1. High Acres Bed And Breakfast
City: North Stonington, CT
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (860) 887-4355
Address: 222 NW Corner Rd.
Description: This 1743 farmhouse was added onto into the 1840s, but somehow that doesn’t seem to stop purists from admiring it. You can choose from 5 guest rooms with private baths and full breakfast. But the most spectacular part of this accommodation might be the 150 acres of walking trails and views. You’re in the middle of farm country here, with friendly horses living in stables right on the property. On the way through North Stonington at 1 Wyassup Rd., you should stop at the Stephen Main Homestead, maintained by the historical society (www.nostoningtonhistsoc.homestead.com). The annual Dye Day, held in June, features dyeing, spinning, and weaving.
2. Bellissimo Grande
City: North Stonington, CT
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (860) 535-9924
Description: This 164-room hotel benefits from its location only 3 miles away from Foxwoods Casino, and smartly offers a complimentary limousine service in a stretch SUV for all the guests going to and from the casino. This makes it a slightly cheaper alternative to staying at the resorts themselves, and yet the spacious and amenity-filled rooms are just as nice. There’s a heated indoor pool, a Starbucks coffee bar where you can get breakfast, Jacuzzis in many rooms, plasma televisions, and more. The Bistro is open on Fri and Sat nights, and they also have a spa at the hotel if you’d like to relax after a tough day at the gaming tables. All this, and they rate as an eco-friendly “green lodging” establishment, too.
3. Inn At Lower Farm
City: North Stonington, CT
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (866) 535-9075
Address: 119 Mystic Rd.
Description: Walking in and seeing the open-hearth fireplace in the Keeping Room is a great introduction to this 260-year-old colonial farmhouse. Of course, there are 6 other working fireplaces in the house, too, along with wide floorboards and original wood paneling. The inn has 4 large guest rooms with private baths, 2 of which have working fireplaces and 1 of which features a whirlpool. The homemade scones at breakfast or for afternoon tea are a treat, and the prices are very reasonable for Mystic country. The 5 acres the inn sits on are a wildlife habitat, and invite you to explore the stone walls and fields. Or sit on the porch swing or lie in the hammock and get ready for your next adventure.
4. Jonathan Edwards Winery
City: North Stonington, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 535-0202
Address: 74 Chester Maine Rd.
Description: Owner and winemaker Jonathan Edwards developed his winery on 48 acres of land that had been farmed for centuries. The majestic white barn that sits atop the slope and overlooks the vines is the picturesque snapshot of what we picture when we think of a winery. It’s a distinctive destination for events and weddings, and the winery provides tasters with a unique opportunity. Edwards travels across the country each season to harvest grapes and make wine in the Napa Valley, and then ships the product back to Connecticut for customers to enjoy. These wines show the Napa Valley appellation and are everything you’d expect from California wines. But the flavor of Connecticut is only a glass away. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc are all grown on-site. The Napa reds are big and bold, made with grapes like Petite Sirah that just aren’t suited to Connecticut’s growing season. But Cabernet Franc is a standout among the Connecticut reds, and the estate-bottled Chardonnay may just beat out the Napa version in your taste test. Open year-round Wed through Sun.
5. Lake Of Isles
City: North Stonington, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (888) 475-3746
Address: 1 Clubhouse Dr.
Insider Pick:
Description: The Lake of Isles is Foxwoods Resort Casino’s award-winning 36-hole course, right across the street from the casino. The grand ballroom in the 50,000-square-foot clubhouse seats 300 people, just to give you an idea of the scope of the place. Designed by Rees Jones, the course is divided in two parts, the north course and the south course, both with rolling terrain and wooded borders. Across from the pro shop in the clubhouse set into the hill, the Matches Tavern overlooks a large lake. Lake of Isles also has a year-round golf academy and, of course, offers packages with lodging at the Foxwoods hotels. But the most amazing things about this course are the island greens and tees, and walking across the quiet bridges under the red and gold colors of autumn.