Enders Island: Everything You Need to Know

Ever hear of Enders Island? It’s a hidden gem just off Mystic, Connecticut. This 11-acre slice of paradise offers stunning nature, spiritual retreats, and artistic vibes. Plus, it’s super easy to get to, thanks to a causeway connecting it to Stonington.

Ready to discover Enders Island, one of the most unique attractions in CT? Let’s get into it:

Quick Hits

• Off Mystic, Connecticut: And linked to Stonington by a causeway, this spot offers nature, spiritual retreats, and artistic experiences.

• Key Attractions: Includes St. Edmund’s Retreat Center, Sacred Art Institute, Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel, and scenic gardens with seasonal blooms.

• Visiting Details: Open year-round with free admission; best garden views from mid-August to mid-September.

A Brief History of Enders Island

Dr. Thomas B. Enders, the son of the Aetna Insurance president, bought this patch of land in 1910. By 1918, he and his wife, Alys, had turned it into a grand estate with Arts and Crafts architecture, Italian tiles, and a boulder wall. When Alys Enders passed away in 1954, she left the island to the Society of Saint Edmund, dreaming of a place providing spiritual retreats and spiritual growth for the Catholic community. Today, St. Edmund’s Retreat welcomes people of all faiths looking for peace and healing.

Things to do on Enders Island

There’s plenty to see and do on Enders Island. Here are the highlights:

• St. Edmund’s Retreat Center: A 12-step recovery program focusing on prayer and meditation.

• Sacred Art Institute: Offering classes in religious arts like iconography, stained glass, mosaics, calligraphy, wood carving, and manuscript illumination since 1995.

• Fairfield University’s MFA in Creative Writing Program: The island hosts the bi-annual residency portions of this program.

• Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel: A seaside chapel built with Connecticut fieldstone and stones from Marian shrines worldwide, featuring a relic of St. Edmund of Abingdon.

• Outdoor Stations of the Cross: Scattered on the western side of the Island.

• Enders House: A stunning early 20th-century Arts and Crafts mansion.

• Gardens: Beautifully landscaped paths with a variety of flowers, including dahlias from mid-August to mid-September.

• Scenic Vantage Points: Offering breathtaking views of Fisher’s Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Restaurants & Shopping Near Enders Island

Hungry after your visit? Here are some nearby spots in Mystic, Connecticut:

• Kitchen Little: Famous for New England favorites like Flo’s Rhode Island clam chowder, with lovely views of the Mystic River. Great for brunch, though it can get busy.

• The Shipwright’s Daughter: Cozy and elegant dining with a menu full of fresh, local ingredients. Known for its innovative dishes and excellent service.

• Engine Room: Casual spot known for burgers, craft beers, and American comfort food. Lively and perfect for hearty meals and a great drink selection.

• The Mariner: A relaxed, nautical-themed restaurant serving a variety of seafood dishes, praised for its fresh catch and friendly service.

• The Captain Daniel Packer Inne: Historic inn with a charming atmosphere, serving traditional New England cuisine. Known for its cozy setting and delicious food.

• Fred’s Shanty Restaurant: Located in New London, this casual eatery offers seafood, burgers, and sandwiches. It has outdoor seating and mixed reviews but is loved by some for its fried clam strip plate.

If shopping is on your agenda, check out these places:

• Olde Mistick Village: A quaint shopping area in Mystic, CT, designed to look like a 1720s New England village. Great for unique gifts, local crafts, and artisanal products.

• Mystic Seaport Museum Store: Nautical-themed gifts, books, and souvenirs. Perfect for maritime lovers.

• Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream: A beloved spot for homemade ice cream, ideal for a sweet treat after exploring the area.

Events & Activities at Enders Island

Enders Island is open year-round, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and guess what? Admission is free! So take a self-guided tour, some quiet reflection, or join a retreat or workshop.

Best Time to Visit Enders Island

If you love gardens, aim for mid-August to mid-September. That’s when the dahlias are in full bloom, and trust me, they put on quite a show. You’ll also see petunias, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and sunflowers. It’s a picture-perfect scene in the garden. The garden is great for a leisurely walk or some Instagram-worthy photos. This floral beauty lasts until the first frost, though late summer and early fall are the best times to visit.

