Mystic, Connecticut

The title says it all. We were in Mystic, Connecticut for a short vacation while attending a friend's graduation in URI, Rhode Island. By a lucky twist we were lodged in the best possible area, walking distance from most of the attractions. Across the road from us was the quaint 'Olde Mistick Village'. I could have spent hours, literally, just walking around this pretty little village turned shopping precinct. I went into a shop that carried oriental stuff - jade figurines and jewelry, Japanese fans, Chinese urns and tea sets, even Anime figurines. Then came Franklin's General Store - an old-fashioned general store that carried candies, salsa, jams & jellies and mementos.

We bought some caramel creams. These were soft chewy caramels with a sweet cream center. These were a hit with the sweet lovers in the group.






The next stop was Munson's Chocolate store and it was the most delicious experience ever. I am a hardcore chocolate fan so my excitement is nothing new. But my husband's unexpected enthusiasm at the edible art inside the store was quite surprising. There was so much variety that it was difficult to make a decision regarding a purchase. Finally we went with a bag of Mystic River Rocks. See for yourself how artistically it is made. And the taste was absolutely 'chocoriffic'.

 Before starting I had done some homework and all online resources indicated that no trip to Mystic was complete without a trip to Mystic Pizza. It's a small pizzeria in historic Downtown Mystic which was established in 1973. It became legendary when a Julia Roberts movie (with the same name) was set and shot here. So we decided to stop by and enjoy 'a slice of heaven' in Mystic Pizza pizzeria. Was the pizza good? Hmm...I don't feel comfortable reviewing a piece of legend. I went there to see the place which was the setting of a coming of age story of three young girls. I did and it is a good small town place which makes the story very believable.
There are many other excellent eateries and charming stores along the downtown Main Street. Being on the coast as well as river front, Mystic is a sea-food lovers paradise. All the restaurants offer a splendid array of the freshest catch of the day. My fancy was to try the S&P Oyster Co. which had a beautiful setting and was belching forth delicious smells from it's kitchen chimneys. It is located by the river next to the Mystic Drawbridge and has been voted the ' Best Patio in the State' by Connecticut Magazine. So it was hardly surprising when we were asked to wait an hour for a table. And being as ravenous as we were, S&P was given up as a lost cause. Maybe next time.
On the whole Mystic is a great place for a weekend vacation. For the kids, the Mystic Aquarium holds much potential. The 'Olde Mistick Village', historic Mystic Downtown and nearby areas of Noank and Stonington offer a lot for the vacationers. It is also very near the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos/resorts as well as Westbrook Tanger Outlet malls. On the whole Mystic,CT has something for everyone in your vacationer's group.