A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Kitch’s Appearance on Hell’s Kitchen

On January 16th, Kitch, located in the center of Olde Mistick Village, made a memorable appearance on the hit show, Hell’s Kitchen! Now in its 23rd season, the popular Hell’s Kitchen filmed two seasons, 23 and 24, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, as well as in and around the Mystic area.  The show’s production team approached Kitch to film a reward segment for part of the show’s competition for both seasons.

The store was closed for shooting, and the Kitch team worked closely with the Hell’s Kitchen production crew to ensure everything was just right for the cameras. The episode showed off the store’s unique vibe and beautiful displays as contestants were given a one-of-a-kind shopping spree at Kitch! That episode’s winning contestant, Whit, and her guest, Kyle, were each given a $1,000 shopping spree to explore the store and pick out some new kitchen gear—an exciting reward for their hard work on the show. From their reactions, these contestants were in paradise as they shopped! Kitch managers Winnie and Michael took center stage as they interacted with the contestants at the checkout counter. While Gordon Ramsay himself didn’t make it to the store, the contestants were thrilled with their shopping experience and excited to get back to work in the restaurant kitchen using their new treasures!

All in all, Kitch’s appearance on Hell’s Kitchen was a fun and memorable experience not only for the contestants but also the Kitch family. Customers and fans alike were able to see Kitch’s great selection, and it was the perfect chance to showcase the store, Olde Mistic Village, and the town of Mystic on one of the most popular shows on national television!

If you missed the episode, you can watch the full clip on Kitch’s website at www.kitchmystic.com or their social media pages. Keep an eye out for more Kitch moments, and more exciting moments ahead in Olde Mistick Village!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Mystic

Mystic is the perfect destination for couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a charming and dreamy setting. With its cozy restaurants, scenic views, and unique experiences, Mystic has everything you need to make your day or weekend trip unforgettable. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate love in Mystic this Valentine’s Day.

A romantic dinner is a must for a Valentine’s Day celebration, and Mystic has no shortage of options. With an array of Valentine’s Day themed menus and couples packages, the cuisine downtown has something everyone will enjoy! Port of Call and Oyster Club are offering specialty cocktails, wine pairings, and dinner specials. Engine Room has created a sweet and sour menu featuring asian cuisine, much different from their regular menu. Enjoy the 5 or 3 – course menus from The Shipwright’s Daughter featuring fresh seafood and delectable desserts for two.

Bundle up to snap a photo along the Mystic Drawbridge, pop into Mystic Sweets & Ice Cream Shop for handmade chocolates or take some home to enjoy later! You can’t miss Sift Bake Shop’s Valentine’s Day treats launching February 13th – 16th including heart shaped macarons, mixed berry cheesecake, flourless chocolate bavarian mousse cake, and passion fruit tart!

Whether before or after your meal, exploring the shops and boutiques of downtown Mystic is a must and if you are ready to tie the knot or renew your vows this Valentine’s Day, Olde Mistick Village is hosting free wedding ceremonies in the chapel from 10am-2pm. Afterwards, celebrate at Trattoria Amalfi and order off of their Valentine’s Day inspired menu including a 3 – course meal and dessert! Big day or not, you’re sure to have a memorable time!

Wellness Retreats in Mystic

As the new year begins, Mystic offers the perfect sanctuary for resetting your mind and body. With its serene natural beauty, holistic activities, and healthy dining options, Mystic is an ideal destination for embracing wellness and starting the year refreshed.

Start your journey with a yoga session at one of Mystic’s welcoming studios. Mystic Yoga Shala provides a variety of classes, including vinyasa flow and restorative yoga, perfect for reconnecting with your inner peace. For a more intimate setting, Empower Yoga Mystic offers small-group sessions focused on mindfulness and movement, ideal for deep relaxation.

Reconnect with nature by exploring Mystic’s tranquil outdoor spaces. The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center features over 10 miles of trails through forests and wetlands, offering a peaceful escape for winter hikes and birdwatching. For a scenic stroll, head to Haley Farm State Park or take in the beauty of the Mystic River Walks, where the quiet winter landscape fosters calm and clarity. Salt of the Earth Spa, a short drive from Mystic, features Himalayan salt therapies and restorative saunas for total relaxation.

Mystic also nurtures creative wellness. Attend a pottery or painting class, or visit the Mystic Museum of Art to spark inspiration and mindfulness. Creativity is a wonderful way to relax and bring balance to your life.

Whether you’re practicing yoga or enjoying a snowy hike, Mystic provides countless ways to focus on self-care. This January, embrace a healthier, happier you in the peaceful charm of Mystic.

