Late Summer in Stonington
Like most of us locals, I avoid 95 during the summer, but on a stunningly gorgeous day last week, a friend and I took off for Stonington. One of our most charming Shoreline towns (I don’t pick favorites!), the walk down Water Street, exploring the shops, ogling the Federal and Greek revival architecture, and ending at Dubois beach with its panoramic view of Fisher’s Island Sound, feels like a mini-vacay.
A few of our favorite stops:
(Please check with individual stores, as shopkeepers in the borough do not keep consistent hours.)
Grand & Water Antiques: One of the best antique shops on the Shoreline, owner Deb Norman has an exceptional eye for unusual pieces, and there is always something droolworthy! A perfect oval table for a smaller space, French provincial armoires, groovy side tables with elephant bases, gilt-framed mirrors, old glassware and silver. Just love it here.
135 Water Street
Repertoire
A new discovery was Repertoire, an intriguing shop with an unusual mix by interior designer and artist Nina Roefaro Romeo. We were flipping over the line of Italian soaps and potions by Ortigia: the packaging is beyond! A rack of ridiculously well-priced art supplies had me stocking up on watercolors, brushes, and sketchbooks (no, I do not paint, but one can dream); Nina also offers in-house illustration classes. It’s a bit far for me, but I was utterly taken with her style and architectural drawings of neighboring historic homes.
141 Water Street
TUCCI:
Tucci is a cheerful shop, filled with bright statement costume jewelry, embroidered caftans, and owner Mary’s own collage artworks.
120 Water Street
www.instagram.com/tucci_design
There are plenty of yummy spots for lunch in the village, but I was hankering for pizza, so we took off for the Velvet Mill and the sourdough-crusted pies at The Back Door Kitchen, owned by the talented chef couple behind Whitecrest Eatery. Grab a sourdough loaf to go, as our server assured us that it is the best in Connecticut!
22 Bayview Ave
We’ve heard great things about Heidi’s Curated on Stonington Road, outside the Borough, but unfortunately, it was closed the day we stopped by. Next time!
www.instagram.com/heidis.curated/
More Stonington faves:
