Spring Gardens

It’s officially springtime in Mystic, which means warmer weather is on the way, farmers markets, walks by the beach, and spring gardens! April is the perfect time to embrace nature and explore the beauty of local gardens, bursting with fresh flowers and blooming trees. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Mystic’s spring gardens offer the ideal setting to enjoy the season’s best, capture stunning photos, and create lasting memories while soaking in the outdoors.

Mystic Seaport Gardens 

Home to a diverse collection of gardens spread across its 19-acre campus. The Mystic Seaport Gardens showcase hundreds of plant varieties, with each one labeled with both its common and botanical name, allowing visitors to learn more about horticulture. The gardens not only showcase the beauty of the Mystic River, ships, and village but also serve to educate others in gardening and New England’s horticultural history. The museum offers two re-created 19th-century gardens, the Burrows House garden and the Buckingham-Hall House garden, which reflect the social, economic, and cultural changes of the Industrial Age. Many of the plants featured in these gardens are heirloom varieties that were popular during that time.

Plants by the Village 

For those looking to start their own garden, Plants by the Village in Olde Mistick Village is a great place to acquire your new plant collection. They are a family-owned small business,  dedicated to providing affordable plants to expert and beginner gardeners. Each week, they hand-select plants to ensure the highest quality possible.

Craig Floyd Giving Garden at Coogan Farm 

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, home to The Giving Garden, has a mission to celebrate and educate the local community on the history of agriculture in the area while promoting the future health of the environment. Since 2017, the volunteer team at The Giving Garden has implemented sustainable gardening practices into farming practices, growing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

As spring blooms across the Mystic area, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. Whether you’re strolling through the historic gardens of Mystic Seaport, picking up plants at Plants by the Village to start your own garden, or exploring sustainable farming at the Craig Floyd Giving Garden at Coogan Farm, Mystic’s spring gardens offer something for everyone. Embrace spring and take time to learn about the horticultural history of New England!

Rainy Day in Mystic

Mystic Seaport Museum

A must see when visiting Mystic, the Mystic Seaport Museum is the perfect place to spend the afternoon with the family learning about New England’s rich maritime history! Explore indoor exhibits and galleries that display boats, historic artifacts, and insight into Mystic’s historic pastime. Brave the weather under your umbrella and stroll the Seaport Village and immerse yourself in the life of a 19th century New Englander. Take a peek at trade shops, businesses, and homes as they would appear in the 19th century. Venture out to the Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard, the first shipyard built specifically for preservation in the US.

Mystic Aquarium

Possibly one of the best ways to spend a rainy day is at the aquarium! The Mystic Aquarium is home to over 300 species of marine mammals, fish, birds, invertebrates, and reptiles. With plenty of interactive and educational experiences for all ages such as the dino seas, main gallery, ocean solutions, and undersea explorer VR. Whether you’re exploring the underwater worlds or learning about conservation, the Mystic Aquarium provides a memorable experience for all!

Mystic Museum of Art

If you’re looking for a more affordable option to spend a rainy day, the Mystic Museum of Art offers free admission year round. The museum rotates exhibits of regional artists, allowing visitors exposure to different expressions of art. The museum also offers monthly classes and workshops. These sessions provide opportunities for individuals of all skill levels to explore their creativity through various mediums and techniques. Whether you’re interested in painting, sculpture, or photography, there’s something for everyone! Rain or shine, it’s a wonderful way to escape and channel your creativity.

Winter Events in Mysti

Free Wedding Ceremonies in The Village

Looking to tie the knot or renew your vows? For one day only on February 14, Valentine’s Day, from 10am-2pm tie the knot for free at Olde Mistick Village! Marie Tyler Wiley, Wedding Officiant, will be performing the ceremonies inside the village chapel. Be sure to obtain your wedding license from the Stonington Town Hall before the big day!

