Mystic
Some of the fastest clipper ships in the country were being built in Mystic by the middle of the 19th century, and one of the first ironclad vessels commissioned by the U.S. Navy, the USS Galena, was constructed in Mystic shipyards in 1861. Houses dating back to those maritime days still stand, with many located on the west side of the river.
In the center of town, the Mystic River Bascule Bridge draws onlookers at regular intervals to watch as cement counterweights lift the drawbridge sky-high; a pedestrian walkway affords fantastic views of the riverfront.
Julia Roberts' 1980s film " Mystic Pizza" was set and filmed in Mystic; fans can dine at the restaurant of the same name on Main Street. Several scenes from Steven Spielberg's 1997 film "Amistad" were filmed at Mystic Seaport; the waterfront served as the backdrop for scenes set in New Haven Harbor of 1839.
In early June, Mystic Seaport Museum celebrates its seafaring past with the Sea Music Festival, featuring music from maritime cultures around the world; phone (860) 572-0711 for information. Restored pre-1965 sailboats and powerboats manned by costumed crews make their way down the Mystic River during the Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous, held in late July.
In August the streets of Historic Downtown Mystic are lined with artists during the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival. September brings the 3-day Taste of Mystic food festival held on Cottrell Street and the Garlic Festival held in Olde Mistick Village. Mystic River Park is the place to be for the Tree Lighting and Lighted Holiday Boat Parade , held on the last weekend in November.
Visitor Centers
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce 12 Roosevelt Ave. Mystic, CT 06355. Phone:(860)572-9578
Shopping
Olde Mistick Village , off I-95 exit 90 at Coogan Boulevard, offers more than 90 specialty stores and restaurants set in a Colonial New England atmosphere featuring gardens, a water wheel and duck pond; phone (860) 536-4941.Main Street and the side streets in Historic Downtown Mystic are lined with specialty stores selling clothing, books, jewelry, gifts and crafts, which you can browse while soaking up all that historic maritime atmosphere. Any one of the several ice cream or coffee shops along this stretch makes a good pit stop. Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream, 2 W. Main St., claims that “we make the best”; give one of their flavors a taste test and see if you agree.