Considered by many to be one of New England’s prettiest coastal towns, Stonington, Connecticut, has lots for boaters to love. This picturesque town features a large, well-protected harbor and several marinas. On land, the town is home to many shoreside attractions, including exceptional restaurants, interesting shops, and several high-quality wineries.
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STONINGTON AT A GLANCE
GETTING TO STONINGTON:
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The Stonington Story
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The village of Stonington remains a place where fresh fish, lobster and scallops are unloaded within shouting distance of tidy summer homes.
Dodson Boatyard (860-535-1507): Located at the head of the harbor, Dodson’s offers slips and moorings. They also run a launch service in the harbor and have an onsite restaurant called The Dogwatch Cafe (860-415-4510).
Stonington Marina (860-599-4730): Small-boat marina offering hauling, service, storage. Also has an onsite tackle shop and kayak rental.
Launch Ramp:
Trailer-boaters, kayakers, windsurfers and cartoppers can launch at the Barn Island ramp off Palmer Neck Road. This is an excellent state ramp with a large parking area and restrooms. No fee required.
Anchorages:
The town offers free use of its dinghy dock for those boaters who prefer to anchor. The anchorage is on the west side of the harbor—to port as you enter—west of GC “7”. “The transient dock is directly opposite, tucked between the Breakwater restaurant and the yacht club.
Dog Watch Café (860-245-4911): Relaxed restaurant offering BBQ fare, sandwiches & seafood along with outdoor seating & lawn games.
Provisions:
Palmer’s Provisions (860-415-9715): A nautical-themed market with pizza, fresh produce, snacks, stuff to grill, a grab-and-go cooler with sandwiches, salads, and sides.
DESTINATION STONINGTON
Things To Do:
Old Lighthouse Museum (860-535-1440): Restored lighthouse and museum owned and operated by the Stonington Historical Society. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission also allows access to the Captain Palmer House and the R. W. Woolworth Library, an exhibit and research center.
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area (860-424-3000): The state’s largest coastal property for wildlife conservation and includes salt- and freshwater wetlands where visitors can paddle, hike, fish and birdwatch.
Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve (860-884-3500): Located off Main Street on the eastern side of Stonington Point, or “the Point.” A walkway meanders through salt marshes and offers great views of wildlife and a prime view of Watch Hill Light, Napatree and Sandy Points, Sandy Point Island and Sandy Point Beach, all on Little Narragansett Bay. On the southwest shore of the Point, you’ll find duBois Beach.
Where to Stay:
Inn at Stonington (860-535-2000): Set along the waterfront, the Inn is a short stroll from a host of award-winning restaurants, shops and galleries.
