Places for tourists and wanderers, too

When you think of this coastal town, you probably don’t think of Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, or “Mystic Pizza,’’ neither the place nor the motion picture. But you should. That’s because Mystic is not a town but a village of Stonington. And now it will come as no surprise that Stonington, with its beautiful water views, quaint inns, unique shopping options, and interesting attractions, attracts many couples and singles looking for a weekend away.

Stay The Inn at Stonington

(60 Water St., 860-535-2000, www.innatstonington.com, $150-$445) is smack dab in the heart of Stonington Borough, with most of its 18 rooms having views of Stonington Harbor and Fishers Island Sound. Best sunsets, innkeepers say, are seen from the third-floor Harborview Room. The Steamboat Inn (73 Steamboat Wharf, 860-536-8300, www.steamboatwharf.com, $150-$300) is an 11-room inn with views of the Mystic River, located in the heart of the historic district. Its most romantic room is said to be the Mystic, with views of the river and the morning sun rising over it. The Whaler’s Inn (20 East Main St., 860-536-1506, www.whalersinnmystic.com, $109-$259) has five buildings, including the 1865 House, a historic Victorian, and the Hoxie House with whirlpool baths, fireplaces, and river views.