The pandemic has really put a damper on traveling. With trips around the globe cancelled, sheltering indoors away from friends and loved ones, and general safety and health at risk, it’s a gamble getting to a new place for some (much needed) R & R. Road trips have been on the rise as states, restaurants, and activities begin to open back up. So with safety at the forefront, I recently went on a mini road trip to Mystic, Connecticut. Located only a few hours from New York City, and easily accessible from many East Coast locations, the small town is most famously known for their seaport. In fact, having grown up in Connecticut, a trip to Mystic Seaport was one of my middle school field trips. But going back as an adult was a treat. Here’s what you need to do when you go:
Eat & Drink:
- Sift Bakery: Bring your loose pants for this spot. In 2018, Owner and Pastry Chef Adam Young won the title of Best Baker in America from Food Network so you can expect good things at this bakery. Inside you will find a variety of sweet and savory options, and can peek inside the kitchen through their glass windows. Head outside and upstairs for Mix at Sift, where you can also enjoy a view of the harbor and cocktails.
- Oyster Club: This charming farm-to-table restaurant focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, frequently changing their menus to reflect what’s available. Indoor dining is available, along with treehouse dining. Their menu focuses on smaller plates and everything is delicious.
- Mystic Pizza: I mean, can you really go to Mystic without sampling its namesake pizza shop? Okay so it’s not the best pizza I’ve ever tried, but it does the job. We recommend ordering yours with some bacon and onions on top.
- Breakwater: What could be better than dining on the water? Breakwater offers an array of seafood and classic American options, including shrimp tacos, scallops and a killer burger.
- Noah’s: Open for 40 years, Noah’s offers fresh, local cuisine with a menu that changes daily based on what’s available. They have a great Oktoberfest menu (don’t miss out on their pretzel), along with a plethora of options, from seafood to meatloaf, doing each dish well.
- Ford’s Lobster: A short 15 minute drive away in Noank lies Ford’s, a lobster institution. They don’t take reservations so prepare for a long wait, that’s worth every minute. This small on-the-water restaurant offers all of the seafood you could want, including hearty lobster rolls and their famous Bisque Bomb, 1/2 lb. of fresh lobster served hot and topped with lobster bisque in a bread bowl.
- We weren’t able to make it on this trip, but Dog Watch Cafe and Engine Room are next up on the list.
What to do:
- B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill: Do not miss the chance to go to the oldest and last steam powered cider mill in the United States. Prepare to wait in a long line if you want to try their amazing cider and donuts (they even have cider slushies), but know that it’s worth it. You can also try their apple wines, hard ciders and take a walk around the property, enjoying the Fall weather, the inner workings of the mill, and vendors.
- Saltwater Farm Vineyard: It might not be the best wine you’ll ever have, but it’s enjoyable. Especially with the backdrop of the beautiful vineyard, Adirondack chairs for lounging in and cheese plates you can order, it makes for an idyllic afternoon.
- Mystic Aquarium: Okay, this aquarium is amazing. Beluga whales, penguins, sharks, you name it. I was there with my niece and nephew and they absolutely loved it. And honestly, so did I.
- Mystic Seaport: The main draw of this town is surprisingly one of the places we didn’t make it to on this trip. Complete with a museum, shipyard, restaurants, and a 19th-century village, it’s a great spot for those who enjoy learning.
- Argia Cruises: You’d be remiss to not get out on the water while in this quaint seaside town and we booked a sailboat trip with Argia Cruises. When you book your tickets, you are designated a section of the ship for your group so everything is socially distant. On our two-hour journey, we sailed through the harbor and learned a bit about some of the local history and lighthouses. Plus, we had beautiful views and a great breeze.
- Seaside Shadows Ghost Tour: If, like me, you can’t get enough of the spooky, you can opt for a walking tour with Seaside Shadows. Options range from downtown Mystic, Mystic graveyard and even ghost boat tours.
- Hiking/Nature Walk: For those of you who enjoy outdoor adventures, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center has a handful of shorter trails for you to enjoy, plus, they also have a natural history exhibit to check out if you want to buy tickets.
- Go Shopping: Downtown Mystic is full of old-town charm and the main strip in town is lined with shops. From local teas and herbs, to well-known brands like Fat Face and The Black Dog, to my personal favorite, Hang the Moon, there’s plenty of shopping to be done in town.
Stay:
- My family and I booked an AirBnb for the weekend and it was amazing. The location was close to ever single stop on our trip, making it easy to get around. Plus, the heated pool, balconies, basement games and general vibe made it a great place to sit back and relax. If you’re traveling with a smaller group, there are plenty of other AirBnb options, as well as hotels and inns in the area.
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