Mystic, Connecticut is a historic seaport town located in New England. The town is known for its charming downtown area, quaint shops, and beautiful waterfront. Mystic is also home to the Mystic Seaport Museum, which is one of the largest maritime museums in the world. While Mystic is a popular tourist destination, there are many things that tourists miss when they visit. In this blog post, we will explore 18 things that tourists miss Things To Do In Mystic, CT. From hidden restaurants to secret parks, read on to learn about all the hidden gems in this town.
Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is a maritime museum located in Mystic, Connecticut. The museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan and the steamship SS Mystic.
In addition to its historic vessels, Mystic Seaport is home to the Research Library, which contains more than 250,000 documents and photographs relating to maritime history. The museum also offers educational programs for all ages, including hands-on activities, lectures, and workshops.
The Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Mystic, CT. Every year, thousands of people come to see the dolphins, penguins, sharks, and other marine life. But there’s so much more to see at the aquarium than just the animals!
Here are some of the things that tourists miss at the Mystic Aquarium:
-The behind-the-scenes tours: See how the food is prepared for the animals and learn about their care and training.
-The touch tanks: Get up close and personal with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other creatures.
-The animal shows: Witness amazing feats by dolphins, sea lions, and more.
So next time you’re in Mystic, CT, be sure to check out the Mystic Aquarium – there’s much more to see than just the fish!
Olde Mistick Village
Mystic, CT is a charming seaside town with a rich history. Visitors to Mystic often flock to the popular tourist attractions, such as the Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic Seaport Museum. However, there are many other great things to see and do in this town that tourists often miss.
One such place is Olde Mistick Village. This quaint shopping village is reminiscent of a New England seaside town from centuries past. Visitors can stroll through the cobblestone streets, pop into charming shops, and enjoy some delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants. There is also a hand-blown glass studio, where visitors can watch artisans create beautiful works of art.
Olde Mistick Village is the perfect place to find unique gifts and souvenirs for friends and family back home. So next time you’re in Mystic, be sure to check out this hidden gem!
The Charles W. Morgan
The Charles W. Morgan is a whaling ship built in 1841 that is now docked at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. The ship is significant not only because it is one of the last wooden whaling ships still in existence, but also because it is the only surviving ship from the American whaling fleet. The Charles W. Morgan has been restored and is open to the public for tours.
Denison Homestead Museum
The Denison Homestead Museum is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in the early days of Mystic, CT. The museum is housed in a historic home that was built in 1654, making it one of the oldest homes in the state. The museum features exhibits on the history of the Denison family, who were some of the first settlers in Mystic, as well as the history of the town itself. Visitors can also take a tour of the home and see how early residents lived. The Denison Homestead Museum is open seasonally from May to October.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Mystic, CT, be sure to add these 18 things to your list of must-sees. From the world’s largest collection of sea glass to a hidden waterfall, there’s plenty to explore in this charming town. And with so much to see and do, you might just want to extend your stay.
The Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum is a maritime museum in Mystic, CT that tells the story of America’s maritime history. The museum is home to many historic ships and exhibits, including the Charles W. Morgan, America’s last surviving wooden whaling ship.
Visitors to the Mystic Seaport Museum can explore the museum’s many exhibits and learn about America’s maritime history. The museum is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring Mystic, CT.
The Mystic Aquarium
The Mystic Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Mystic, CT. However, many tourists miss out on the true beauty of this place. The aquarium is home to over 12,000 animals, including beluga whales, penguins, and stingrays. Visitors can see these animals up close and personal through glass tunnels or from above in the main viewing area. In addition to the main exhibit, the aquarium also has a touch tank where visitors can pet stingrays and horseshoe crabs. The Mystic Aquarium is a must-see for any animal lover!
Olde Mistick Village
Mystic, CT is a historic town with a lot to offer tourists. However, there are some things that tourists miss when they visit. One of these things is Olde Mistick Village.
Olde Mistick Village is a historic district in Mystic. It is home to many shops, restaurants, and businesses. The village is also home to the Mystic Art Association and the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Many tourists miss out on Olde Mistick Village because it is not well-known. However, those who take the time to explore it will be rewarded with a experience that is unique to Mystic.
