An Insider’s Guide to the Very Best Things To Do In & Around Mystic, Connecticut
Wineries, Breweries, Cideries, Cheeseries, & Pick Your Own
Stonington Vineyards
Just a few miles from Abbey’s Lantern Hill Inn, this is our favorite local winery for wine tastings. All the grapes used in the production of their wines are grown at the property or on nearby farms. One of these is Morgan Farm, just 3.5 miles from the inn. This vineyard sometimes has live music. The wines produced here are tasty and as local as it gets.
Jonathan Edwards Winery
One of the favorite wineries in the area is located just a few miles from Abbey’s Lantern Hill Inn. Enjoy their very drinkable wines in a beautiful bit of rolling countryside replete with stonewalls and big open fields. The winery is open daily, year-round. Sometimes, they have live music, so check their events schedule. In the summer and fall, they do a lot of weddings, so call ahead to make sure the tasting room is open.
Outer Light Brewing Company
This is a brewery whose beers we highly rate and enjoy. The Subduction IPA, Libation Propaganda coffee stout, and Lonesome Boatman amber ale are popular at restaurants throughout the area. Their tap room is open Wednesday – Sunday. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area. While in the area, consider a visit to Paul’s Pasta, Fort Griswold State Park, or the USS Nautilus Museum.
Greysail Brewery of Rhode Island
Don’t be alarmed by this brewery’s location in neighboring Rhode Island. By car, it is literally just 10 miles (15 minutes) from Abbey’s Lantern Hill Inn and well worth the trip. They make some of the most delicious beer of any microbrewery in the area, including The Captain’s Daughter, Flagship Ale, and Flying Jenny. Grey Sail’s Taproom offers beer, wine, and cocktails. There is indoor and outdoor seating available (weather dependent). Leashed dogs are allowed outdoors. Food is available during the summer months (Memorial Day – Columbus Day). Open Wednesday – Sunday.
Beer’d Brewing Co.
The microbrewery has two locations. The Groton location is open Tuesday-Saturday. The Velvet Mill location in Stonington is open Thursday – Sunday. If you’re traveling with a dog, The Velvet Mill location has an area called the Dog Den where they are welcome. Neither location does tastings per se, but you are welcome to taste a beer prior to buying a pint.
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
This quintessential fall activity is located just 5 miles from Abbey’s Lantern Hill Inn. Opened in 1881, this is the oldest steam-powered apple cider mill in the country and a National Historic Landmark. In addition to fresh cider, they sell a variety of hard ciders, as well as baked goods like freshly made cider donuts, pies, and turnovers. They offer hard cider tastings out of a fun cellar area behind the old mill. Clyde’s season starts toward the end of August and finishes just after Thanksgiving. They have a parking lot that gets quite busy and an overflow lot at 49 North Stonington Road, North Stonington.
Cato Corner Farm
This farm’s artisan cheeses are made by hand with raw milk from their herd of 45 cows. You won’t believe how wonderful these award-winning cheeses are till you try them. “World-class… some are wonderfully spicy and pungent. All it takes is one bite of their most popular offering, the Belgian-inspired Bridgid’s Abbey, and you’ll swear off bland, pasteurized cheese forever.” — Town and Country magazine, October 2001. Open year round, Friday – Sunday.
Mystic Cheese Company
Located in Groton, Mystic Cheese Company sources their milk exclusively from Connecticut Farms. You can visit the shop Wednesday-Saturday. It’s in the same building as Beer’d Brewing Co.’s Groton location.
Holmberg Orchards
Holmberg Orchards, in Gales Ferry, Connecticut, is many things in one. The Wine & Cider Barn is open for tastings from August to October. Out of season, you can still purchase these from the quaint Farm Market, which also sells native fruits and veggies, specialty gourmet foods, and baked goods made in-house. They are open daily from 9 AM – 6 PM, year-round. They have ‘Pick Your Own” available June-late October with blackberries, raspberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins available depending on what’s ripe.
Maple Lane Farm
With its 50 acres of Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, and Concolor Fir, Maple Lane Farm is a fabulous place for cut-your-own Christmas trees. They provide saws and carry the tree from the field to where they wrap it up in netting for easy loading onto your vehicle. Cutting starts the day after Thanksgiving and is on weekends only. A reservation is required. Dogs are allowed in the fields (not in buildings) and must be leashed at all times.
