Stonington Borough, CT is a picturesque coastal peninsula loaded with maritime history and pure small-town charm.
Settled in 1752, this quaint village sits perfectly midway between New York and Boston, just a few miles from downtown Mystic. It was voted one of the Top 10 prettiest coastal towns in New England by Yankee Magazine.
Here is why you need to add “The Borough” to your travel radar right now.
A step back into 18th-century charm
Nestled on a mile-long peninsula projecting into Fisher’s Island Sound and Little Narragansett Bay, Stonington offers absolutely stunning 360-degree water views.
Because the town has successfully avoided heavy traffic and modern industry, it boasts beautifully preserved colonial, Federal, and Greek Revival architecture. You can take a gorgeous, self-guided walking tour down the two main streets that link Cannon Square and Wadawanuck Square.
While wandering the neighborhood, you’ll also find incredible nature trails offering panoramic views and seaside meadows filled with wildflowers and beach roses.
America’s oldest lighthouse museum
History buffs, this one is for you. A massive highlight of the peninsula is the historic Stonington Harbor Light.
Erected in 1840, this low stone building officially became the flagship museum of the Stonington Historical Society back in 1925. Today, it proudly stands as the oldest lighthouse museum in America.
Beyond the lighthouse, local museums house intimate collections of maritime artifacts, giving visitors a chance to discover the wild, seafaring lives of famed 19th-century captains.
Fresh seafood and a thriving Water Street
A leisurely stroll down Water Street is an absolute must for any visitor. The strip is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and independent boutiques.
You will also find incredible owner-operated coffee shops keeping the locals caffeinated with organic, fair-trade beans and nitro cold brew.
Best of all, the village is far from just a quiet museum piece. It is actually home to Connecticut’s last remaining commercial fishing and lobstering fleets. That means you can expect fantastic local restaurants serving up the absolute freshest local seafood, farm-raised meats, and organic produce.
To top it all off, the area is a rapidly growing wine and craft beer region.
Whether you want a packed schedule exploring the local waters via kayak and paddleboard, or you just want to watch a magnificent sunset by the harbor with a glass of wine, Stonington Borough has exactly what you need for your next weekend escape!
