Mystic, CT, really shines in October, turning into the ultimate fall escape youโve been dreaming of!
Conveniently located halfway between New York City and Boston, Mystic comes alive with the best of autumn. Youโll find spooky trails, historic cider mills, cozy bookshops, and fun fall festivalsโall adding up to a lively celebration of the season.
With its charming streets and welcoming vibe, Mystic is a hit with visitors of all ages. Itโs the ideal spot for families looking for an easygoing and memorable weekend adventure.
Let’s explore the Best Things to Do in Mystic CT in October!
Tips for Visiting Mystic CT in October
The vibrant fall flowers beautifully complement the eclectic colors of the buildings.
Did you know that Mystic isnโt technically a town? Itโs a village within Groton and Stonington.
The Mystic River divides the village into an eastern side (Stonington) and a western side (Groton).
One important and iconic feature of Mystic that you must keep in mind is the Mystic River Bascule Bridge โ a historic drawbridge that opens every hour at 40 minutes past from 8:40 AM to 6:40 PM.
Planning around the bridgeโs schedule adds a quaint twist to your day, ensuring you arenโt caught on the wrong side of the river when thereโs so much to explore.
Looking for a stay thatโs anything but ordinary?
Check out our Most Unique Airbnbs in CTโincluding a yacht in Mystic Harbor for a waterfront getaway you wonโt forget!
The Mystic Riverย Bascule Bridgeย opens on average 2,200 times per year!
Explore more than 10 miles of trails and historic sites
Immerse yourself in the autumn spirit with a trip to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic, CT.
Wander through nature trails adorned with the brilliant colors of changing leaves, or join a guided foliage hike for a refreshing and informative exploration of the areaโs diverse ecosystems.
The Nature Center is conveniently located near downtown Mystic and is an ideal spot to kick off your autumn adventure and enjoy some of the best things to do in Mystic CT in October.
Admission includes the small Natural History Museum and Birds of Prey exhibit. The DPNC and Coogan Farm Trails are open without charge daily from dawn until dusk. You can see the Map of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center Here
Grab Your Complimentary Field Pack for Family Fun!
Through a generous local grant, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center offers four different “Field Packs” that you can borrow free of charge at the Natural History Museum’s front desk.
Each pack includes field guides, binoculars, compasses, notebooks, pencils, magnifying glasses, nets, and specific information about the subject you choose.ย
The packs available to choose from are Insects, Plants, Birds, and Nature.
This is a fun and unique way to experience the changing of the seasons in a hands-on manner. (Field Pack Rental Information)
Explore Pumpkin Lined Nature Trails Under the Stars!
The family-friendly Spooky Nature Trail
On selected weekends in October, you and your family can join other nature and fright fans on a moonlit adventure to remember. This self-guided tour takes you along jack-o’-lantern-lined trails with delightful, forest-filled fall season surprises in a family-friendly way.
After exploring the trails, make your way to the Nature Center, where you can get up close with animals while enjoying light seasonal refreshments.
Explore Spooky Nature Trail Weekends at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.
Hauntingly Delightful Shops Await in Olde Mistick Village!
Explore the whimsical shops of Olde Mistick Village
Located near the Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village offers a charming step back in time, especially in October.
This unique shopping destination is designed to mimic a 1700s New England colonial village, complete with historic buildings, meandering paths, stone bridges, and a charming duck pond.ย
As the colorful leaves start falling to the ground, Olde Mistick Village beckons visitors with an eclectic array of boutique shops, artisanal eateries, and quaint gift shops.
From handcrafted jewelry to gourmet foods and whimsical toys, Olde Mistick Village in October provides a magical shopping atmosphere that captivates locals and tourists alike. Explore the Shops at Olde Mistick Village
Find unique and rare books at Alice's Little Haunted Bookshop
You wonโt be able to resist walking through the doors of this spooky shop inย Olde Mistick Village.
Aliceโs Little Haunted Bookshop is a small, unique bookstore inspired by an 18th-century English library. It is home to an exceptionally well-curated collection of special, strange, spooky and forgotten books, as well as 19th-century newspapers and other unique Victorian items.
This is one of the best shops in Olde Mistick Village!ย
Get your camera ready for this photo-worthy spot at Alice in the Village
Discover a whimsical world inspired by the classic tale of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” at Alice in the Village Tearoom and Gift Shop.
At Alice’s Tea Shop, stepping inside is like tumbling down the rabbit hole into a garden brimming with blooms.
Here, you can select from over 80 varieties of tea, each accompanied by delectable treats and freshly baked goods.
