The Day’s readers recommend their favorite things to do in Mystic
As Mystic residents, our favorite spot in town costs us no money and yet is so entertaining. It’s the Mystic River Park. We take our dog and walk her a bit before sitting to relax on a bench. Sitting there, we watch Mystic pass by. We chat with strangers, many who are tourists, some with accents from other countries. Often, we’re asked about good eating spots, and all seem impressed with the choices we propose.
Despite living here for nearly two decades, we still jump when the bridge horn goes off before opening, and we wave at the passengers on the Argia every time. Time slips away as easily as the river passes before us.
Whether we bring our coffee from home or decide to get an ice cream, sitting on a bench at the Mystic River Park never grows old.
— Teresa Norris
When I have friends from out of
town come and visit me, the first thing I do is take them on my little boat and do a tour of the Mystic River from the mouth of the river up to the Seaport and back!
I always have a picnic on board and I get to show them special landmarks … like the Noank Baptist Church Spire — at night, you can see their light 20 miles offshore, which helps guide sailors back home. I show them Abbotts & Fords … and give a little history about Noank.
Then we make our way down to Six Penny Island — and I share with them about Masons Island … then down to the train bridge and, most times, more often than not, the bridge is opening so I get to show them that. Then, into the heart of Mystic with all the local restaurants & shops. Sometimes we dock at Mystic River Park and take a little walk. My favorite time is when the church bells are ringing up on the hill playing delightful music that everybody just adores listening to.
And then, back into the boat, we go down to the Seaport, which is just a delight to share with anybody & everybody! Since I worked there years ago as an interpreter, I’m able to expand upon the exhibits we’re able to see.
There’s nothing like the Mystic River! I feel like Katharine Hepburn and the African Queen plying the waters!
And while I love all of Mystic’s restaurants … my favorites are the Captain Daniel Packer Inn and S&P Oyster. The Packer for its ambience in the pub can’t be beat. It transports you back in time. And S&P Oyster with its glorious views can’t be beat!
— Marie Tyler Wiley
I like Nana’s Bakery & Pizza in Mystic … Not your everyday fare …
Especially Pizza … unique stone ground organic grain sourdough crust … New England is a favorite … potatoes, bacon, clams, garlic butter, parsley, pepper.
— Rob Mathews
During high season I like to let the tourists enjoy and support our local businesses and find that it is the perfect time to support local organizations through volunteer opportunities. Whether it is religious, fraternal, environmental, social, or political, there are so many great opportunities to give our time and talents to support local organizations. When low seasons comes, we locals can return to our favorite businesses to keep them viable.
— Francis Pijar
Hang the Moon is a cool spot.
— Kathleen Rowsam
Sift, Young Buns, Taqueria, Drawbridge Ice Cream, Red36, Jealous Monk, Mystic Village, Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, and soooo much more! I just love Mystic.
— Steph Bluman
Going for a walk down the residential part of Mystic River! It’s beautiful. — Cheryl Lanier