Stonington CT: Authentic New England Shoreline Town With Panache

The little Connecticut Shoreline village of Stonington CT, wedged between Mystic and the Rhode Island state line, is compact, adorable, and perfect for weekend exploration.

Stonington’s downtown – known as “The Borough” – is so adorable in fact, it stood in as a Maine waterfront town in the Meryl Streep/Tommy Lee Jones movie, Hope Springs.

Less a tourist draw than neighboring Mystic CT, Stonington is the kind of place where weekend escapees from New York City putter in Federal-style-home front yard gardens and say “hi” to passers-by. And, as a testament to its New England authenticity, Stonington is home to Connecticut’s last commercial fishing fleet.

Cute shops, great restaurants, small upmarket inns, terrific wineries, and one beer-erie round out this quiet Connecticut Coast getaway.

Where Is Stonington CT?

Stonington, Connecticut, is a picturesque coastal town located in the southeastern part of the state, nestled along the shores of Long Island Sound. Positioned in New London County, Stonington is known for its historic seaport, charming village center, and scenic waterfront.

It’s conveniently situated near the border of Rhode Island, offering easy access to neighboring coastal communities. Stonington’s location on the Connecticut shoreline makes it a delightful destination for those seeking a tranquil and quintessentially New England experience, with its maritime heritage, beautiful beaches, and classic New England architecture.

Best Things to Do in Stonington CT

VISIT: Old Lighthouse Museum

Arguably the most photographed structure in Stonington, this beautifully fanciful stone lighthouse was active from 1840 to 1889. Inside, visitors can see exhibits of early Stonington life and climb the steps to the tower for an overview of the harbor and beyond. Open May-Oct Thurs-Tues 10-5 (closed Wednesdays). $10 includes admission to Capt. Palmer House.

VISIT: Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House

In 1820, at age 21, while looking for seal rookeries, Captain Nat Palmer discovered “land not laid down on my chart.” This chunk of land would later be known as Antarctica.

Built in 1852, Palmer’s grand, 16-room Victorian Mansion now also serves as the Historic Stonington museum, housing exhibits that chronicle the life and exploits of Cap’n Nat.

VISIT: Stonington Vineyards

Around since 1986, Stonington Vineyards is Connecticut’s third-oldest winery. Considered a “boutique” winery, all grapes are picked by hand. Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc grapes are grown on-site, and other vintage grapes come from regional vineyards.

Stonington Vineyard’s most popular label – Seaport White – is a tinge sweet, mild, and perfect for an afternoon wine and cheese on the boat. Sheer Chardonnay, fresh and snappy, appeals to dry-wine drinkers. The estate-grown Cab Franc, subtle, earthy, and not at all overbearing, makes for a great table wine.

VISIT: Saltwater Farm Vineyard

In 2012, Saltwater Farm lost all of its Pino Noir grapes to ravenous deer. But the four-legged scavengers didn’t seem to enjoy Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, so left those alone.

Owners learned from this peculiar New England hazard and now protect all of their grapes equally. On over 100 acres bordered by tidal marsh, Saltwater Farm is so stunning, it’s a must-see even if you don’t like wine.

If you time it right, you’ll see trains steaming over harbor bridges in the distance, wildlife winging into the sky and kayakers paddling through reed-lined rivulets (there’s a kayak launch with parking at the entrance to the Vineyard). No wonder there’s a growing list for weddings here.

The tasting room/event space is in a cavernous 1930’s airplane hangar, and it is still technically an airport (yes, small planes can still fly in). Plunk down the bargain fee for four rather ample tastings of the snappy, grapefruity Sav Blanc, lightly oaked caramel and vanilla-bean note Estate Gold Arc Chardonnay, a goes-down-easy Cabernet Rose and Bordeaux-style Cabernet Franc – or other delightful wines.

DO: Rent a Kayak from Stonington Marina

Plan to get to this small-boat marina on the impossibly picturesque Wequetequock (“Water of Many Ducks”) Cove, by 8 am when “everything comes to life,” says marina manager, Don Michaud. Stonington Marina is also known for rigging up kayaks for fishing– there’s great angling in the harbor right outside the Railroad Bridge – and for a selection of guided kayaking tours.

According to Michaud, Laugh-In star, Ruth Buzzi, used to declare – “I’m from Wequetequock, Connecticut” on the show. Sure enough, Ruth’s brother, Harold,  still runs his tombstone business, Buzzi Memorial, just down the street.

DO: Check out the commercial fishing vessels on the Waterfront

Before leaving, buy just-offloaded and flash-frozen seafood from Stonington Seafood Harvesters.

SHOP: Downtown Stonington

There are plenty of cute shops on Water Street, including Yali, for handwoven organic-cotton Turkish Towels and Fun Company Sample Outlet– a discount boutique priced like T.J. Max.

SHOP: The Velvet Mill

This repurposed rambling mill building houses artist studios, small businesses, glass-blowing, framers, a bakery, and one boffo beer-erie. So it’s worth milling around there on a weekend afternoon. You can take a Yoga class, buy produce at the indoor Farmer’s Market and participate in a boatload of events. Don’t miss a pint at Beer’d, however (see below), before you leave.

DRINK: Beer’d “Nano” Brewery

Located in The Velvet Mill, Beer’d has earned a cult following despite it diminutive size and output. Most of what’s produced here “goes out the door in growlers,” says the young and bearded co-owner Aaren Simoncini (who owns Beer’d with his “precious,” Precious Putnam).

Since opening in 2012, Simoncini and Co. have brewed 42 unique beers and counting – among the most popular, are the Double IPA, “Dogs In Boats,” and “Hobbit Juice” (the latter made with hops grown in New Zealand). Beer’d has been written up in the New York Times and Connecticut Magazine and more. If I were you, I’d see what the fuss is about.

Best Restaurants in Stonington CT

EAT: Dog Watch Café

Fabulous setting (at Dodson Boatyard overlooking the docks), really good food, and fun atmosphere, Dog Watch is a local favorite and is packed nearly every day at all hours. “Forget the summer,” says one patron. “You’ll have to wait a long time.”

Salads are nice and fresh, cup-size French Onion Soup is a bargain at $4, and popular Native Battered Codwich on Brioche is $13. Nosh and meet the locals. They are all friendly folks.

EAT: Breakwater

The Steamed Littleneck Clams in White Wine sauce is to die for, and so is the Brick Chicken proving that just because this place is right on the water doesn’t mean it only specializes in seafood. You can score a table easily off-season midweek, but come sailing weather, you’ll most likely have to wait.

EAT: Water Street Café

This is where Stonington residents bring out-of-town friends. Dishes are routinely excellent, especially the long-time-on-menu Hangar Steak.

EAT: Milagro Cafe

Everything is homemade in this orange-walled, Spanish-style eatery. That even includes tortilla chips, guacamole, and the fan favorite Chiles Relleno’s. According to one frequent guest, “the Creamsicle Margaritas are great.”

EAT: Noah’s

This little bakery/bistro has been around for 37 years and is the go-to for coffee and baked goods in the morning, and casual scratch-cooked meals for lunch and dinner. It’s one of those local places that people forget to mention because they just assume you know (and they take it for granted).

Stonington CT Hotels

STAY: Inn at Stonington

Half of the rooms in the two-building, 18-room Inn at Stonington face bucolic Stonington Harbor. Accommodations are both refined and warm – Frette linens, walls in soothing yellows, blues and creams, dark spindly four-poster beds, and private balconies on harbor-front rooms. Travertine tiles in sparkling bathrooms lend a chic Italian air.