Beyond the exquisite teas and sweet treats, the shop offers a whimsical assortment of themed books, stationery, and toys, creating an enchanting flower-filled experience.
For a truly unique experience inย Olde Mistick Village, make sure to visit the Mad Hatter Tea Counter. Here, you can custom-make your own tea blend by choosing from over 60 loose-leaf teas and 25 mix-in and flavor options.
This customizable tea blend makes a perfect gift for any tea lover!ย
For those with a penchant for magic, Cloak and Wand offers an enchanting shopping experience inย Olde Mistick Village, especially in October.
This charming shop specializes in wizardry-inspired goods, offering apparel, accessories, and collectibles that delight those with a magical spirit.ย
A highlight of Cloak and Wand is the Custom Potion Bar, where you can have your own magical brews (soda and hot chocolate) concocted for you, perfect for the Halloween season and beyond.ย
If youโre looking for more magic beyond Mystic, donโt miss our Guide to the Top 13 Magical and Unique Things to Do in Connecticut…because this state has plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered.
Unveil the Haunting Secrets of Mystic on a Ghostly Tour!
Enjoy Mystic after dark on one of the many Mystic night tours
As night falls, the streets of this historic town whisper eerie stories from its maritime past.
From shadowy figures seen in the windows of ancient inns to the faint echoes of long-gone seafarers, Mysticโs haunted tours bring theseย local legendsย to life.ย
Mystic’s guided ghost adventures are ideal for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts. They will lead you through Mystic’s most mysterious corners.
With a variety of tours to choose from, such as the Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour or the Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Tour, there’s something for everyone’s taste.ย
The Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour offers a visit to Mystic’s most famous residents. It explores hidden graveyards and theย best placesย for haunted hotspots, revealing the secrets that make Mystic a true haven for ghost enthusiasts.
Seaside Shadowsย Haunted History Tours is the premier guide to Mystic after dark. Check out the range of haunted tours atย Seaside Shadows.
Top Picks for Food and Drink:
Where to Eat in Mystic
Busy, W. Main Street in downtown Mystic, CT
In October, Mystic, CT, offers a delightful culinary experience, with local eateries embracing fall flavors and local products.
From heartwarming dishes with seasonal twists atย Mystic Pizzaย to pumpkin spice treats atย Sift Bake Shop, there’s something for every palate.
It’s a celebration ofย New England’s harvest flavors, making Mystic a food loverโs paradise in the fall.
Sleek interior at The Shipwright's Daughter restaurant
Begin or end your day in Mystic by grabbing a delicious breakfast or dinner at Theย Shipwrightโs Daughter.
This award-winning restaurant is part of The Whalerโs Inn in downtown Mystic and has made a huge splash as one of the “Best New Restaurants in New England”.ย
Classic interior invites you into Mystic Pizza
Made famous by the 1988 movie of the same name, Mystic Pizza is renowned for its delicious pizzas, which attract movie fans and pizza enthusiasts alike.
Mystic Pizza is known for its hearty toppings and old-school menu, and it offers not just pizza but a taste of Mystic’s cultural heritage in every bite.ย
Enjoy Oktoberfest at Jealous Monk in Mystic, CT
Visit Mystic’s only Beer Garden and celebrate theย autumn seasonย with a menu of elevated German bar food and over 30 beers on draft.
Jealous Monk is a family-friendly restaurant conveniently located in Olde Mistick Village. The outdoor patio is perfect in October to gather around the outdoor fire pit and enjoy your meal al fresco.
Kids love visitingย Sift Bake Shopย and watching the bakers hard at work making delicious goodies through the kitchen window.ย
Sift Bake Shop is known for its yummy selection of artisanal breads, pastries, desserts, macarons, signature cakes, savory items, and more. Don’t miss the chance to try one of their pumpkin specialties this season!
Visit The Oldest Steam-Powered
Cider Mill in the United States
Fresh donuts and apple cider await at B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
Step back in time atย B.F. Clydeโs Cider Millย in Mystic, Connecticut. This historic mill offers a quintessentialย New Englandย experience that will quickly become one of your favorite annualย fall events.
As the oldest steam-powered cider mill in theย United States, it comes alive during theย fall seasonย with the sweet aroma of fresh apples being pressed intoย sweet cider.
You will have the opportunity to witness the historic cider-making process, enjoy aย cider tasting, and indulge in their famousย apple cider donuts.ย
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Millย also boasts a store where you can purchase homemade baked goods and other local products. You will be very tempted to take home a dozen freshย apple cider donuts! (or two)
With its rustic charm and historic atmosphere, a trip toย B.F. Clydeโs Cider Millย has become a beloved annual October tradition for families and apple cider donut enthusiasts inย New England.
