When (if) at all possible, taking to the road for a few-hour adventure is much needed. As much as I love having the kids in tow, sometimes it’s best when they stay home. Whether a quick trip with my wife, with friends, or by myself, a mini-trip is rejuvenating and liberating all at the same time. Taking this journey to the Connecticut coast, this Groton and Stonington adventure doesn’t stop at the touristy spots; on the contrary, most of it is simply an enjoyable ride. If the kids were with me, there would need to be a destination. This backyard road trip is the antithesis of that. It’s going for the sake of going, even if we will be in popular areas.
Eastern Point Beach
Start your journey at Eastern Point Beach in Groton. If it’s in season and you don’t have a beach pass, you’ll mosey on by, but in the off season, drive in. If possible, stop for a swim or a walk on the sand. If not, take a look around. View the New London and Ledge Light lighthouses. Residents saved the impressive Tyler House, located near the beach, which has multiple uses today.
On the way to Groton Long Point, there are many other places you may want to stop at. The Poquonnock Bridge Boardwalk (pictured above) follows the Poquonnock Cove on a pleasant boardwalk stroll. Bluff Point State Park has woodland trails and beaches to explore. Haley Farm State Park has the foundations of a former farm with varied terrain to explore.
Groton Long Point
Remember when I said this is mostly a driving tour? Groton Long Point’s beaches are for residents, but the view is for everyone. Drive around this beachside community to witness houses of all shapes and sizes. Esker Point Beach greets you as you enter the neighborhood. Here, anyone can get out and enjoy the sandy shore by parking across the street next to the venerable Yankee Fisherman.
Sift Bakery
On the way to Stonington, you’ll pass by Noank (feel free to stop and explore) and Mystic. Now we’re staying away from Mystic touristy destinations such as Olde Mistick Village, the Mystic Aquarium, and Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum. They are all very worthwhile stops in their own right, but not for today.
Route 215, heading out from Groton Long Point, will eventually intersect Route 1 in downtown Mystic. Find parking here because we’re off for a quick bite. Sift Bakery has locations in Mystic, Niantic, and Westerly, Rhode Island, and is always crowded, I mean, lines out the door. This is for a good reason, though; their baked goods and sandwiches are top-notch. My favorite is the salmon sandwich on a croissant, simply divine. Check out their baked goodies too. Croissants and other pastries will tickle your sweet tooth, while the coffee will leave you satisfied. Grab a table inside or on the porch, or take it to go.
Lambert’s Cove
There is so much to do in Mystic: bookstores, record stores, gift stores, and ice cream! But we’re skipping all of this to go on to the quieter pastures of Stonington. Fun fact: the village of Mystic is partially in the town of Groton and partially in the town of Stonington, with the western part in Groton and the eastern part in Stonington. Follow Route 1 north from Mystic, and eventually you’ll see signs for Stonington Borough and Route 1A. Notice the body of water, Lambert’s Cove, on your right, and you’re just about there.
Stonington Borough
Follow the signs to the Borough, and welcome to the heart of Stonington. This seaside village is full of historic homes and businesses, one close to another. Water Street, which is the main drag, is full of boutiques, galleries, and a few restaurants. Noah’s and Water Street Cafe are two eateries that have been around for years. Grab a few oysters and a drink before heading down to the end of the road to visit the Old Lighthouse Museum or to the town dock to see the lobster trap Christmas tree in season. Simply walking or driving Stonington’s streets is impressive, whether you get out or not.
This area has so much more to explore, as this Groton and Stonington adventure is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to check out the seaside towns in further depth, check out this Coastal Connecticut Adventure. For a few more off-the-beaten-path sites in this region, you may want to visit Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington or Clyde’s Cider Mill and Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, both in Mystic.
