Mystic, Connecticut is one of the country's most unique towns, and is filled with a variety of unusual attractions to enjoy. And most of them are just minutes from Mermaid Inn of Mystic. Here are a few of our favorites.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC), located in Mystic, Connecticut, is a 350-acre nonprofit environmental education center and wildlife sanctuary. The center includes a natural history museum and theater and over 10 miles of trails for hiking and birdwatching. DPNC is one of the oldest environmental organizations in Connecticut. At the center, you can take part in a variety of events and programs throughout the year. Events include Wednesday Morning Birding, Spooky Nature Trail, and Environmental Afternoons. Programs include virtual nature programs, gardening programs, nature preschool. DPNC also has a Nature Store where you can purchase gifts and momentos.
Address: 109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic, CT
Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (Sunday, opens at 10:00 a.m.)
B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill sells sweet cider, hard cider, apple wines, and a variety of jams, jellies, syrups, and fudge. In the fall, they also have seasonal offerings, such as pumpkin bread, kettle corn, and apple pies. They even have cider donuts.
The family owned and operated mill was established in 1881, and it's the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the country. Visitors are welcome to tour the facilities and get a look at how a steam-powered press is used to create cider.
Note that B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill is a seasonal operation, typically, opening in September and closing sometime in December. Parking is limited, so it's best to call ahead before visiting. Leashed dogs are welcome on the property, but not inside buildings or on outside porches.
Address: 129 N Stonington Rd, Mystic, CT
Hours: Daily in the fall, 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m
Sift Bake Shop is a well-known French bakery located in downtown Mystic, Connecticut. Here, you'll find a variety of breads, pastries, cakes, and desserts. All items on the menu are baked daily. Every menu item is made from scratch from the freshest ingredients available. Customers can watch the bakers creating their concoctions. Gluten free and vegan items are offered, subject to availability.
When you stop by Sift's, make a point of trying one or more of their artisanal breads, naturally leavened with fresh yeast. Baguettes and Focaccia are highly recommended. Sift Bake Shop also has a variety of beverages for you to choose from. Iced drinks include Iced Coffee, and Iced Seasonal Flavored Lattes. Hot drinks, such as Harney and Sons' Teas and Black Sesame Latte are also very popular.
The ARGIA is a 81-foot traditional 19th-century two-masted topsail schooner, located near Steamboat Wharf. The schooner makes up to four sailing trips a day, and each cruise lasts about two hours. The ship can carry up to 49 passengers. The ARGIA departs from downtown Mystic's Steamboat Wharf and travels along the Mystic River, heading toward Long Island Sound. Along the way, you'll get fantastic views of Connecticut's coastline, including lighthouses, nearby islands, and sea captains' former homes. When you sail on the ARGIA, you're allowed to bring your own food and beverages. So, pack a picnic basket and join in the fun!
The ARGIA is Coast Guard certified and inspected. The company operating the ARGIA has been operating sailing ships out of mystic for close to 50 years.
