Visitors can find centuries-old attractions all around town. One of them, the Old Lighthouse Museum (stoningtonhistory.org), the oldest museum lighthouse in the United States, marks Stonington’s nautical past through six rooms of exhibits and archives. An iron staircase leads to the top of the tower, where guests can take in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. A gift shop filled with toys and mementos completes the visit.
The 16-room Captain Palmer House (stoningtonhistory.org), built in 1852 by the seafaring Palmer brothers Nathaniel and Alexander, overlooks Stonington Harbor. The stately Victorian home welcomes visitors as part of the Stonington Historical Society. Open May through October, the Captain Palmer House displays rare artifacts, including memorabilia from Nathaniel Palmer’s discovery of Antarctic. A more ordinary-looking dwelling sits on 24 Main Street. This is the childhood home of artist James McNeill Whistler – in other words, it’s where Whistler’s Mother lived.
Stonington Vineyards (stoningtonvinyards.com) specializes in Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. The winery sells its wares to high-end restaurants across Connecticut, and offers visitors daily tours and tastings. The John Edwards Winery (jedwardswinery.com) evokes a Napa Valley atmosphere with its stone fireplace and custom wine bar. Saltwater Farm Vineyard (saltwaterfarmvinyard.com) has its foundation in a vintage World War II airplane hangar. Restored and redecorated, the hangar-turned-winery now sports a vaulted roof and timber trusses, creating an unusual backdrop for tours and even weddings.
Get a slice of film history at Mystic Pizza (mysticpizza.com), with locations in North Stonington and Mystic, Connecticut. The homey-looking restaurant lent its name and reputation to a 1988 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts. Though the pizzeria was recreated in a Stonington warehouse for purposes of filming, the restaurants today serve double duty as both a lunch location and a photo opportunity. Fans of “Mystic Pizza” can stroll by other filming locations in Stonington, including Cannon Square, Church Street and Zack’s Bar & Grill. Steven Spielberg’s 1997 historical epic “Amistad” also featured Mystic and Stonington locations.
Nightlife in Stonington is largely centered on neighborhood pubs and restaurants. The town is also near a major entertainment center with 24-hour attractions. Foxwoods Resort & Casino (foxwoods.com) near North Stonington has several clubs and bars, including a Hard Rock Café. Nightly gaming includes poker, blackjack, keno and slots, while live entertainment features concerts, comedians and celebrations.
