Summer may be winding down, but Stratford’s shoreline isn’t.
Beginning September 15 through October 13, businesses throughout Lordship are joining together for Only in Lordship, a four-week campaign designed specifically around the often-overlooked shoulder season between summer and fall—when the crowds thin, the weather remains inviting and Stratford’s seaside neighborhood still has plenty happening!
A free Lordship Passport will be available at participating businesses. Visitors collect punches as they explore, and Passports with at least three participating-business punches can be turned in at Mellow Monkey for a chance to win prize packages featuring gift cards, products and experiences from participating establishments.
Many businesses are also offering limited-time Only in Lordship specials, including Lordship-inspired food, cocktails, desserts, merchandise and experiences.
Visitors can make it a day trip—or turn it into a weekday or weekend getaway with a stay at waterfront boutique The Surfside Hotel, overlooking Long Island Sound. From there, restaurants, shops, beaches and neighborhood attractions make it possible to spend a day or two exploring Lordship without going far.
Participating destinations include Drowsy Whaler Coffee & Grog, Riley’s by the Sea, Little Pub Stratford, The Surfside Hotel, The Landing at Five Twenty, Dal Mare Pizzeria, Lordship Corner Market & Ice Cream Shop, Mellow Monkey, Cricket Car Hop, Zack’s Frozen Yogurt and The Windsock, along with Short Beach, Long Beach, Short Beach Golf Course and Stratford Point Lighthouse.
“September and early October may actually be one of the best times to experience Lordship,” said Howard Aspinwall, owner of Mellow Monkey and organizer of the campaign. “The shoreline is still here, the restaurants and businesses are still here, but the summer rush isn’t. We saw an opportunity to turn that in-between season into a reason to explore Lordship—and maybe stay awhile.”
Qualifying Passports must be turned in at Mellow Monkey, 360 Sniffens Lane, Stratford, by October 27, 2026 to enter the prize drawings.
For participating businesses, special offerings, Passport details and ideas for planning a day trip or getaway, visit VisitLordship.com.
