For me, no trip to Boston is complete without a day trip to the small seaside town of Mystic, Connecticut. A quick one and one-half hour drive south on I-95 takes us straight into Mystic. It's also accessible by train in the same amount of time, as Amtrak (www.amtrak.com) offers a route from downtown Boston directly into the Mystic station. For those wanting to escape driving in Boston traffic, this is an effortless and relaxing way to go.
We usually begin our day with a cup of coffee and pastry from the Mystic Market (www.mysticmarket.com). It always smells heavenly, and we take the time to enjoy a cup of one of the many flavors of coffee, along with a light snack. If you arrive around lunch, there is a huge assortment of sandwiches and salads from which to choose.
After a java jolt, we're on our way to meander around the shops in downtown Mystic (www.mystic.org). The vintage buildings of downtown Mystic look like they came straight from the pages of a magazine. Wandering from shop to shop, we almost always find something from the eclectic, locally-owned stores along Main Street. Sometimes we're stopped by the passing boats at the draw bridge downtown, as they make their passage from the Mystic River into the Mystic Harbor. The wait doesn't bother us though, as the view of both the river and the sound never grows dull.
A trip to downtown Mystic would not be complete without a trip to Mystic Pizza (www.mysticpizza.com) for a late lunch. Famous for being featured in the 1988 film "Mystic Pizza," Julia Roberts helped put this little eatery on the map. Even though it no longer looks exactly as it looked in 1988, it's still exciting to eat there when we visit. The pizza is pretty outstanding as well. No reservations are required, but be prepared to wait a few minutes, as the restaurant can sometimes be busy. Sometimes we prefer carry-out if the weather is nice, and we'll enjoy our pizza down by the harbor.
After a late lunch, we visit the Mystic Seaport (www.mysticseaport.org) - a 19th century maritime museum complete with village and ships - or the Mystic Aquarium (www.mysticaquarium.org). Either can easily be seen in an afternoon.
Before heading back to Boston, we have to make a stop at the Sea Swirl (www.seaswirlofmystic.com). This ice cream stand has been featured on Food Network several times, and after my first visit, I understood its notoriety. While the Sea Swirl has terrific sea food, we usually stop for ice cream. Nothing beats the taste of soft serve ice cream eaten at a picnic table at sunset.
If you're looking for a peaceful place to visit out of the ordinary or things to do while in Boston, visit Mystic. This town truly exemplifies a seaside village. It always feels as if I've stepped back in time. Sailboats line the docks, seaside cottages dot the landscape, and the residents are always a pleasure.
by Starla Ross
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