Connecticut's Mystic Country is stocked with comfortable hotels

Proudly standing on Main Street in what is often mentioned as the Best Small Town in America, the Griswold Inn has been warmly welcoming visitors since 1776. Just steps from the shops, galleries and harbor of Essex Village, the inn offers guests a choice of 34 charming rooms, each furnished with period antiques and reproductions, some with fireplaces or glimpses of the water. Dine on fresh local fare in a cozy dining room, comfortable patio or terrace, or choose from an extensive wine list in the celebrated Wine Bar. Area activities include rides on a steam train and riverboat, golfing, hiking, historical and art museums and the Connecticut Wine Trail. (Check the inn website for updates on health regulations and protocols.)

The Whaler’s Inn has been providing its inviting brand of warm hospitality in downtown Mystic for over 125 years. Its five buildings reflect five historical eras, each with its own personality. The Morgan Suite in the 1865 House has original hardwood floors, a double-sided gas fireplace and an air-jet soaking tub. The quiet Stonington House has a large communal porch. It’s adults only at the 1818 Hoxie House, with gas fireplaces, soaking tubs and gorgeous river views. You’ll dine in style at The Shipwright’s Daughter, and in the afternoon enjoy freshly baked cookies and a comforting espresso at Scrimshaw, the new pop-up coffee lounge. Stroll the town’s shops, visit the Mystic Aquarium or Seaport Museum, or go hiking or sailing.