Get Out On The Water
Argia Mystic Cruises
The Argia, a 60-foot schooner, has been taking people out for tours in Mystic for over 25 years. We recommend these sails for those wanting a carefree way to spend a couple of hours on the water. Daily cruises (morning, afternoon, and sunset) down the Mystic River and into Fisher’s Island Sound depart by the drawbridge in downtown Mystic. We highly recommend buying tickets in advance.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Kayaking and paddleboarding is a great way to get out onto the local waters. There are two rental options in Mystic: Blue Heaven Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals and Adventure Mystic. Both rent by the hour, half-day, or full-day. You can launch from either shop directly into the Mystic River to enjoy views of Mystic Seaport Museum, the historic drawbridge, and bustling marinas. Ambitious paddlers can circumnavigate nearby Mason’s Island. Adventure Mystic allows you to take rented paddleboards or kayaks where you like. You can also bring your own equipment to explore Stonington Harbor, Sandy Point, Napatree, and more. To learn more, check out our blog on Mystic, CT’s Best Spots for Kayaking and Paddleboarding.
Mystic Boat Adventures
You can join a 1- or 3-hour tour piloting your own 2-person go-fast boat on the Mystic River and Fisher’s Island Sound. Tours are limited to eight people per tour, four times per day, so please keep this in mind when booking for a specific time or day.
Mystic River Cruises
This classic wooden cruising boat offers private 1.5-hour excursions for up to 6 people along the Mystic River. You can bring along your favorite foods and beverages, including alcohol, to enhance your cruising experience. Enjoy local knowledge and anecdotes from your captain along the way.
Poet’s Lounge Sailing Charters
Step aboard and set sail on the tranquil waters off Mystic, Connecticut. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a memorable outing with friends, these private charters offer an intimate and unforgettable experience. With customizable options and the freedom to bring your own food and beverages, including alcohol, every moment aboard the Poet’s Lounge is tailored to your desires. Let the gentle rhythm of the waves inspire your soul as you create cherished memories against the stunning backdrop of Mystic’s coastal vistas. Cruise lengths are customizable from 1.5 – 8 hours.
Boating at Mystic Seaport Museum
Options here for getting out on the water are reasonably low-priced, though some require purchasing admission to the seaport. One such option is to borrow a rowboat, sailboat or pedal boat from the Mystic Seaport Museum Boathouse. It’s free with the price of admission. Choose one of more than a dozen boats that vary in capacity from 2 to 5 people (plus a dog). Spend an hour exploring the Mystic River. If you’d rather have someone else piloting the boat, you can choose between a ride on the 1908 steamboat Sabino or a sail on the catboat Breck Marshall. Tickets for both are sold at the Waterfront Tours Ticket Booth and do not require purchasing admission to the Seaport.
Best Beaches
Watch Hill Beach
Here you’ll find the nicest beach in the area. Though a bit farther than some others, this beach is well worth the 30-minute drive, especially if you’ll be able to spend a couple of hours here. Look for “East Beach”, the nicest one in Watch Hill. Forewarning: it’s a very popular place in summer, so parking can be tricky. There are expensive pay lots, but the most budget-friendly option is to try to grab a spot streetside, which allows free parking for up to 2 hours. Patience is needed, as in peak season, it may take several laps around the block to get one. If you aren’t feeling patient, the paid lots start at $40 for the day.
Misquamicut Beach
Just a few miles east of Watch Hill, Misquamicut is a down-to-earth hangout for those who like to mix a bit of a party vibe with their beach-going. At the state beach, there is a paid public parking lot which you can pre-book online. With 3 miles of coastline, this family-friendly beach offers soft sands perfect for sunbathing, sandcastle building, and leisurely strolls. Down the beach are several beach bars that often have live music during the season and serve basic food.
See Our Favorite Local Beaches in the Mystic, CT Area blog for more local beach ideas.
Lighthouses & Museum
These exciting 2-hour guided tours visit 9 lighthouses as well as other points of interest from the water. Enjoy learning the fascinating history behind each notable landmark and lighthouse. Tours can be enjoyed from the air-conditioned cabin or outdoor sun deck. Cocktails, beverages, and snacks are available during the tours.
