Olde Mistick Village in Mystic, Connecticut
Accessed from exit 90, off of Interstate Route 95, this assemblage of crafts shops has no discernable rhyme or reason to its design. It is comprised of some twenty eight buildings, situated along a winding path that offers several benches on which to rest as you pick your way through a maze of different types of stores. You will find an Army- Navy store in the same building as silk imports; a pewter shop next to a beanery. The number of opportunities to find unique items and gifts is limitless. The duck pond, with its feathered inhabitants and water wheel, will be hit with all, from toddlers to senior citizens.
No matter what you enjoy, you will likely find it in some way, shape or form at Olde Mistick Village. There are knick-knack shops in force, where you can wander in and browse; finding something that catches your eye will be no trouble at all. There are bakeries and candy shops, where you will be hard pressed not to walk out with something to eat. There are antique stores with expensive wares for sale. You will walk along the path and find yourself going in one door, spending time inside, and coming out to discover something on the opposite side of the street that you just have to go in and see.
The Mystic Schrimshanders hosts a highly regarded competition each June to see what the experts in this art form can come up with next. The shop was established in 1996, and is full of scrimshaw pieces, many made on the premises. Scrimshaw is the art of engraving on ivory or bone, and you will not find a more fascinating shop that this one at Olde Mistick Village.
Inside the Village Beanery you will stumble on a coffee shop that presents fine blends of beans, teas, cookies, and gifts. Ye Olde 1776 Shoppe is one of the most popular on the grounds. Here you can purchase a huge array of merchandise, from wind chimes to clocks, from sterling silver to weather instruments. Open since 1973, Ye Olde 1776 Shoppe is an absolute must stop in your ramblings around Olde Mistick Village.
Talking about must stops, you need to be quite sure you make one at Franklin’s General Store. A real life New England general store, Franklin’s has it all. Twenty one different kinds of fudge for starters! If you can pull away from the fudge counter, you will find oodles of the candies that you remember from your childhood. Vermont maple syrup and cheeses abound, as do books, games, and a profusion of other interesting articles. For older visitors, it will be like stepping back in time; younger ones may never get past the fudge!
Angel Haven is a heavenly assortment of angel themed jewelry and collectibles, featuring brand names such as Precious Moments and Seraphim Classics. It bills itself as the largest assembly of angel jewelry anywhere. The Christmas Cottage in Mystic has one of a kind ornaments and decorations for the holiday, as well as year round pieces. Raining Cats and Dogs will be heavily patronized by pet owners and dog lovers. The emphasis here is on dogs, with just about every breed represented in the form of a calendar, magnet, mouse pad, or some other means. If you own a dog, you will not walk out of here empty handed.
Sunglass Paradise features a great display of name brand sunglasses and accessories, and is located in the last building, number twenty eight. Toy Soldier contains toys, collectibles, and dolls; Penguins, Otters and Others sells marine life based gifts. There is no end to the diverse selection that Olde Mistick Village offers. The Irish will not have the ability to walk by Irish Eyes without going on in. A staple in the village since 1979, it has Celtic jewelry and wedding bands, hand knit Irish sweaters, mugs, key chains, and a plethora of other gifts, making it “a little bit of Ireland right here in Connecticut.” If you crave Native American jewelry, then venture into Southern Exposure, with its handmade pottery, moccasins, Native American art, leather bags and more.
You are bound to work up an appetite as you stroll through Olde Mistick Village. Don’t worry, you need not go hungry. Ten Clams is a full service restaurant that offers most of its meals for less than ten dollars, hence the name. The quality of the food is very good and the portions are large. If steak makes your mouth water, then the Steak Loft is your destination. Open since 1975, its Angus beef has garnered the “best steak in New London County” title every year since 1983! Enough said about the steak, but there is also seafood on the menu and a salad bar. Go Fish will have the heads swimming of those who delight in partaking of fish; it is prepared for you in every imaginable way, including sushi. There are also meat, fowl, and pasta meals available.
Olde Mystic Village is open year round and their administrative offices can be reached by calling 1-860-536-4941. It is a place where you can easily spend most of your day, and one that any visitor to, or resident of, the area should make it a point to drop in on.
