Step Back in Time in
Mystic Connecticut

We went on our first visit to Mystic Connecticut for a much needed weekend getaway.

Before we arrived in Mystic, I was thinking, that this being a small town, I would probably get bored with nothing much to do, and that it would be a very quiet weekend.

Well… I was wrong, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Things to do in Mystic

One of my favorite places to visit here was Mystic Seaport, an authentically restored 19th century coastal village.

These are not replicas; they are real historic buildings from all over New England brought to Mystic.

A very intriguing place to visit, especially if you love history.

Walking through this recreated village is like stepping back in time, with treasures of the past to be found in every building.

We walked around for a few hours, just taking our time and really enjoying the village, listening to the historians talk of how life was back then, and learning how some of those strange gadgets worked, and we often referred to the map, so we would be sure not to miss and exhibit or event.

On the waterfront is where you’ll find the Tall Ships, the Charles W. Morgan, America's last surviving wooden whale ship built it 1841, and many other vessels which were quite impressive exhibits.

Another site we were able to visit was the Olde Mystic Village, a shopping mall of about 60 small specialty shops and eateries.

But this is not your typical shopping mall of today, no indeed. It’s a recreated 18th-century outside mall of sorts. It really is quite charming; beautiful landscape of flowers, trees, duck ponds, a waterwheel, and gazebo.

I did notice a movie theater nearby, something I’m quite sure did not exist in the 18th century. But it is off to the side of the village, so it is probably not part of it.

Also nearby was the Mystic Aquarium which appears to be quite popular with the tourists. It sounds like a cool place to go, with the sea lions and Beluga whales, penguins and seals. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to go, maybe on our next visit we will get a change to check it out.


Where to Stay in Mystic Connecticut

There are plenty of B&Bs and small inns if you decide to stay overnight, as well as many of the usual chain hotels, like Comfort Inn, Best Westerns, Hilton, Holiday Inns, etc. However, I prefer to stay at B&B’s and Inns, to me these are the essence of a New England getaway.

We were fortunate enough to stay at the Whaler’s Inn. It’s located right in the heart of Mystic, near the drawbridge, and we could easily walk to the downtown area.

We stayed in one of the queen rooms, which was clean, comfortable and nicely decorated. A continental breakfast is available (which we passed on, because we wanted a full breakfast) as well as internet access for those who like to surf while on vacation.

The Steamboat Inn looked like a good place to stay too, located right on the water, and has excellent views. We didn’t stay here, but we met a couple who were, and they said the rooms “are fantastic”, and service is excellent.

We went to Mystic Pizza…you know the pizza parlor from the movie of the same title, which a then unknown actress, named Julia Roberts, starred in. We couldn’t resist, had to try at least a slice, it was okay, bready and garlicky I think, but tasty.

But breakfast the next morning, at the “Somewhere In Time” restaurant, really impressed me. This place is great! You will not leave hungry, the portions are generous, and a bottomless cup of coffee, which you get to serve yourself. The staff is friendly and accommodating and the pricing is reasonable.

Overall we were happy with our trip. Something’s were a little pricey, but it is a tourist area, so it’s to be expected. Our only disappointment was that we were only staying for the weekend.

Mystic Connecticut is definitely a place we will visit again, but the next time we’ll stay a bit longer.

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