The best part about Mystic, Connecticut that you can visit year-round. I’ve visited some towns across New England where many businesses shut down for the winter. There’s no shortage of things to do in Mystic during the winter. After the holidays, it is the quietest you will ever see Mystic.
Here are some things you can do in Mystic during the winter:
Go shopping — Olde Mistick Village is opened year round! There are plenty of shops and restaurants that you can enjoy. I’ve dedicated a blog about this fun Mystic destination here. In February, they host annual clam chowder festival and Ice in the Village event. Downtown Mystic has plenty of shops that you can visit. You can find warm sweaters at Tidal River Clothing, fun socks at Hang the Moon, mugs for those hot drinks during winters at Manufaktura and pick up lotion from Main Street Soap Emporium.
Visit the museums. — Mystic Aquarium located next door to Olde Mistick Village (you can make a day out of it at both locations!), the aquarium has indoor exhibits that you can enjoy. The outdoor exhibits where you can see the sea lions, beluga whales and penguins will be opened if you dare to brave the cold! Mystic Seaport Museum is opened during the winters but only half of the grounds. I would suggest waiting to visit to see all it has to offer. However, if you only can visit during the winter, don’t let that stop you from visiting the Seaport. You can see Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, which is one of the best exhibit at the museum. They also host Wintertide every Presidents’ Day weekend in February. Mystic Museum of Art is a small museum with beautiful curated art works. Opened year around with free admission (unless there is a special exhibition) but donations are appreciated.
Watch movies or get books — Watch a movie at the Mystic Luxury Cinemas (located at Olde Mistick Village) in the comfy plush chairs with some movie snacks. It is a nice theater and I enjoyed my visit there when CODA movie played. I went back second time to watch CODA because of the movie and the theater atmosphere! If you’re not a movie-goer, maybe you’re into books? There’s two bookstores in Mystic that you can visit! Bank Square Books has an impressive collection of the latest released books. No Other Books Like This, a used books bookstore located across the street from the train station. Worth a visit to check out the impressive collection of rare/antique books!
Eat your way through Mystic — we tend to load up on the carbs during winters, right? There’s plenty of recommendations in Mystic! Get the most delicious pastries at Sift Bake Shop, eat pizza like Julia Roberts at Mystic Pizza, missing the lobster roll? The Mariner has them year-round. The best waffles you can find at Popover Eatery. Get your seafood fix at S&P Oyster and enjoy the best waterfront views. In the mood for cozy tavern atmposhere? Look no further than Daniel Packer Inne. You can’t go wrong with any restaurants in Mystic!
I love Mystic during the winter, it’s so calm and peaceful. The quietness is perfect for that coziness vibes when I dine or visit a small business. It’s also fun not having to worry about parking so much! Enjoy your winter getaway to Mystic. If it inspires you to return for a spring visit, make your plans with my spring recommendations here!