Stonington Travel Guide

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Flights to Stonington

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Things to Do  

Light House Museum
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boatcook 1 reviews
Stonington Light House Museum
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Possibly smallest lighthouse museum in the world. Lovely display of Americana in two floors of the historic building, located at the very end of the Stonington Village peninsula. Visit the top of the lighthouse and view the village as well as Fisher's island, Watch Hill and (on a clear day)the tip of Long island. Museum items include artifacts of the 1812 war when Stonington managed to repel the British Fleet, led by Hardy, with only few people and two old guns. Museum curator, Louise a good friend, tell her I sent you. Place is closed from November to April but is always lovely to visit and take the sea breeze.

Written Nov 21, 2008

Address: Stonington Village

Related to:
 Museum Visits
 Historical Travel
 Family Travel

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Nathanial Palmer House
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airkarat 56 reviews

Nathaniel Palmer was reportedly the first 'person' in the world to set eyes on Antarctica (often reported as the discoverer of Antarctica in 1820 or so, though he was not on an exploratory expedition). The two museums offer a good overview of maritime history - whaling, sealing and shipbuilding and the first America's Cup race. Nathaniel Palmer's records helped future explorers to plan their missions - here can be found some artifacts relating to Shakleton and Byrd.

This museum is a good example of the most progressive architecture and residential amenities of the time. This seems to be its focus, but while we were there, we joined a family with school-aged children and the curator made a very interesting presentation to interest the children.

As part of your $5 admission one may also visit the Lighthouse Museum in Stonington Borough.

Written May 29, 2006

Address: 40 Palmer St., Stonington, CT

Website: http://www.stoningtonhistory.org/palmer.htm

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Architecture

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Lighthouse museum - the view
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airkarat 56 reviews
The view from the lighthouse

The Lighthouse Museum is at the end of the main street of the part of Stonington known as Stonington Borough / Boro. The street is like a less busy Mystic, with boutiques and restaurants and historic homes.

As part of your $5 admission one may also visit the Nathaniel Palmer house - reportedly the first 'person' in the world to set eyes on Antarctica (often reported as the discoverer of Antarctica in 1801 or so, though he was not on an exploratory expedition). The two museums offer a good overview of maritime history - whaling, sealing and shipbuilding.

Written May 29, 2006

Address: Stonington Borough (across a bridge by the point)

Related to:
 Historical Travel

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Old Lighthouse Museum
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vertov 18 reviews

Very quaint and a nice bit of coastal history. Stonington is actually a little tricky to get to and navigate in. Make sure you have a good map. (I rarely get lost driving - I got lost.)

Make sure to climb to the top. The lighthouse isn't very tall, but it's still a good view.

The museum is small, and the front entrance is also the staircase to the top - very tight quarters! It allowed me to overcome my acrophobia and claustrophobia all at once!

Updated Nov 24, 2003

Address: 7 Water Street, Stonington, CT 06378

Website: http://www.stoningtonhistory.org/light.htm

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Beaches
 Romantic Travel and Honeymoons

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Hotels  

Seabreeze Inn

 31 Opinions

Inn at Stonington

 163 Opinions

Restaurants  

Skipper's Dock: Don't Miss The Fresh Seafood and the View
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gaolei 284 reviews

Skipper's Dock is a great restaurant that is built on a dock in Stonington Harbor. You can sit outside in the sun and see the bluefish chasing the bait fish among the sailboats. You can drive your boat up and dock. There is a view of the east end of Long Island Sound and Fisher's Island that is no less than spectacular. Why would you eat anywhere else?

Favorite Dish: Don't Miss The Fresh Seafood! Yes the view is great, but so is the food. Try the bouillabaisse or the lobster roll. For lunch, try the clam roll!

Updated Oct 2, 2007

Address: 66 Water St. Stonington, CT 06378

Phone: 860-535-0111

Website: www.skippersdock.com

Related to:
 Food and Dining

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Local Customs  

Enjoy being trusted!
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airkarat 56 reviews
Overlooking the Memorial for fishermen lost at sea

While waiting for a restaurant to open, we drove down to the town dock to see the fishing boats and to find out a little more about the industry.

There we found a little store that sells the local catch of scallops as well as other frozen seasonal fish and seafood. We recognized the store as the one featured on a Dateline TV special about 'Freakonomics' - this episode about businesses operating on the honour system and how the chest freezer is open, unattended, 24/7, with a cashbox and credit card swiper for customers to use on trust.

Check out http://www.abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=1843190&page=1 for the story of the proprietor Bill Bomster (the writers claim that you will 'enjoy being trusted'), and view the link below for a picture tour of the Stonington Jo - a scallop trawler.

Bill told us that the Lobsterfest going on in Mystic was using lobster from Canada (as they are not in season, and are less costly from Canadian suppliers). Thats fine, but we drove from Canada for fresh local seafood - he gave us a good list of restaurants to try.

You can find the trawlers at the Town Dock in Stonington Borough - not at the point, but at the harbour - off of High Street. As you come over the metal bridge into the borough, it will be to your right.

Written May 29, 2006

Website: http://www.stoningtonct.com/working2.html

Related to:
 Food and Dining

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Comments

* Pricing and fares have been collected during the three days prior to today's date. Actual pricing and fares are provided by air carrier and suppliers, whose prices change frequently and without notice.
Map of Stonington