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This charming seaside village is located in the southeast corner of the state with panoramic views of CT, RI and NY.  

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Yankee Magazine voted Stonington one of the “Top 10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England” for its mile-long beaches, historic seaside homes, and eclectic shops and boutiques. Visit the Old Lighthouse Museum to discover Stonington’s maritime and agricultural history, dating back to 1895. Relax along DuBois Beach; enjoy swimming, boating and sun-bathing. Eat like a local at one of the many restaurants offering fresh, seaside dining. Make your way to “The Point” at the tip of the peninsula to watch the sunset or capture panoramic views of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. 

1649 is the date used as the "settlement" of Stonington, as it's the date when Thomas Stanton and William Chesebrough were granted land in the town of Stonington. In 1662, the first colonial charter was issued, defining the eastern boundary of Connecticut as the Pawcatuck River. Prior to this, there were disputes about which state owned Stonington - RI, MA or CT. The 1662 charter established that Stonington lay in the state of Connecticut. In May of 1666, an act was passed that put Mystic into the town of Stonington, and laid the bounds for the town, pretty close to where they stand today. Ten miles northward from the sea, and east to the Pawcatuck River.

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Facts about Stonington

Town/City established:

  • 1649.

Named from:

  • This town was named from Souther Town in Massachusetts, later renamed Stonington in 1666. 

County: 

  • New London.

Notable citizens (past and present):

  • Peter Benchley, author of Jaws.
  • James Merrill, Pulitzer Prize winning poet.
  • Greg “Fossilman” Raymer, 2004 World Series of Poker Champion.

Top Five Attractions:

  • Saltwater Farm Vineyard.
  • Old Lighthouse Museum.
  • Beer’d Brewing Company. 
  • DuBois Beach.
  • Captain Nathaniel Brown Palmer House.

Annual Visitor’s Events:

  • Stonington Village Farmers Market, May-October.
  • Stonington Vineyards Friday Night Summer Concerts, July & August.
  • Mystic Blues Festival, August.
  • Harvest Food & Wine Festival, September.

Quality of town:

  • Yankee Magazine voted Stonington one of the “Top 10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England” for its mile-long beaches, historic seaside homes, and eclectic shops and boutiques. Visit the Old Lighthouse Museum to discover Stonington’s maritime and agricultural history, dating back to 1895. Relax along DuBois Beach; enjoy swimming, boating and sun-bathing. Eat like a local at one of the many restaurants offering fresh, seaside dining. Make your way to “The Point” at the tip of the peninsula to watch the sunset or capture panoramic views of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York.

While You're in the Neighborhood