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Ice in The Village

Ice in The Village returns to Olde Mistick Village this year on February 15th-17th! Celebrate President’s day weekend at the village with ice sculptures on display throughout and don’t miss the live ice carving demo on Sunday February 16th at 12pm inside the gazebo. Test your knowledge as you stroll the village with an interactive scavenger hunt, identifying 24 of our nation’s presidents. Prizes for winners will be announced the following Tuesday!

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Wintertide

The Mystic Seaport Museum presents, Wintertide, February 15th-17th. A family friendly event full of crafts, live animals, ice sculpture demos, educational talks, planetarium shows and more! Purchase your tickets online for the President’s Day weekend event.

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Cabin Fever – Charity Chowder Cook Off

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Olde Mistick Village’s Charity Chowder Cook Off on February 22nd from 12pm-4pm. Enjoy hearty chowder inside the shops at Olde Mistick Village served from the best caterers in the Mystic area and vote on your favorite! All proceeds will benefit Always Home, a non-profit dedicated to preventing homelessness in Mystic for over 25 years.

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Mystic Irish Parade

Head downtown for the 20th annual Mystic Irish Parade Sunday March 23rd, at 1pm. Celebrate with your friends and family in your green as you watch the parade start at the Mystic Seaport Museum and venture into downtown!

A Perfect Christmas Weekend Getaway in Mystic

Start your weekend by arriving in Mystic and checking into a cozy inn or bed-and-breakfast. Many local accommodations, such as the Mystic Hilton or The Whaler’s Inn, are decorated for the holidays and offer a warm, inviting atmosphere with plenty of family activities throughout the holiday season! Once you’ve settled in, take a stroll down the historic Main Street, where you’ll find shops like The Bee’s Knees and Queenie’s Gift Emporium, offering unique, locally made gifts, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.

A trip to Mystic wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum. During the holiday season, the museum transforms into a winter wonderland, with historic ships decked out in Christmas lights and special exhibits celebrating the season including the Lantern Light Tours. Two other, must-see attractions are the Mystic Aquarium’s “Home for the Holidays” Lights Extravaganza and the Olde Mistick Village Holiday Lights Spectacular!

The Engine Room, where you can savor classic New England cuisine while overlooking the river, is great for an afternoon bite! For a sweet treat, stop by Kenzie’s Fudge & Chocolate Shop to indulge in delicious handmade fudge and holiday chocolates. Don’t forget to grab a box for the road or as a special gift for a loved one! For a festive holiday meal to end the night, head to Oyster Club or S&P Oyster Co., where you can enjoy fresh seafood in a cozy, seasonal setting. End your day with a cup of hot chocolate at one of the local cafés or unwind with a cocktail to end the night at The Port of Call, Friar Tuck’s Tavern, or Mix Restaurant Rooftop and Bar!

Whether you’re enjoying the lights at Olde Mistick Village, shopping for unique gifts, or relaxing at a charming inn, Mystic offers the perfect blend of holiday magic for a weekend getaway. From local boutiques to waterfront dining, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in this historic coastal town.

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

While Mystic is best known as a summer tourist destination, the fall and winter months are just as popular, especially amongst the locals!

Holiday Market at Inn at Mystic

From 10am-4pm on November 16th, explore local artisans’ handcrafted treasures while enjoying food and drinks available for purchase. The perfect place to find special gifts and support the local creative community along with free entry!

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Starting Friday, November 22nd through January, Olde Mistick Village will host the largest holiday light display in southern New England!

Small Business Saturday

Shop small at your favorite local stores and support small businesses on Saturday November 30th. From clothing boutiques, hand crafted art, baked goods, and more you’ll be sure to find something for everyone!

Santa Arrives by Tugboat

Saturday, November 30th, Santa will arrive in Mystic via tugboat in Mystic River Park at 2:00pm! Followed by pictures with Santa and Christmas magic in downtown Mystic.

