Ten Towns Less Travelled: Part Five - Stonington, Connecticut

Stonington, Connecticut, in New London County just ten minutes north of the more touristed Mystic, is a kind of proverbial Throwback Thursday if one is "throwing back" all the way to pre-Colonial days. Whether you're looking at the Native Americans who settled the area or the English founders who battled to build here, it's ripe with history.

Several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places dot the landscape, including the Stanton Davis House, the oldest house in town. It was built by Thomas Stanton, one of Stonington's founders, beginning in 1670 (see below).

Overall, the town's architecture is so historic and charming you'll feel as if Sandra Bullock as an 18th century maiden will come skipping out from behind an old fashioned diner or soda shoppe.

Other things in town include:

1) Watching the sun set from the Point at the end of Water Street.

2) Heading out to DuBois Beach at the end of the Peninsula. Don't be deterred by a wintery spring; nothing puts a spring in your step like a run on a New England beach. If it's not cold enough for clam chowder or hot chocolate, you're missing part of the fun anyway.

3) Shop till you ...end up someplace fun for dinner, like Noah's.

4) Visit the Lighthouse Museum, overlooking Little Narragansett Bay. A circular staircase in the 170-year-old stone tower offers a breathtaking view of three states.

5) If it's autumn, take pictures! This is THE place to be when the colors turn bright crimson, amber, and gold.

6) Research your family history at the local library. Stonington has been around longer than this country or even Connecticut. Learn something about its Native American heritage. (Side note: you might want to take a day trip up to Mohegan Sun Casino on your way out of the state, just 25 minutes northwest of Stonington.)

7) Have tea at The Yellow House.If you're hungry, you can also grab lunch, like a turkey with avocado bagel, grilled cheese, or turkey pesto panini. Yum! I strongly urge you to just drive around this area and absorb the local culture and architecture. The Colonial and Victorian homes are so charming, you'll feel transported back in time. You can also drive up I-95 and head to Newport, Providence, or even Boston.

Tomorrow: Part Six - Ventura, Calif.

Photos from top: By Danacana; Bottom - Commercial district along Water Street in Stonington Borough, Aug 11, 2012, by Pi.1415926535. To contact me visit my website or write to me at lauriewiegler@gmail.com