or hold a private party or family wedding. The staff is the best. Very rarely do you see a family-owned business like this anymore. Always look forward to summer there and the familiar and new faces. Thank you for your hard work to keep this special club going."

Don

Don

"My parents first brought me to the Owenego at age two. I learned to walk and swim there. It has the most honest and spiritual feeling of anywhere on the shoreline. Everyone who goes there understands this. Peace"

Don

Cynthia

“My husband and I got married here, and it will always be a wonderful place in my heart! Loads of charm, fantastic food, and a setting that is beautiful. You can’t beat that view!”

Cynthia

Mindy

"Just did a very special retirement party there with a Turn Back Time theme inspired by the Owenego itself. It was a spectacular evening in a perfect location. They could not have been easier to work with and really got behind the whole theme – researching vintage recipes and even napkin folds! The food was phenomenal! We had vintage cocktails, and it was just perfect. The entire staff was wonderful. I see no reason to ever go anywhere else!"

Mindy

Shannon Family

"The Owenego is a gem from the old world. The setting is spectacularly
beautiful, the best of the shoreline. It is simple, affordable, fun,
friendly, and low key with no pretenses. Kids can safely be kids and their
parents don't have to worry. Adults can be adults, relax with a beer or
drink on the lawn taking in the beauty, watching their kids or grandkids,
and connecting with friends and neighbors from the community. The special
events are fun for the whole family, of high quality, and much better than
cooking at home! And there is nothing better than finishing a summer
evening at the Hungry Dog. The O has been an important place for our
family since we moved to Branford 15 years ago. Can't wait for another
season!"

The Shannon Family

Amy 2

"I just wanted to write a quick little note to say how much we enjoyed our stay at your Inn this past week.

My husband and I were at our daughter’s orientation at Quinnipiac and after a long day we were looking for a place to stay. We tend to stay away from the chain hotels when we are traveling and luckily stumbled upon your place. Lucky for is it was Thursday night and you had rooms available. We were welcomed with a smile and that continued right through checkout the next morning. We enjoyed sitting on the patio and having a drink and quick bite to eat before heading up to room. The wait staff was gracious and gave us lots of suggestions on what to do the next time we were in town. The room was cozy and clean and quiet! It was just a perfect night!

You have something special and can’t wait to be back!!"

Amy

Sue

"When I moved to Branford eleven years ago I joined the Owenego because I love the beach and Long Island Sound. What I didn't anticipate is becoming part of a community and a family. From the swimming, kayaking and tennis to the special events where the food and service are fantastic, we make wonderful memories every summer."

Sue

Peter

"I have been a long-standing member of the Owenego for over 60 years from the time when my parents first joined the "O" back in the 1950's to the present time, when me and my wife enjoy the beauty and splendor of this special place on Long Island Sound. With its three, red clay tennis courts (very few other clubs offer red clay court tennis), and the beautiful, beachfront sunbathing and swimming, not to mention 
waterfront dining facilities, there is no other place that I know of like 
the Owenego Beach and Tennis Club."

Peter

Swain

“It is no mystery why folks want to get married at Owenego. This is not just a cozy, charming, beautifully maintained property. It boasts sweeping green lawns and jaw-dropping views of Long Island Sound. The resort is family-owned, and the staff is attentive and invested. You’ll want to come back to make more memories.”

Swain

Kelly Ann

“Life-long love of this place. Perfect paradise. Sun, relaxation, natural beauty, and the beach.”

Kelly Ann

Chris

“Love, love the Owenego. Beautiful setting, great venue, romantic atmosphere, quaint rooms. Hate to say too much cause I love the tranquility and peacefulness of this inn. Such a great retreat.”

Chris

Louis

“Amazing charm and very welcoming staff. Simply a step above the rest – very easy and relaxing atmosphere.”

Louis

Jennifer

"Owenego is a hidden gem! We could not be more grateful to John & the entire staff who were so patient and kind throughout the entire process. Everyone is so relaxed and flexible to accommodate our requests, whether it was bringing in rentals, changing the house wines, and beyond. The venue is so beautiful, and we couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else. Everyone loved it and raved about the food. We love you Owenego & are so grateful!”

Jennifer-Wedding Wire

Amy

“Love Owenego – it’s an old-fashioned beach and tennis club, where the staff is friendly and welcoming. I have so many incredible memories at “The O” including my daughter’s wedding. I plan on making more memories with the beautiful views, relaxed atmosphere, and fabulous food.”

Amy

Annie

"Working with John and the rest of the staff at Owenego was so, so relaxed and easy. The space was breathtakingly beautiful, and the breeze from the ocean provided the perfectly cool summer evening. The lights in the space helped to set the mood, and the food was absolutely delicious. We haven’t stopped getting feedback about how perfect the evening was. I would recommend 100%! We were well taken care of through the entire process."

Annie - The Knot

The Shanty

The Shanty is a casual, outdoor eatery, offering guests a “light bite neath the stars, near the surf.”

Relax on the beachside patio, while enjoying cocktails, community, dinner, and beautiful views of Long Island Sound. Operated by Supreme Seafood from North Branford. The Shanty brings their famous hot buttered lobster rolls to you seaside.

Along with burgers, salads, snacks, and daily specials, they are offering new favorites like their roasted corn & crab dip and grilled shrimp po' boy wrap. The Shanty will also be offering special nights like " Senior Lobster Roll" and "Taco Tuesday" and more...

LEARN MORE

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