Known as “The Borough,” the village of Stonington remains a place where fresh fish, lobster and scallops are unloaded within shouting distance of tidy summer homes. Recently named one of Yankee Magazine’s “Prettiest Coastal Towns,” the place is so authentically New England that it even landed a role as a Maine harbor in the movie “Hope Springs.” No stand-ins necessary though, as Stonington has its own personality and needs no introduction.

Protected Stonington Harbor bustles with boat traffic in summer. Photo/EBA

As a village with its roots in the sea, Stonington is best viewed from the water. To the south, a long jetty juts westward, protecting the many recreational boats and fishing vessels that share the harbor. A large brick-and-stone building, once a factory, dominates the skyline. It serves as testimony to the town’s manufacturing history, during which everything from horseshoe nails to firearms to Coke bottles were produced here. Indeed, Stonington’s industries made it a popular target of British attacks during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and the local militia successfully withstood bombardments by the Royal Navy in both conflicts.

Later, Stonington became renowned for pottery, which was produced in a bayside factory at the end of Water Street (then called “Shinbone Alley”), where William States established a pottery works in 1811. The imprints of “W. States” and “Swan & States” are well known among pottery aficionados, and fragments from the States factory still litter the inshore waters.

STOP & GO

Today, boaters appreciate Stonington’s deep, wide harbor, which is “well protected in anything short of a hurricane,” according to Dick Sattler, former dockmaster at the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club. Transients can anchor inside the west breakwater or grab a mooring through Dodson Boatyard or the SHYC. Wherever you end up, the harbor is a perfect jumping-off point for trips to Fishers Island (2 nautical miles), Watch Hill (2.5 nm) and Block Island (14 nm), as well as some mighty fine fishing and paddling grounds.

If you can squeeze beneath the fixed railroad bridge at the head of the harbor, it’s worth exploring quiet Wequetequock and Lambert coves, where you’ll find a few small-boat marinas. One of them, Don’s Dock, has expanded its capacity from 80 to over 200 slips in the last few years, satisfying a regional thirst for ocean access in this pretty part of the world.

Lighthouse Lore

As for shoreside attractions, there’s plenty to see in Stonington. A walk south along Water Street leads to what’s arguably the most photographed spot in the Borough. Built in 1823, the Stonington Lighthouse is now a museum filled with interesting art and artifacts relating to local history. Climb the steel ladder to the lantern room and you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view of the harbor, Fishers Island Sound and Little Narragansett Bay.

The lantern room of the Stonington Lighthouse, now a museum, affords panoramic views. Photo/TR

Back on ground level, use Water Street as your path to Stonington’s commercial district. Along the way, narrow lanes lead to the water—and various surprises. These include the town’s commercial fishing pier, home to deep-sea scallopers, draggers and lobster boats. You can even buy some of the freshly landed fish and shellfish at Stonington Seafood Harvesters, right at the dock.

Another waterfront gem is the headquarters of New England Science and Sailing, which teaches sailing, marine science and adventure watersports to kids and adults.

Eclectic Shops & Restaurants

Many of the Borough’s restaurants are just steps from the waterfront. Noah’s, Milagro, and the Water Street Café are all notable eateries, but one of the most popular spots among boaters—the Dog Watch Café—can be found at Dodson Boat Yard. You can also visit great little shops like Yali, which specializes in organic Turkish-made towels.

Stonington is also home to three wineries—Stonington Vineyards, Saltwater Farm Vineyards and Jonathan Edwards—plus a self-styled “nano-brewery” called Beer’d. All offer tastings, of course, but I’d recommend purchasing a few bottles of Stonington Vineyards’ eminently drinkable Seaport White and some cheese to enjoy on your boat. After all, Stonington is even lovelier from the water than it is from land.