There’s more to Mystic, Connecticut than pizza. For starters, it’s steeped in history, charm and romance. This adorable little bedroom community has so many things to see and do, it’s hard to know where to begin. The town is brimming with shopping, dining, outdoor activities and plenty of adventure for the little ones.

The Inn at Mystic, overlooking Mystic Harbor and Long Island sound, has a quaint bed & breakfast feel, but the ability to host large groups of people. The Inn is equipped with a sophisticated formal dining restaurant called Flood Tide, a gorgeous Colonial Revival mansion built in 1905, and 15 acres of lush gardens – all with a reasonable price tag. Canopy beds and big Japanese soaking tubs in many rooms make this place feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The history behind the Inn is worth a visit alone – Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall honeymooned at the Gate House – one of the five buildings on the property. And no matter what time of year you plan to visit The Inn at Mystic, there are lovely ceremony and reception options for you – from luxuriant gardens and rolling lawns to the Mansion and terraces overlooking the harbor – you’ll find a perfect place to say “I Do”.

When it comes to entertaining the kiddos, Mystic has it all. One of the star attractions in the area is Mystic Aquarium Institute for Exploration. Here you will find interactive programs for all ages, including the Penguin and Beluga contact programs where families can actually get an up close and personal with the animals. Pet a stingray, feed exotic birds, or see the thousands of sea creatures they have on display. The Aquarium also offers private dining for rehearsal dinners & receptions and one of the best chefs in Mystic.

Another delight in this charming town is Mystic Seaport. Located within 19 acres off the banks of the Mystic River, you’ll find everything from a working whale ship to a preservation shipyard, museums and galleries to a planetarium that gives visitors a lesson on celestial navigation. Kids and parents can spend hours here soaking up the history and learning about how this seafaring village worked back in the 19^th century. An absolute must, is a leisurely ride on the historic steamboat, Sabino. It’s a great way to see Mystic in it’s entirety, take a load off after walking around Mystic Seaport or just snuggle up to your betrothed and get a little romantic time in.

Only a stone’s throw from Mystic is the adorable town of Stonington. Complete with quaint shops, gorgeous historic homes such as Captain Nathan B. Palmer’s house and the Old Lighthouse Museum, which allows visitors to take the treacherous hike up to the top of the lighthouse for a peek. Stonington is part of the charm New England towns have to offer.

Mystic, Connecticut is an adorable destination with so much to offer visitors of any age. Honeymooners will delight in it’s old world charm and romance, while wedding guests will enjoy the myriad of activities offered by this quaint and inviting town. See what’s so mystical about Mystic!

Mystic, CT Web Site: www.mystic.org
The Inn at Mystic: www.innatmystic.com
Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration: www.mysticaquarium.org
Mystic Seaport: www.mysticseaport.org
Stonington, CT: www.stoningtonhistory.org