Stonington offers several possible focuses for a stay: lighthouse history, recreation in the park, beach activities, scenic viewpoints and wine experiences. The Velvet Mill adds a creative community with culinary offerings. Which of these aspects you’d like to explore can help guide your visit planning.
Museums and Local History
The Lighthouse Museum is described as America’s first lighthouse museum. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; check the opening hours before your visit. The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum is a National Historic Landmark. Tours are offered there on the hour. Check tour times before you travel, too.
The times provide two different points of reference for planning: the Lighthouse Museum has a stated daily opening window, while tours at the Palmer House take place on the hour. This lets you choose a museum visit based on the opening hours or the tour schedule. Both houses offer their own perspective on Stonington’s history.
Parks, Beach and Views
Spellman Park has four sports fields, a large playground, an outdoor fitness equipment area, two basketball courts, six tennis courts and two pavilions. Its facilities range from tennis and basketball to play and fitness areas. Other active recreation options include the nine-hole Far Flung Disc Golf Course and the one-mile Tom McCoy Red Trail Loop. The details describe different options: the number of holes is given for disc golf, and the trail’s length is specified.
Swimming, boating and sunbathing are all possible at DuBois Beach. These provide additional options for water activities and spending time at the beach, alongside the sports and recreation facilities in the park. If you’d rather take in the surroundings than focus on a particular activity, head to The Point at the tip of the peninsula. There, you’ll find spots for sunset views and panoramas across Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York.
Wine and Creative Experiences
Stonington Vineyards offers a guided tour of the working vineyard, explaining the individual steps of winemaking. Wine tastings are also available. You can choose between learning about the winemaking process and sampling the wines. Picnicking is also permitted on the grounds.
The Velvet Mill is home to a creative community of artists, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Its offerings include an artisan bakery, an award-winning nano-brewery and a winter farmers’ market. This complements a wine-focused visit with other culinary and creative experiences. Check the businesses’ availability and market days before your visit, especially if you’re planning to go to the seasonal market.
Discover more destinations: Mystic, Pawcatuck, Norwich, Groton, North Stonington, Preston, East Lyme, Lisbon.
For the broader travel overview: New London.