A Perfect Christmas Weekend Getaway in Mystic

Start your weekend by arriving in Mystic and checking into a cozy inn or bed-and-breakfast. Many local accommodations, such as the Mystic Hilton or The Whaler’s Inn, are decorated for the holidays and offer a warm, inviting atmosphere with plenty of family activities throughout the holiday season! Once you’ve settled in, take a stroll down the historic Main Street, where you’ll find shops like The Bee’s Knees and Queenie’s Gift Emporium, offering unique, locally made gifts, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.

A trip to Mystic wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum. During the holiday season, the museum transforms into a winter wonderland, with historic ships decked out in Christmas lights and special exhibits celebrating the season including the Lantern Light Tours. Two other, must-see attractions are the Mystic Aquarium’s “Home for the Holidays” Lights Extravaganza and the Olde Mistick Village Holiday Lights Spectacular!

The Engine Room, where you can savor classic New England cuisine while overlooking the river, is great for an afternoon bite! For a sweet treat, stop by Kenzie’s Fudge & Chocolate Shop to indulge in delicious handmade fudge and holiday chocolates. Don’t forget to grab a box for the road or as a special gift for a loved one! For a festive holiday meal to end the night, head to Oyster Club or S&P Oyster Co., where you can enjoy fresh seafood in a cozy, seasonal setting. End your day with a cup of hot chocolate at one of the local cafés or unwind with a cocktail to end the night at The Port of Call, Friar Tuck’s Tavern, or Mix Restaurant Rooftop and Bar!

Whether you’re enjoying the lights at Olde Mistick Village, shopping for unique gifts, or relaxing at a charming inn, Mystic offers the perfect blend of holiday magic for a weekend getaway. From local boutiques to waterfront dining, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in this historic coastal town.

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

While Mystic is best known as a summer tourist destination, the fall and winter months are just as popular, especially amongst the locals!

Holiday Market at Inn at Mystic

From 10am-4pm on November 16th, explore local artisans’ handcrafted treasures while enjoying food and drinks available for purchase. The perfect place to find special gifts and support the local creative community along with free entry!

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Starting Friday, November 22nd through January, Olde Mistick Village will host the largest holiday light display in southern New England!

Small Business Saturday

Shop small at your favorite local stores and support small businesses on Saturday November 30th. From clothing boutiques, hand crafted art, baked goods, and more you’ll be sure to find something for everyone!

Santa Arrives by Tugboat

Saturday, November 30th, Santa will arrive in Mystic via tugboat in Mystic River Park at 2:00pm! Followed by pictures with Santa and Christmas magic in downtown Mystic.

Christmas Tree Lighting Downtown Mystic

The official Mystic Christmas tree lighting will be Saturday, November 30th at 6:00pm. Head down to Mystic River Park to see this year’s tree light up for the first time this holiday season!

Bring the whole family and enjoy a memorable day at Connecticut’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and seasonal festivities. With unique boutiques, delicious eateries, and magical holiday displays, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the season together. Make this season unforgettable with a visit to Connecticut’s ultimate spot for shopping, dining, and festive cheer!

Fall Fashion in Mystic

Trends come and go but nothing beats the chic New England style especially as we transition into colder weather. 

ADORE   

Cozy sophistication is key at ADORE! Think rich earth tones, layered textures, and a mix of casual and elegant pieces. Plush knits, oversized scarves, and tailored outerwear pair effortlessly with ankle boots and accessories in warm, golden hues. Timeless patterns like plaids and checks, along with nature-inspired prints for a chic, seasonal look that balances comfort with style.

FatFace

FatFace’s fall styles emphasize layering with cozy knitwear, versatile outerwear, and comfortable, casual pieces in earthy tones. You’ll find sweaters, jackets, and accessories like scarves and hats that are perfect for the season. The collection blends practical warmth with laid-back British-inspired designs, featuring classic fall prints such as checks and plaids. 

The RiveLane Mystic

A new addition to downtown, The RiverLane offers cozy sweaters, tailored jackets, and chic accessories, perfect for activities like weekend getaways, pumpkin picking, or casual outings. 

Burgee 

Offering nautical-themed apparel and accessories for fall, including cozy, casual pieces like sweatshirts and caps, ideal for layering. Their collection combines coastal vibes with comfort, making it perfect for cooler weather. They also feature unique home decor that complements the seaside lifestyle.

Rochelle’s Boutique 

This trending boutique provides a chic collection of clothing and accessories, perfect for fall fashion! With new arrivals of cozy sweaters, stylish outerwear, and versatile denim you’re sure to find something for every occasion. They also carry popular brands like Free People and Z Supply, offering both trendy and timeless pieces.

