Stonington is a town in New London County, Connecticut. It is located in the southeastern corner of the state. The town is home to the borough of Stonington, as well as the villages of Pawcatuck, Lords Point, and Wequetequock. It also includes the eastern parts of the towns of Mystic and Old Mystic.
Stone Acres Farm
If you’re looking for a place to go in Stonington, Connecticut, look no further than Stone Acres Farm. The historic farm has been in operation for over 200 years and features an ornate garden and acres of vegetable production. It celebrates natural farming and sustainable food practices while conserving open space, cultural landscapes, and historic structures. It is a great place for family outings or an intimate wedding, and it also boasts a friendly staff of wedding coordinators.
In addition to a farm, Stone Acres Farm is also home to the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center. This nonprofit works to preserve Connecticut’s agricultural, cultural, and culinary heritage. To that end, it offers educational programs, culinary lessons, workshops, and seminars. The center also hosts a variety of events, including concerts, lectures, and art shows.
While on the farm, you can enjoy a delicious meal or take a cooking class. The Farmstand also hosts special events such as clam bake movie nights, farm dinners, and weddings. The venue can accommodate up to 250 people. It features a formal garden with a gazebo, fish pond, and rose arbors. The grounds are also home to over 40 different varieties of daffodils.
The town is also home to a farmers market. You can pick up fresh produce, tasty treats, and other items for your home. The town also features the enchanting Dubois Beach, where you can spend an afternoon relaxing in the sun. The sand is soft, and the waves are gentle.
If you’re a nature lover, you can visit the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, which is about a 10-minute drive away. The Nature Center offers educational exhibits on natural history, as well as hands-on experiences with animals. Stonington is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a retreat from the bustle of city life. With a wealth of natural offerings, scenic countryside, and small-town charm, this town is the perfect getaway for families.
Knox Preserve
If you want to get in touch with nature in Stonington, you should check out Knox Preserve. Located just off Route 1 on Wilcox Road, this expansive preserve is a great place to hike and explore. It has trails that take hikers through woodlands, grassy meadows, and shorelines. It is an ideal place for families with young children.
Avalonia manages 30 properties in the region, including the Knox Preserve, which is 17 acres and borders Quiambaug Cove and Long Island Sound. The Knox Preserve is a great place to observe birds, including Eastern bluebirds.
Another great place to go in Stonington is the Old Lighthouse Museum. This gray stone structure was built in 1840 to help sailors navigate the Sound. It is also home to the Stonington Human Services HIKE STONINGTON! program, which provides trail maps, guidelines, and even a free t-shirt.
Knox Preserve is managed by the Avalonia Land Conservancy, which works to preserve more than three thousand acres of natural areas in southeastern Connecticut. The preserve is home to a variety of invasive plant species and has many educational signs that will help you learn about the different species. You can even see drawings of common bird species and learn about their demographics.
You can also take a walk along Stonington Harbor. The walk begins at the waterfront gazebo on Water Street, where you can also find an eatery. You can also visit the Avalonia Land Conservancy, which advocates for the conservation of Stonington’s natural resources. The land conservancy also maintains walking trails throughout Stonington Borough, which lead to natural wooded areas for passive enjoyment.
Knox Preserve was originally owned by Thomas Minor, one of the founders of Stonington. The preserve is rich in native wildlife. The preserve’s stewards work to restore the habitat of the wildlife there. They also work to keep the preserve clean by removing old wires, old trees, and even a few old buildings.
Old Lighthouse Museum
Located on the east side of Stonington Harbor, the Stonington Harbor Light is a beautifully preserved mid-19th century stone lighthouse. It was retired from service in 1889 and now serves as a local history museum. Visitors are invited to tour the lighthouse and learn about the town’s history.
A visit to the Old Lighthouse Museum is a fascinating way to learn about the town’s seafaring history. As the first federally established lighthouse in the United States, this quaint structure features displays that highlight the people who inhabited the area. The museum also offers a chance to climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase, which offers stunning views of Fishers Island Sound.
A multi-million dollar renovation project is underway at the Old Lighthouse Museum in Stonington. The restoration includes repairing structural damage caused by water and insects. The building will also have new HVAC and electrical wiring. Floors will be refinished, and masonry on the exterior will be repointed. The restoration is expected to be completed in spring 2020.
The Old Lighthouse Museum in Stonington also has a new exhibit on the history of slavery in the town. The museum has previously featured exhibits on the fishing fleet and the Battle of Stonington. This year’s exhibit, “My Freedom is a Privilege That Nothing Else Can Equal,” will be on display until Feb. 27. It is part of the town’s story and one that should be told.
The Old Lighthouse Museum in Stonington is the first lighthouse to be converted into a museum and is now open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. The museum also houses the 16-room Captain Nathaniel Palmer House, which was once home to the first American to see Antarctica.
The project will be completed in two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed by May, and the museum will reopen in summer. However, there is no ETA for Phase II. Once the addition is complete, the organization hopes to expand programs and borrow exhibits from other museums.
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area
If you’re looking for a great outdoor activity in Stonington, Connecticut, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Barn Island Wildlife Management Area. This scenic area features 300 acres of fresh and saltwater marshes and is an Important Bird Area. A trail winds through the marshes and offers views of Little Narragansett Bay and Wequetequock Cove.
The WMA is also home to some rare plant species. Some of these species are threatened or endangered. Spartina spp. are important to the breeding of Seaside and Saltmarsh Sparrows, but they are disappearing as phragmites and ivy take over. Additionally, the DEEP Wildlife Division has documented populations of the New England Cottontail, a species of Regional Conservation Concern. The WMA is also home to the Continental Marsh, one of the few remaining unditched tidal estuaries in the state.
The Barn Island area is popular among birders and hunters. It supports nine state-listed avian species. The site is also a popular hunting destination during fall. In 1972, Dr. William A. Niering described the island as “the last wild coastal area in Connecticut.” As a result, this is one of the best places to see birds in Connecticut.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking at Barn Island, which is located just north of Stonington. It offers beautiful views of the sea and marshes and educational signage. Visitors should make sure to wear their proper clothing and take care to clean up after them. The area is also dog-friendly, but visitors should be aware of dog owners’ rules.
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington is home to more than 1,000 acres of natural beauty. This vast area features saltwater and brackish marshes, as well as a hardwood forest and fields. It also offers a boat launch. In fact, the man who owned the parcel that is now the boat launch ramp claims that more bootleg liquor was landed here during Prohibition than at any other location on Connecticut’s shoreline.
