Free Things To Do In Mystic Ct

Where To Stay In Mystic

• The Whalers Inn: The Whalers Inn is located near the Mystic Seaport Museum of America and has a restaurant on-site.
• Hilton Mystic: This hotel is located directly across from the Mystic Aquarium. It has an indoor pool and is about a mile away from Olde Mystic Village.
• House of 1833 Bed and Breakfast: This charming Greek revival mansion was built in 1833. The rooms are uniquely decorated and the property has a beautiful English garden. The bed and breakfast also has a seasonal outdoor pool.
• Hyatt Place Mystic: This hotel is close to Mystics main attractions and has a seasonal outdoor pool.

For a full list of hotels in Mystic, .

Fun Things To Do That Make Mystic Ct Worth Visiting

Mystic is an adorable little waterfront town along the Mystic River, and its become famous over the years from popular movies like Mystic Pizza. But theres so much to see and do in this charming little town beyond living out your favorite movie moments, and they all make Mystic, CT worth visiting.

From awesome restaurants and seafood shacks, to an idyllic Main Street for an afternoon of shopping, to an incredible maritimes museum and aquarium, youll have your pick of so much to do in Mystic.

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Book A Seaside Shadows Haunted Tours Of Mystic

If youre looking to add something spooky to your itinerary, its worth visiting Mystic, CT to go on a Seaside Shadows Haunted Tour.

You can actually choose a few different tour options in Mystic, including a downtown ghost tour, a whiskey pub crawl with ghost stories and a haunted ghost boat tour. Regardless of the tour you pick, youll hear stories of ghost sightings and tales of the towns dark history, and gets lots of goosebumps along the way.

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Weekend Getaway Guide To Visiting Mystic Ct: Things To Do And Where To Eat

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Before I started doing some research into New England weekend adventures for Mike and I to take without missing a ton of work, I hadnt really heard of Mystic, CT. Sure, everyones heard of the 80s movie Mystic Pizza starring Julia Roberts, but when compared to bigger New England vacation destinations like Cape Cod, its not nearly as popular. Despite its small size, Mystic is a charming town and there are plenty of things to do in Mystic, Connecticut! If youre planning a weekend getaway to this cozy seaside town, here are the top Mystic attractions along with our recommendations for where to eat and drink. Since it rained for a lot of the trip, theres also suggestions on what to do in the rain in Mystic.

See Inside A Navy Ship At The Submarine Force Library & Museum

While you wait for the Coast Guard Museum to open, you can visit the Submarine Force Library & Museum in Groton. Found on the Thames River, this museum is exclusively overseen by the Naval History & Heritage Command division of the United States Navy.

The U.S.S. Nautilus is the starring exhibit at this museumthe first operational submarine powered by nuclear energy. You can walk through the ship and see what the interworkings of a submarine are on a 30-minute self-guided audio tour.

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Explore The Mystic Aquarium

At the Mystic Aquarium, youll get the chance to see beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, sharks, and tons of different kinds of jelly fish, which makes Mystic, CT worth visiting just for this excursion alone.

Since 1975, the Mystic Aquarium has been rehabilitating and releasing injured marine animals along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastline. While visiting the aquarium, youll be able to take a peak inside their Rescue Clinic and get a glimpse into the important work they do to help preserve our native animals.

For extra special occasions, you can also arrange animal encounters at the aquarium, which includes spending time with penguins, painting with seals and helping a trainer feed different animals. .

Tip: If you plan to visit both the Seaport Museum and Village, and the Mystic Aquarium, be sure to buy a combination ticket, which will save you some money!

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Miro Vrlik Photography / Shutterstock

If youre looking for unique historical things to do in Connecticut, be sure to check out Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.

The Essex Steam Train rides upon the Connecticut Valley Railroad which was built in 1868.

Running between Deep River and Essex, steam train rides last between two-and-a-half and three hours.

Your journey along the pristine and untouched Connecticut Valley will bring you face to face with some of the states most beautiful natural sights.

Your ride upon vintage train cars is perfectly narrated by knowledgeable locals.

If you add a Riverboat cruise to your plans, youll board the Becky Thatcher at Deep River Landing and enjoy an hour and 15-minute cruise through the river valley.

During a cruise, youll see spectacular sights such as Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and Haddam Swing Bridge.

Other experiences offered by Essex Steam Train & Riverboat include a dinner train wherein an elegant four-course meal is served 1920s style.