Peppergrass and Tulip

Peppergrass & Tulip’s fall styles highlight cozy, seasonal pieces that combine comfort with unique fashion. With an array of items, including warm sweaters, stylish outerwear, and chic accessories, perfect for autumn outings!

ThinkMystic on the App Store: Download Go Mystic Today

Discover Mystic in a whole new way with the Go Mystic app! Exploring Mystic has never been easier with the convenience of the Go Mystic app, highlighting the best places to eat, shop, play and stay, plus what events to go, and where to live and work. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this user-friendly app provides you with all of the resources you will need to help you navigate the waterfront.

Eat

The first tab on the app showcases a collection of restaurants in the area, organized by cuisine type, as well as a variety of wineries. Even the pickiest of eaters are sure to find something!

Shop

The shop tab highlights the variety of boutique, book, jewelry, pet, kitchen, souvenir and other niche retailers in the area. When clicking on a specific store, the app displays a few images of the store along with all the information one needs to know (store hours, phone number, website, social media, and street address).

Play and Stay

Visitors will find this section useful when it comes to deciding where to book a hotel or when  researching activities that are offered outside of the dining scene. With beaches, historic maritime landmarks, and a surplus of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone!

Events

There are a multitude of events throughout the year and the ‘Events’ tab will keep you up to date on all the things happening each month. From summertime fireworks to holiday celebrations, the town has it all!

Live and Work

Locals, this tab will be very helpful to you! Whether you are in need of an accountant or a pet sitter, the Go Mystic app provides you with a full directory of professional services at your fingertips. Use them to your advantage!

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Go Mystic app today.

Go Mystic is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

Favorite Shops for Mystic, Connecticut Souvenirs

Call it a souvenir, keepsake or memento, a trip to Mystic isn’t complete without bringing home a little something to remember how awesome your visit was. Or maybe you’re a local and want to shout it from the rooftops how much you love Mystic (we wouldn’t blame you!). The quaint streets of downtown, and the shops in Olde Mistick Village, are home to a number of boutique gift shops carrying locally made and distinctive items that make memorable souvenirs or gifts. Here are a few of our favorite places to pick up the perfect mementos of Mystic.

Where’s your favorite spot to grab a Mystic souvenir? Tell us all about it, and show us what you bought! Don’t forget to tag @think_mystic so we can share!

50th Anniversary of Olde Mistick Village & Taste of Mystic

Not only is 2023 the 50th anniversary of the Mystic Aquarium, it is also the 50th anniversary of Olde Mistick Village! Just a few short minutes from downtown Mystic, Olde Mistick Village has been a favorite destination for shopping and dining for years! We are celebrating the anniversary in a big way- with the return of Taste of Mystic from September 8th-10th, and a celebratory ceremony on September 12th!

How it started…

The land where Olde Mistick Village now sits, originally Perkins Farm, was bought by Martin Olson in 1963. After much planning and attention to detail, Martin’s children Joyce and Jerry designed and built a 1720’s style colonial village. They had a very specific vision in mind for the village, which included a town green, duck pond and gazebo. Everything from the walking paths to the trees were intentionally placed, and no two buildings were made to look the same. Olde Mistick Village opened to the public on September 11, 1973 and has been charming locals and tourists alike ever since!

How it’s going…

Olde Mistick Village has grown significantly over the past fifty years. Home to dozens of small shops and eateries, and even a movie theater, you can spend hours exploring everything! From handcrafted gifts, high-fashion jewelry, Mystic souvenirs, unparalleled restaurants, and niche specialty shops, there is something for everyone and items you won’t find anywhere else! With rarely a chain store among its 51 distinctive shops, you can find unique favorites like Deviant Donuts, The Toy Soldier, Sticky Situations, & Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop.

Taste of Mystic

Mystic foodies- rejoice- because the Taste of Mystic is returning to Olde Mistick Village September 8th through the 10th to coincide with the 50th anniversary! Get ready for delicious food, a beer tent, and live music all weekend long! There will be over twenty restaurants participating this year, including Pink Basil, Portuguese Fisherman, and Whisktopia Cupcakes. Admission is free with food tickets available for purchase. In addition, there will be ax throwing by Axtreme Entertainment and awesome live music! New England’s favorite party band Darik and the Funbags will be performing Friday night with a high energy show! On Saturday, catch Huckleberry Pie from 3-5pm and Beacon Street Band from 6:30 to 10. To round out the weekend, fan favorite Sugar will be performing on Sunday from 2-5pm. We are so thrilled for the return of this event!

Are you as excited as we are about the 50th anniversary of Olde Mistick Village?? Will you be attending the Taste of Mystic?? Share all the delicious food you try and make sure you tag @think_mystic so we can see!