10 great and fun things to do in Mystic Connecticut

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Argia Mystic Cruises

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416

Explore New England's coast aboard a romantic sailing ship

Opening for the season May 1st, 2022!
Return to the romantic Age of Sail aboard the 81-foot schooner Argia. She is a US Coast Guard-inspected vessel and one of the last sailing ships in New England. Departing from Mystic CT, the ship sails in Fishers Island Sound, a calm, protected body of water, from May 1st to mid-October. Bask in the sun on her spacious wooden deck while you sail past the seafaring village of Mystic, the surrounding islands, and historic lighthouses. Delight in quirky sea stories of the area, told by the crew and Captain of Argia. Feel free to bring your own picnic and beverages. Wine and beer are permitted. Enjoy a half-day cruise, or experience the romance of the sea at twilight with a sunset sail.

Connecticut Wine Trail

Sip your way along this wine trail while enjoying music, classes – and stunning scenery

There are trails that involve walking – and then there are trails that involve sipping. Experience award-winning wines, exquisite scenery and New England charm when you travel the Connecticut Wine Trail. The trail includes 25 wineries from all corners of the state. Enjoy vineyard vistas while sipping reds, whites and specialty wines from rustic tasting rooms, spacious patios and pretty picnic groves. Some vineyards offer entertainment, from comedy nights to live music. Some have their own kitchens or restaurants and even have cooking classes; others have a wide array of food trucks. There are vineyards near casinos, state parks, rivers for canoeing and fishing and seaside villages. A few have pick-your-own fruit trees or animals to visit (including llamas).

Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street, Steamboat Dock Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-8269

Lots to see, but even more to do, at this river museum on Essex Harbor

Learn about the Connecticut River – or sail on it! – when you visit the Connecticut River Museum, on park-like grounds overlooking scenic and historic Essex Harbor. There’s plenty to see, from models of yachts, nautical paintings and history exhibits to the tools used in early fishing, hunting and trapping to a vertical, three-floor river mural that goes up a staircase. And there’s the model of the Turtle, the Revolutionary War submarine. But there’s also so much to do: Go on a winter wildlife eagle cruise to see bald eagles, or cruise aboard the Onrust, a replica of a 1614 Dutch sailing ship.

The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT, 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367

The list of what you can do at this theme park is as big as the dinosaurs that inhabit it

What can you do at The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village? Well, you can walk a trail in search of more than 50 life-sized dinosaurs, swing on a zip line at the two-story enclosed T-rex Tower, or slide through the giant mouth of a T-rex as you successfully find your way out of the dino-themed maze. At the Splash Pad (New England’s largest!), you can go under a dino rib cage waterfall, try to avoid dumping buckets and watch a Pteranodon rise from its perch when you step on certain sensors. At Monty’s Playground, you can climb, jump and slide. You can play 18 holes at Copper Creek Mini Golf, then grab ice cream, pizza or a burger.

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat -Train & Boat Excursions through the Connecticut River Valley - with all the bells & whistles!

Kid Fun, Unique Cuisine, Ocean View - Stay in Warwick, See Rhode Island!

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987

Fun experiences on land and water at this steam train and riverboat attraction

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers is a fun experience – on land and water! From the 1892 Essex Station, you can board vintage railroad cars pulled by steam engines and take a round-trip tour through towns, past wetlands and coves. There’s also a dinner train, serving an elegant four-course meal. Or take the train to Deep River Landing and board the 70-foot Mississippi-style riverboat, the Becky Thatcher, and cruise the picturesque Connecticut River. Or, get up close and personal with the rails via a two- or four-seat rail bike, taking you on an 8- or 9-mile scenic journey. Back at the station, buy a traditional engineer cap or train whistle at the gift shop. Please check our website for current train & riverboat schedules.

