Location: Mystic
Top Things to do in Mystic
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Mystic, Connecticut (CT)
Swab the decks, batten down the hatches and get ready to set sail for a weekend of adventure in Mystic, Connecticut's seaside city devoted to all things maritime. From the popular Mystic Seaport, a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, to the newly updated Mystic Aquarium, where you can mingle with beluga whales, seals and dolphins, there is something nautical at every turn. The Colonial period buildings of Olde Mystick Village offer a few tasty seafood restaurants, historical atmosphere and a multitude of unique gift shops. While most of Mystic's attractions have a marine theme, there are a couple of exceptions: landlubbers may want to check out the Mystic Art Association's galleries and studios, which showcase the work of local and regional artists. Or have a lunch at Mystic Pizza, the eatery made famous by the Julia Roberts movie of the same name. From restaurants with plenty of crayons and kid's menus to hotels with puppet shows and bedtime story hours, everything about Mystic is geared toward children, making it a fun and educational family getaway. And for adults, the nearby Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casino complexes are a sure bet for entertainment.
Restaurants in Mystic
1. The Spice & Tea Exchange
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Come In and Smell the Spices! The Spice & Tea Exchange® offers food lovers, chefs, and tea enthusiasts a unique shopping experience filled with culinary delights. Explore your inner chef and shop over 140 fine spices, 75+ hand-mixed seasoning blends, sugars, salts, loose-leaf teas, and accessories. Create your own gourmet gift, or choose from a variety of gift boxes and recipe samplers!
Reviewed By AndrewBeach - West Haven, United States
Excited to see this store in downtown Mystic. This location has a lot more to offer an others in the chain. Helpful staff, tasting of several products. Can't wait to try out my spice mixes at home!
2. Elm Grove Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By 384katiec - Indianapolis, United States
Such a picturesque cemetery! Worth at least a drive through on a nice day to see a bit of history! Beautiful water views as well.
3. Mystic Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Bordering the Mystic River, this complex features changing art exhibitions, special events and classes. A nonprofit organization created by an artist colony in 1913, the association boasts a membership of over 1,200 artists. Travelers can partake of one-day workshops or enjoy a day on the town while their children are educated and entertained in art classes.
Reviewed By BlueridgeCharlie - Dugspur, United States
The trip to Mystic coincided with the reopening of the museum. We were greeted as the first visitors since the closing. As we entered, staff was putting up the final distancing arrows and markers. It was a very pleasant visit done at a leisurely pace. Exhibits were interesting and many themes along regional/nautical lines. The museum is in a nice setting along the river. Enjoyed a river walk post museum.
4. The Company of Craftsmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
5. Mystic River Bascule Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 770 reviews
Reviewed By 356peterg - Tarporley, United Kingdom
Fascinating and unique swing bridge, opens every hour in the high season so plenty of opportunity to see it in operation
6. Extra Virgin Oil Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By RachelsDad2018
What a sweet little shop. Jars of honey that you can taste prior to purchasing and very knowledgeable staff that are willing to talk and answer questions. Also, olive oils on the other side of the store that you can also taste.
7. Historic Downtown Mystic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 657 reviews
Reviewed By christined584 - Salem, United States
Downtown Mystic is an easy walk from the Old Mystic Seaport...just follow the river! I found a charming and busy, and quite large, area filled with shops and restaurants of every kind including, my favorite, a wonderful bookstore to browse in. There are several historic inns downtown, and pleasant pedestrian traffic even early in the morning. The buildings are well kept vintage and would interest those who appreciate historic architecture, and the waterfront is right there to enjoy. The Mystic Museum of Art is located downtown, a short distance from the river. All in all, this is an adorable and well oiled downtown area.
8. Franklin’s General Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By UnikelyFan - Fall River, United States
This store has a little bit of everything. It has fudge, nuts, soup mixes, spices, jars of pickles, and much more!
9. Mystic Knotwork
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Sailor Bracelets and Nautical Knotwork for your home made right here in Mystic. See them create knot creations as they carry on their 50+ year family tradition in Mystic. Our growing community of artisan knot tyers are always open to talking about the area and share their talents.
Reviewed By barryn680 - Coventry, United States
now I am wearing my new bracelet for men made of rope in a long lost art and I am just so proud. This place is the only one of its kind in the entire U.S.A. and all items made in Ct. no China junk sold here.All handmade and bracelets made while you watch (they also have some made already so you do not have to wait))A 60 year old company run now by Matt and his wife and a full staff of artists. They have table decor,doormats,and many other accessories this award winning shop will show you and the kids how nautical knots are tied and in your favorite color. For all the work that goes into these items they are very low priced..Named by Yankee Magazine as the 2019 made in Ct. Editors Choice award. This is New England tradition at it's finest. You will not find another shop like this anywhere so it is not to be missed. Located in an older well kept stand alone building at 2 Holmes St in Mystic with a shop also at 25 Cottrell St or at [email protected] or see them online to order. I am getting ready now to order a doormat for our condo near the beach. It is fantastic and at a low price. The kids will love the items made just for them and Mom or Dad what a great place for something you just can not get anywhere else that is quality,,different,and within your price range. A true hidden Gem. I am not sure about being accesable by wheelchair so call. They may have a place to come in I did not see. 860-889-3793
