Mystic, Connecticut has the famous Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium that draw visitors from across the country. Yet the town’s true character lives in the quieter corners that most tourists never find. Staying at the Taber Inne and Suites puts you right in the heart of it all. The premiere boutique inn encompasses 12 buildings spread over two manicured acres of grounds and serves as your home base to explore Mystic like a local and uncover the gems that make this town so special.
In this guide, we’re shining a light on ten favorites across three categories:
- Shops: where locals shop in Mystic for one-of-a-kind finds and community-rooted brands
- Activities: experiences that show the real side of Mystic beyond the tourist trail
- Dining: local dining in Mystic that goes far beyond the typical seafood shack.
Shops
Mystic Knotwork is about as authentically Mystic as it gets. Founded in 1957 by Alton Beaudoin out of his house in Old Mystic, this family-run knotwork shop has been weaving together craft, community, and maritime tradition for nearly seven decades. Today you can visit the retail shop in Olde Mistick Village, where you can meet the artisans in person and design your own custom bracelet on the spot. For a more immersive experience, head to their original workshop at 25 Cottrell Street, the historic building constructed in 1832 for use as a sail and rigging repair shop. The workers from 150 years ago would recognize every knot being tied there today.
North Swell was born from a friendship and a shared love of the rugged Northeast coast. The flagship brick-and-mortar opened in 2020 and has become a go-to for locals ever since. Their gear is thoughtfully sourced, affordably priced, and built for people who actually live the coastal life. Even better, every purchase contributes a portion of proceeds to beach cleanup initiatives, making shopping here feel genuinely good. Pick up a hoodie, a hat, or a pair of sunglasses and know you’re supporting both a local business and a cleaner shoreline.
Bank Square Books has been a cornerstone of the Mystic community since 1988. This fiercely independent bookstore offers a wide selection of books, journals, gifts, games, and children’s toys, but it’s the atmosphere that sets it apart. Author events, book clubs, storytimes, and community workshops happen here regularly. The store also actively donates books and money to local nonprofits and hosts author visits at area schools. It’s a gathering space for the whole community, and the kind of bookstore that reminds you why independent retail matters.
Hang the Moon is a shop built with intention. Founded by a woman with a clear vision, it curates gifts for women with a specific focus on supporting women-centric artists, vendors, and companies. You’ll find literary treasures, artisanal goods, plant-inspired finds, mystical curiosities, and even locally made baked goods and cocktail ingredients. The store celebrates the diverse interests of every woman who walks through the door, and progressive partners are equally welcome.
Activities
For activities that show the real side of Mystic, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is an essential stop. Tucked into a woodland sanctuary on the edge of the coast, this nature center features a natural history museum with forest, wetland, and meadow exhibits showcasing southeastern Connecticut’s unique ecosystems. Outside, miles of marked trails wind through woodland, wetland, meadows, ponds, and streams. The resident birds of prey are a highlight: rehabilitated Barred, Great Horned, and Eastern Screech owls, a Peregrine Falcon, Red-tailed Hawks, and more are housed in outdoor flight enclosures. All trails are free and open from dawn to dusk. There is an admission fee for the exhibits.
Williams Beach Park is one of Mystic’s most underrated spots. Located less than half a mile from the Taber Inne, this small but wonderfully family-friendly park sits right on the waterfront and offers swimming, picnicking, a playground, and a sports field. It’s not monitored by lifeguards, but it’s free to access and beloved by locals because of the no crowds, no fuss atmosphere. On a warm afternoon, pack a lunch and walk over from the inn.
Dining
When it comes to local dining in Mystic, J&R Seafood Market is the kind of place that earns its reputation one bowl of chowder at a time. Originally opened in Stonington by two local fishermen, the family later expanded with a Mystic location that pairs a fresh seafood market with a full commercial kitchen. Whether you’re picking up fresh fish, a housemade seafood dip, or a prepared meal, the quality is unmistakable. The market is open every day except Wednesday.
Nana’s is an organic bakery and sourdough pizza shop perched right on the water and dedicated to the slow, patient craft of fermentation. The pizza is exceptional, the pastries are worth waking up early for, and the beverage program is equally thoughtful. Organic Canyon Coffee, artisan espresso drinks, local draft beers, and natural wines round out the menu. Nana’s partners with a roster of local farms and producers, making nearly everything on the menu a celebration of the Connecticut food community.
Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream sits right next to the famous drawbridge and has been serving homemade ice cream since the 1800s. The current owners have kept that tradition alive with pure ingredients, cream from a local dairy, and recipes that have been in the family for more than 32 years. The result is some of the richest, creamiest ice cream you’ll find anywhere in New England. It might not be a hidden secret, but the quality is so consistently exceptional that it earns a spot on any honest local’s list of Mystic favorites.
Lis Bake Shop is the kind of neighborhood bakery that keeps locals coming back every morning. Everything is made from scratch. The cupcakes, croissants, cafe lattes, and freshly made sandwiches that are perfect for a quick lunch while you stroll through town. If you’ve got a sweet tooth or a caffeine craving (or both), Lis won’t disappoint. Pick up a box of pastries to enjoy back at the Taber Inne or keep them on hand for a morning walk by the water.
When you’re staying at the Taber Inne and Suites, every one of these spots is just a short walk or drive away. Explore Mystic like a local, and you just might never want to leave.
