Stonington CT: Authentic New England Shoreline Town With Panache

WHY GO: 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 then neighboring Mystic, 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 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.

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 Stonington Historical Society, housing exhibits that chronicle the life and exploits of Cap’n Nat. Open May-Oct Thurs-Sun 1-5). $9 includes admission to Lighthouse Museum.

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. And the estate-grown Cab Franc, subtle, earthy and not at all overbearing, makes for a great table wine. Open daily 11-5, tastings $12 for 6 or 7 wines.

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 $10 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.

Apparel sold in the shop is almost as popular as the wine. Among the most “awwww”-inspiring is the Saltwater Farm “onsie,” for babies born to couples who were married here ($18). Open Wed and Thurs 11-5, Fri-Sun 11-3. $10 tastings.

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 8am 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. $35 for 2 hours- $55 full day for single kayak.

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, 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. Open Friday 5pm-9pm, Sat and Sun 1pm-5pm and during special events.

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 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 ($14)  is to die for, and so is the Brick Chicken ($23) 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).

Best Places to Stay in Stonington CT

STAY: Orchard Street Inn

This small but lovely five-room inn off the main road in “The Borough” is often overlooked, but shouldn’t be. Once a captain’s house, the 2^nd floor Captain Suite features a balcony with corkscrew staircase that takes you up to a roof deck (aka/widow’s walk) from which you can spy the Atlantic Ocean.

Three other rooms in the cottage are as charming as all get out. Rooms and suites from $280-$490 (for a 2 bedroom suite). Includes gourmet breakfast, wi-fi, parking and Toto-basket bikes. No need to rent or bring your own.

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. Rates from $225-$400 depending on size of room and season include Continental Breakfast with home baked goods.