Boating Destination: Stonington Borough, CT

Midway between New York City and Boston, Stonington Borough offers the perfect small-town escape from busy urban life. In what locals call “The Borough,” life seems to move at a more relaxed pace amidst quiet, tree-lined residential streets and a scenic waterfront.

As the oldest borough in the state, Stonington is a great place to learn about and experience Connecticut’s maritime history. The Stonington Harbor Light and Lighthouse Museum stand at the end of Water Street, overlooking the award- winning duBois Beach and East Lawn.

Take Water Street in the other direction, and you will find antique shops, boutiques, consignment stores, cafés and galleries. You will also pass Connecticut’s last commercial lobstering and fishing fleet. The beautiful Stonington Free Library, built in 1900, is worth a visit. The surrounding lawns on Water Street make an idyllic spot to read a good book and sip a fresh-brewed cup from Indulge Coffee across the street.

Guests discover plenty to do in Stonington — shopping, enjoying the growing craft beer and wine scene, exploring walking trails through the salt marsh, and visiting creative spaces. La Grua Center presents cultural exhibits, speakers and musical performances on Water Street. The Velvet Mill, a repurposed mill building, now home to studio and gallery spaces and small businesses, is a short walk from the center of town.

If you’d like to investigate the surrounding area, the more crowded but ever popular Mystic, CT, makes a great day trip. Pequot Golf Club and Saltwater Farm Vineyard, located in a World War II airplane hangar, are a couple of the many fun half-day activities in the area. Stonington Borough perfectly captures the quaint coastal New England experience, complete with friendly locals.

‍

WHERE TO DOCK

Don’s Dock

860-535-0077

Located just north of the shopping district on Water Street, this family-run business offers 200 slips along with repair and maintenance services. Moorings in Stonington Harbor accommodate large boats.

Coveside Marina

860-536-6207

Part of Connecticut and Rhode Island’s marina group, Lockwood Marinas, this facility offers full-service boat maintenance, off-season storage and seasonal dockage for vessels up to 46 feet. Check out the beachfront cottages and watersport rentals.

Dodson Boatyard

860-535-1507

Offering transient moorings and dockage, Dodson’s is a full-service marina with 110 moorings. They employ 35 technicians and have a yacht broker on hand.

‍

WHERE TO DINE

Dog Watch Café

860-415-4510

Dog Watch Café is a casual eatery with a canine theme and indoor and outdoor seaside dining, as well as lawn games and live music. The menu presents locally sourced dishes ranging from a raw bar and pizzas to sandwiches and seafood-centric entrees. Dogs are welcome at both restaurant locations.

Breakwater

860-415-8123

A waterfront seafood restaurant, Breakwater also has a vegetarian/vegan menu. The prime location offers stunning sunset views indoors and outdoors. Its spacious bar serves craft cocktails with an upscale vibe on Water Street.

Water Street Café

860-535-2122

Guests enjoy just-caught seafood that features fresh oysters and local organic produce in a warm eclectic environment. The menu is diverse, with French and Asian inspired specials. Opened 25 years ago, a meal here is not just dinner but a true Stonington experience.