Spring in CT is also charming, with gardens just starting to wake up. But for the full wow factor, late summer can’t be beat in the garden. It’s peaceful and perfect for some downtime.

Directions to Enders Island from Greenwich, CT

Getting to Enders Island from Greenwich, CT, is a little confusing. And it doesn’t help that Enders Island neighbors are not fans of all the traffic passing-through. Here’s how to do it, though:

1. Start on I-95 North, continue for about 85 miles to Exit 90 toward Mystic Seaport/Mystic Aquarium.

2. Turn Right onto CT-27: At the end of the ramp, turn right onto CT-27 South (Greenmanville Avenue).

3. Pass Mystic Seaport: Continue on CT-27 South, with Mystic Seaport on your right.

4. Turn Left onto Coogan Boulevard: Turn left onto Coogan Boulevard and keep straight.

5. Turn Right onto Allyn Street: Turn right onto Allyn Street (CT-614).

6. Turn Left onto Pequot Avenue: Turn left onto Pequot Avenue and follow it as it becomes Mason’s Island Road.

7. Cross the Causeway: Continue on Mason’s Island Road, crossing the causeway to Mason’s Island.

8. Reach Enders Island: Follow the signs to 1 Enders Island, which will be on your right after crossing the short causeway.

Hotels, Inns, and Places to Stay near Enders Island

Wondering where to stay near Enders Island?

For a more immersive experience, you may want to try staying on Enders Island itself:

Enders Island Private Stay

• Highlights: A Perfect escape from the daily grind with solitude, peaceful reflection, and stunning views. Accommodations are like hitting the reset button for your soul.

Here are some cozy spots in nearby Mystic, CT, that you’ll love:

1. The Whaler’s Inn

   • Highlights: Highly rated and super convenient for exploring the area. Perfect for a comfy stay while you check out all the local sights.

2. Mermaid Inn of Mystic

   • Highlights: Charming place with great reviews from guests. It’s like staying in a storybook.

3. Inn at Mystic

   • Highlights: Offers scenic accommodations and is a favorite among travelers. The views alone are worth it!

4. Steamboat Inn

   • Highlights: Known for its waterfront location and unique lodging experience. You’ll feel like you’re on a boat without ever leaving dry land.

5. Taber Inn

   • Highlights: Spacious, clean rooms close to downtown Mystic and the beach. The owners are famous for their warm hospitality.

Discover more things to do in Stonington, CT, near Enders Island

If you’re heading to Enders Island anyway, you should definitely check out what else Stonington, CT, has to offer. This place is a hidden gem full of history, wine, and those cozy coastal vibes. And there’s always the lengthy list of things to do in Mystic, Connecticut, to explore once you’ve run out of options!

Just a few of the highlights include:

Stonington Lighthouse Museum

• Highlights: Stunning views of Long Island Sound and cool exhibits on local maritime history. Perfect for history buffs (built in 1840) and anyone who loves a good lighthouse story.

Saltwater Farm Vineyard

• Must-visit: Absolutely! If you’re into wine, this place is a dream. They’ve got tastings and some of the most picturesque views around.

Stonington Borough

• Features: 18th and 19th-century homes, cute shops, and great dining spots. It’s like walking through a New England postcard.

Tl;dr

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, Enders Island is the place. Located off Mystic, Connecticut, and connected to Stonington by a causeway. It hosts a mix of nature, spiritual retreats, and artistic activities. The St. Edmund’s Retreat Center, the Sacred Art Institute, and the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel are among its highlights. The gardens are a must-see, especially lovely from mid-August to mid-September.

Hungry? Nearby favorites include Kitchen Little and The Shipwright’s Daughter. For shopping, head to Olde Mistick Village and the Mystic Seaport Museum Store. Open year-round with free admission, Enders Island is easy to get to and perfect for a relaxing day out. Don’t miss the stunning views and the chance to unwind in this serene setting.