Christmas Tree Lighting Downtown Mystic

The official Mystic Christmas tree lighting will be Saturday, November 30th at 6:00pm. Head down to Mystic River Park to see this year’s tree light up for the first time this holiday season!

Bring the whole family and enjoy a memorable day at Connecticut’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and seasonal festivities. With unique boutiques, delicious eateries, and magical holiday displays, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the season together. Make this season unforgettable with a visit to Connecticut’s ultimate spot for shopping, dining, and festive cheer!

ThinkMystic on the App Store: Download Go Mystic Today

Discover Mystic in a whole new way with the Go Mystic app! Exploring Mystic has never been easier with the convenience of the Go Mystic app, highlighting the best places to eat, shop, play and stay, plus what events to go, and where to live and work. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this user-friendly app provides you with all of the resources you will need to help you navigate the waterfront.

Eat

The first tab on the app showcases a collection of restaurants in the area, organized by cuisine type, as well as a variety of wineries. Even the pickiest of eaters are sure to find something!

Shop

The shop tab highlights the variety of boutique, book, jewelry, pet, kitchen, souvenir and other niche retailers in the area. When clicking on a specific store, the app displays a few images of the store along with all the information one needs to know (store hours, phone number, website, social media, and street address).

Play and Stay

Visitors will find this section useful when it comes to deciding where to book a hotel or when  researching activities that are offered outside of the dining scene. With beaches, historic maritime landmarks, and a surplus of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone!

Events

There are a multitude of events throughout the year and the ‘Events’ tab will keep you up to date on all the things happening each month. From summertime fireworks to holiday celebrations, the town has it all!

Live and Work

Locals, this tab will be very helpful to you! Whether you are in need of an accountant or a pet sitter, the Go Mystic app provides you with a full directory of professional services at your fingertips. Use them to your advantage!

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Go Mystic app today.

Go Mystic is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

Halloween Happenings in Mystic, Connecticut

There’s too much excitement surrounding Halloween to limit the fun to just one day! Here in Mystic, we like to celebrate the tricks and treats for as long as we can. If you’re looking for some spooky fun to get you in the Halloween spirit, you’ll definitely want to keep reading!

There’s so much fun to be had this spooky season! What are your plans?? Let us know how you spend Halloween in Mystic! Be sure to tag @think_mystic so we can share!

Fun Facts about Mystic, Connecticut

How much do you know about Mystic? Are you a local who knows it all? Or are you a seasoned vacationer who is well informed? We’ve put together a list of some fun facts and maybe some little known info about Mystic Connecticut. Keep reading and test your knowledge on our quaint, seafaring village!

What do you think of our fun facts about Mystic? Were you surprised by any of them? Is there anything else you would add? Let us know!

50th Anniversary of Olde Mistick Village & Taste of Mystic

Not only is 2023 the 50th anniversary of the Mystic Aquarium, it is also the 50th anniversary of Olde Mistick Village! Just a few short minutes from downtown Mystic, Olde Mistick Village has been a favorite destination for shopping and dining for years! We are celebrating the anniversary in a big way- with the return of Taste of Mystic from September 8th-10th, and a celebratory ceremony on September 12th!

How it started…

The land where Olde Mistick Village now sits, originally Perkins Farm, was bought by Martin Olson in 1963. After much planning and attention to detail, Martin’s children Joyce and Jerry designed and built a 1720’s style colonial village. They had a very specific vision in mind for the village, which included a town green, duck pond and gazebo. Everything from the walking paths to the trees were intentionally placed, and no two buildings were made to look the same. Olde Mistick Village opened to the public on September 11, 1973 and has been charming locals and tourists alike ever since!

How it’s going…

Olde Mistick Village has grown significantly over the past fifty years. Home to dozens of small shops and eateries, and even a movie theater, you can spend hours exploring everything! From handcrafted gifts, high-fashion jewelry, Mystic souvenirs, unparalleled restaurants, and niche specialty shops, there is something for everyone and items you won’t find anywhere else! With rarely a chain store among its 51 distinctive shops, you can find unique favorites like Deviant Donuts, The Toy Soldier, Sticky Situations, & Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop.

