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Worth the Drive

These delicious destinations are the 6 best road trips to take this fall
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Mystic, CT
BY TT CONTENT STUDIO

In the mid-19th century, some of the fastest clipper ships were built in Mystic. Today, the town, located midway along the northern shore of the Long Island Sound, has preserved its maritime past. Mystic Seaport is the state's most popular museum, and the downtown area has a well-curated collection of boutiques and galleries. Perched near the Rhode Island state line and within easy driving distance of both New York and Boston, Mystic is the perfect coastal getaway for those looking to get in touch with their nautical side.

PARTNER CONTENT

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LOCAL EXPERT

Chef Jennifer Backman

Executive chef at The Restaurant at the Spicer Mansion

“It’s a quintessential new England destination, and with the foliage and the cool breeze coming off of the water, it screams fall. The town quiets down a little after the summer tourists leave, but the locals keep the vibe lively.”

EAT

Engine Room

This rustic-chic spot serves up New American comfort food. Start with apps like pimento cheese with sesame seed crackers and bacon fat caramel popcorn. Then double down on standout entreés like a dry-aged smoked beef burger.
EAT

Milagro Cafe

The cheerful teal-and-yellow building is the perfect setting for vibrant fare from chef and owner Martin Zavala, who brings to life the generations-old recipes from his native Mexico City, some with a modern twist.
EAT

Red 36

Red 36 is an airy, bright waterfront restaurant with elevated internationally inspired seafood and an extensive raw bar. Ask for a table on the deck—in warm weather, a wall of open windows lets in the ocean breezes.
EAT

Mystic Pizza

The restaurant opened in 1973 and became a town staple for its raised-edge, dough-y crust, eventually inspiring a vacationing Hollywood screenwriter to set her story there. It’s a bit touristy, but it’s a must-try while in town.
EAT

Oyster Club Treehouse

Above the Oyster House restaurant is an outdoor deck nestled among the branches and overlooking Downtown Mystic. Bivalves are served raw and broiled; don’t miss the famous Saugy dog, a spin on a traditional Rhode Island hot dog.
EAT

S&P Oyster Co.

In Stonington, traditional New England seafood meets South American techniques under the watchful eye of Ecuadorian chef Cobena, who adds tropical touches to classic standbys (yucca fries accompanying lobster rolls, for example).
EAT

Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub

For fans of fish and chips, there’s a bustling English pub and bar area on the ground floor; a more refined restaurant upstairs offers dishes like fire-roasted veal porterhouse.
EAT

Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough

Some of the state's best lobsters, mussels, crabs or clams on the half shell can be found at this unassuming seaside lobster shack in sleepy Noank. Chow down on a warm buttered lobster roll, Abbott’s speciality.
GO

Road Runner

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PARTNER CONTENT
PROVISIONS

Sift Dessert Bar

New on the Mystic scene is this bakery, which satisfies sweet tooths with sunny confections like “cruffles” (cake truffles) and ice cream sandwiches, plus top-notch coffee. On the savory side, it has an impressive bread service.
PROVISIONS

Tiger Lily Tea Company

Pick up dried edible flowers and hand-harvested teas in this tiny shop in Olde Mistick Village. The store’s owners travel the world sourcing the most interesting varieties and are usually on hand to give brewing advice.
PROVISIONS

Denison Farmers Market

The Farm Market takes over Militia Meadow every Sunday (June through October) with seasonal fruits, vegetables and products like honey, jam and soaps, all made by area farms and producers. Gather components for a perfect a picnic.

STAY

Spicer Mansion

Mystic’s newest luxury boutique hotel opened in May. Converted from an 1853 Victorian landmark building, the eight-room stunner has panoramic views overlooking manicured gardens and Downtown Mystic.
STAY

Steamboat Inn

Located on the banks of the Mystic River and filled with antiques, this 11-room B&B is perfect for a romantic retreat. Enjoy breakfast each morning—the muffins are to die for—and cookies and sherry in the evening.
STAY

Old Mystic Inn

Tucked into a well-preserved 17980s building that was once a bookstore, this B&B is located in a quiet neighborhood. Sip your morning coffee or afternoon tea in the gazebo while overlooking trees and a lush lawn.
PLAY

Mystic Seaport

The world's largest maritime museum, it encompasses 37 acres of exhibits with more than 1 million artifacts. Check out historic homes and buildings and watch re-enactors demonstrate 19th-century open-hearth cooking and weaving.
PLAY

The Olde Mistick Village

This sprawling part of town was designed to resemble an 18th-century New England village, with boutiques and restaurants housed in rows of small cottages. Stop by Franklin’s General Store for fudge and sit by the duck pond.
PLAY

The Argia

Book a half-day or a sunset cruise on this 81-foot replica of the 19th-century schooner that made Mystic famous. Built from mahogany and white oak, it holds 47 people and sails down the Mystic River into Fishers Island Sound.

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