Photo Credit: Mystic Chamber
The highly anticipated Mystic Boat Parade comes to town this weekend- and we can’t wait for Santa to arrive via lighted tugboat. If you’re thinking about going, read on!
Here are 5 quick tips to make the most out of the Mystic Boat Parade Experience:
- Get there early to find the best parking– we usually park at Mystic Seaport and walk. As a bonus, if you drive down Greenmanville Ave, you’ll avoid the worst of the traffic downtown. Other options include plenty of side street parking- you’ll want to avoid driving directly though downtown if possible.
- Now that you’re there early– downtown Mystic has some AMAZING restaurants. Make a reservation if it’s allowed- they’ll fill up quick! Some of our favs:
- Fancy: Shipwright’s Daughter, S&P Oyster Co- (check out the TREEHOUSE!)
- Casual (and great for kids): Bank and Bridge Brewery
- Baked Goods: Sift Bakery. Get the Hot Chocolate. Just trust me. Consider placing your order in advance then picking up to avoid wait time.
- For families with kids: there is a fantastic playground just steps from the river at Mystic River Park Playground. It is FENCED IN and you can see the river from the top of the playground too! Great for wiggly little ones.
- The bathroom situation: There are 2 public restrooms: A family restroom in Mystic River Park and a public restroom on Water Street in Downtown Mystic. If you’re grabbing some food, use the restaurant restroom. Sift Bake Shop has some incredible family friendly restrooms with changing areas for customers (great excuse to get hot cocoa!)
- Hang around after the parade for some great shots – crowds disperse, but the boats hang around so you can get some photo ops.
Bonus- There is a hotel right on the river if you really want to watch the Parade in style- the Steamboat Inn!
