085 - Mystic, CT: Pizza, Julia Roberts and… Ice Sculptures, Really?

A Charming Coastal Escape: The SkipTown All-Stars Visit Mystic, Connecticut

Hosts James and Denise of the SkipTown All-Stars podcast recently spent a winter day exploring the scenic coastal Connecticut town of Mystic. Even with snow still on the ground, they found this New England village bursting with warmth, history, and charm.

Arriving over the iconic Mystic River drawbridge, James and Denise were immediately struck by the postcard-perfect Main Street flanked by historic wood and brick buildings. The tightened quarters resulting from centuries of construction give the downtown area an intimate feel, while scenic views of the harbor help it retain a sense of openness.

No strangers to tasty local treats, the duo’s first stop was Young Buns Donut Shop. Indulging their sweet teeth with specialties like the Mystic Cream donut left them properly fueled for exploring the downtown shops. They popped into maritime art galleries, local bookstores, and classic coastal boutiques.

Seeking a brief respite from the winter chill, James and Denise ducked into a local oyster house for a round of Little Neck clams washed down by a crisp martini. After their appetizer-style lunch, they took a short walk to the historic Daniel Packer Inn. Wandering through this 250-year-old former lodging, they marveled at the seven original fireplaces and wood plank floors, imagining the lives of previous guests.

Eventually they made their way to the iconic Mystic Pizza restaurant, setting of the 1988 Julia Roberts rom-com flick. Though just an average pie, eating at one of the newly added levels while scenes from the movie played offered a quintessential Mystic experience. A trip to the gift shop scored Denise some film memorabilia before the duo headed to the more touristy Old Mystic area.

In addition to the requisite taffy and coffee shops, Old Mystic was hosting an ice sculpture festival during James and Denise’s visit. Denise was duly impressed by the feather detailing and artistry of the frosty displays. James, on the other hand, dismissed them as “the macaroni mosaics of the art world,” unmoved by their charms.

Intermingled with tasting local flavors and soaking up seaside scenery, James and Denise engaged in spirited discussions around wealth, status symbols, and their observations from traveling across different parts of the country. As they explored the idea of old money versus new money, they covered topics ranging from wealthy people’s refrigerators to the existence of garages in struggling neighborhoods.

Though delightful overall, by the end of their entertaining day trip James and Denise determined idyllic Mystic lies outside their current price range. But that won’t stop them from continuing their journeys in search of their next hometown. Where will their adventures take them next? Tune into future SkipTown All-Stars episodes to find out!

5. 10 Fun Facts About Mystic, CT:

1. Mystic has an operational drawbridge in the downtown area.

2. A scene from the Julia Roberts movie Mystic Pizza was filmed at the real Mystic Pizza restaurant.

3. Mystic Seaport Museum is one of the nation's largest maritime museums.

4. Mystic Aquarium houses over 6,000 sea creatures including beluga whales.

5. Mystic was a major shipbuilding center in the 19th century.

6. Downtown Mystic has over 175 shops, restaurants, and attractions.

7. The Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport is the last wooden whaling ship still existing.

8. Mystic has an annual sea music festival every June.

9. Mystic's population explodes in the summer from about 4,500 to over 10,000 residents. 

10. The Mystic River Bascule Bridge, also called a "drawbridge," was originally built in 1929.

6. 10 Facts About Mystic, CT Real Estate, Income, Crime, Lifestyle: 

1. The median listing price for Mystic homes is around $589,000 as of 2018. 

2. Mystic's median household income is approximately $76,964, much higher than the national median.

3. Over 48% of Mystic adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 

4. Mystic has very low crime rates, with only about 104 total crimes per 10,000 residents.

5. Popular Mystic neighborhood amenities include waterfront locales, historic homes, cul-de-sac streets, and marsh views.

6. The average one-bedroom rental price in Mystic as of 2022 is around $1,600 per month.

7. Mystic residents enjoy an abundance of scenic walking trails, village greens, libraries, and harborside parks.

8. Local Mystic activities range from boutique shopping to kayaking to visiting lighthouses and vineyards.

9. Mystic's quaint downtown accommodates over 1 million annual visitors. 

10. Well-known companies founded in Mystic include Esty & Bernat yarns, Mystic Seaport Museum, and Mystic Aquarium.