We recently had the opportunity to visit Mystic, a beautiful seaport in Connecticut. About an hour or so from New Haven, this lazy seafront village is made up of shops, restaurants, hotels and museums.
Made famous in part by the Julia Robert’s movie Mystic Pizza, Mystic has become a popular tourist town. We were glad to have a parking spot at our central hotel so we could explore on foot as we watched the traffic inching along Main Street.
Places to visit in Historic Mystic
Mystic Seaport Museum
We started with the Seaport Museum and as a bonus, the ticket included a boat tour on the Mystic River on an old 1908 ferry called the Sabino. Originally a steam engine, it still has the original motor on display.
Formerly a shipyard, this interesting museum encompassed multiple ships as well as a historic village. In addition to homes and stores, the village included authentic factories that used to make everything from ropes, barrels, masts, sails and you name it.
Each exhibit has been tastefully decorated and knowledgeable guides are there to explain the work and how it was done. There was even a coal fired foundry with a blacksmith. Even the old bar was preserved and working as a cafeteria. Essentially the whole boatyard and surrounding village has been preserved and made into a historic museum.
The name Mystic actually comes from the Pequot word “Missi-Tuk” which is a large river whose waters are driven into waves by the tides. We even saw some jellyfish in the water.
Be sure to see the Charles W. Morgan. It is the only wooden whaling ship still in existence. The exhibits show how horrific whaling was and it’s beyond me how people could be so cruel!
The Stonington Lighthouse Museum
A small museum near a scenic viewpoint on the beach, the Stonington Lighthouse Museum was a pleasure to visit. Be sure to climb the tower and the stairs up to the top where you can step out to where the lighthouse’s reflector light used to be. You can admire the views all the way to Fisher Island on a clear day.
The lighthouse was used as a navigation aid for over 180 years until 1889. The museum displays exhibits about the history of seafaring in the area.
Your ticket also includes a voucher for the Palmer House. A mere 5 minutes’ drive away, this was also a beautifully well-preserved home with many exhibits. Well worth a short visit.
It is believed that Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer discovered Antarctica, but this remains debatable, the custodian told us he sailed by the coast and spotted it.
Mystic Pizza
We even watched the old Julia Robert’s movie before our visit and we were really looking forward to a delicious pizza. In all honesty, it was a disappointment. Basically, a frozen pie on a plastic tray for $30. I guess just milking the movie fame.
Mystic Bascule Bridge
Built in 1922 this bascule bridge is still operational and the two 664-ton cement blocks open up the bridge for local boat traffic every hour. In the early days oxen were used to get the bridge moving.
Further afield
Submarine Museum in Groton
This museum is free of charge, and not only does it have historical information and displays, but you can also climb onboard a submarine and navigate its decks and passageways. Right next to the operating naval base it’s a short 15-minute drive from Mystic and worth the trip.
Monument House Museum
Also in Groton, and a mere 10 minutes away from Mystic, is the Monument House Museum and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park marking a gruesome battle of the American Revolutionary War fought on September 6, 1781, between the Connecticut militia and the British.
The larger British force overcame the fort but despite the militia surrendering they were slaughtered all the same. An event that is said to have marked a turning point against the British and leading to American independence.
Do climb the 166 steps of the Memorial Tower constructed 50 years after the battle for some great views.
Where we stayed
We selected the historic Steamboat Inn right next to the bascule bridge and in the middle of the action in mystic. With only 11 rooms. You must book in advance, but it was a nice experience, and we’re glad the room came with parking. The included breakfast was really good too.
In downtown Mystic there are also lots of shops and restaurants and ice cream parlors.
Overall
Visiting Mystic, Connecticut, was a nice escape for the weekend for us and we enjoyed fresh oysters and some great seafood. The Mystic Seaport Museum was really interesting, and you can spend a full day there. While Mystic Pizza was a disappointment, we indulged in some delicious seafood dinners and very much enjoyed this historic seaport town.