Growing up in Westerly near the border of Connecticut, there was one place in particular that would ignite my childhood heart. I begged my parents to take me to Olde Mistick Village nearly every single weekend. As a kid, my reasons were limitless: I needed just one bite of the rich fresh fudge from the General Store, I wanted to see quacking ducks by the pond, and even would be perfectly content browsing the shops with my family.
I may have gotten older, but my nostalgia and love towards Olde Mistick Village certainly hasn’t changed. In fact, every chance I have to visit, my heart still beats with a twinge of that same childhood excitement.
Located at 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, Connecticut, there are many stores to be explored. The hours of each shop depend on the season/day of the week, but generally range from 10am to 6pm. Mystical Elements offers a variety of Celtic jewelry, incense, tea, and many more charming
items. Imagine Fantasy Gifts takes you into the world of the 1960’s with vintage band shirts, posters, and even records. If you love to cook (or if you just watch too much Food Network like me), The Gray Goose Cookery has every possible utensil to compliment your kitchen. There are plenty of other shops that have something for everyone!
If you’re still hungry after having some of the roasted nuts, chocolate fudge, and salt-water taffy from Franklin’s General Store, there are many different restaurants that can satisfy your stomach. Bleu Squid makes award-winning cupcakes as well as a wide selection of delicious grilled cheeses. Pink Basil brings authentic Vietnamese, Thai,
Pink Basil
Japanese, and Korean dishes to the table. If you are craving steak or seafood, Steak Loft can definitely match your appetite. There are many other options, such as: Mango’s Wood Fired Pizza Co., Go Fish, and more. To quench your thirst, Tiger Lily Tea and Vault Coffee Roasters have a nice selection of beverages.
In addition to the shops and restaurants, there are many scheduled events that offer entertainment, store sales, and even charity programs. Plus, there is Mystic Luxury Cinemas, showcasing mainstream and occasional lesser-known films with comfortable luxury seating.
The magic of Olde Mistick Village can be seen in the architecture of each building, coming together to form a reproduction of old-time New England. Even if I walk around with the intention only to browse through the shops, I always end up leaving with some treasure. When friends from out of town come to visit, they want me to show them around the area, and this is always the first place that comes to mind. Every visit for me is a return to my childhood.
If you are looking for romantic date ideas, or a daytrip with the family, or even simply more places to shop, Olde Mistick Village is the place for you!
