A Saturday in Stonington Borough

by Cassidy Kendall

The Stonington Borough is a quaint, seaside village (a short, 10 minute drive from Mystic) with a relaxing and open-air atmosphere that is perfect for a summer Saturday. It offers farmers markets, downtown streets filled with local businesses, and waterfront dining. The Borough is also surrounded by Fisher’s Island Sound, giving it beautiful views of the ocean and Rhode Island. Read below for a guide to a peaceful and fulfilling Saturday in the village.

Summer is synonymous with fresh and local produce in New England, and the Stonington Village Farmers Market provides an abundance of fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods and live music. The market is open from 9-12 every Saturday and is located in the parking lot of the Velvet Mill. After perusing the vendors of the Market, stop into the Mill, which features antique shops, thrift stores, and art galleries.

Afterwards, one can stop at one of the many delicious restaurants in the Borough for an outdoor brunch. Two local favorites are Noah’s Restaurant and Indulge Coffee Company. Noah’s has an extensive menu that includes french toast, pancakes, and omelettes, while Indulge specializes in breakfast sandwiches and coffee.

If it is a sunny, warm day, one can then head over to Dubois Beach, located at the very end of the Borough, for relaxing swim or walk. The Beach has a picturesque view of the Stonington Harbor and breakwater, as well as Fisher’s Island and Sandy Point. However, if the weather is a bit cloudy or chilly, there are a couple land preserves in the area to stroll through. The closest is located at the end of Wall St, and is called Dodge Paddock. This short path takes one through wild flowers and a small cove with ocean views. If desired, the Stonington Borough is also a ten minute drive to Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, a large land preserve on a saltwater marsh.

For a midday snack and/or coffee, Social Coffee Roasters is fan favorite. It has a variety of baked goods that change each day, and its coffee is rich and bold. The cafe also specializes in creative latte flavors, such as turmeric golden milk and matcha. It is positively delicious for a sweet treat.

The late afternoon is a perfect time to stroll through the many shops that line Water St. Here one will find thrift stores, a tea room, clothing shops, and an extensive general store. All are small businesses and offer something unique to the visitor.

As the day comes to a close, and the sun begins to set, one can head out for a patio dinner at Breakwater, located also on Water St. The Breakwater sits on a large dock and looks west over the ocean, making it a perfect place to dine and watch the sunset. The restaurant has a variety of New American-style fare, from a raw bar to burgers, from salads to seafood pasta. Additionally, their drink menu includes thoughtful and creative cocktails, as well as wine and beer. A happy ending to a happy Saturday.

More sights around Stonington Borough…