Stonington Lighthouse Museum
If you don’t have time for a boat tour but would love to visit a lighthouse, you can visit the old Stonington Harbor Light, built in 1840. The museum and tours are available during certain times, but you can explore the grounds when they’re closed. Dogs are allowed at the property but not inside. Admission to the museum also allows you to visit the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum
This world-class museum, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, traces the tribe’s history from the end of the last ice age to the present day. Highlights include the life-size pre-European village, the ice age exhibits, and the movie “The Witness” about the Pequot War. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, from April through November. Plan a minimum of two hours for your visit.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Here at the country’s preeminent museum of seafaring life in early America, you can learn about life onboard working boats as well as pleasure craft and witness firsthand the various artisan skills in practice in a typical shipbuilding town in the late 18th century. Mystic, Connecticut was a shipbuilding powerhouse in early America. Don’t miss the building where there is a to-scale diorama of the entire town of Mystic in its shipbuilding heyday. At the museum’s Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard, you can view restoration projects underway utilizing traditional boatbuilding methods. Climb aboard and go below decks on meticulously preserved tall ships, including the last remaining wooden whaling vessel. You can easily spend an entire day here.
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park & Groton Monument
The site of Connecticut’s largest Revolutionary War Battle, explore the fort which Benedict Arnold treacherously led the British in attacking in 1781. This is the site where Colonel William Ledyard was murdered with his own sword after surrendering to the British. The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Groton Monument stands 135 feet tall with 166 steps and was completed in 1830 to mark the 50th anniversary of the battle. It was the first memorial obelisk built in the United States. A small museum and the monument are open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Free and ample parking is available on side streets adjacent to the fort.
The USS Nautilus Museum
Located in Groton, Connecticut, the museum offers an immersive experience into the history and legacy of the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus (SSN-571). Commissioned in 1954, the Nautilus forever changed the course of maritime warfare. Begin your visit with a stroll through the museum’s captivating exhibits, featuring interactive displays chronicling the Nautilus’s storied past. One of the highlights of a visit here is the opportunity to explore the historic USS Nautilus itself. Experience firsthand the cramped quarters and advanced machinery that powered this legendary vessel on its historic voyages.
Concerts, Nightlife, & Entertainment
The Garde Arts Center
This 1500-seat performing arts center and cinema hosts everything from Broadway shows and concerts by the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra to ballet performances and comedy acts. The Garde Arts Center hosts a diverse array of live events that cater to all tastes and interests. Recent shows have included David Sedaris, Lyle Lovett, and Madame Butterfly.
Mohegan Sun Casino
Mohegan Sun Casino has three entertainment venues: the Mohegan Sun Arena, the Wolf Den, and the Comix Roadhouse. The Arena gets many big-name shows. The Wolf Den has free shows almost every night in its open-air concert venue. For those wanting to party, there are nightclubs, bars, and lounges. Game-On features craft beer on tap, an eight-lane bowling alley, 15 high-definition viewing screens, karaoke, shuffleboard, cornhole, darts, nostalgic and modern arcade games, billiard tables, live entertainment, and much more. The bar outside Todd English’s restaurant Tuscany features a 50-foot-tall waterfall and is a great place for a drink. If you want to try your luck gambling, there are table games, sports betting, and slot machines in several gaming areas.
Foxwoods
Foxwoods is a complete entertainment venue. In addition to the expected table games, slot machines, and sports betting, there are a lot of entertainment options. High Rollers Luxury Lanes offers a posh bowling alley experience. The 20 lanes feature full food and beverage service with specials on drink and food throughout the week. For those who want to party, there are nightclubs, bars, and lounges. The Asian-themed Red Lantern has numerous specials throughout the week, including Sushi Boat Sundays, Mai Tai Mondays, and Endless Sushi Thursdays. After dinner, you can next door to the action at Shrine nightclub. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can try Monza World-Class Karting, a high-speed indoor track, or the HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods.