The Charles W. Morgan
The Charles W. Morgan is the last surviving wooden whaling ship in the world. She is also the oldest commercial vessel still in existence in the United States. The ship was launched in 1841 and spent her entire working life whaling off the coast of New England and around the world. In 1921, she was brought to Mystic for restoration and has been a part of Mystic Seaport Museum ever since.
Despite being over 175 years old, the Charles W. Morgan is still seaworthy and sails regularly! She underwent a major restoration in 2008-2010, during which time she underwent an extensive refit that returned her to her original appearance as much as possible. Today, she is one of Mystic’s most popular attractions and a must-see for anyone interested in maritime history or simply looking for a unique experience.
Fort Trumbull State Park
Fort Trumbull State Park is one of the best kept secrets in Mystic, CT. This beautiful state park offers stunning views of the Thames River and Long Island Sound. It is also home to a variety of historical sites, including the Fort Trumbull Military Museum.
The park is open year-round, and there is no admission fee. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, and more. The Fort Trumbull State Park is a great place to spend a day or two while exploring Mystic, CT.
Denison Homestead
The Denison Homestead is one of the oldest homes in Mystic, CT and it is open to the public for tours. This historic home was built in 1654 and it is a perfect example of early American architecture. The Denison Homestead has been beautifully restored and it is furnished with period furniture. Visitors can tour the house and see how the early settlers lived.
Palmer House Inn
There’s more to Mystic than just the seaport. Just a short walk from the wharf, you’ll find the Palmer House Inn, a historic bed and breakfast that’s been welcoming guests since 1796. The inn is filled with antique furnishings and original artwork, and its grounds include a lush garden with a koi pond.
The Oyster Club
Mystic, CT is a charming seaside town with a lot to offer tourists. However, there are some things that tourists often miss when they visit. One of these hidden gems is the Oyster Club.
The Oyster Club is a seafood restaurant located in the heart of Mystic. The menu features fresh, local seafood that is cooked to perfection. The oysters are especially popular, and for good reason! They are some of the best in the area.
If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, then you need to check out the Oyster Club. You won’t be disappointed!
S&P Oyster Co
If you’re looking for a delicious seafood meal during your stay in Mystic, make sure to check out S&P Oyster Co. This local favorite serves up fresh oysters daily, along with a menu of other seafood items like lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fish tacos.
Even if you’re not a huge seafood fan, S&P Oyster Co is worth a visit for their relaxed atmosphere and beautiful waterfront views. The restaurant is located right on the Mystic River, so you can enjoy some stunning scenery while you eat.
Make sure to stop by S&P Oyster Co during your next visit to Mystic – you won’t be disappointed!
Engine Room
1. Engine Room
If you’re a fan of the movie “The Little Mermaid,” then you’ll want to check out the engine room at the Mystic Seaport Museum. This is where they filmed the scene where Ariel is captured by Ursula’s eels. The engine room is also home to two working steam engines, which are always a popular attraction with visitors.
Grass & Bone
1. Grass & Bone
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Mystic is the perfect destination. With its quaint shops and cafes, Mystic is a great place to spend a day exploring. However, there’s one thing that tourists often miss when they visit Mystic – the grass and bone sculptures located throughout the town.
These sculptures were created by local artist John Payne and are made from recycled materials. The grass and bone sculptures are a unique way to add some art to your environment and are sure to make you smile.
Sign of the Whale
1. Sign of the Whale
Located in the heart of Mystic, the Sign of the Whale is a must-see for any visitor to the town. The historic building dates back to 1848 and was once a whaling captain’s home. Today, it’s a popular restaurant and bar that serves up fresh seafood and New England classics. The outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a summer meal, and the fireplaces make it cozy in the winter.
Wheelhouse Pub & Raw Bar
If there’s one spot in Mystic that you can’t miss, it’s the Wheelhouse Pub & Raw Bar. This local favorite is located right on the Mystic River and offers stunning views of the river and nearby bridge. The Wheelhouse is known for its fresh, local seafood, and its raw bar is a must-try. The pub also has a great selection of beer and wine, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring Mystic.
Harp
The Mystic Harp is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mystic, CT. The harp was built in 1854 and is one of the only surviving examples of its kind. The harp is located in the center of town, on Main Street. It is a beautiful sight, and it’s a great place to take pictures. However, many tourists never get to see the harp up close because they don’t know it exists. If you’re ever in Mystic, be sure to take a walk down Main Street and take a look at this historic landmark.
