Mystic, CT – Festivals, Food, Art, Marine Life…and Pirates!
Get the most out of your Carefree Boat Club Membership with unique vacation days this year
Are you planning a future vacation? Do you have family coming into town and you want to show them a great view of the Connecticut shoreline? Consider travelling to Mystic, CT, where you’ll find some entertaining things to all season long. Here are some great ideas for a day trip to this quaint seaside town:
First, use your Carefree membership to pick your day and reserve a boat. For example, the Robalo R247 is an ideal day cruiser. Gas up and follow the coastline north through the easy breezy waters of Fischers Island Sound. Hang a left into the Mystic River and cruise up to a marina.
In the Summer, we suggest calling ahead to find out which days are available to book a slip before your boat online with Carefree. They are all accommodating, but they all get very busy at certain times of the
year.
• Mystic River Marina
• Fort Rachel Marina
• Mystic Ship Yard
• Gwenmor Marina
• Mystic Seaport Marina
Places to see in Mystic
Whether you are enjoying a day with the family or taking someone special on a fantastic date, Mystic is filled with fun and historic attractions. Olde Mystick Village is perfect for shopping and a bite to eat; Mystic Seaport is rich with history of a sea faring community. And the Mystic Aquarium offers abundant lessons about marine life – it’s fun for the kid in all of us. Downtown Mystic has charming galleries, shops and vistas along the Mystic River.
Do you remember the movie Mystic Pizza with Julia Roberts? You can experience a slice of heaven when you eat at the restaurant featured in the film. While there, be sure to do some shopping and eating, attend an event, or participate in some recreational activities. You could easily spend the day here and want to stay longer.
Art lovers should stop by the Mystic Museum of Art (MMOA) for an event or to peruse the gallery. From May to December the gallery is open seven days a week, featuring exhibitions as well as a permanent collection of art from founders and members. Did we mention that admission is free?
Popular and Unforgettable Mystic Food and Drink Locations
Just a short stroll from Downtown Mystic, you will find Mystic Depot Roasters inside the Mystic Train Station. This is also where you’ll find the Welcome Center. Pick up a map
For lunch, you can find something for every taste: Margaritas (Mexican), Bravo Bravo (Italian), S & P Oyster Company (Seafood), and Voodoo Grill (Cajun). Over in Olde Mystick Village stop by Steak Loft, the Blue Squid (you’ll be shocked by how many ways they can make a grilled cheese sandwich), or Mangos (this is actually a pizza and American grill).
Don’t forget about dessert! The Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream Shop has more flavors of ice cream than one needs in their lifetime. Friendly’s is located across from the Olde Mystick Village and contains not only dessert but great kid’s meals and fare for the young at heart.
B.F. Clyde’s Cyder Mill is a classic must-see location further into town where they operate a vintage apple press. In the Fall, seek them out for the best Apple Cider Donuts by local vote. You can tour the historic mill; buy homemade soaps, oils, and seasonings from local artisans; and stop by their gift shop, wine tasting area, and store to take home apple flavored…well everything: breads, wines, juices, pies, spices, butters.
Mystic Events You Must Experience At Least Once in Your Lifetime
There are so many to choose from, but we believe these are the ones you must attend to experience Mystic at its best.
The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival takes place downtown in August each year. It is a family-friendly event during which the Children’s Art Park is open for parents and their children to put their mark on the festival as well.
With more than 230 artisans and activities available for all everyone, this FREE event can take a few hours or a full day, depending on your schedule.
Also in August, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual 10K and marathon event, if that’s more your speed.
The Annual Garlic Festival at Olde Mystick Village happens in September each year and fulfills both a must- see location as well as an event you don’t want to miss – especially if you like garlic. As you stroll through the festival, you will hear live music, see demonstrations, and taste special garlic creations from the restaurants in the village, and experience garlic as you never have before with bakers, farmers, vendors, and restaurants sharing their creations and harvest for your sampling and purchase. It truly doesn’t get better than this for garlic lovers. Be sure to pack some gum or breath mints so you aren’t offending anyone as you traverse the town for the remaining time on your trip!
Mystic Eats is held the first week of September each year and is a great way to for you and your friends to enjoy great music while enjoying the best of Mystic area reastuarants and vendors.
Pirate Week, held the last week of September / first week of October each year, is a long-held tradition for the locals. Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress like a pirate in public and not be stared at by others? This event includes an actual invasion of pirates. Over the year’s it’s morphed into a mini festival, featuring: A movie in Mystic Park, a pirate hunt, a trivia night, a pub crawl (for adults 21+ only please), and treasure hunt.
A wonderful opportunity to meet with other pirate enthusiasts if you are one as well. Ahhhrrrr ye scurvy land lubbers!!! Keep track ‘o Pirate Week announcements through Mystic Pirate Invasion’s Facebook page, you can learn the 2018 dates and events.
Before you leave for your trip or while planning which day to spend in town, be sure to go to the Events Calendar on This Is Mystic’s website. There you will discover up-to-date information about what’s going on. The site shows Coupons + Specials for featured deals throughout the week.
Their website offers great information as well as list of landmarks, restaurants, and local hotels.
