15 Romantic Things to Do in Stonington CT: Southern New England’s Cutest Coastal Town

The little Connecticut Shoreline village of Stonington CT, wedged between Mystic and the Rhode Island state line, is compact, adorable, and perfect for weekend exploration. Oh – and it’s got some of the most picturesque Vineyards and Wineries in the Northeast – some open even in winter.

Stonington’s downtown – known as “The Borough” – is so adorable in fact, it stood in as a Maine waterfront town in the Meryl Streep/Tommy Lee Jones movie, Hope Springs.

(For many more dreamy destinations in Connecticut, search through our list of the Best Romantic Getaways in CT).

Less a tourist draw than neighboring Mystic CT, Stonington is the kind of place where weekend escapees from New York City putter in Federal-style-home front yard gardens and say “hi” to passers-by. And, as a testament to its New England authenticity, Stonington is home to Connecticut’s last commercial fishing fleet.

Wineries with romantic backstories, great restaurants, an upmarket inn, and not-to-miss repurposed mill building round the best places to see and things to do in Stonington CT on this quiet New England Coast getaway.

Where Is Stonington Connecticut?

Stonington is located on the Connecticut Coast in the Northeast United States, where Long Island Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean in New London County. A quintessential New England town, Stonington shares a border with Rhode Island along the very scenic Pawcatuck River.

Best Things to Do in Stonington CT

GO/SIP/CHILL: Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard, North Stonington

Michael and Merrily Connery (no relation to Sean) know a thing or two about romance and nurturing feel-good parties. Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard, their latest endevour, is proof positive.

Married for decades, and with formidable energy, the Connery’s retired from high-powered careers in New York City (he, a Mergers and Acquisition attorney; she, a Real Estate broker) and moved closer to their childhood homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island in the early 2000’s.

While still in the city, they’d had their eyes on a WWII-era small-plane airport on a salt marsh in Stonington CT. As visionaries, they’d imagined vineyards along the saltgrass, and a wine-tasting-event room inside the Quonset hut airplane hangar.

That property became the 100-acre Saltwater Farm Vineyards, opened in 2010, (see below), which has captured the hearts of those who visit or get married there.

Never a couple to rest on their laurels, and with a seemingly insatiable need for new projects, the Connery’s recently opened a new vineyard: The Kingdom of the Hawk in North Stonington – a 12 minute drive from Saltwater Farm Vineyard.

The name, according to Michael, evokes a “sense of place; mystical, spiritual, and symbolic of the Native American history here.” On a remote rural hilltop, surrounded by forests, KOH has already been discovered by romantics near and far, thanks to the ever-social Connery’s who’ve elevated the gathering of strangers into an art form.

Visitors come precisely for this bucolic setting – and to sip Cab Franc, Pinot Noir Rosé, Raptor Red blend, and other wines in or around a contemporary building – as well as talk and nibble on charcuterie, or to listen to live music and dine al-fresco from food trucks. And, if lucky, to gaze upon the wild hawks that circle above and make this place their home.

VISIT: Saltwater Farm Vineyard

On over 100 acres bordered by tidal marsh, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is so stunning, it’s a must-see even if you don’t like wine. (But, if you do, you’ll be happy with the wine as well). Entrancing views of rivers lined with saltmarsh grass, planted vines – and Amtrak trains chugging along the Connecticut shoreline – has rendered this winery one of the most picturesque on the East Coast.

If you time it right, you’ll see trains steaming over harbor bridges in the distance, wildlife winging into the sky and kayakers paddling through reed-lined rivulets (there’s a kayak launch with parking at the entrance to the Vineyard). No wonder it’s proven to be a popular wedding venue.

The tasting room/event space is in a cavernous 1930’s airplane hangar, and it is still technically an airport (yes, small planes can still fly in). Try the snappy, grapefruity Sav Blanc, toasted caramel and vanilla-bean note Estate Gold Arc Chardonnay, goes-down-easy Runway White, Runway Rose, and Runway Red, and Bordeaux-style Cabernet Franc – or other delightful wines.

VISIT: Stonington Vineyards

Around since 1986, Stonington Vineyards is Connecticut’s third-oldest winery. Considered a “boutique” winery, all grapes are picked by hand. Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc grapes are grown on-site, and other vintage grapes come from regional vineyards.

Stonington Vineyard’s most popular label – Seaport White – is a tinge sweet, mild, and perfect for an afternoon wine and cheese on the boat. Sheer Chardonnay, fresh and snappy, appeals to dry-wine drinkers. The estate-grown Cab Franc, subtle, earthy, and not at all overbearing, makes for a great table wine.

DO: Connecticut Winter Wine Trail

Three of four Stonington CT vineyards are on the Connecticut Winer Wine Trail: two mentioned above (Kingdom of the Hawk, and Stonington vineyards), and Jonathan Edwards Winery, which makes wine in both Connecticut and California. So, no reason to stop winery-hopping when the snow flies.

VISIT: Lighthouse Museum

Arguably the most photographed structure in Stonington, this beautifully fanciful Stone Lighthouse (now Museum), was active from 1840 to 1889. Inside, visitors can see exhibits of early Stonington life and climb the steps to the tower for an overview of the harbor and beyond. Check website for open hours and days.

VISIT: Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, Historic Stonington Museum

In 1820, at age 21, while looking for seal rookeries, Captain Nat Palmer discovered “land not laid down on my chart.” This chunk of land would later be known as Antarctica.

