If you google search where to visit in Connecticut, without a doubt it’s going to be Mystic. As someone who lives so close by you may ask yourself, why has it taken till now to visit it? I myself and asking that question because YES, it’s worth ALL the hype.
Located on the Connecticut shoreline to the sound, mystic quite literally has something for everyone. An array of accommodations from independent hotels, big names hotels, to bed and breakfasts and rentals. Whether you want to sit on the dock watching the boats, walk around shopping, hit a nearby beach, go to the seaport for some history or indulge in an adult beverage at a local winery…mystic has it all!
I’m going to cover my favorites of mystic, from where to stay, where to eat and of course favorite activities!
The Whalers Inn. My absolute favorite spot to call “home” when visiting mystic is The Whalers Inn. The Inn has a prime location in downtown making it a fanatic base for exploring all around. The inn offers 45 guestrooms and a plethora of amenities amongst the friendliest of staff! Quite simply, there is no other choice of where to stay!
Book Here: https://www.whalersinnmystic.com
Eat breakfast or grab an afternoon treat at Sift Bake Shop! Sift is “absolutely” an it spot while visiting mystic. We had breakfast here and devoured our lemon scone, blueberry scone, yogurt parfait, avocado toast, smoked salmon sandwich, iced coffees and teas! There’s something for everyone from artisanal baked goods to handcrafted macarons and desserts.
Order Ahead: https://www.siftbakeshopmystic.com
Grab a pre or post dinner drink and sweet at A.T.Y Bar & Bonbons! This was such a fun spot to grab an adult cocktail (or non-alcoholic) while indulging in the bonbons which were truly a piece of art!
Dine at The Shipwrights Daughter. Located in the heart of downtown mystic, this restaurant hosts chef David Standridge, a 2024 James Beard Award finalists. I’m no food critic but I can see why he was a finalist, the food was outstanding! The restaurant is a tide-to-table dining experience by prioritizing local growers, farmers and fishermen. From the chicken to the burger to the pasta…everything was fresh and delicious! Definitely make a reservation for lunch or dinner when you visit.
Shop around Downtown Mystic. The downtown area is so charming! Truly picturesque New England coastal town. The streets are lined with boutique shops, ice cream parlors, restaurants, bars and is all situated around the river so you can take it all the water views and boats sailing by!
My favorite shop was Just Mystic! This boutique shop is owned by a brother-sister duo, specializing in bringing classic, clean, iconic coastal style to Mystic. I had to buy the “coastie” sweatshirt because it was too good to pass up. I loved all the apparel along with the accessories and trinkets!
Shop Online: https://justmystic.com
Also note worthy is Bank Square Books! This book shop has an extensive collection in various genres for adults and children.
Head to an afternoon at a local winery and it better be Saltwater Farm Vineyard! Okay…probably biased because we did get married here but this is the best out there! The vineyard is located along tidal marshes and brought a WWII-era airplane hanger back to life. I love the history of the vineyard, and the beauty of the renovated airplane hanger for indoor tastings and events. Enjoy your glass of wine on the lower level or upstairs level with patio or stroll the acres of vines taking on the outstanding beauty! A personal favorite is the runaway rose!
Check Hours and Events: https://www.saltwaterfarmvineyard.com
Visiting nearby Olde Mistick Village. If you’re a CT native then most likely you visited these back in elementary school. This is a family and pet friendly open air village filled with shops and restaurants. The Cloak and Wand is always a popular stop amongst the crowds.
Visit the Mystic Seaport. The seaport is a 19th century recreated seaport village featuring trade shops and businesses from the 1800s for maritime trades (shipsmiths and coopers to woodcarvers and riggers). Visit to learn the history of the seaport!