Places for tourists and wanderers, too

Mystic gets most of the attention, but the village has its own attractions

May 05, 2010|Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

When you think of this coastal town, you probably don’t think of Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, or “Mystic Pizza,’’ neither the place nor the motion picture. But you should. That’s because Mystic is not a town but a village of Stonington. And now it will come as no surprise that Stonington, with its beautiful water views, quaint inns, unique shopping options, and interesting attractions, attracts many couples and singles looking for a weekend away.

Stay The Inn at Stonington

(60 Water St., 860-535-2000, www.innatstonington.com, $150-$445) is smack dab in the heart of Stonington Borough, with most of its 18 rooms having views of Stonington Harbor and Fishers Island Sound. Best sunsets, innkeepers say, are seen from the third-floor Harborview Room. The Steamboat Inn (73 Steamboat Wharf, 860-536-8300, www.steamboatwharf.com, $150-$300) is an 11-room inn with views of the Mystic River, located in the heart of the historic district. Its most romantic room is said to be the Mystic, with views of the river and the morning sun rising over it. The Whaler’s Inn (20 East Main St., 860-536-1506, www.whalersinnmystic.com, $109-$259) has five buildings, including the 1865 House, a historic Victorian, and the Hoxie House with whirlpool baths, fireplaces, and river views.

Dine

A must-eat, and not just because of the 1988 Julia Roberts movie, but for the fabulous food, is Mystic Pizza (56 West Main St., 860-536-3700). The menu includes sandwiches, soups, and salads, and there is, as you might imagine, an extensive “Mystic Pizza’’ souvenir selection. With downtown Mystic’s only riverfront and patio dining, S&P Oyster Company (1 Holmes St., 860-536-2674, www.sp-oyster.com, entrees $16-$32), enjoys an enviable location by the historic bridge spanning the Mystic. For dessert, try the cupcakes and other treats to die for at Lis Bake Shop (15 Holmes St., 860-536-9090), a relatively new place on the river that is already so known for its tasty concoctions that it was invited to try out for “Cupcake Wars’’ on the Food Network.

During the day

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