Day tripping fans, we have another marvelous itinerary for you! Grab your friends, download our Gmap, and go spend a delightful day in and around Stonington, Connecticut. With its coastal charm and rich history, it’s a gem!
FYI
Stonington, in southeast Connecticut, includes the borough of Stonington, the villages of Pawcatuck, Lords Point, and Wequetequock, and the eastern halves of the villages of Mystic and Old Mystic. Remember that just in case it comes up on Jeopardy, k?
STAY
Inn at Stonington
If you like your day trips to start or end with an overnight, all the better we say! Check in to the Inn at Stonington to fully immerse yourself in the relaxed, friendly, coastal vibe that is Stonington borough.
You can’t help but feel carefree from the moment you step through the red door at this 18-room boutique hotel. Maybe it’s the views of Fishers Island Sound from the comfortable lounge area where a wine and cheese reception is served daily. Perhaps it’s the gas fires and oversized soaking tubs in the rooms. It could be the warm hospitality. We’re not sure; we just know we wanted to check in immediately when we visited.
We also love a good celeb story and were happy to hear that Meryl Streep enjoyed her stay very much when she was in the area filming.
Guests have privileges to rent paddleboards and kayaks at the New England Sailing Center located next door to the Inn. They’ll also provide guests with beach passes, bicycles, and picnic baskets.
Fun Fact: Most of the Mystic Pizza scenes were filmed in what is now the sailing center!
SHOP
The Velvet Mill
The Velvet Mill is a unique community of artists and entrepreneurs. We perused art studios, a bohemian gift shop, a trunk show boutique featuring custom sized designer clothing from NYC, a farmhouse decor store, a nano-brewery, a cheese shop, a pastry shop, fitness centers, restaurants, and so much more!
There’s truly something for everyone here; foodies, flea market pickers, beer aficionados, art lovers, boutique shoppers, there’s even dog obedience training! It’s the best of all worlds and housed within an enormous building (with tons of history) that seemingly has no end.
We could have spent many an hour exploring The Velvet Mill and plan to go back soon to make an entire afternoon of it!
William Cole
Need more shopping? We hear that! We came across this charming gift store on the way out of the Borough (as the locals say). This small but mighty boutique carries adorable gift items, an irresistible jewelry collection, home furnishings, and some antique treasures too.
SIP
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
No day trip is complete without a vineyard and a wine tasting; at least that’s our motto. Make it a vineyard with a picturesque former WWII plane hanger to enjoy some sampling for extra points!
The wood-clad hanger ceiling, fairy lights, and large stainless steel tanks all make for a striking appearance. There’s something about tasting wine where passionate vintners make it! We thoroughly enjoyed trying a variety of their estate-based white, red, and a rosé. Delicious!
If you have time at the end of your day in Stonington, make sure you check out Saltwater Farm Vineyard’s sister restaurant just down the road in Mystic, M/Bar. Another eye-catching building not to be missed!
SAVOR
Mia’s Cafe
Pop on over to Pawcatuck to have a slap up breakfast or lunch at Mia’s Cafe. Also, enjoy jumping from CT to RI and back again – the state line is right outside on the bridge over the Pawcatuck River!
Everything at Mia’s Cafe is made from scratch, and there’s a full bar adjacent to the eclectic dining room; just in case you need a little cocktail. Have your New England fish & chips fix here!
SEE
There’s so much to see in Stonington, we barely scratched the surface! Here are a few landmarks to snap for your Instagram, all just a few steps from the Inn at Stonington.
The Old Lighthouse Museum
duBois Beach
Stonington Point
SAVE – This Google map itinerary!
Yes, we’re so geeky about making itineraries that we’ve started creating our own Day Tripping Gmaps. Everything mentioned in this post is marked. All you have to do is save it, and go! Happy Day Tripping!
Pics: Lora Karam/ Words: Bev Canepari