Best Places for Dining, Shopping, and Sightseeing Near Mystic CT
Travel Guide by Glori Law
There are an incredible number of things to do year round in the Mystic area. We constantly update this guide based on our own experiences and with feedback from our guests, who now total over 120 rentals. We have gotten a good idea of what is worthwhile and what isn't. Our goal is to provide visitors with ideas and descriptions that will help to make their visit memorable. We don't get any favors, freebies, gifts etc. from any of the sites we mention.
To the left is the steamboat Sabino that is the oldest wooden, coal-fired steamboat in regular operation in the U.S. Built in 1908 in East Boothbay, Maine. It still has the original engine! It leaves from the Mystic Seaport and cruises up the Mystic river right in front of our house
Activities click to open the guide
Old Mistick Village
Old Mistick Village is located next to the Aquarium about 12 minutes from the house. It is suppose to be the replica of a 1720's Village. It is very commercial but still lots of fun to visit. I have found I am going there a lot more then I used to because I am liking many of the stores and their prices seem fair for the most part.
It is about 33 shops and 10 restaurants laid out like a little village. Kids love this place because it feels kind on miniature and there are ponds filled with ducks and geese. These ducks also wander all over the sidewalks and occasionally into the stores. Some of my favorite shops are Fun and Easy, Grey Goose Cookery, Mystic Kite Shop, Bestemors, The Franklin General Store, Sticky Situations, and Munson"s Chocolate that have the best chocolate covered frozen bananas ever! I am sure there are many places there I have not discovered. This is where Blue Squid is located, home of the best grilled cheese and cupcakes in town! Vault coffee and Pink Basil are also good.
The Chamber of commerce is located in this area, where you might want to check for discount coupons to places you are going to, like the Seaport and Aquarium. A few times a month they will have art or food festivals around the grounds of the village in tents, so watch for that.