Built in 1852, Palmer’s grand, 16-room Victorian Mansion now also serves as the Historic Stonington museum, housing exhibits that chronicle the life and exploits of Cap’n Nat. Peruse the lower floors to learn about Palmer’s life and explorations. And then head upstairs to the cupola for a bird’s eye view of Stonington Harbor.

DO: Rent a Kayak from Stonington Marina

Plan to get to this small-boat marina on the impossibly picturesque Wequetequock (“Water of Many Ducks”) Cove, by 8 am when everything comes to life. Stonington Marina, a small-boat marina, is also known for rigging up kayaks for fishing– there’s great angling in the harbor right outside the Railroad Bridge – and for a selection of guided kayaking tours.

DO: Check out the commercial fishing vessels on the Waterfront

See authentic, hardworking fishermen/women who bring in the catch. If you dine locally, you might just be eating something caught that morning.

SHOP: Downtown Stonington Borough

Although there are other areas of Stonington, when people think of the town, they’re actually envisioning the mile long penninsula that is Stonington Borough (called just, “the borough” here). Yes, this is where you’ll find the commercial fishing fleet, the lighthouse, the Inn at Stonington, shops, and restaurants. Walk along Water Street and just take in the seafaring atmosphere.

BEACH: Dubois Beach

Located at the tail end of Stonington Borough, the tiny Dubois Beach is a popular sandy hangout for families. Visitors can pay $15 to enter and watch boats sail into and out of Stonington Harbor, go crabbing, or just relax under the gazebo.

SHOP/EAT: The Velvet Mill

The repurposed rambling 19th century velvet mill factory – now the growing in popularity Velvet Mill – houses artist studios, small businesses, restaurants, and one boffo beer-erie. So it’s worth milling around there on a weekend afternoon. You can take a sewing class, buy produce at the indoor Farmer’s Market and participate in a boatload of events. Don’t miss a pint at Beer’d, however (see below), before you leave.

Shuttle Press And Bindery

Looking for beautiful leather bound notebooks, beautifully designed posters, handcrafted paper goods, or fine-press stationary? Or, would you like to learn to make them yourself? Shuttle Press and Bindery offers a romantic step back in time before computers dehumanized this fine art.

Shoreline Sewing Machine Co.

I have it on good authority that local crafters love taking sewing classes at Shoreline Sewing Machine Co. Even visitors can sign up for these fun workshops – lately to create your own overalls, bags, and table runners. New machines (for sale here) are starlights ahead of those I used in the 1970’s.

Beer’d Brewing

Located in The Velvet Mill, Beer’d Brewing has earned a cult following despite it diminutive size and output. Owners, Aaren Simoncini and his “precious,” Precious Putnam, opened Beer’d here in 2012 as a nanobrewery. It has since grown into a micro-brewery – and expanded its brewing and tasting spaces accordingly – remaining one of the largest draws in the Velvet Mill.

PHOTO OP: Stanton-Davis Homestead Museum

Built in 1670 by Thomas Stanton (who, along with William Chesebrough, Thomas Miner, and Walter Palmer founded Stonington), the Stanton Davis Homestead is the oldest home in Stonington. Private tours by appointment only.

Best Restaurants in Stonington CT

EAT: Dog Watch Café

Fabulous setting (at Dodson Boatyard overlooking the docks), really good food, and fun atmosphere, Dog Watch is a local favorite and is packed nearly every day at all hours. “Forget the summer,” says one patron. “You’ll have to wait a long time.”

EAT: Back Door Kitchen and Pizzeria at Velvet Mill

The sourdough woodfired pizza at Back Door Kitchen & Pizzeria could be a contender for Best Pizza in Connecticut. And, I’m speaking as someone who’s been dining on Frank Peppe’s Pizza in New Haven (the 100-year old pizzeria that put Connecticut on the Best Pizza map) intermittently for over 50 years. Chewy, perfectly topped, charred and crunchy crust – it’s the answer to many pizza afficianados dreams.

EAT: Whitecrest Cafe at Velvet Mill

Owned by the same couple that runs/owns Back Door Kitchen Pizzeria next door, Whitecrest Eatery has grown quite a following over the few years its been open. Considered one of the top restaurants in New London County, chefs tackle dishes like Chicken Cordon Bleu and Local Scallops with aplomb: to wonderfully delicious effect.

EAT: Water Street Café

Water Street Cafe is where Stonington residents bring out-of-town friends. Dishes are routinely excellent, especially the long-time-on-menu Hangar Steak.

EAT: Milagro Cafe

Everything is homemade in Milagro Cafe, an orange-walled, Spanish-style eatery. That even includes tortilla chips, guacamole, and the fan favorite Chiles Relleno’s. According to one frequent guest, “the tropical Margaritas are great.”

EAT: Noah’s

Noah’s has been around for over 40 years and is the go-to for coffee and baked goods in the morning, and casual scratch-cooked meals for lunch and dinner. It’s one of those local places that people forget to mention because they just assume you know (and they take it for granted).

Stonington CT Hotels

STAY: Inn at Stonington

Half of the rooms in the two-building, 18-room Inn at Stonington face bucolic Stonington Harbor. Accommodations are both refined and warm – Frette linens, walls in soothing yellows, blues and creams, dark spindly four-poster beds, and private balconies on harbor-front rooms. Travertine tiles in sparkling bathrooms lend a chic Italian air.