Originally hailing from Massachusetts where the seaside villages of Rockport and Newburyport were favorite destinations, I was delighted to discover Stonington Borough, a small waterfront village close to Mystic. Since the ocean and shopping are two of my absolute favorite things, the Borough immediately felt like home. The best part is the access — whether you’re arriving by car or by boat, you can disembark and walk anywhere.

The entire village is a mile long, so pick a beautiful day and enjoy strolling from the town green to the point. Stop at one of the unique boutiques  along the way for fabulous jewelry, clothes, gifts, or antiques. Check out the Lighthouse Museum for a wonderful display of history and an unforgettable tower view, where you can watch the sun go down and enjoy the boats sailing by.

If you can spare a Saturday morning during the summer months, the Borough has a charming outdoor farmers market by the water, close to docks of Connecticut’s last commercial fishing fleet.

You can also take detour off the main roads and walk around the Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve, a small salt meadow with views of the water and some of the best nature offerings in the area.

Once you’ve shopped and finished sightseeing, settle in for a New England seafood dinner. The Borough has restaurants both on the street and the water, and they’re all worth a stop. If you’re heading back to your boat, the Dog Watch Cafe is a sailor’s haven. Overlooking the boatyard, you’ll find indoor and outdoor seating and a full menu with awesome seafood and a great list of pub favorites. Skipper’s Dock is the other waterfront gem. Try them on a Sunday for the jazz brunch.

you’re sticking to the street, check out the Water Street Cafe (860-535-2122) for seafood, or Noah’s Restaurant, where they are “obsessed” with scratch cooking. If you have a sweet tooth, save room for the desserts – the list of choices is a mile long and boasts items like the Hungarian Nut Torte, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cake, and tons of chocolate options. Need I say more?

There’s also the Yellow House Coffee and Tea Room (860-535-4986), if you’re looking for baked goods, lunch, or amazing coffee.

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