Mystic seaport is located on 19 acres on the banks of Mystic River. Come for the day and walk though the village and hear musicians, historians and craftspeople who will bring to life America’s maritime past. The old sail boats are always so pretty to look at and fun little souvenir shops to pop into.
Growing up in Southeastern Connecticut, we often would go to RI to go to the beach. Watch Hill is a little borough which is part of the town Westerly and has really changed over the years with Taylor Swift buying a centrally located house and the renovation of the Ocean House. The Ocean House was torn down in 2005, renovated and reopened in 2010. It is beyond stunning and if you don’t want to stay there, you can always go to the public beach and go for lunch or dinner. Watch Hill has one Main Street with some cute boutiques, restaurants, an ice cream shop and a carousel.
One of my favorite vineyards located in Stonington, which is right over the RI border, is Jonathan Edwards. The grounds here are so beautiful and you can sit up in their tasting room or sit on picnic tables that are scattered throughout the vineyard. You can bring your own food and have the perfect afternoon or evening. It is always one of my first stops when I am in the area.
Another beautiful vineyard that is worth a visit is Salt Water. Their space is more industrial where Jonathan Edward’s is more farm style but Salt Water’s grounds are just as pretty. You can also stand in their tasting room or outside on tables. They host a lot of weddings here so always a good idea to call beforehand to make sure they aren’t closing early.
My kids love going to the Mystic Aquarium and it used to always be our first stop when we went to visit my parents. You can see so much sea life to see like beluga whales from behind a 20 ft. long underwater window. My favorite are the African penguins that waddle around everywhere. Don’t miss the African penguins, seals, sea lions, shark and ray touch pools and jellyfish exhibit.
The Tree House which is part of the Oyster Club in Mystic, is the cutest outdoor eating place. It is actually built surrounded by trees so you are actually in an adult tree house and it overlooks all of downtown Mystic. They have great happy hour deals, like $1 oysters and drink specials.
If you are visiting the Mystic area in the fall (which I think is the best time) B.F.Clyde’s is the oldest steam powered cider mill in the United States. Their cider and cider donuts are two things I dream about all year. It is a sun place to take kids because you can actually watch them make the cider and they always have a pumpkin patch.
Abbott’s Lobster In The Rough is located in my favorite little borough of Noank and is kind off the beaten path. They have amazing lobster rolls, steamers and clam chowder. It is very kid friendly and located right on the Mystic River.
