Just down the road from Water's Edge is New Deal Steakhouse; it doesn't look like much, but the food is great, very LARGE martinis, and reasonably priced.  If you like New England Mexican (not as good as California), there's also a Mexican restaurant down the road.  Staff at Water's Edge will be able to direct you.  I haven't eaten at Water's Edge in a year, but their food was good, too.

Most DEFINATELY Mystic (it only takes a few minutes to drive thru and turn around) and Mystic seaport and seeing both casinos.  At Foxwoods go for valet parking; it's easier.  Great place just to walk around, but expensive to shop (CT tax PLUS a reservation tax).  Indian Museum (in back of casino) is good if you like indian perspective history (see the film).  Mohegan Sun just park in the garage; plenty of good places to eat at that Casino.

Thimble Islands, Branford, boat tour (only weekends now and available times are on-line) is nice, too.  Just did that two weeks ago.  The houses and what they build on some rocks sticking out of the sound are amazing!

I wouldn't eat at Dock 'N Dine (meals overpriced and not that good), have a drink in the bar.  Nice view of the mouth of the CT river looking at fall foliage and boats going in/out of the river.  Use a road map, you can drive thru Fenwick homes along the shore from Water's Edge to get to Dock 'n Dine area .. then drive through Old Saybrook main street and up to Essex on RT 159 (CT riverfront town and, if open, the museum at the bottom of the main street is interesting).  Griswold Inn is very old, charming and unique.  Often hot popcorn in the bar ... menu is interesting, so read before you decide to eat there.

I am not sure if Glockenspeil is still as good.