Address: 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426, United States

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Things To Do In Mystic Connecticut: Historic Downtown Mystic

While it is rich in history, there is nothing old about the Historic Downtown Mystic. It is a thriving, lively neighborhood stretched along both banks of Mystic River with a charming drawbridge that adds a unique appeal.

It has more than 80 shops of all kinds, including restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors, souvenir shops, and just about any other service you can imagine. It has nice coastal community vibe and is popular among locals as well as tourists, who flock to Main Street in large numbers. There is always something going on, from little pirates parade to holiday concerts and community events.

Along Mystic River, Mystic, CT 06355,

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Mystic Drawbridge Shopping Kayaking Free Outdoor Concerts

One great thing to do while you are in Mystic is to see the Drawbridge down in the old part of town. The shops downtown near the drawbridge are at the total opposite end from the Old Mystic Village. Just continue all of the way down Route 27 to the end and take a right.

Every hour you will see the raising of the bridge and its quite something to see. The road is closed so be prepared to wait as the boats, canoes, and kayaks, go floating by. You might catch a glimpse of the Elise, one of the Historic Harbor tour boats, go by. You can pick that up at the pier right at the foot of the drawbridge and it costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. Or, you may see the Sabino, Mystic Seaports, the United States last remaining operational wooden, coal-fired steamboat.

We often like to bring food in and eat it on the walking pier that runs the length of the river. These are benches all along the walk and a nice lawn to stretch out on if you bring a blanket or want to bring your kids or dog. Its such a great place to just sit and enjoy the day.

During the summer months, you can attend a free concert at the Mystic River Park. Sit and listen to music, let the kids play, sit on benches along the boardwalk, and watch the drawbridge go up and down.

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See The Future Of Theatre At The Eugene Oneill Theater Center

A few minutes past Bluff Point State Park, youll find the Eugene ONeill Theater Center. Named after the Nobel Prize in Literature winner playwright, the center has been an incubation ground for more than 1,000 new plays and derived theatre pieces since it opened in 1964.

Fun Fact: The Eugene ONeill Theater Center has won not one, but two Tony Awards! Their first came in 1979 for Theatrical Excellence, and their most recent was in 2010 for Best Regional Theatre.

Make sure to check out their summer show schedule on their website when youre planning your trip to Mystic, Connecticut to support the innovative theater. Or if youre visiting during their off-season, stop off at the Monte Cristo Cottage in New London and see the home where Eugene ONeill grew up.

Stroll Along Main Street

One of Mystics main attractions, guests love to explore the picturesque riverfront downtown area of Mystic which is centered around the Mystic River Bascule Bridge.

Wander through a variety of unique boutiques, galleries, jewelry shops, toy stores and gift shops. For nautical inspired garb to commemorate your seafaring adventure, check out Mystic Knotworks which is the first and oldest knot shop in the US.

Refuel by grabbing a slice at Mystic Pizza, a memorabilia-filled pizza joint that inspired the 1988 film, and then enjoy a delicious scoop from Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream shop.

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Extra Virgin Oil Store Mystic Connecticut

If you have ever been to a Greek or Italian olive market, you know that there are thousands of varieties of this delicious fruit. You can eat them, pickle them, or turn them into oil, but what you or any good Chef do with that oil is a bit of an art. Extra Virgin Oil Store offers you the taste of an enormous variety of oils and vinegars that are pure or mixed with fruits and spices.

This elegant store in Olde Mistick Village is lined with bottles and jars of delicious olives, oils, and vinegars from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Greece, and they offer you samples to help you decide which one is right for you. All products are certified pure and natural, gluten-free, sugar-free, salt-free, and GMO-free.

OldeMistick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355, Phone: 860-536-1916

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Visit Bf Clydes Cider Mill

If you happen to visit in the fall season, a stop at BF Cydes Cider Mill makes Mystic, CT worth visiting. This is the very last steam-powered cider mill left in the U.S., and they produce everything from cider donuts and hard cider, to sweet, fresh-pressed cider and caramel apples.

While visiting, youll also be able to see the steam-powered press in action, and pick-up some locally made and produced products like fresh honey, as well as unique homegoods and gifts.

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Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra

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If youre wondering what to see in the way of live music, be sure to check out Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.

One of the most culturally beautiful things to do in Mystic, the orchestra aims to inspire and educate audiences through an orchestral music connection.

Established in 1946, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra has been wowing audiences under the leadership of world-class conductors.

As of 2022, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is under the leadership of acclaimed conductor Toshiyuki Shimada.

Presently, the orchestra is performing works by Leonard Bernstein, Johann Strauss, Jr., and John Philip Sousa, as well as pieces from Andrew Llyod Webbers Phantom of the Opera.