Mystic in October: Top Annual Events You Canโt Miss!
A day of celebrating Indigenous People's Day
October inย Mystic Villageย is filled with festivals and events that celebrate theย autumn season.
There’s always something happening, from watching Witches paddle down the Mystic River to the annual jack-o-lantern walk at theย impressive Mystic Seaport Museumย and even the final weeks at the Denisonย Farmer’s markets.
Each festival and event offers a taste of local culture and community spirit, makingย Mystic Villageย aย great placeย to visit in the fall.
Head to downtown Mystic on October 12, 2024, from 3 pm to 6 pm for the annual Witch Paddle and Coat Drive. Watch in excitement as witches and warlocks of all types paddle down the Mystic River. This is such a fun annual event put on by Adventure Mystic that canโt be missed!
Pro Tip– The Bascule Bridge and the Mystic Museum of Art are great viewing spots for the annual Witch Paddle.ย
Jack-O-Lantern Walk at Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum's Jack-o-lantern walk is a fun thing to do in Mystic CT in October
Get ready for a magical evening at the Mystic Seaport Museum Jack-o’-Lantern Walk! Explore the enchanting Mystic Seaport Museum grounds, illuminated by the glow of hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns.
Enjoy lively lawn games and festiveย live music, or dive into creativity with a family-friendly fall-themed craft.
Wear your favorite costume and embrace the festive spirit of Halloween!
Embrace the Drizzle: Fun Rainy-Day Activities in Mystic CT
Enjoy Mystic Connecticut on a rainy day
Don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits!ย Mystic CT, offers a treasure trove of indoor activities that make even the rainiest October days enjoyable.
Whether you’re exploring theย Mystic Aquarium, enjoying a hot cup of coffee atย Mystic Depot Roasters, or indulging in some retail therapy atย Olde Mistick Village,ย Mystic CTย has plenty to keep you entertained.ย
So, grab your umbrella and step into the enchanting world ofย Mystic Villageโrain or shine, this town turns every day into an opportunity for new adventures and cherished memories.
Visit the Belgua whales at Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquariumย inย Mystic CTย is an amazing place to explore the marvels of the ocean and is considered one of the best aquariums inย New England. It is renowned for its interactive marine exhibits, featuring everything fromย beluga whalesย to vibrant coral reefs.ย
This expansive indoor-outdoor aquarium offers many opportunities to engage in hands-on activities, watch sea lion shows, and even touch a stingray in the touch tanks. (Mystic Aquariumย Website)ย
Whether you’re a family seeking a unique fall outing or a marine enthusiast, a visit toย Mystic Aquariumย this autumn offers educational insights and a memorable adventure, all amidst the backdrop ofย New England’s vibrantย fall foliage.
Discover thought-provoking works of art at this quaint art museum on the banks of the Mystic River in downtown Mystic.
In addition to enjoying the art, the Mystic Museum of Art is also an excellent place to find unique souvenirs from Mystic.
They offer a variety of art pieces for sale, each of which would make a perfect memento of your visit to Mystic, CT.ย
While admission toย Mystic Museum of Artย is free, there is a “suggested” donation of $10. (Please consider supporting the art community to the best of your ability)
Interior of the historic Velvet Mill in Stonington, CT
The historic Velvet Mill in Stonington is located just 5 miles fromย downtown Mysticย and serves as a vibrant community space for local businesses, artists, and creative endeavors.
Within thisย National Historic Landmark, you will find a diverse array of businesses offering visual arts, design, classes, professional services, artisanal bakeries, an award-winning nano-brewery, a wood-fired pizza restaurant, an espresso bar, and several new and exciting dining options.
The Velvet Mill is the perfect place to spend a rainy day indoors when visiting Mystic, CT.
Check out our Guide to the Best Family Restaurants Near Stonington, CTย for kid-friendly spots, local favorites, and great meals the whole family will enjoy.
Exploring The Best Things To Do in Mystic CT in October
In October, Mystic, CT, is bursting with vibrant experiences and historical charm, making it a perfect family getaway.
Whether you’re exploring the trails at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, indulging in freshly made apple cider donuts at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill or listening to spine-chilling tales on a ghost tour, each activity brings you closer to the heart of Mystic, CT
So, grab your family, plan your route around the Bascule Bridge, and discover all the best things to do in Mystic CT in Octoberโit’s an adventure you definitely won’t want to miss and one of the best places to visit in Connecticut in the fall.
