What should I know about Mystic, CT?

[LuvTigger]

I'm going to Mystic, CT for the first time next weekend. Anything I should know/do/see?

My plans are very flexible right now. I'm going to have a car, and I'm staying near the Seaport. I plan to go to the Aquarium, Seaport, and Old Mystick Village. I might visit the Outlet mall too.

One day I'd like to drive out to Old Haven and see the Yale campus.

I'm going to be there for 3 days before driving to Providence, RI, where I'm attending a conference (any tips for Providence would be appreciated too!).

I'd also welcome suggestions for places to eat. I really want to try Mystic Pizza (kind of my inspiration for going to Mystic...I watch too many movies!). I eat anything, but I'd be especially interested in seafood.

Thanks! I'm really excited about this trip, even though it's quick!

 

[kerrynic78]

We love Bravo, Bravo. It is a great restaurant in Mystic. Have fun, Mystic is a really neat place.

 

[GEM]

There used to be an amazing place called Abbott's Lobster in Noank, just outside of Mystic. You ate out at picnic tables by the water, very casual and incredibly yummy! I haven't been there in four or five years, so I can't say for sure that it's still there - but if it is, it's worth the trip!

Also, if you're into theater at all, Eugene O'Neill's boyhood home is in Waterford, about a half hour from Mystic. It's called the Monte Cristo Cottage. It's an interesting place to visit - especially if you are familiar with his work, particularly Long Day's Journey Into Night. If you do make the trip over that way, try Ocean Pizza in New London. Best pizza I've ever had, and I've eaten lots of pizza!

My favorite thing in that whole area is The Book Barn, a used book store in Niantic. It's on the other side of Waterford from Mystic. It's the Disney World of used bookstores. Seriously. It's an old farm and they have converted the barn, all the outbuildings, etc. into space for books. If you are looking for ANYTHING, you can find it there. They have picnic tables and it's a great place to spend an afternoon going from building to building. DH could easily spent an entire day or two there. It's just the coolest place ever!

I worked for six summers at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, so I'm pretty familiar with that area. I love it there and I can't wait to go back. We're planning a trip the summer after next!

 

[lsyorke]

Get an Awful Awful(really good milkshake!!)

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I live in Mass but we liked the Aquarium in Mystic so much that we used to be memebers and make the 2hr. trip with the kids all the time. I have not been in a while but the outlet mall used to be very good. In addition, you are close to the casinos if that is of interest to you.

 

[RobinMarie]

If you like lobster, you might want to try this place:
http://www.custys.com/

Excellent lobster, shrimp and steak.

If you go to New Haven to see Yale, you might want to consider having pizza on Wooster Street in New Haven as well. New Haven pizza is pretty good and you may choose Sally's or Pepe's. It's very easy to get back on the highway from Wooster Street to go onto 95 North back to Mystic.
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-2817603-prod-travelguide-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i

Do go to the Yale Art Gallery if you are in New Haven!

Have fun!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I grew up there, and my mother and sister still live in the area, so I'm down there fairly often.

I second the motion on Abbott's, but I don't know if they're open past Columbus Day. Call first. If not, we had an excellent meal at the Seahorse Restaurant, also in Noank, which is where the locals eat (as opposed to the overpriced touristy places).

I've never been wildly impressed with Mystic Seaport, but feel free to go and form your own opinion. I do like the aquarium. Mystic Village and the outlet shops are real overpriced. However, Mystic Village has some real unique shops and is fun to poke around in--you'll enjoy spending a couple hours there even if you buy nothing. We bought scrimshaw tietacks and necklaces for our wedding party there, back in the Stone Age! I wouldn't recommend the outlets.

I also usedd to love walking around Downtown Mystic (where Mystic Pizza is), but years ago there was a fire that gutted several stores. Last I knew, they hadn't rebuilt, and it wasn't as nice. I wasn't wildly thrilled with Mystic Pizza--I think there's better "Greek" pizza in the area. We were scratching our heads that they got so famous because of the movie (which I love because I recognize the scenery!). Sorry, can't recommend a place, it's been too long.

The Newport Creamery in Mystic Village closed, don't know where else to get an Awful-Awful. I LOVED their cones, I'm still bummed they closed!

My sister LIVES at the Book Barn--tons of books and cats and just an amazing place.

Another possibility--Gillette's Castle. It's about an hour from Mystic, but it's really cool.

If you have any specific questions, I can try to answer them--there are plenty of things to see, as a native I try to avoid the more obvious touristy ones.

 

[LuvTigger]

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions! You all have me very excited about this trip!

 

[karmic]

The casinos- Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are just a short drive from Mystic.

 

[MickeysMommy]

We thought Mystic Pizza was the best pizza. Haven't been there in years so please post a report when you get back.