Memories Count with Your Pup in Mystic, Connecticut
- Luie Boone
- Oct 1, 2025
- 9 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
Luie Boone would love to give you a history lesson on Mystic, Connecticut, because the history of this village is important to acknowledge and remember. Did you know that the Pequot—a group of Native American people—lived in this area of southeastern Connecticut before the 17th century? The Pequots produced and traded wampum, which are purple and white quahog shell beads! If you're like Luie Boone and wondering what a quahog is, let us tell you: a quahog is a type of hard-shelled clam. Indigenous people would use quahog not only to create wampum, but also for currency! Nowadays, the quahog is harvested for its meat and has become a popular seafood on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Please note that dogs can never have raw clams. However, they can have quahog, if its prepared properly, unseasoned, and served without its shell. And they should only have it occasionally in small portions.
Although the Pequot lived apart from the Iroquois Confederacy near the Great Lakes and Hudson River, they soon faced an enemy: the colonists. The Pequot War (1636–1637) peaked on May 26, 1637, when Captains John Mason and John Underhill led 20 soldiers against a fortified Pequot village. Outnumbered, the colonists set the fort ablaze, trapping most Pequots inside. Those who escaped the flames were killed outside in what became known as the Mystic Massacre.
The massacre devastated the Pequot—many were killed, enslaved, or absorbed into other tribes—opening the land to colonial expansion. By the early 1700s, three villages emerged along the Mystic River: Old Mystic, Lower Mystic, and Portersville, forming the roots of a growing maritime hub.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Mystic thrived as a seaport, its shipyards building vessels that sailed the world. This legacy endures at Mystic Seaport Museum, the nation’s largest maritime museum. Its star is the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship, preserved at 165 years old. A symbol of nautical heritage—and ghostly lore—she remains a haunting beauty visitors can’t miss.
Also located in Mystic is the Mystic River, which is a 3.4-mile-long estuary. Its name derives from Missi-Tuk—an Indigenous term meaning "great tidal river." Luie Boone recommends taking a stroll along the Mystic River with a stop at the Mystic River Park! This park has a green area, a boardwalk, and sits just southeast of the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. A bascule bridge is a type of drawbridge with a span that pivots upward, using a counterweight system to balance the weight of the span and allow for marine traffic. How cool! Luie Boone just hopes it doesn't move with him on it. He's not too steady on his paws. So, if the bridge even shakes a bit, his hoomans will have to buy him something from Olde Mistick Village, which is an outdoor shopping mall that resembles a stunning 18-century village! And with a toy, there must be a snack or two. Many local restaurants cater to dog owners, such as the Jealous Monk. The Jealous Monk has a beer garden and serves bratwurst, schnitzel, and international brews. Luie Boone's hooman dad loves the sound of that!
Just a causeway from the village of Mystic is Mason's Island. This island is located at the mouth of the Mystic River. It was named after colonist Captain John Mason, in recognition of his military serve in the 1637 Pequot War. As a residential island, it feels like a private coastal retreat with its quiet atmosphere and natural beauty. Fun fact about Mason's Island: There are no sidewalks! But don't worry, there are beautiful, forested walking trails and peaceful beaches for you to enjoy with your pooch.
The town of Stonington is located just a few minutes from Mystic. It is full of coastal charm, with many of its homes restored and resembling its nautical history. Speaking of nautical history, the author of Jaws was born in Stonington! Be sure to visit Stonington Point, which is a picturesque point and home to the Stonington Lighthouse Museum. This light house was built in 1840 and is home to many historical artifacts! After checking out these two local gems, head on over to Dog Watch Café. Luie Boone thinks that café sounds like the most paw-some place for him to take watch for any spooky, scary sailor ghosts. He'll take post on their dog-friendly outdoor deck and enjoy a bowl of ice water, which waitstaff kindly brings out to pooches.
Just north of Mystic is the town of Groton, which is a paradise for outdoor lovers and their pups. The Bluff Point State Park is a must-see in the town. It is an 800-acre peninsula, with miles of trails that weave through coastal woodlands, beach and dune grasslands, and more! It offers stunning views of the Long Island Sound, which is a group of islands located in an estuary. Did you know that an estuary is where fresh river water mixes with salt water? Luie Boone wonders what it would feel like to swim in that! If he does take a swim, he would after the swim, drag his hoomans to the Outer Light Brewing Company, which is a popular craft brewery. Please note that dogs are only allowed in their outdoor seating area.
A little further down the coast, you'll find the seaport city of New London. Luie Boone recommends taking a walk along the New London Waterfront Park. This is a gorgeous waterfront area, where you can take in lovely views of the town, harbor, and passing ships! The Fort Trumbull State Park is also a must-visit. It has a massive granite fort, with restored living quarters, a mock laboratory, and a restored research and development lab. Dogs cannot go inside of the museum, but there is a fishing pier, park grounds, and walking trails. For dining, visit Woodfellas Pizza & Wings, because who doesn't love pizza and wings? Dogs are welcome at their outdoor, umbrella-shaded tables!
Whether you're sniffing out seaside charm or chasing ghostly legends, Mystic, Connecticut offers a tail-wagging good time!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at Mystic, Connecticut. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Arts and Crafts Cottage
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 2 bathrooms.
Photos are courtesy of Airbnb.
