Rain cloud over beach businesses

Old Lyme (WTNH) - Wet weather is putting a real damper on tourism in-state. But, it's even worse for businesses along the shoreline struggling because of the not-so-beachy weather.

Beachside businesses like the Cool Moose in Old Lyme say in June, weekends make or break the month and so far it's been a bit of a bust.

"Weather is definitely a big issue, right now, for us because generally we would be open with people sitting outside eating, drinking and having a good time," said Rich Bruttaniti of Cool Moose.

Instead they're closed. With clouds, overhead, it's easy to find a place to pull up a blanket at Soundview Beach.

If the weather was nicer, places only open on the weekends would open up during the week too. Now they're just waiting to see what July brings; waiting and hoping for warmer sunnier weather.

"Even the weekends haven't been great," said Dee Vowles of 'The Carousel.' If it rains in the morning, people make other plans."

Vowles knows, she's owned 'The Carousel' for 20-years.

For a little while, business was booming today.

"A lot of scoops, probably over 100," said Vowles.

Vowles said if a field trip wasn't there today it probably would not be busy on a weekday. "I mean, it's sunny but people just don't come down to the beach if it's not a perfect day," she said.

Vowles is just hoping that the rain, that has postponed field trips and people from coming to the beach, will stay away.

"We've got our fingers crossed. July's just around the corner," said Vowles. "We're hoping to have a good summer."

"Fourth of July will probably be our kick off to hopefully a great summer," said Bruttaniti.

They're definitely keeping up hope. They say day trippers really look at the weather but there are a lot of people who also rent cottages and are there rain or shine.