Bank Square Books is beautiful bookstore in downtown Mystic. It is independently owned, by the…read morecurrent owners since 2006. It has been a bookstore in this very location for 35 years. When I first walked inside I was under the impression that this is a tiny bookstore, the further I walked the more books I would discover. This isn't a tiny bookstore, it is moderately sized. I loved the variety of books available. There's fiction, history, brand new releases, kids, and specific interests such as birds. In addition to the books, they also have some giftable items. There's wrapping paper and cards here also. They also have comfy chairs and couches so you can get comfy while reading. This is such a beautiful bookstore that I'm glad to support in downtown Mystic.

It's been nearly three years since we were last in Mystic, and on this trip we discovered one of…read moreour favorite independent bookstores is gone! Well, gone from downtown, anyway. Nearly two years ago, we discovered, Bank Square Books closed up and moved to 80 Stonington Road, about a mile and a half from its previous location. We were surprised but very happy it is still around and, we hope, flourishing. The new location offers more interior space and better, easier parking. The result is more room for customer browsing, and, we suppose, more room for more books and stuff like cards, games etc. It's fun to stroll around the store but gosh, it sure feels different from what we expected. We wish the store well, of course; we'll keep coming back.

Cool new studio in Stonington's iconic Velvet Mill The Mill is host to dozens of artisans farmers…read moremarket and fashions, a brewery and bakery. What a find! Though it is listed as closed, that is not the case. The studio is still open, so ignore that message!

Whenever I can, I love to stop in to visit local galleries. The Lily Pad Gallery has the most…read moreamazing works in what seems to be a carefully curated collection. There were immediately several artists that caught my attention. One was the art of Victor Mirabelli whose large abstract landscapes In muted haunting tones were beautiful. The other was H M Saffer II, whose brightly colored landscapes with a pointillist style were happy and joyful. While the gallery contained mainly paintings there were some sculptures that I inquired about (see pictures) but sadly I didn't get the name of the artist. They were beautifully delicate, lacy sculptures of women that showed great motion and expression. I am not sure but it may have been the gallery owner who was there to answer my questions, she seemed to be very passionate about the art and the gallery. I could tell right away that she knew her art and was happy to share her knowledge. I put myself on the mailing list and look forward to visiting again!

Nice place to see a bunch of artwork from the region. Check their website for the show at the time…read more All works can be bought, many at reasonable pricing. Although there can be many decent artists, generally the place accepts lots of mediocre art. Makes the good stuff look even better. But the art is hung well and its a free and pleasant place to visit. They also have a bunch of training sessions by decent artists. Good summer diversion. EZ access from the highway, EZ parking, and adequate bathrooms. Staff is helpful and friendly. Sometimes its unclear if they are open Monday or Tuesday. They are very slow getting back by email, so maybe call.

Wonderful well lit modern little art gallery with excellent exhibitions over the course of the…read moreyear. The most recent was a Marine exhibitions entitled American Waters with some pretty average paintings as well as some absolutely outstanding ones. It was thoroughly enjoyable to peruse the various submissions most were for sale ranging from $125 upwards to $5,000 or $6,000 thousand dollars. If Marine or American Impressionist art holds a special fascination for you then make it a point to stop by but before you do, be sure to check online for the latest exhibition and gallery calendar.

Had free day and chance to utilize MPMRC membership for a wampum history and bracelet making event…read more Event was great to see the Gifts of the Ocean exhibit, discuss wampum history with Matthew Pina and then also make a bracelet within the art room at KTJ. Overall great experience and would recommend some of the classes for anyone interested to have a little artistic fun while here in Mystic!

Small, but lovely museum in Mystic, CT. I got to see the "Printmaking and the Unconventional…read morePathways of African American Artists" exhibit which was awesome. Highly recommended. Admission is only $10.

Very cute bookstore! If you Love books this place is for…read moreyou! Many great book finds for all ages! Fair prices. Friendly atmosphere from staff. Great place!

Was obsessed with this haunted little bookshop from the moment I saw their window display (see…read morepicture). Inside, curated sections of adult horror old and new, novelty books, and my favorite: ghost books (etc.) for kids! We walked out with one of my favorites, Gustavo the Shy Ghost, but I could have purchased the entire store. It's small but the employee was super nice and I'm sure everyone loves working there. The Gustavo book, hardcover and gorgeous, cost an expected 20 dollars. I'd be happy to spend all my money there, really, please stay open. This shop really adds to the already high charm of Mystic.

Cute little book store which seems to be a small downtown version off shoot of the original store…read more Lots of sci-fi and fantasy books, not as big of a selection as the og store, but still good. Good prices, especially on kids books and trade paperbacks.

Conveniently located near the ocean, this is a place for book lovers looking to spend time near the…read moreocean. While they do shopping or eating out in Niantic, this is a cool place that they can check out if they have a chance to stop by because they have a lot of cool books for children as well as nonfiction books and movies to browse.

I was visiting family in CT and they wanted to bring me here. Upon entrance, staff were very…read morefriendly and helpful with schedules and must sees. I immediately noticed a newfoundland safety rescue presentation and couldn't miss it. There were at least 10 dogs set up for various rescue scenes. It was interactive for children and a sight for dog lovers. Pets and slobber came free. The village experience was interesting, the ship tour and interactive chant/rope pull was also fun to watch. Food was delectable even if water just couldn't stay cold in the heat. We missed the boat ride by a couple minutes so caught the newfoundland show again (not the least bit mad). I'm a little old for a late night Lego movie, but the set up would be perfect for children! I can't wait to go back with the younger kids in our family.

This maritime museum is huge, sitting on a 19-acre piece of land. It is immersive, recreating a…read more19th century seafaring village. Entrance fee is $35 for adults and $33 for seniors. They have flexible re-entry so you can go out and come back if you want to eat or do some things outside. You can see a fully operational shipyard, restored coastal village with some shops open and with active staff telling you about the crafts and other facts about the area: blacksmiths, printers, woodcarvers, etc. You should wear comfortable shoes since you will do a lot of walking on dirt roads, gravel, and wooden docks. The gift shop has shirts, sweaters, books, magnets, mugs, caps, and many other items. There are also places where you can eat here. Parking space is ample on the other side of the road (across the museum). The museum is interesting especially if you want to learn about maritime history and life back in the day. Shops are different; however, there can be a feeling of repetition after visiting one shop after the other.