Boaters can use the Coast Guard buoy off Pot Island, if it’s unoccupied.

When Ayn Rand needed to gather material for the Fountainhead, when President Howard Taft sought a summer home, when circus star Tom Thumb wished to see his lady love, they all came to this slip of Connecticut defined by its outcroppings of exquisite pink-granite islands: Stony Creek. Part of greater Branford, Stony Creek, with a civic-minded population of 1,500, is a cherished destination among many Connecticut boaters, even though it lacks a marina or even a true downtown.

Those arriving by land can only experience Stony Creek’s Seuss-like Thimble Islands for a few hours, but boaters can toss the hook in protected gunkholes and watch the singularly beautiful sunrises and sunsets that set these chunks of granite, ranging from several acres to boulder-size, ablaze with color.

Other than anchoring, there aren’t any options for visiting boaters who wish to overnight in Stony Creek, as there are no transient slips or moorings. However, the Stony Creek Boating Association maintains a dock where dinghies and kayaks can be tied up at no charge, space permitting. Be aware that the water surrounding the dock is only around three feet deep at low tide.

So, what exactly are the Thimble Islands? And who lives there? Named for the thimbleberry bush, the Thimbles comprise over 100 islands of various dimensions, although only 25 are inhabited. Some are no bigger than a car, while others are large enough to accommodate 32 houses. President Taft summered on Elton’s Island and, at the height of his popularity, Tom Thumb courted a woman on Cut-In-Two Island. The infamous pirate Captain Kidd supposedly stayed on High Island. A few doubloons were even found here, fueling rumors of buried treasure.

Thimble Islands homes range from mansions to tiny cottages.

As mentioned, there’s no “downtown” in Stony Creek, but you’ll find a few art galleries on Main Street, a small museum, a market and cafe, and a library. That’s it, but that’s enough for most folks seeking escape from louder, busier places.

A perfect rainy-day hideout is the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, just a block from the dinghy dock. Not only does the library contain examples of both rough-hewn and polished Stony Creek pink granite, you’re also welcome to grab a comfy chair and read or catch up on email. The library also contains a small but wonderful art gallery, and the foyer showcases uniforms from the local fife-and-drum band, which celebrated its 125^th anniversary a few years ago.

Though open just a few hours a day on weekends in the summer, the Stony Creek Museum welcomes visitors to stop by and view the artifacts, photos and documents from the town’s rich past. You’ll also find a couple of antiques stores within steps of the harbor, but the local gift shop, Taken for Granite, is worthy of the mile-long walk from the harbor. Offering great jewelry, home goods and unique gifts, it’s just as notable for its creative displays as it is for its merchandise.

Back near the waterfront, there are two places to grab a bite—and don’t worry about dressing up for either one. Linger long enough at the counter-service Stony Creek Market and you might be invited to a Town Hall meeting of some kind. Yes, the market sells food and provisions, but it also serves as a de facto community center. In the morning, moms and babies hold court, while later in the day seniors discuss politics. Residents are friendly and highly engaged in the world, so between bites of freshly made chicken curry salad or pizza, or any of the market’s other scratch-made dishes, spark up a conversation with someone at the next table. It’s the Stony Creek thing to do.

The other dining option is the Thimbleberry Café, which serves creative breakfast dishes. For lunch, ask for the thyme-infused New England clam chowder, along with one of the café’s terrific sandwiches. Nothing fancy, but all very good.

Just like Stony Creek itself.