Ladies Cruising - Stonington Borough - Stonington, CT

Stonington Borough Connecticut

Every season, inside and out, there’s plenty to do at this welcoming seaside village

Inside and out, the village of Stonington Borough has enough things to do to keep everyone busy and happy when they come to visit. Head to DuBois Beach, one of the region’s best beaches, with its gazebo, anchored dock and jetty (great for crabbing), visit the 100-acre Saltwater Farm Vineyard (and taste their wares), shop at the farmer’s market or in the many boutiques that dot the borough’s scenic streets. Check out The Lighthouse Museum (climb to the top for a spectacular view), go for a harbor cruise, launch your kayak, walk along the seawall or on the variety of trails through the meadows and woods of several nature preserves. Enjoy great dining options from seafood to authentic Mexican dishes.

Bluefish Girls 500x250 - Black Hawk Party Boat - Niantic, CT

Black Hawk Sportfishing

Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824

Party boat provides instant entertainment, from fishing to nature cruises

Looking for something fun to do out on the water as a couple, with the kids or a group? Charter a fishing trip or specialty cruise with Blackhawk Sportfishing! Experienced captains, known for their colorful, outgoing style, will guide you to where the fish are. Rent a rod and reel and let the crew help you catch everything from stripers and bluefish to fluke, porgy, cod and sea bass. You can catch and release, donate your fish to a local soup kitchen or food bank or have a crew member fillet and clean it for your dinner. Specialty cruises include seal watches, sunset cruises, fireworks cruises, eagle-watch excursions and nature cruises. There’s a galley, and kids of all ages are welcome aboard!

Mystic Aquarium

55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-572-5955

Hands-on, educational exhibits and amazing sea creatures make this aquarium an adventure

There’s nothing average about your experience at this lively, engaging aquarium. At Mystic Aquarium, the list of things to do includes touching stingrays and sharks in interactive habitats, watching animatronic dinosaurs “come to life” in Jurassic Giants, and seeing how seals and sea lions are fed and trained. The fun doesn’t stop there. Marvel at breathtaking Beluga whales as they glide by in the Arctic Coast, the nation’s largest outdoor Beluga whale habitat. You can get up close and personal with an African penguin or paint with a seal in scheduled animal encounters. In Covanta Cove, in a “claw” game, you can see how marine debris is turned into clean energy. The Saltwater Cafe offers a wide variety of items, from pizza and sandwiches to coffee, pastries, and wine.

Explore New England TV - New Episodes Coming in 2022 on NESN! See our YouTube Channel for On-Demand Content!

The Great Race - Warwick, RI to Fargo, ND - June 18-26, 2022

General Store Covers All Needs With Classic Warmth

Carson's Store on Main Street in the very quiet and pretty seaside town of Noank was founded in 1907 and it is still going strong, serving tasty breakfasts, lunches, and ice cream along with the other joys of any old general store (penny candy, anyone?). Settle into a padded stools at the counter and contemplate an old-fashioned milk shake. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bird Watching at Bluff Point State Park - Groton. CT - Photo Credit CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Birds from the Bluff

Among its other virtues as a hiking and lookout site, Bluff Point State Park off Depot Road in Groton is a rich resource for bird watchers. Many shorebirds can be seen year round. Along the loop trail watch for various shore birds in the river, mudflats and salt marsh. The tangles of vines along the trail and the beach are other fruitful places to view many species. In the fall American pipits are common and in the winter the Ipswich race of the savannah sparrow is sometimes seen, as well as an occasional snowy owl. Various grebes, cormorants, gulls and ducks are often seen from the bluff.

Burgis Brook's Alpacas Offer a Friendly Welcome

Burgis Brook Alpacas on North Canterbury Road (Route 169) in Canterbury is a full-time farm for raising, showing, and breeding alpacas located on 43 acres of rolling hills and forest. The farm store carries farm-raised alpaca yarn milled in Connecticut as well as hand-woven and knitted scarves and accessories and high quality Peruvian imported garments. Visitors are always welcome, but call in advance to let the farm hosts know you're coming. Hours: Sunday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 204 p.m. Phone: 860-389-1650.

