Treasure Hunting the Antiques Trail in Stonington Borough
Nestled along the picturesque coast of Connecticut, the charming village of Stonington Borough offers a delightful journey into the past. Renowned for its rich history, architecture, and maritime heritage, the Borough is home to shops filled with unique artifacts and timeless pieces awaiting your discovery.
Exploring the Antiques Trail in Stonington Borough is akin to embarking on a treasure hunt. From vintage furniture and fine china to retro collectibles and maritime memorabilia, there is something for everyone. You might stumble upon a beautifully-painted 19th-century cabinet, a set of vintage crystal wall sconces, or a collection of antique maps that trace the history of the shoreline. Dig through a box of vintage postcards, examine the intricate details of a silver tea set, or score a collection of antique fishing lures.
On Water Street, you’ll find a cluster of shops offering an immersive experience in the world of antiques and a gateway to the past.
Carolyn Yost Estate Jewelry and Stonington Antiques Etcetera
148 Water Street, Stonington
(860) 535-8422 (landline)
Call for Hours
You can’t miss Carolyn Yost Estate Jewelry and Stonington Antiques Etcetera at the corner of Pearl and Water Streets. Its vibrant exterior pays homage to the hues found in underwater coral reefs, perfectly befitting its seaside location. Stepping into Carolyn’s shop is an experience. The space unfolds as a meandering labyrinth of jewelry cases, furniture, art, dishes, beauty products, and intriguing oddities. We guarantee you’ll find a conversation piece: a painted picnic basket, a weathered vintage trunk, and even jewelry crafted from Ancient Greek and Roman coins.
Grand & Water Antiques
135 Water Street, Stonington
(860) 535-2624 (landline)
Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm (Spring, Summer + Fall)
Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 4 pm, Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm (Winter)
Deborah Norman, the owner of Grand and Water Antiques, knows the history behind each piece she’s selected for her shop; carefully arranged in various vignettes, allowing you to envision your own living room or dining area…complete with china, crystal, and mother-of-pearl flatware. Her keen eye and knack for styling have created a demand for services — home staging and re-design — with help from business partner Karen von Ruffer Hills.
Stonington Consign to Design
132 Water Street, Stonington
(203) 921-6377
Friday - Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
Inventory moves fast at Stonington Consign to Design, a high-quality consignment shop that accepts and resells furniture, home accessories, and art. There are some real finds here — we recently spotted a pair of Provencal ladder back armchairs with rush seating and a beautiful antique survey of the coast of Boston Harbor. If you’re lucky, you may even meet Joanne Scavetta behind the desk, a talented artist whose work is for sale and adorns the walls. Make note of their new location — they’ve recently moved up Water Street to a bright and spacious spot.
The Velvet Mill
22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington
Cross the footbridge into Borough East, or “the Beast” as locals call it, to reach the Velvet Mill. This historic landmark, once a thriving hub of textile production, has been transformed into a vibrant center for art, culture, and community. Its spacious halls have been reimagined as a haven for artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs who have breathed new life into its brick walls and lofty ceilings. As you explore the labyrinth of corridors, you’ll find a number of Mill residents specializing in vintage furniture, home accessories, and collectibles. Don’t miss Fun and Funky Vintage, Velvet Mill Unit 88, Emporium in Exile Antiques, and Epoch Destiny Vintage.
For those with an affection for nostalgia, history, and timeless beauty, Stonington Borough provides an enchanting escape. Immerse yourself at a slow pace; explore the quaint shops and unravel the stories hidden within each discovery. Whether you are a seasoned collector or an enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable experience, exploring the Antiques Trail is an opportunity to step back in time and celebrate the enduring allure of the past.
Shop hours vary. Please contact individual merchants for the most up-to-date information.
Please note, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list. We feature businesses that are members of the Stonington Borough Merchants Association. For more information or to join the SBMA, click here.