Mystical Magical
Appreciating the Connecticut coastline
The things I adore about summertime—going to the beach, taking boat rides, eating lobster rolls—aren’t part of my hometown, nor where I currently live.
I fell in love with these seasonal staples nearly twenty years ago on my first visit to Mystic, Connecticut. It’s home to around 4,400 people. It’s probably most well-known for its contribution to ship building in the 1700s. Or perhaps you recognize it as the setting for the film Mystic Pizza, which helped launch the acting careers of both Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. I learned of it because a childhood friend’s family went camping there. It sounded interesting, so my mom and I decided to plan our own trip. Little did we know it was about to become one of our favorite places, somewhere we visit not only in the summer but at least once during every other season, too.
Anytime of the year is beautiful in Mystic, though summer is probably when it shines brightest. It’s where I go when I really want to escape everything else. The spot for fresh, salty air to clear my thoughts and fresher, saltier New England Clam Chowder to fill my stomach. As I head there with my mom this week, I’m sharing some of my top spots in the area, hoping it might convince you to make a visit, as well.
Getting there…
Mystic is easily accessible for most folks in the Northeast. By car, it’s conveniently located off I-95, two and a half hours north of New York City. Several other little coastal towns can be found off the same highway within 25 minutes of Mystic, so the easiest way to get from place to place is by driving. However, if you haven’t got a car, Amtrak runs trains from New York and Boston. Rideshare services are readily available.
Marriott and Hilton have a few hotels directly in Mystic close to the main attractions for budget friendly folks. You could alternatively live out all your Gilmore Girls-inspired fantasies and opt for a bed and breakfast. Both The Whaler’s Inn and The Steamboat Inn are in downtown Mystic and offer quintessential antique décor with close access to everything. For any big spenders out there (which, I’ll admit, is not very #BrokeGirlSummer of you), The Delmar just opened and offers riverfront views from nearly every room. More glamorous options are available at the nearby casinos, too: Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.
How to spend your time…
First-timers need a day at Mystic Seaport, a maritime museum that houses a collection of ships and boats, plus a re-creation of a 19th-century seaport village where re-enactors tell you what life was like at the height of Mystic’s ship making days. You can also take a boat cruise down the river from the museum aboard the Sabino steamboat, dating back to 1908. If boats are your thing, I would suggest checking out Argia, too, for their sailboat excursions. On our first anniversary, Max and I did their sunset sail, and it remains among my best dates.
The Mystic Aquarium has many oceanic creatures to explore including Steller sea lions, sting rays, and the only beluga whales in New England. For anyone who watches the Hallmark Channel, this is the same aquarium used in the film Mystic Christmas.
For those looking for relaxation, chilling in the grass at Mystic River Park or at McCook Park Beach in nearby (15-min drive) Niantic is the perfect way to spend lazy, sunshine-filled hours. If you want some exercise, go for a scenic walk or bicycle ride down River Road, which curves along the waterfront. Rob Rivers Day Spa is the spot to unwind with a little mani-pedi, facial, or massage. Alternatively, you can check out the latest films at the Mystic Luxury Cinema. The seats are plush, offering the ability to put up your feet, plus they serve local wines at the concession stand.
Where to eat…
Mystic has a delicious food scene. S&P Oyster Company offers sophisticated seafood dishes. Think miso glazed salmon, lemon cod, and my most beloved chowder in the area. For more casual bites, you can of course grab a pepperoni pie at Mystic Pizza, just don’t be disappointed if nobody famous serves it to you. In the summertime, Sea View Snack Bar is where to go for fried shrimp and scallops. Take a seat on a riverfront picnic table to enjoy a view with your meal.
The best lobster rolls can be found at Dad’s Restaurant in Niantic. After closing last summer for renovations, the family business is back and better than ever. A perfect diner breakfast can also be found in Niantic at The Shack, a restaurant that got its name from originally opening in a lean-to building. Try the Homey Fries and the Cornbread. Thank me later.
If you have sweet treats on your mind, head over to Deviant Donuts in Mystic Village. Thursday to Sunday they offer artisan donuts around seasonal themes: Summerween is on this week and the flavors look incredible. Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream—named after the bascule drawbridge in the center of downtown—handmakes their unique flavors. Lemon Chocolate Kiss is my favorite. Though nothing screams summer to me more than a trip to the Niantic Dairy Queen, where the line gets so long it wraps around the parking lot. But it’ll be worth it for the ultimate soft serve treat or classic Dilly bar delight.
What to shop for…
Lots of fun boutiques line Main Street downtown. Peppergrass & Tulip carries vintage-inspired women’s fashion and jewelry. Think tulle skirts, polka dotted raincoats, and elaborate hats you’ll want to buy despite having no appropriate occasion for them. For guys, Trove offers cocktail making gear, joke books, and comfy outdoor clothes. Antique store Mine is filled with all sorts of curiosities. A few years ago, I stopped in and purchased an old, mirrored poster from the New York Film Festival. It’s definitely worth a look if you’d like something one-of-a-kind for your home. Bank Square Books is in this direction, too, and your best bet for finding new releases.
Grace in Niantic is a fun, coastal lifestyle store. Free People sweaters and smaller brand sundresses hang beside each other. They additionally have small sections for baby and housewares in case you’re in the market for a gift. Niantic also has Book Barn, the ultimate used bookstore. Copies of every genre fill the shelves of sheds and tents and yes, a literal barn, all at steep discounts. Spend an afternoon browsing. You might even get acquainted with a bookstore cat (or goat).
Rachel’s Weekly Recs:
After four years, sister group HAIM returns with I Quit, an album bountiful in break-up bangers. You don’t need to be heartbroken to enjoy it, though; anyone who’s ever had a relationship fizzle out will get in their feels.
Oscar Wilde has brought back its Alice in Wonderland decorations for the summer (supposedly for the final time). I’d recommend stopping by for a seasonal cocktail and some tasty pork buns.
Jellycat announced new items at their New York Diner experience, located inside FAO Schwartz in Rockefeller Center. Among the cuties are a strawberry milkshake and an ice cream cone. Both are perfect for summer. I might have to make a trip uptown to pick them up for myself…
A fun-filled account of THE best things to do in and around Mystic, Connecticut - so many lovely experiences to choose from. All you have to do is just get there and start having fun and relaxation!!!