Explore Historic Mystic, Connecticut in the Fall
I explored the charming city of Mystic, Connecticut in the fall, and it is the perfect time to visit this historic coastal town.
When it comes to discovering the beauty and wonder of autumn in New England, Mystic is a must-visit destination.
The town comes alive with colorful foliage and an array of exciting activities to explore. From historic landmarks to scenic trails, there’s something for everyone here.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an adventure-seeking beginner, you can’t go wrong with this gem of a town.
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How to get to Mystic, CT
Located in the southeast part of Connecticut, the closest major airport to Mystic is Rhode Island’s T. F. Green International airport in Providence, RI.
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Mystic is about forty-five minutes away from Providence, so you will need a rental car.
I rented a car through Hertz for around $185 for five days in the fall. This price may vary based on when you visit.
Renting a car at T. F. Green is relatively simple. The rental car garage is connected to the airport through a marked indoor walkway. Driving from Rhode Island to Connecticut was easy to navigate by hooking my phone up to the car’s USB port system.
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Where to stay in Mystic CT in the fall
Try an AirBnB near Mystic
My trip for fall activities in Connecticut began and ended in Mystic and the surrounding area. The first night, I stayed in a magnificent rental called the 1807 Williams Home in Stonington, CT. The home’s location is about a ten-minute drive to Downtown Mystic.
The home is a fantastic spot to call home while staying in the Mystic and Stonington area.
The rental was magnificent in so many ways.
My room had a private entrance, a small kitchen, a living room, a bedroom, and a private bathroom. The outside space was a shared space and included a fire pit with s’more sticks, hammocks, and a cornhole game.
A handwritten welcome note and desserts from the local cider mill are welcome touches.
Extras like all the bathroom amenities you might need, extra plugs, and water bottles by the bed made the stay a comfortable visit.
Stay in the heart of Downtown Mystic
On the last night of my stay in Mystic, I booked a room at The Whaler’s Inn. This property is located on Main Street and within walking distance of the Mystic Drawbridge, the Downtown Mystic shops, and many restaurants.
The Whaler’s Inn has standard rooms, but they also have family suites like The Mallory Suite, which includes a king-sized bed and a connected space with bunk beds for kids.
This location is perfect for exploring Downtown Mystic.
Free parking is included in the price of your room. Extra amenities like water, coffee, homemade chocolate chip cookies at check-in, and umbrellas to use during your stay are small perks included.
The lounge area is comfortable, and the lobby’s small store sells items from local shops.
We ate breakfast at the Inn’s restaurant, The Shipwright’s Daughter. The brioche french toast with fresh blackberries and the eggs benedict were delicious.
Even if you choose not to stay at The Whaler’s Inn, you should definitely try this restaurant.
You will need to drive to other Mystic attractions like the Mystic Aquarium or the Mystic Seaport, but they are all within a short drive.
What to do in Mystic in the fall
Fall is considered off-season, so be prepared when visiting Mystic, Connecticut, in the fall for many businesses and restaurants to operate with reduced hours.
Historic downtown stores mostly closed at 6 p.m., and few restaurants stayed open until 10 p.m.
Don’t let this discourage your visit; just plan accordingly.
Walk along Main St. in historic downtown Mystic
Historic Downtown Mystic is very walkable. We parked the car at our Inn and walked along Main St. for shopping and dining. The walk was pedestrian-friendly, and I felt safe walking at night.
Grab an ice cream or treat and watch the Mystic Bascule Drawbridge
The Mystic River Bascule Drawbridge was built in 1922 and just celebrated its 100th birthday in October 2022. The bridge opens each hour at 40 minutes past the hour, allowing tall sailboats to pass through from the Groton side to the Stonington side of Mystic.
The Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream shop is on one side of the bridge, while the Mystic Candy shop is on the other. Enjoy a treat while you watch the traffic come to a stop and the bridge rise.
Benches located at Mystic River Park make a great place to watch the bascule bridge.
The system that raises the bridge is so quiet. I found the rising bridge very peaceful.
Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium
Just a short five-minute drive from Downtown Mystic, you will find the Mystic Seaport Museum.
In addition to the Seaport Museum’s regular exhibits, visiting Mystic, Connecticut, in the fall means you can participate in the Seaport Museum’s fall activities. You will want to check their website for special events.
The Seaport Museum has something for all ages, including daily demonstrations and a Children’s Museum. If you want to visit the Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium, consider purchasing a Mystic Pass card for discounts.
The Mystic Aquarium is a short drive from the Seaport Museum, close to Olde Mistick Village. Both offer abundant and free parking.
Take the Mystic Seaport Express
Just recently, the Seaport Museum acquired the Historic Harbor Tours of Mystic. Their flagship boat, the Mystic Express, has now been renamed the Mystic Seaport Express. This is great news for visitors to Downtown Mystic.
The 17-passenger vessel now serves as a water shuttle, providing visitors with a convenient way to travel between the drawbridge in downtown Mystic and both ends of the Museum.
The newly refurbished dock, located at the foot of the Mystic Drawbridge in front of S&P Oyster Co., serves as the starting point for the Mystic Seaport Express.
From there, passengers can take a continuous loop journey, transporting them to the various attractions and exhibitions at the Mystic Seaport Museum.
This new transportation option enhances accessibility for visitors, allowing them to easily reach the museum and explore the rich maritime history and culture it has to offer.
The rates for the shuttle service will include admission to the Museum, and you can buy your tickets from the attendant at the dock.
