DESCRIPTION:
	It was a cold, windy, winter day. Isolation and desolation were our companions. Not even the lighthouse broke that feeling, for it too was completely dark. Cold without any light from within. A lone seagull drifted in the wind overhead, dropping occasionally into the little ribbons of white foam that crested the waves in an attempt to catch dinner. We didn't stay long, it was nice there all alone, but too cold. We walked around the lighthouse pondering what it was like inside. Perhaps a nice warm fire glowing to keep out the cold. But we will have to return to see if there is indeed a fireplace inside.
Passing the lighthouse without much thought one could mistake it for a New England church with its stone construction and tower situated predominantly in front like a bell tower. The tower itself is not more than 2 or 3 stories tall. If you look closely at the beacon roof you will see a weather vane. Built in 1823, moved in 1840, it still stands against time as a reminder of what was once a major seaport. At the end of Water Street, sitting next to the harbor, is the stone fortress of the Stonington Lighthouse. Surround by pine trees and a white picket fence, it is more a part of the neighborhood and the houses around it, than other lighthouses that demand that there presence is known.

DIRECTIONS:
	From Interstate 95 take traveling North, take the exit for Mystic Seaport, RT. 27. Drive past the seaport and make a left onto RT. 1 North. Head eastwardly until you reach RT. 1A, proceed down Rt. 1 A until you reach Water Street. Drive to the end of water street, the lighthouse will be at the end on your left. There is an gravel parking area just past the lighthouse on the edge of the bay. You can drive no further. From Interstate 95 traveling South, take the exit for Westerly, RT. 49. Head south to reach RT. 1. Head south or westward on RT. 1 to you reach RT. 1A. Turn left onto Main Street Number 1, which will merge into water street. Drive to the end, the lighthouse will be on your left.

WHILE YOU ARE THERE:
	Stonington is a pleasant New England Coastal town. When we visited the town it was very quiet, but then it was a 35 degree day in February. In different time, 170 years ago, the town was a center for whaling fleets and transportation. The lighthouse is open for tours from May till October, call 860-535-1440. Admission $3, 6-12 $1
	At Mystic Seaport, there is a full size replica of a fairly common New England style lighthouse. The maritime museum is great and should not be missed! The aquarium is also well done. Nearby the aquarium is a gift shop village which is fun to stroll through. For something less commercial there are also some nice shops and restaurants in the older part of town along RT. 1.

NEAREST LIGHTHOUSES:
	West/South - Morgan Point CT, private residence, no beacon. - New London has 3.
	East/North - Watch Hill Point RI