Mystic will always be known for its cult-loving fame and home to the location from the 1988 Julia Roberts picture Mystic Pizza. But Mystic is much more than that, and over the past two decades has become a food mecca and is experiencing a delicious foodie renaissance with world-renowned chefs taking a stake. Not only has it become a Connecticut foodie capital, but it is also still a quintessential seaport village and beyond perfect for a family day trip or weekend excursion.
Saturday Morning
Deviant Donuts is where to start your day with artisan donuts from a charming pop-up donut shop that changes their menu weekly. Recent menu flavors have included Sugared Blueberry, Apple Cinnamon Fritters, and Coconut Cake!
Saturday Afternoon
Mystic Seaport Museum is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon at 17 waterfront acres and the nation’s leading maritime museum with outdoor and indoor exhibits for lousy weather days. Check out the Children’s Museum, a playscape, homeport, the toy boat building, and a seasonal discovery barn. Not to mention a recreated 19th-century Seaport Village!
Grab some pizza at Nana’s Bakery & Pizza, a new pizza joint (being dubbed as one of the best in Connecticut in a state with some tough competition). Try their New England pizza with clams, potatoes, and bacon or the Seacoast Mushroom for something special. Are you looking for something different? Try Rise for exceptional sandwiches or a Buddha Bowl.
From there, head to Olde Mistick Village, a colonial-style open-air shopping village with cool barns and fun seasonal events. While there, grab some tea at the famous Alice in the Village tea room.
Saturday Evening
There are many notable dinner spots, but try The Shipwrights Daughter for some seafood. Executive chef, David Standridge, had a stint at the farm-to-table restaurant Market Table in the West Village. Or venture to the Oyster Club, with a really cool and notable “treehouse” for outdoor dining.
If you choose to eat at the Shipwrights, you won’t have to move far to your hotel room at the Whalers Inn. There are a few family-friendly rooms at the Whaler’s Inn with kids’ sleeping rooms and bunk bed options. They also offer an Under the Sea family package, which includes sand toys, a stuffed sea creature, and admission tickets to the aquarium.
Sunday Morning
Pop into Sift Bakeshop on Sunday morning for breakfast pastries, a breakfast sandwich, or something savory in between.
Sunday Afternoon
Burn off some morning energy and hike at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and neighboring Coogan Farm.
Known for its penguins and sea lions, finish the day visiting your favorite sea creatures at the Mystic Aquarium.
