[Stylo]

Maybe it’s because we walked around more of the Borough than we had before. Maybe it was the relative emptiness during Labor Day weekend. Or the crowds at nearby Mystic. But I can't understand why Stonington Borough isn't more of a tourist attraction.

There's nothing like it in Connecticut. The dense layout of well preserved 18th and 19th stately homes is reminiscent of Newport or Edgartown. It's a beautiful, historic area to walk around with plenty of waterfront. There's even a strip of restaurants and cutesy galleries and shops.

I think it's far more historic and beautiful than nearby tourist trap Mystic.

It should be teeming with B&B's, but we only saw one. There were some out of town cars, but compared to Mystic it's downright sleepy. In all our times there, it's been super quiet.

Does the Borough want it that way? Do they not want to promote tourism? Or is it truly just undiscovered by Western CT, NYers, etc. My friends sure aren't aware of it.

By the way, Milagro is a great spot for Mexican food.

[Pilot1]

I agree. I lived in Mystic, (worked in Groton) but preferred Stonington, and would go there often. As you said, the architecture is beautiful, and I liked the Dog Watch Café, so would eat there a lot. It was nice to get away from the summer, weekend crowds in Mystic.

[awt1972]

We visit friends there every year and it always has a sleepy feel regardless of the time of year. So much beauty and history though!

Did you check out the Velvet Mill? Unfortunately I must always visit on days the majority of businesses are closed, I hear there's a good bakery in there too.

[MMS02760]

Mystic a a fabrication of the past. Stonington Borough is the real deal.

[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Maybe it’s because we walked around more of the Borough than we had before. Maybe it was the relative emptiness during Labor Day weekend. Or the crowds at nearby Mystic. But I can't understand why Stonington Borough isn't more of a tourist attraction.

There's nothing like it in Connecticut. The dense layout of well preserved 18th and 19th stately homes is reminiscent of Newport or Edgartown. It's a beautiful, historic area to walk around with plenty of waterfront. There's even a strip of restaurants and cutesy galleries and shops.

I think it's far more historic and beautiful than nearby tourist trap Mystic.

It should be teeming with B&B's, but we only saw one. There were some out of town cars, but compared to Mystic it's downright sleepy. In all our times there, it's been super quiet.

Does the Borough want it that way? Do they not want to promote tourism? Or is it truly just undiscovered by Western CT, NYers, etc. My friends sure aren't aware of it.

By the way, Milagro is a great spot for Mexican food.

Most likely that's how the locals want it. Not sure if it would be legal or not to stop B&B's from opening, but I'm sure it would get a lot of opposition if someone tried.

[JayCT]

Shhh... It is a secret. Tell too many people and it will become another Mystic or Newport. Don't want that. Jay

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by MrGompers

Most likely that's how the locals want it. Not sure if it would be legal or not to stop B&B's from opening, but I'm sure it would get a lot of opposition if someone tried.

Pretty much local code is strictly enforced to try and limit development hence limiting visitors. They try to avoid tourism etc. It is a very pretty town. It's kind of like Watch Hill thou the wealthy locals prefer to keep it a secret.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by East of the River

Pretty much local code is strictly enforced to try and limit development hence limiting visitors. They try to avoid tourism etc. It is a very pretty town. It's kind of like Watch Hill thou the wealthy locals prefer to keep it a secret.

We go to Watch Hill a lot and that's fairly touristy.

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by Stylo

We go to Watch Hill a lot and that's fairly touristy.

Very true but the residents actively discourage it.

The little restaurants and shops push the tourism but the residents try to block it. Back in the 80's it was a very quiet place.
The residents have managed to block parking on most streets and shrink the parking lots. They even have a rule making it illegal to drop people off at the beaches.
The rebuild of Ocean house and some billionaires and celebrities living there has really upped the tourism.

Proposed Watch Hill parking ban criticized | The Westerly Sun


Stonington has the same issue the restaurants etc in town have their own little tourism group but the town is reluctant to approve anything that might draw tourists in.

The Day - Unhappy in Stonington Borough - News from southeastern Connecticut

[basehead617]

A lot of the town of Stonington itself is really nice too. There are some beautiful neighborhoods.