It features the following amenities:
Located on an ocean cove
Complimentary canoe, kayak, and paddle board provided
Upper deck with outdoor furniture
Outdoor dining on one of the decks or under the pergola
Lower deck with BBQ gas grill
Adirondack chairs and a fire pit overlooking the water
Long backyard winds down to the dock
Backyard is right on the lake
Beautiful swing
Areas to run around and play frisbee with your dog
Separate building with a game room
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans are talking about this cottage (not cottage cheese, unfortunately) called Arts & Crafts Cottage. I don't know much about arts and crafts, but it sounds like a fun time! The cottage is located on an ocean cave in Stonington, Connecticut, near the village of Mystic. It has a fenced-in yard that runs right down to a private dock. I can already picture myself racing through the grass, sniffing the salty air, and watching the birds. We can all relax by the fire pit together in those fancy Adirondack chairs. Best of all, there are canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards that we can. Plus, we can get half-price boat rentals at a local marina! I'm so ready to serve as Captain Luie Boone, as the wind fluffs up my hair. After a day out on the water, I'll get comfy and snuggle up by the fireplace. And, of course, I'm bringing Iggy the Eagle with me (shout out to Marquette!). He can keep watch from the windowsill or join me on my dockside adventures. Iggy is going to be happy to hear about the ospreys and eagles nesting nearby. I cannot wait to go to this cottage with my hoomans and Iggy, so I can unleash my inner Paw-casso and make some bark-tastic memories.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Mystic, Connecticut!
Sunset Rock
Take your pup to see Sunset Rock, which is a giant boulder on the side of the Bluff Point Trail. Sunset Rock was once a place of Sunday worship for locals who lived in little cabins on the beach. Sadly, those cabins were wiped out by a hurricane. When Luie Boone visits, he’ll honor the past, by pausing at Sunset Rock to reflect on the lives who once lived by the sea. And then, he'll request that one of his hoomans help him onto that rock to snap a cool picture like that pup!
Pequot Woods Park
Pequot Woods Park is 140 acres of woodlands. There is a 3-mile hiking loop that you and your pup can embark on. During it, you will see a pond, boulders, steams, a bridge, and benches. Most of the other trails are moderate, but some may bring you through marshy terrain! Luie Boone cannot wait to get dirty, so he can negotiate a quick cannonball in the pond to get clean again!
Fort Trumbull State Park
Remember when Luie Boone barked about this state park earlier? Well, he's back with more info. The Fort Trumbull State Park has a pooch friendly paved path, which leads you around the fort and along the water. There are informative historical signs, as well as picnic areas with charcoal grills and tables. Don't miss the long fishing pier, with its seats and pole holes.
Esker Point Beach Park
At Esker Point Beach Park, dogs are allowed on the beach, as long as owners remain in control of them. Enjoy swimming areas, beach volleyball courts, shaded picnic areas, restrooms, and an outdoor shower. Luie Boone is going to launch into the swimming areas and cause a big splash!
Hoffman Evergreen Preserve
The Hoffman Evergreen Preserve has preserved almost 200 acres of land since 1976! It has a 4.25-mile, easy-to-moderate hiking trail for your pup. This is an interconnected trail network, which runs through mixed evergreens, hardwood forests, and occasional wetlands! Currently, there is a restoration project underway to regenerate new growth and young forest patches as unfortunately, portions of the old forest were dying due to disease, drought, storm and insect damage.
Beebe Pond Park
The Beebe Pond Park offers a rocky hike, which will lead you and your pup on an adventure through woodlands with a salt pond, remnants of an old mill, stone walls, swamps, and streams! There are several trails to choose from. The main, blue-blazed loop is just under 2 miles. It follows the edge of the pond to the dam, before descending to the section of the historic lower dam. There is the old foundation of an icehouse to see down there! Trails on the southern portion of the property are narrow and rocky with many roots. Gentler trails exist on the northern end of the park.
Mystic Yacht Charter
At Mystic Yacht Charter, you can set sail with your pup on a classic yacht! Feel free to sit back, relax, and take in the historic sites along the Mystic River. Private cruises are approximately one hour and forty-five minutes long!
Dog Watch Café
The Dog Watch Café is a casual eatery, which serves up a variety of delicious dishes. Your pup is welcome to join you at one of their dog-friendly outdoor tables and will be provided with a bowl of water. If needed, blankets are provided for dogs. Luie Boone thinks that as long as he has food in his tummy, he'll stay nice and warm!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Mystic, Connecticut
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
The only thing I’m not too sure about in Mystic is those sneaky deer ticks. My hoomans say there are a lot of them, especially in the tall grass and shady woods. They’re teeny-tiny—almost too small for my nose to even sniff out! The bad part is, they can make pups like me (and even my hoomans!) really sick. But don’t worry—my hoomans have a plan. They keep me safe with my flea and tick medicine, and every night they give me a full once-over. Between my toes, behind my ears, even under my tail—nothing gets past them! I don’t mind one bit… especially if it means an extra brushing. And what about Iggy the Eagle? Ha! He’s the lucky one. Since he’s plush, ticks can’t touch him. He just gets to ride along, safe and sound. With Iggy by my side and my hoomans keeping me healthy, I just know Mystic will be one tail-wagging adventure—even with those tricky ticks!
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