5 Things To Do In Historic Mystic, Connecticut

1. Watch the Mystic River Bascule Bridge open and close

The Mystic River Bascule Bridge is a drawbridge built in 1920 that opens and closes several times per day to allow boats to pass into and out of the Mystic River. Stand on the sidewalk in front of the bridge and watch it raise to let tall ships and personal boats pass through once per hour during the day. The Mystic River Bascule Bridge opens from 7 am until 7 pm every hour at a quarter past the hour from May 1 until October 31. Openings are less frequent from November 1 until April 31.

Note that if you are driving through the downtown at a time when the bridge is open, you will hit a large traffic jam until the bridge closes again.

Another great option for viewing the opening and closing of the Mystic River Bascule Bridge is from Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream. Get a cone of Mystic Mud ice cream and watch the bridge open and boats pass through from the comfort of the patio or indoor seats.

2. Window shop in the quaint downtown

The candy colored buildings that line Main Street in downtown Mystic are home to numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. Window shop at the gorgeous dress shop, Pentangle, on 31 W Main Street or pop inside to pick out a dress for an upcoming occasion.

A favorite shop of many locals and tourists alike is Bank Square Books. Whenever I’m in Mystic, I stop by to browse through their excellent selection of books, gifts, and cards. They even have a great selection of local interest items such as postcards and books about the area.

To purchase toys and games, visit Mystical Toys, which offer a great selection of Playmobils, activity books, and educational toys. The window display at Mystical Toys is magical, so even if you don’t enter, do walk by and let your inner child enjoy!

3. Eat and drink in downtown Mystic

Mystic has some great options for every meal of the day. Below, I’m going to describe a few delectable options for your eating pleasure!

Enjoy a weekend brunch at The Engine Room, which offers its “Boozy Brunch” every Sunday from 10 am till 3 pm. Try the cornbread with maple butter to share and order your own delicious hearty breakfast, burger, or healthy salad. Each option sounds equally delicious.

Who doesn’t love a good coffee in the morning, noon, or nite? Grab a coffee at Green Marble in downtown Mystic and consider purchasing a bag of beans to go. Green Marble has both indoor and outdoor tables and offers numerous sweet treats to accompany your large mug of hot coffee.

One of my favorite places to enjoy a delectable dinner is at the Captain Daniel Packer Inne, located a bit off of Main Street at 32 Water Street. Skip the fancy upstairs dining room for a more casual, after-work spot in their downstairs bar, which is cozy with rock walls and a fireplace (perfect for a warm meal on a cold winter’s day). For an appetizer, enjoy their delicious goat cheese medallions with a locally brewed beer. For heavier fare, consider ordering seafood or a burger.

4. Go back in time at Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport, one of the top rated activities to do in New London County, is a must-see if you are in the area. Mystic Seaport gives you a taste of 19th century seaport life with its re-created village and tall ships, which they work to protect and restore. Every kid and adult will love to visit the Charles W. Morgan, the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the world. It really is incredible to see the tiny bunks in which the whalers and shiphands would have slept. Inside this ship, it is easy to imagine yourself as a crewmember of this great vessel.

Within the seaport, you’ll get to watch a blacksmith make tools, horseshoes, and other goods — it is really exciting to watch the metal turn red hot when the blacksmith puts the iron in the coals! You can also visit a school house, play old-style games on the village green, enter a chapel, or watch barrels being made at the Cooperage. What is even more interesting is that these buildings are originals — they have been preserved from the 19th century!

Honestly, I can’t rave enough about the Mystic Seaport and I don’t want to spoil all of the excitement by sharing everything. Do yourself a favor and visit the next time you are in the area!

5. Purchase souvenirs at Olde Mystick Village

Olde Mystick Village is a small shopping village located a short drive away from Mystic Seaport and downtown Mystic. Stop by Franklin’s General Store to purchase locally made saltwater taffy, fudge, or jam, all of which are great to bring home to friends and family as souvenirs. Gray Goose Cookery and Gray Goose, Too are shops perfect for those who like to entertain or cook. Toy Soldier sells unique toys, games, and books.

Olde Mystick Village also has a couple of fun places to visit for coffee or a treat! My favorites are Vault Coffee Roasters for locally roasted coffee beans and specialty coffee drinks and Bleu Squid for a huge selection of really delicious cupcakes in an array of flavors.