Mystic CT...on a budget

[An_Island_Girl]

Hello, if anyone has some suggestions for things to see and do in Mystic, I would really appreciate it. My DH is big into marine history, so I was thinking maybe the Mystic Seaport and the Submarine Museum in Groton. Are there any other must do's, or recommendations on where to stay, and restaurants?
Thank you all!

 

[Tink9295]

Hi, I live in Mystic. It's a beautiful area. The fall is beautiful. Take a boat ride down the Mystic River. The foliage is great. Mystic Aquarium is good also. You could ride to Preston. They have a great Corn Maze. This year is a pirate theme. It's one of the best mazes I've been to.

As for restaurants, there is Seaman's Inn at the seaport. My favorite is S&P Oyster at the drawbridge. It's a little pricey but worth it. The are lots of other great restaurants in the area.

There are many hotel from the Hilton to Holiday Inn. All the chains. The Hilton is across the street from the aquarium and the Mystic Village Shoppes. It's a nice place to shop and there are great restaurants there as well. I recommend The Steak Loft for steak and for fish I recommend Go Fish. That has a sushi bar. You could easily spend a day at the aquarium and shoppes. The seaport has a great lantern tour around the holidays. Check that out.

Hope this helps.

 

[Nicsmom]

I've only been once a few years ago. We went to Mystic Seaport which was a lot of fun. When we went ,there was some type of food festival. So, I don't have a restaurant recommendation. But since you said budget, I thought I would pass a tip along. Our library offers a pass for Mystic Seaport. I can't remember exactly what type of discount but I remember it being very good. It would be worth calling your library. Have fun.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I grew up down there. It can be pricey. Forhotels, we always stay in the Super 8 in Groton--it's just a couple miles form the sub base and Nautilus museum. For ~$50 a night, you get a decent room and free breakfast. There are a umber of cheap fast food type places right there, and a grocery store and Super Wal-Mart (there's a fridge and microwave in the room). So, if nothing else, you could have cheap snacks and the free breakfast.

A locally favorite restaurant is the Seahorse in Noank. A bit out of the way, by a huge marina, but it has less of a touristy feel than downtown Mystic. But, to be fair, I'm not such a fan of downtown. Another thought--Mystic Pizza IS right in downtown Mystic, and is the place from the movie, so that could be fun and inexpensive. In warm weather, Abbott's for lobster--sit out on the dock and watch the boats go by. Mind the seagulls!

I also love poking around Mystic Village--again, not cheap, but looking is free. Strolling downtown, also free.

In addition to the Nautilus, they used to have the Croaker (sorry, it's been a few years). It's an old WW2 diesel sub. It's an interesting contrast to the Nautilus, which of course is a nuke.

Also fun, if you're driving, on the way in or out of the area--Gillette's Castle. Probably not worth a special trip, but if it's on your way.

 

[hsmamato2]

the Sea Swirl -a roadside stand in Mystic- simply the BEST fried clams and shrimp in the world. Not to be missed. right on the main street past the seaport a bit-take a ride down the road a 1/2 hour or less to visit one of the fantastic RI beaches for a while.....like Misquamicut or East Beach

 

[An_Island_Girl]

Oh, thank you all so very much! I was able to get a room at Hayatt Place through hotwire for only $62 a night, it looks like it will be close enough to maybe walk to a few things too. We'll be in town for 3 days/2 nights.
I love all the restaurant suggestions! Is there any decent Mexican places for a great margarita and good food?

Thanks again!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Love Sea Swirl! Their whole-belly clams are to die for!

There used to be a decent Mexican place right off downtown Mystic. Not sure if it's still there.

That's a great rate for the Hyatt, very close to the action, and I think you could walk to Mystic Village or the Seaport. If you like walking, it's very picturesque to walk along by the shores of the Mystic River. As an aside, both my parents are buried in that huge cemetary next to the Seaport--they have a lovely view.

I notice you're from Mass.--if you're coming down I-95, you'll be nowhere near Gilette's Castle. Sorry about that.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

We used to live in Groton CT (near Mystic) - we miss it! The Mexican restaurant a PP was talking about was in the factory as I recall near downtown Mystic. Do look for coupons/ discounts on the Aquarium it's not cheap but a really great place to visit.

Gosh there are a million things to do in that area and I'm drawing a complete blank how sad is that?

 

[Tink9295]

The mexican restaurant is called Margaritas. Yes it's in an old factory on the groton side of Mystic, on Water Street. Nice place to walk around. We like Senor Flacos on 15 Canal St. Westerl. Prices are better and you get more food.

The Hyatt is in a great location. You can walk to the Seaport or the Aquarium from there.

Five guys is across from the village shops if you want a good burger.

There are some restaurants on restaurants.com so check that out and sometimes you get a good deal. Seahorse is one. The dogwatch cafe in the burough is good too. Ten clams is just that $10.00 a meal. It's located in the village shops and is open for lunch.

Good luck and have a great time.

 

[CTdiznymom]

If you're interested in the two casinos they are in the neighborhood. Fun to walk around the Mohegan Sun shops, or go and have a drink and listen to the free bands at Foxwoods. Maybe check out your dates and see a show. If you haven't been, it's worth a peek.

 

[cclovesdis]

There's a great ice cream place. There's also Mystic Pizza. I haven't been in a while, but we definitely did it on a budget without any trouble.

 

[EthansMom]

The Groton Naval Museum is free (donation recommended/accepted). When we went to Mystic Seaport earlier this summer, they were offering a free bounceback admission (get your ticket processed just inside the entrance for a free admission on another day within one week from your first admission). There is also a joint ticket for admission to the Seaport and Aquarium that isn't a huge discount but gives you a free t-shirt, I think.

We took the kids, earlier this year, and were able to do the Seaport and Naval Museum in one day... though, admittedly, the kids weren't letting us read each and every display.