Skydiving: The Leap of a Lifetime

Ready to face your fear of heights? Take the plunge and experience the sensation of floating in a freefall at speeds upwards of 120 miles per hour. At the Skydive Danielson facility in Danielson, qualified instructors lead first-time skydivers into the adrenaline rush of a lifetime: a scenic ride over the landscape followed by a tandem jump from a height of 13,000 feet! Those who leave the Skydive Danielson facility wanting more can sign up for technical classes and receive their license to skydive. 860-774-5867

Beauty, History of Connecticut River on Display

If you are drawn to the Connecticut River by the beauty of its unspoiled marshlands, the Connecticut River Museum on Main Street in Essex offers an exceptional vantage point in all seasons. From its docks you can see bald eagles, migratory birds, and a wide variety of waterfowl. The tidal wetlands that surround the Museum are an environmental treasure and a beautiful natural attraction. The family-friendly exhibits are filled with art and artifacts that link the river’s stories to our lives today. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lounge in an Onyx Mountain

In the heart of the lavish Mohegan Sun is Wombi Rock, a jagged sculpture of onyx and alabaster formed into a three-story mountain with intimate seating areas tucked among it nooks and crannies, all beneath a star-studded dome of sky. Projected on the dome above is changing fiber-optic displays of the sun, moon and stars. At the top, overlooking the gaming floors, is the Vista Lounge, an oh-so-divine bar and perch to see and be seen. Great fun to sit in this crystal nest, enjoy a drink, and watch the casino turn below.

Olde Mistick Village for Nostalgic and New Shopping

Olde Mistick Village, at 27 Coogan Blvd. in Mystic, just off Exit 90 of I-95, is a quirky but really fun place to shop, especially as the Christmas season approaches. It is an open-air shopping center set up to resemble a Colonial village, complete with duck ponds, a waterwheel and replica of a steepled New England meetinghouse, where performances and special events take place. Visitors can wander along brick pathways to more than 40 stores that sell gift items from the world over. The meeting house and Victorian gazebo host performances of musicians, dancers, and storytellers free of charge. Open daily, year-round. 860-536-4941.

Arrive, Then Drive! Or Jump!

Supercharged, at 1 Sachatello Industrial Drive in Montville is well-named. At this 110,000-square-foot indoor karting and trampoline park, electric-powered karts speed around an indoor multi-level track. Two tracks offer challenges for all ages and skill levels. All drivers be at least 58 inches tall, and be able to operate the vehicle safely. There is no minimum age requirement. At the 8,000-square-foot, multi-angled trampoline park, everyone can jump for fun or tension relief or just because it feels good. Dream up games of dodgeball, airbag play and basketball. Open daily. 860-444-7700

denison pequotsepos nature center in Mystic CT with VisitNewEngland.com

Meet the Outdoors at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center at 109 Pequotsepos Road in Mystic is a nature preserve and learning center with lots of hiking trails and a delightful nature store. Bring your family for a day of walking, birdwatching, nature photography and a picnic. On the 10 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and meadow, you can search for bluebirds, turtles or bullfrogs, admire a summer wildflower garden or simply enjoy a peaceful walk. Wander the Butterfly House and enjoy the tree house. See “Night in the Meadow” in the small theater. Open daily. Trail map. 860-536-1216

Bluff Point Beckons Walkers, Skiers

Bluff Point Coastal Reserve in Groton offers the visitor a delightful mixture of wooded hiking and cross-country skiing trails coupled with spectacular wildlife viewing on Long Island Sound. Because of its Coastal Reserve designation, access to the bluff is by foot or non-motorized vehicle only. The trail to the bluff passes through wooded and open areas until the view broadens as the bluff is approached. Here vegetation is more sparse and diminutive because of wind exposure. Among the plants to be found at the headland are native beach plum, beach pea and red and white shore roses.

Tons of Books Along a Beautiful Shore

At three different but nearby locations in the lovely seaside town of Niantic, The Book Barn runs with the motto Because More is Better. This used book emporium, located at 41 West Main Street with two other locations, is stuffed with books (the main building, is, indeed, a barn). Fortunately, books are grouped by genres, so you don't need to shuffle through 350,000 volumes to find something for your taste. The Barn buys and sells books, and it is open daily.

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