July 4, 2024 on the green at Wadawanuck Square in front of Stonington Free Library

Stonington, Connecticut, is where the sea meets the soul of New England. Maritime culture is woven into the fabric of everyday life, influencing everything from how we eat to how we get around. The docks and river, the history of the old whaling ships, and the small-town charm all seep into my life, even my artistic endeavors. There's a little bit of a Disneyland Quality to this way of life in 2025 however, no matter how much we try and deny it. The economy of New England relied for so long on the whaling and textile mills, and all of that faded away. What's left is shadows of the past.

Living here isn’t just about the views—it’s about the rhythms of life that flow through this coastal town. It’s a place that reminds me to slow down, to appreciate detail, and to find beauty in simplicity. The people in coastal communities in New England work hard to keep these traditions alive, to keep the beauty of this area intact, because that is what made it attractive for so long anyway.

The maritime history inspires my creative process. It can be a quiet place, but there’s a lot of power in that stillness, and it finds its way into everything I do these days.

Here’s a list of 10 of my favorite spots around Stonington:

Napatree Point Beach – A picturesque beach area just a short drive away. Not just for spying on Taylor Swift.
Shipwright’s Daughter - A James Beard award winning place with consistent yet adventurous food, not to mention my favorite happy hour by far in the area.
The Dog Watch Café – A laid-back, waterfront restaurant with a relaxed vibe. Two locations, huge portions, friendly bartenders.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard – A beautiful vineyard set in a restored World War II airport. Free music many weekends with food trucks.
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area – Great for nature walks and birdwatching.
Mystic Seaport – Historic and perfect for those who love maritime history.
Borough of Stonington – Wander through the town for charming streets and architecture.
Port of Call - fantastic cocktail bar with occasional drag shows. Not to mention that the bar was made with word from the Charles Morgan ship the oldest wooden whaling ship left in the United States.
Stonington Free Library - situated on a wide square with benches and grass and shade to enjoy in the warmer months, this wonderful library even rents video games and wifi hot spots, and sticks for dogs.
La Grua Center - An arts center in Stonington Borough with a focus on music, with a very special 1886 Chickering piano and state of the art acoustics.

A Love Letter to Stonington & Mystic

Warfield Studio