Hiking, Biking, and Exploring Nature's Beauty
Lantern Hill
Start your hike right out your door at Abbey’s Lantern Hill Inn! We are so blessed to be right next to the most magnificent hiking spot in the Mystic area and Southeastern Connecticut. Lantern Hill is truly a magnificent spot to commune with nature. Recognized as a spiritual place by the earliest Native Americans living in the area, Lantern Hill is great for picnics, nature watching, meditation, and even marriage proposals. On a clear day, you can see the Mystic River and Fisher’s Island Sound. Sneakers or boots are recommended for this intermediate hike.
Bluff Point State Park
Nestled on the largest piece of undeveloped Connecticut coastline, this scenic hidden gem offers a perfect blend of serenity and adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. A mountain biking paradise, the 700+ acre park is also popular for hiking paddleboarding, and kayaking. Explore miles of picturesque trails winding through lush woodlands and along the rugged shoreline, where breathtaking views of Long Island Sound await around every corner. Whether you’re birdwatching or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water’s edge, Bluff Point State Park promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature. Those with a trail app can follow the route to nearby Haley Farm for a longer adventure. Free parking and free admission.
Haley Farm State Park
Tucked away amidst this former dairy farm, you can enjoy the vistas of large open meadows that roll down to the sea. Gentle trails follow mowed grass paths past stone walls. This peaceful retreat is a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll, a nice spot for a picnic, or a moment of quiet reflection in the great outdoors, Haley Farm State Park is perfect.
Connecticut College Arboretum
Located adjacent to the grounds of the prestigious private college, the arboretum includes 750 acres of botanical gardens and a greenhouse. Foremost among these is the 20-acre Native Plant Collection, a rich assortment of 288 unique species indigenous to the vibrant landscapes of this region. From the delicate spring blooms of shadbush and dogwood to the vibrant early summer hues of azaleas and mountain laurel, all the way to the towering presence of giant rhododendrons and evergreens that add life to the forest throughout the winter, this collection shines in every season.
Shop Til You Drop
Stonington Borough
On Water Street in Stonington Borough, you’ll find some of the area’s best antique shops, like Grand & Water and Roberto Freitas American Antiques. Other boutique shops offer more modern housewares and clothing. Parking is streetside and in free public lots.
Olde Mistick Village
The dozens of shops at Mystic Village offer one-of-a-kind finds ranging from artisan crafts and culinary treats to international and locally-made wares. The shops here are really unique, with many catering to niche markets like cooks, runners, and even wizards. There are a number of eateries throughout the village for when you need to take a break from shopping. There’s also a movie theater and ample free parking.
Downtown Mystic
Here you’ll find some quaint one-off boutiques to brand names. Some of our favorites include Mystic Knotwork and Company of Craftsmen offering artisan and locally made products. The Mystic Army Navy Store and Mystic Disc have both been around for decades and best represent the funky, quaint downtown of days gone by. If you’re into vinyl records, don’t miss a stop at Mystic Disc. British brand name Fat Face is a newer arrival to town. Shops extend from Main Street onto Holmes, Cottrell, and Water Streets. Parking can be tricky downtown, but there is a LAZ lot off Water Street.
Tanger Outlets Foxwoods
Here, you’ll find your favorite brand-name stores, such as Vineyard Vines, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach, Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour. Parking is free.
Mohegan Sun
Here, you’ll find high-end brand-name retail shops for Lush, Athleta, Le Creuset, Coach, Tommy Bahama, Chicos, and more. There’s even a Tesla showroom where you can arrange a test drive of any model.
Wellness & Spa Retreats
Mystic Massage & Wellness
Featuring massage for couples and individuals, pregnancy, sports, and Thai massage, reflexology, microdermabrasion, skin peels, body waxing, reiki, and tarot card reading.
Cerulean Spa
This traditional spa features a full array of massage, skincare, and body treatments as well as offering hair, make-up, and nail services. While there for your services, you can enjoy the pool, hot tub, and sauna. The spa offers 20% off all services to healthcare workers, first responders, education employees, and spa and wellness industry license holders. Valid Monday through Thursday only; not available on holidays. Must provide proof of employment (badge, license, company identification, etc) to redeem.
Cure Med Spa
This spa takes beauty treatments to the next level, offering treatments such as injectibles, laser hair removal, chemical peels, microneedling, hair restoration, B-12 injections, an infrared sauna, and, of course, massages.
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