Going to Mystic, CT for the weekend.
 

I've booked us a trip to Mystic, CT for the weekend of Nov. 16th, staying at The Comfort Inn in Mystic. I've never been there before. Anyone have anything to say about Mystic? Is it hokey? (I know, this is relative.) We're two dinks, so don't care about children's attractions. I would really love any good seafood restaurant recommendations in the area, someplace that has a decent winelist. We'll definitely check out the maritime museum at the seaport. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

I was there last weekend. I didn't stay in Mystic (I stayed in Westbrook), though, just went there for the day. I went to the Aquarium which I found fascinating (I don't know what a dink is, but I'm an adult and did not have children with me either). There'a also Stonington Vineyard, about 10-15 min drive from Mystic. Sorry I don't have more info to share, but hope this helps a little.

Would recommend the aquarium! We thougth the shopping would be a little hokey in the village, but it was actually much nicer than expected and alot of fun. We ate on the cheap, no recommendations there but the shopping village & aquarium shouldn't be missed. <BR>Have Fun!

Foxwoods casino is also very close - a nice day trip if it starts to rain. <BR> <BR>

Not too far away is Essex where there is the Griswold Inn, an old hotel with wonderful atmosphere and great food. People come from all over to dine there.

I think last month's Coastal Living had a whole article on Mystic. <BR> <BR>Mystic Seaport is an interesting place, we ended up renewing our day passes for an extra day because we didn't have enough time. There is also a submarine musuem in the area, which was really more interesting than it might sound. <BR> <BR>We felt that the main restaurant associated with Mystic Seaport (sorry, don't remember the name, but it's about a block from the main gate) was overpriced and overrated. There has to be somewhere better.

Dink or no dink, a visit to Essex is a great idea. The "Gris" has been around forever and a great place to hang out on a November evening. Go for the fire, the food, the atmosphere. For food check out the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme or the Restaurant du Village in Chester. The best lobster in the state, in my opinion, is Abbott's Lobster in the Rough in Noank, but that'll most likely be closed for the season.

In the general area there's also a nice holiday store---is it called the Red Barn? Maybe Ken would know. The submarine museum I remember was in New London---has the old Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine. It was pretty interesting touring and I'm certainly not a fan of such things. Have clam chowder at the Gris, if you go. Good friend used to live in Westport so this was a pilgrimage each time I visited.

Just want to thank everyone for their responses. I changed our hotel res. to the Griswold in Essex - our room rate is actually lower than at the Comfort Inn in Mystic, and more atmospheric I think. We'll have dinner there when we arrive Friday evening. Saturday, we'll probably check out one of Ken's restaurant suggestions. I know my boyfriend will love the submarine - he loves that kind of stuff (he'll make me inspect every nut and bolt with him). Thanks again!

Ess - I also spent some time in Essex, <BR>and loved it. I think you made a good choice. Check out www.essexct.com; you <BR>can print out some info on a walking tour - it gives some background info on the old houses you will see on the main street.

Thanks, Steph. I printed out the walking tour section on the site. Looks very interesting. Now I just need a week, rather than a weekend, to do everything! :-)