Town of Mystic

Facts about Mystic

Founded:

• 1654.

Designation: 

• Mystic is a census-designated place comprised of the Town of Groton and Stonington.

Named from:

• The Pequot term "missi-tuk", describing a large river whose waters are driven into waves by tides or wind.

County:

• New London.

Notable citizens (past and present):

• Mary Jobe Akeley, naturalist
• Audien, electronic music producer
• Jason Filardi, screenwriter
• Matt Harvey, New York Mets pitcher
• Sam Lacy, sportswriter
• Stephen Macht, actor
• William Ledyard Stark, Nebraska politician

Top Five Attractions:

• Mystic Seaport - Nation's largest maritime museum and home to the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world.
• Mystic Aquarium - Home to New England's only beluga whales.
• Olde Mistick Village - More than 50 unique shops & eateries in distinctive buildings designed to represent an 18th century New England village.
• Downtown Mystic - More than 80 specialty shops and restaurants, plus the landmark Mystic River Basule Bridge.
• Schooner Argia - 81-foot traditional sailing ship with cruises down the Mystic River and into Fishers Island Sound.

Annual Visitor’s Events:

• Mystic Irish Parade, March
• Downtown Mystic Stroll, May
• Mystic 1/2 Marathon, May
• Mystic Sharkfest Swim, July
• Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, August
• Mystic Eats Riverside Food Festival, September
• Mystic Pirate Invasion, October
• Santa Arrives by Tugboat, November
• Mystic Lighted Boat Parade, November
• Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll, December

Quality of town/city:

• Nestled along both sides of the Mystic River and divided by the famous Mystic River Bascule Bridge, Mystic is one of Connecticut's premier vacation destinations. The "village" was founded in 1654, and quickly rose to prominence as a shipbuilding center during the clipper ship era. Nowadays, Mystic has become known for its quintessential New England charm, as well as being home to two of Connecticut's most visited attracations: the Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium.