A quiet, undisturbed, charming seaside village, Stonington has a unique coastal atmosphere like no other place in New England. Its rich history comprises quaint village streets, family-owned small businesses, a working waterfront, and historic old homes. The town has retained its un-commercialized, enchanting, and utterly unspoiled aura through the centuries. You could spend all your time in Stonington and never encounter rampant condo development.
Established in 1654 as a trading post, Stonington has defied modern real estate trends. It is a happy small town where leisurely walks down Water Street, art galleries, and magnificent restaurants complement your ideal luxurious lifestyle.
The home’s architectural designs help maintain the traditional English luxe vibe. The predominant architectural styles are Greek Revival, Georgian, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Federal (you also can find vernacular architecture difficult to define stylistically).
WHAT TO LOVE
- Irresistible wine trail
- Glamorous picturesque harbor
- Walking trails through narrow, tree-lined streets
- Fascinating shopping and cozy neighborhood eateries
- Unlimited visual nexus from stately homes right up front on the sidewalk
- Fresh coastal air with many birds but fewer people
LOCAL LIFESTYLE
If you’re interested in enjoying everything natural in a place with ties to its people, Stonington is a true revelation of glamor and blessing. The general vibe at Stonington remains low-key year-round. Isolated from any main drag, the town center is only about a 10-minute drive from Route 95. With a population of around 1,000 people, everything feels realistic and natural.
Nothing seems rushed — people, atmosphere, and architecture exist in strategic cohesion. Crossing a bridge to bustling Mystic and Westerly feels like entering a different world. Relieved of the chaos of cities, Stonington residents turn their attention to concerns like organic food.
DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING
Stonington has ample entertainment venues, shopping areas, and restaurants. Breakwater Stonington Harbor sits on top of the water: its magnificent outdoor deck has comfy seats with a complete view for your evening cocktail. When you come here for drinks, feel free to stay into the evening and enjoy an outstanding dinner.
Beer’d Brewing Company, located in the American Velvet Mill on Bayview Avenue, serves a variety of easy-drinking beers, including multiple limited releases, only found in Stonington. Located just a few miles from the town center is a family-owned farm known as
Stone Acres Farm. Besides the freshly picked veggies and blooms, you learn about the farm’s more than 200 years of history of serving the community with fresh produce.
You haven’t tasted the best in town until you’ve had scallops at
Stonington’s Seawells. If you wish to carry this delicacy home, you can grab some frozen ones.
If you enter the
Velvet Mill, you will find an irresistible delicious pastry shop, an indoor farmers market, and a brewer.
Dog Watch Cafe at 194 Water Street offers a robust menu of treats for a rejuvenating afternoon. You can relax and enjoy BBQ fare, seafood, and sandwiches in an outdoor ambiance.
THINGS TO DO
Pay a visit to the historic Old Lighthouse Museum to learn about the town’s history of agriculture and maritime. Then, take your family to a breeze picnic at Dubois Beach, and enjoy an ideal relaxing space across the beach at East Lawn. Here, you can relax while gazing at the coastal splendor. You can also take a helicopter rider at Heloblock Helicopter Adventure and have an excellent overview of Watch Hill.
SCHOOLS
Stonington is home to some of the best schools in Connecticut, ready to offer your children a quality education.