Taking its place in popular culture via the 1988 movie Mystic Pizza and the 2003 movie Mystic River (the latter taken from the 2001 novel of the same name), Mystic is a town in the New London County area of Connecticut. Despite being the focus of Hollywood productions, the destination is essentially a small one and is home to a population of between four and five thousand permanent residents only.
Mystic has a strong maritime connection, having been a leading seaport in the area for a significant part of its past. The story of its relationship with the sea is told at the Mystic Seaport, a facility claiming to be the largest maritime museum in the world. The museum, along with the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, has helped make the town one of the most popular tourist destinations in New England.
Despite its connection with Hollywood productions, and references made to it in the Hardy Boys Book “Mystery of the Whale Tattoo”, Mystic has not attempted to exploit the publicity that popular media has afforded it and its charm remains strictly based on its heritage and natural beauty.
Highlights
Mystic Aquarium: this fascinating facility is home to a large selection of marine life and an impressive sea mammal collection.
Mystic Seaport: the world’s largest maritime museum gives visitors a close look at the sea-oriented events that have helped make the town become what it is today.
Ocean Beach Park: located a short distance from Mystic are the soft white sands of Ocean Beach and promenade attractions including an 18-hole Miniature Golf Course, a 50-meter Olympic swimming pool and a Family Fun Center Arcade.
Olde Mistick Village: more than 60 shops, stores and restaurants are on offer at this popular and picturesque village with traditional buildings and décor.
Stillman Building: one of Seaport’s highlights is this museum housing items made from whales’ spermaceti and fish cleaning demonstrations among other oddities. Eat before you visit.
Charles W Morgan: climb aboard this whaling ship and see the stomach-churning blubber boiling rooms below deck.