From colonial-era homes to a world-class aquarium, Mystic is a quaint, seaside town in New England dedicated to all things maritime.
Mystic - which is nestled along both sides of the Mystic River - is one of the oldest communities in Connecticut and is known today as a premier, family-friendly vacation destination and for its New England charm.
"Mystic is one of my favorite places in Connecticut and many of our clients say living there is even better," said Kazantzis Real Estate Owner and Agent Andrea Kazantzis.
While there is no shortage of things to do, Mystic is perhaps best known for the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport.
Mystic Aquarium
The aquarium, which is right off of I-95, is among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. In fact, it won a USA Today Reader's Choice award in 2019 as one of the country's Best Aquariums.
The aquarium also has an animal rescue clinic that rehabilitates seals and other marine mammals found injured or sick and returns them back to the wild after they've been nursed back to health.
Olde Mistick Village
Right next door to the aquarium is Olde Mistick Village, which consists of 50 unique shops & eateries in distinctive buildings designed to represent an 18th century New England village.
"Shopping at the Village is the best. There are so many great stores covering everything from kitchen essentials, clothing, and even a pet shop," said Kazantzis Real Estate Agent Debra J Prevost. "Mango's Wood Fired Pizza Co. is a great place to have a great meal and a dring with your furry family.
Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is a place where you can climb aboard ships, explore an 1870s seafaring village, enjoy kids’ activities, get out on the water, and discover various exhibits
It is home to Mystic Seaport Museum, which is the nation’s leading maritime museum and home to the last wooden whaleship in the world, the Charles W. Morgan.
Downtown Mystic
(Photo: @chapteronemystic)
You'll find few destinations with more New England maritime charm than Downtown Mystic, which features more than 80 specialty shops and restaurants, plus the landmark Mystic River Bascule Bridge - which is a drawbridge spanning the Mystic River.
While downtown, you can catch a ride on the Schooner Argia - an 81-foot traditional sailing ship that offers cruises down the Mystic River and into Fishers Island Sound.
Movie buffs or pizza lovers will want to stop by Mystic Pizza. The restaurant because a tourist attraction after it was featured in the 80's movie "Mystic Pizza" starring Julia Roberts.
This real-life restaurant was established in 1973 and still serves "A Slice of Heaven" to this day.
Whether you want to eat now or take something home, Grass and Bone features a locally sourced whole animal butcher shop, online market, and casual counter-service restaurant in historic downtown Mystic.
"I recently visited this restaurant and the food was amazing," Kazantzis said.
Grass and Bone restaurant offers farm-fresh, pasture-raised meats, produce and artisan bread and cheese, famous rotisserie chicken, sandwiches and more.
For Landlubbers
Nature lovers may want to check out the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, a nonprofit environmental education center offering 10+ miles of walking, hiking, and birding trails within a 350-acre nature preserve.
While trails are open, DPNC urges visits to respect social distancing and mask guidelines and to stay home if you feel ill. All buildings at the Nature Center and Coogan Farm remain closed until further notice.
If you're interested in looking at properties in Mystic or in other parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts, Kazantzis Real Estate's team of agents is standing by ready to help you find your dream home.
More About Mystic