Taste of Mystic

Mystic foodies- rejoice- because the Taste of Mystic is returning to Olde Mistick Village September 8th through the 10th to coincide with the 50th anniversary! Get ready for delicious food, a beer tent, and live music all weekend long! There will be over twenty restaurants participating this year, including Pink Basil, Portuguese Fisherman, and Whisktopia Cupcakes. Admission is free with food tickets available for purchase. In addition, there will be ax throwing by Axtreme Entertainment and awesome live music! New England’s favorite party band Darik and the Funbags will be performing Friday night with a high energy show! On Saturday, catch Huckleberry Pie from 3-5pm and Beacon Street Band from 6:30 to 10. To round out the weekend, fan favorite Sugar will be performing on Sunday from 2-5pm. We are so thrilled for the return of this event!

Are you as excited as we are about the 50th anniversary of Olde Mistick Village?? Will you be attending the Taste of Mystic?? Share all the delicious food you try and make sure you tag @think_mystic so we can see!

50th Anniversary of the Mystic Aquarium

2023 has been a very big year for Mystic! First, our sensational town was named the Fourth Best Travel Destination by USA Today! This year we are also celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mystic Aquarium! There will be a huge celebration to honor the anniversary in October! Keep reading to learn more about the aquarium and what it stands for, and all the details about the 50th anniversary celebration!

History of the Aquarium

The Mystic Aquarium, then owned by Kelvin Smith, first opened in 1973. He chose Mystic as the location because of its scenic coastal location and rich maritime history. It was to serve as a living laboratory and major public exhibit, highlighting some of the most intriguing species in the world. In 1975, beluga whales first arrived at the aquarium, and in 1976, Seal Island opened. In 1979, the aquarium became part of the Sea Research Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to aquatic education and research. In 1989, the penguin exhibit opened and in 1996, the Seal Rescue clinic was built as a rehabilitation center for seals before they are released back into the wild. In 1997, The Mystic Marinelife Aquarium became Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, after teaming up with explorer and oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard, to share with the world the wonders of the deep ocean. In 1999, the aquarium underwent a huge renovation, which included adding the Arctic Coast exhibit, one of the largest beluga exhibits in the nation. In 2001, the California Sea Lion show was added. In 2012, the aquarium marked the centennial of the maiden voyage and tragic loss of the RMS Titanic with the opening of Titanic – 12,450 Feet below. The Titanic exhibit has since been remodeled into multiple exhibits, including Exploration: Wild, Jurassic Giants, and the current exhibit, Dino Seas: An Immersive Journey. Today, the aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire people to care for and protect our oceans!

50th Anniversary Celebration

The Mystic Aquarium officially turns 50 in October, and we are going to celebrate in a big way! Saturday, October 14th is the Mystic Aquarium Celebration and Fireworks show! The fun begins at 1pm at Mystic River Park where community leaders and special guests will be gathering for a presentation to celebrate the 50th anniversary. At 2pm, head over to Cottrell Street for Chili Fest, a beer garden and live music! There will be many popular local restaurants participating in the festival, including Chapter One, Bank & Bridge, Rocks 21, and many more. From 2-4:30, 60s Explosion Band will perform and from 5-7:30 local favorite Wicked Peach will be performing! The night will end with an epic Fireworks show at the Mystic Seaport, sponsored by Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Commemorate this historic event from the river’s edge at the museum! Bring a chair and set up along the waterfront to get a perfect view! Before the show, hang out on Seaport grounds, play lawn games on the village green, grab a drink at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern, and enjoy a musical performance by Wooly Mammoth.

To say we are excited about the anniversary is an understatement! The Mystic Aquarium is a fascinating experience for all who visit. What do you love most about the Mystic Aquarium??