With enjoyable selections for every sensibility, youre sure to be amazed at the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.

Whats more, the orchestra aims to make its concerts accessible to all as such, they provide military and under-40 discounts for concert tickets.

One of the most amazing experiences youll have while in Connecticut, be sure to buy your tickets for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.

Address: 289 State St, New London, CT 06320, United States

Bf Clyde’s Cider Mill

Nothing says fall quite like the smell of fresh apple cider. The oldest, and only, steam-powered cider mill in the United States, Clyde’s Cider Mill in Old Mystic is a popular tourist attraction and the perfect place to spend an hour or two. It’s here that you can enjoy the sound of a steam whistle while stepping back in time to see how this popular drink was made. Keep in mind that these demonstrations only happen on weekends.

The mill’s original owner, B.F. Clyde, began making cider in 1881. Since then, his family has carried on the tradition of cranking out their sweet treats in this National Historic Landmark.

Sample the sweetest cider you’ll ever taste and buy a treat to take home. We highly recommend the cider, apple butter, and maple syrup. Be sure to time your visit well. Clyde’s is only open seasonally from September to late December. Due to its popularity, you should also expect to stand in long lines to make your purchase.

Insider’s Tip: Save room for a cider donut . They literally melt in your mouth.

Address: 129 N. Stonington Road, Mystic, Connecticut

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Essex Steam Train Station Essex Ct

Wander the grounds of the old Essex Steam Train Station and River Boat for free. Kids will love seeing the old station building and the numerous trains parked on nearby tracks. Bring your camera for photos with the trains. There are also paid options for visiting the Essex Steam Train Station including rides on the steam trains and dinner trains. Check their website to learn more.

Seaside Shadows Haunted Tours

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One of the most unusual activities to do when youre in Mystic, Connecticut, Seaside Shadows Haunted Tours offers historical tours of local places with gruesome backstories.

If youll be in town this weekend, be sure to book your reservation for a haunted tour.

This super fun group of historians will guide you via walking or boat tours of downtown Mystic, Elm Grove Cemetery, or a spooky boat tour.

Whats more, if youre looking for an adult version of the tour, they even offer Paranormal Pub Crawls.

No matter which tour you select, each one will take you to places in town where some truly horrifying things have happened.

For instance, youll visit the sites of turn-of-the-century murders, spots where Civil War ghosts have been spotted, and sordidly haunted locales.

Besides the boat tours, all ghost tours are on foot and take about two hours.

Whether youve got a penchant for the spooky or just want to learn about a unique facet of CT history, youre sure to enjoy Seaside Shadows Haunted Tours.

Address: Mystic, CT, United States

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Things To Do In Mystic Connecticut

Mystic is a village in Connecticut. It was founded in 1654, and since then Mystic became popular for its typical New England charm. Plus, this village has the two most visited attractions in Connecticut the Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium. If youre wondering why theyre the most visited, you should go here and see for yourself what these places have for tourists.

In this article, we listed down the 15 things that you can do and visit when youre in Mystic, Connecticut. By looking at this list, youd realize that going to this wonderful village is worth to try.

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Discover Historic Downtown Mystic

There are so many things to do in Mystic, starting with downtown! Along with cute boutiques and small local businesses, you can find several famous landmarks you need to check out on a 48 hour trip to Mystic.

Gift shops like Mystic Disc and The Spice & Tea Exchange, sweets like Candy Shop or Young Buns Doughnuts, and clothing stores like Rochelles On Main and the Mystic Army Navy Stores line the shop windows of Main Streets historic buildings.

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Mystic River Bascule Drawbridge And Historic Downtown Mystic

Downtown Main Street is where it’s at. It’s here that you’ll find the Mystic River Bascule Drawbridge, built in 1922 to cross the Mystic River joining the west and east sides of this popular street. If you’re lucky, you can watch it open, allowing tall boats to travel up the river-this usually happens every hour at 40 minutes after the hour .

Bascule is a French term meaning seesaw. It describes the process by which the bridge is raised and lowered using counterweights. The mechanism responsible for this movement is uncovered, allowing visitors to see the machinery in motion.

When it’s down, the drawbridge allows cars and pedestrians to cross the river to visit the many local shops and eateries lining Main Street and its offshoots. Whether you’re looking to purchase a bracelet, ball, or coaster at the award-winning Mystic Knotwork buy specialty items just for men at Trove or crave a juicy burger from the vibrant Engine Room restaurant , the drawbridge will lead you to the best of everything Mystic has to offer.