Set Sail with Mystic River Cruises
Highly recommended by travelers, the Mystic River Cruise is a Mystic experience I missed out on taking, but it comes with great reviews from other travelers.
You will step aboard a classic wooden boat with Captain Eric, the experienced and friendly guide. He provides captivating commentary and insights into the region’s rich history.
With a limited capacity, the intimate cruise guarantees a comfortable and leisurely journey and offers different options to cater to your needs, including private or group tours with the flexibility to bring your snacks and beverages.
Go shopping in Old Mystic Village
Olde Mistick Village is an open-air shopping experience with quirky and unique shops. During the fall season, the merchants participate in Scarecrows in the Village where shops decorate the outside of their shops with uniquely decorated scarecrows.
Shopping in Olde Mistick Village is so much fun. There are shops for everyone, like The Cloak and Wand fantasy store, The Boardwalk coastal souvenirs, and Raining Cats & Dogs for animal lovers. You can find Mystic-created souvenirs, fun eats, and treats like those at Deviant Donuts and Alice in the Village.
Explore the Outdoors
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and Coogan Farm in Mystic is a wonderful place to visit, especially in the fall.
As the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisp, this nature center and farm offer a perfect escape into the beauty of the season.
Take a peaceful stroll along the well-maintained trails, surrounded by vibrant foliage and the sounds of nature. Learn about the local ecosystem through interactive exhibits and engaging programs.
You can even explore the historic farmstead, connecting to the area’s rich agricultural heritage.
With its serene ambiance and opportunities to immerse yourself in the fall season, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and Coogan Farm is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Visit a Cider Mill
A visit to Mystic, Connecticut in the fall would not be complete without a visit to B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill. This popular family-owned spot is a short nine-minute drive up State Highway 614. The Cider Mill is only open for the fall season and attracts quite a crowd, especially on the weekends.
If you are lucky, you’ll get to see a cider-making demonstration. In addition to the cider press, taste some of the best apple cider and apple cider donuts in Connecticut here.
Adults over 21 can also taste and purchase Cider Mill wine, hard apple cider, and slushes at the tasting barn.
When we visited, music played while visitors waited to purchase apple products from the bakery and store. You may want to pick up an apple pie and a gallon of apple cider while you are there. Both were delicious!
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Go shopping in Downtown Mystic
Spend the day or early evening shopping along Main Street in Downtown Mystic. One of my favorite Mystic shops is The Black Dog, but there are so many other great stores to pop into.
Shops in Downtown Mystic also include local stores like Main St. Soap Emporium that sell bath and body products with scents like High Tide, Smooth Sailing and Salty Mariner, and Mystic Knotwork, which has been open since 1957.
I bought Mystic Knotwork’s signature product, the knotwork drink coasters in a nautical navy. They are 100% cotton and super absorbent.
If all you do is window shop, Downtown Mystic is still an enjoyable place to spend your time in the fall.
Visit a Nearby Winery
When you think of Connecticut, great wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but Connecticut has over 30 wineries that participate in the Connecticut wine trail. Several of those wineries can be found within a short distance from Mystic in nearby Stonington.
Get ready to pour, taste, and be inspired at Saltwater Farm Vineyard. This vineyard is an incredible destination to visit during your fall trip to Mystic.
It’s not just about wine here; it’s all about preserving history and embracing the unique character of coastal Connecticut. Imagine sipping on award-winning wines made from grapes grown on a property that used to be a World War II-era private airport and coastal farmland.
Another equally beautiful nearby vineyard is the Jonathan Edwards Winery and Vineyard.
We visited on a drizzly morning, but the country property is absolutely breathtaking. The tasting room is an 1880s barn that has been restored. In addition to the tasting room, there is also a gift shop and complimentary winery tours.
The Connecticut wine trail offers a wide range of wineries, so even if you don’t drink wine, you should stop by one or more for the fantastic properties alone.
Where to eat in Mystic Connecticut
Mystic is not a very large town, but the restaurants are plentiful.
For a full breakfast in Downtown Mystic, try The Shipwright’s Daughter or Rise.
The Sift Bake Shop, also in Downtown Mystic, is an excellent choice for breakfast pastries or an afternoon treat.
Check out Kitchen Little at the Mystic River Marina if you don’t mind a short drive and want a water view.
Our Airbnb host recommended all of these, and we enjoyed them.
Mystic Diner is another great breakfast option, especially if you visit the Mystic Aquarium since it is close by. They also make homemade donuts. The Mystic Diner is open late for lunch and dinner as well.
You must make a stop at Mystic Pizza. Check out the bar’s specials for lunch or try the day’s pizza when you dine in the restaurant. We tried the Spaghetti and Meatball pizza. It was unique, but I liked it.
You may remember this restaurant from a 1980’s movie of the same name starring Julia Roberts.
For a fine dining experience, the freshest seafood, and fabulous waterfront dining in Mystic, make reservations for S&P Oyster Co.
The beautifully decorated restaurant is located across the street from The Whaler’s Inn and has an innovative and fresh menu.
Time your reservation to coincide with a magnificent sunset for a great evening to end the perfect trip to Mystic, Connecticut in the fall.
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In Conclusion
A visit to Mystic, Connecticut in the fall is a fabulous time to see this historic and charming town. The crowds are minimal, the weather is cooler, and there are plenty of fall activities in the area.
Mystic is close to Rhode Island and would make a perfect day trip from Providence. Alternatively, if you have several days to spare, this lovely town has plenty to offer.
Mystic, Connecticut is an ideal fall getaway. Consider adding Mystic and the surrounding area to your itinerary if you are planning a trip to New England. You will be glad you did.
