The Ultimate Travel Guide to Mystic, Connecticut
Connecticut will always have a special place in my heart as it is where I lived for 21 years of my life. There are some charming hidden gems about it but there are also reasons to stay away. I’m mostly talking about the weather. If you dare to experience Connecticut in the winter, grab your heaviest jacket and layer up. I wouldn’t suggest it though, the best time to go is definitely in the summer or even the fall. The summer, especially by the water, is such a beautiful time. The fall, anywhere in the northeast, is going to give you some of the best fall experiences. One of my favorite places in Connecticut is Mystic. It’s a hidden gem of a city and if you are ever traveling through the northeast you don’t want to miss it. One way to describe it, is charming.
Where to Stay
Steamboat Inn
This incredible hotel offers rooms that are overlooking the Mystic River and walking distance of many great restaurants and shopping. It is conveniently located in the Historic Downtown of Mystic. It is a boutique-style hotel only offering eleven rooms. Each room will give a nautical feel as you engulf in all New England has to offer.
Mermaid Inn of Mystic
This is an incredible B&B that is also conveniently located to restaurants and shopping. The house is a Victorian style house that was built in 1843. There are four rooms and each has a private bathroom. It looks like a charming getaway and the perfect place for a relaxing retreat.
Airbnb
If you are traveling with a bigger group or want a whole house to yourself, I would suggest Airbnb or Vacation Rentals. This is going to give you the best bang for your buck. When looking for places to stay you will want something close to all the action, aka the Historic Downtown of Mystic. Something on the Airbnb map that is within the Mystic River Historic District.
Things To Do
Explore Downtown Historic Mystic
The old historic downtown of Mystic is so cute! You will find plenty of shopping and dining perfectly perched on the Mystic River. Bring your camera and bring your shopping attitude! Some of the best shops are The Dittybag, Mystic Knotwork, Tidal River Clothing, Adore, and FatFace Mystic. I would even suggest going during sunset because the sunset while on the Mystic River Bascule Bridge is so charming. This bridge is the most famous drawbridge since 1922.
Mystic Seaport Museum
This is something cool and different to do in Mystic! Now I’m not sure you want to spend a beautiful summer day here but maybe a rainy one. It is a cool experience and one that families, kids, and adults love. It is located about a 5-minute drive from downtown. It is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm and it costs Adults: $25.95 each, Youth (Ages 13-17), Child (Ages 4-12) $18.95 each. You can also go to the Mystic Aquarium and get a bundle deal with your ticket, another fun experience in Mystic. For more information, follow this link.
Go Boating
I grew up going boating from Mystic and it is the best thing. Something to only do when it is warm out. There are plenty of boating tours that you can choose from. Anywhere from a relaxing river cruise, to renting your boat. The best part of the mystic is that once you are out of the river, you have the whole ocean and can even boat from Hampton to Cape Cod. If you’re looking for a fun day trip here are my favorite spots: Block Island, Watch Hill, and Newport. They all have beaches and the cutest towns, all located in Rhode Island, so the beaches definitely won’t disappoint.
BF Clyde’s Cider Mill
This is something you have to do in the fall. It doesn’t open until the beginning of September, so check it out soon! It’s a national historic landmark and has been making cider since 1881. It is the last steam-powered cider mill in the U.S. today. The beautiful landmark is like going back in time. You can enjoy apple cider, apple wine, jams, fudge, local honey, and my favorite: apple cider donuts. It is conveniently located about a 10-minute drive from the old historic downtown mystic.
Jonathon Edwards Winery
Located about a 20-minute drive away from old historic downtown, this winery won’t disappoint. It is open 7 days a week, year-round. It has been one of Connecticut’s leading wineries with an aroma of beautiful flavors blending so perfectly. You can book yourself a guided wine tasting that takes you on a tour through the winery and amazing wines to try. Plus they produce local artisan products to pair nicely with your wines. You can also make group reservations or even have your wedding here.
Enders Island
If you are an Italian pasta lover, this is your place to go. I’ve been here so many times with family and it has never disappointed me. It is located in the heart of old historic downtown and it has the cutest interior. I would suggest, if you aren’t at a big party, just sitting at the bar. It’s quite a vibe and you still get the same dinner options. Here are some of my favorites: pappardelle bolognese, linguini & clams, lobster ravioli, seared scallops, traditional meatballs, mussels, ricotta tartine.
Red 36 Bar and Grill
This is my mom’s favorite. Whenever I come home, we definitely come here. Not only does it serve incredible food, but the view is also astounding. It has indoor and outdoor seating but no matter where you are, you will be able to have waterfront views. Their restaurant has large open glass windows that give an open/airy feel to the place. You can arrive by boat or by car and it is located in old downtown historic mystic. Some of my favorite treats: lobster roll, beer-battered cod, mussels, clam chowder, steamers, linguine & clams, lobster carbonara BASICALLY EVERYTHING.
S&P Oyster Co
This is definitely on the more fancy and expensive end but it is highly enjoyable. It has a beautiful garden-style outdoor seating that also gives water views of the river and drawbridge. If you go during sunset, it won’t disappoint. Even Taylor swift had to rent it out and experience it for herself! Reservations are definitely suggested and space is limited. I actually haven’t been here yet SADLY, but you can’t go wrong with any of the seafood here.
Mystic Market
This is a place my stepdad loves, may even be one of his favorite. It’s more of a cafe-style market where you can shop around but also order fresh sandwiches or soups to go. They have a bakery, hot foods, cold foods, salads, and even catering options. This is a great place for a quick bite to eat or for a yummy lunch. It’s just down the road from the main strip of restaurants and is right before you go to enter Mason’s Island.
Mystic Pizza
Well, you can’t go to Mystic without getting Mystic Pizza. For those of you who don’t know Mystic Pizza was featured and the name of a movie back in 1988. It showcased the lives of Daisy Araujo (Julia Roberts), her sister, and her friend. Julia Roberts and the two other gals were waitresses at a local restaurant in Mystic. The restaurant just happened to be Mystic Pizza. Some say it’s the best pizza, some say it doesn’t live up to its name, however, I think it is still worth a shot trying for yourself. And how nostalgic it is if you loved the movie!
Ford’s Lobsters
Now this place is my favorite. If you are a lobster lover you most definitely have to go here. The food is not only incredible but full of lobster chunks. Not only does it feature lobster, but it also has many other incredible seafood dishes. On top of that, it is the cutest little seafood shack and has amazing insta-worthy shots and views of the ocean. You can arrive by boat or by car and it’s only 5-10 minutes away from the downtown area. Ford’s became popular because of its Lobster bisque. For a while, I didn’t even know about this cute place until a video circled Facebook of the amazing lobster bisque that left you drooling. Besides the bisque, I also love the lobster roll, lobster bomb, lobster Mac n cheese, lobster risotto, lobster fettuccine, basically anything lobster.
For the Sweet Tooth
Young Buns Doughnuts
I haven’t been yet which is surprising because donuts are my favorite. I highly suggest checking them out and maybe I will see you there.
Sea Swirl
This place has some of the best ice creams in town! I would highly suggest it for a late-night treat. However, it is a seafood shack and does have some incredible fried clams, oysters, clam strips, cod, crab cakes, and so much more. They even have hot dogs! Might be a great and easy dinner for those with families.
Mystic River Chocolate Cafe
This cafe features organic handmade chocolate from bean to bar. You can buy bars of chocolate to go or go to the cafe for coffees and other delicious treats. This is definitely not something to skip out on especially for chocolate lovers!
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