Whenever I can, I love to stop in to visit local galleries. The Lily Pad Gallery has the most…read moreamazing works in what seems to be a carefully curated collection. There were immediately several artists that caught my attention. One was the art of Victor Mirabelli whose large abstract landscapes In muted haunting tones were beautiful. The other was H M Saffer II, whose brightly colored landscapes with a pointillist style were happy and joyful. While the gallery contained mainly paintings there were some sculptures that I inquired about (see pictures) but sadly I didn't get the name of the artist. They were beautifully delicate, lacy sculptures of women that showed great motion and expression. I am not sure but it may have been the gallery owner who was there to answer my questions, she seemed to be very passionate about the art and the gallery. I could tell right away that she knew her art and was happy to share her knowledge. I put myself on the mailing list and look forward to visiting again!

Amazing night here! My friends bought us the glassworking class as a birthday surprise for me and…read moreit was so much fun. The instructor was incredibly nice and patient, and we learned a lot in a short amount of time. I wish the plates we made didn't have to spend so much time in the kiln, and I can't wait til we can pick them up! I would highly recommend going and doing a class there. It's a nice night away from phones or Netflix and just allows you to tap into your creative side. Definitely will be coming back for more classes in the future.

I love this place. Every time Adam asks me if we can go up to Westerly, the only condition is if I…read morecan go to Get Fired Up at least once. The prices are super reasonable, the items are high quality, and the paint selection is fantastic. The staff are incredibly friendly, which is a big selling point for me. I am the antithesis of artistic, and it helps that the staff lend themselves to customers to give suggestions that are easy and impressive.

While in Mystic, my friend and I stopped by the Trade Winds Gallery. This is a very small store…read morewhere they sell artwork, antique maps and frames. This really isn't a gallery, the art peices are randomly placed all over the store. Some are a bit difficult to get a full view of because others are blocking it. My friend found an original 1917 map of West Hartford, the same area where his company's office is located. This was a large map at approximately 30 by 40 inches. It was in excellent shape. Despite it's age, nothing had been fading, all of the words were still legible. It came with a protective cover, covering each edge and corner, the front and back. It was $250. My friend is very happy with his new art piece. He talked to Brian the owner of Trade Winds Gallery for a while. He was very personable and knowledgeable about the maps and the artwork in his store. If you're interested in antique maps and art, please stop by the Trade Winds Gallery in Mystic.

Fabulous treasures inside. Maps, globes and art. Owner is personable and knowledgeable. Don't miss…read moreit!

Had free day and chance to utilize MPMRC membership for a wampum history and bracelet making event…read more Event was great to see the Gifts of the Ocean exhibit, discuss wampum history with Matthew Pina and then also make a bracelet within the art room at KTJ. Overall great experience and would recommend some of the classes for anyone interested to have a little artistic fun while here in Mystic!

Small, but lovely museum in Mystic, CT. I got to see the "Printmaking and the Unconventional…read morePathways of African American Artists" exhibit which was awesome. Highly recommended. Admission is only $10.

We loved it. 10/10 will come back! Great selection of old and rare books at reasonable prices…read more Thoughtfully curated and alphabetized. For a frame of reference, the prices are not as low as an estate sale but definitely lower than antique store prices. Colleen was super friendly, and gave us a deal because we bought a lot of books. The dogs were super cute and made us smile! For people with allergies or sensitivities, be prepared for a tiny bit of a pet smell and lots of old book dust! Similar to the Book Barn with their cats and old books. By our standards, all the best used bookstores have pets to greet you.

I'm sure the bookstore itself is fine as a business but the second we stepped in the owner's dog…read moreflew at our dog and bit her. If you're going to advertise your business as pet friendly and you know your pet is territorial, then it seems obvious to introduce precautions. There was a sign outside saying dogs were inside but that's hardly a proper warning for an aggressive animal who shouldn't be around other pets. Thankfully we grabbed our dog before she got too injured but she was badly shaken after.

Wow- Molly gave us the best tour of this house that really brings you back in time. It's a great…read morething to do if you are in the area.

This famous house museum is a must see in the area. Wonderful reenactments, a view of the harbor,…read moreand a house that feels like it was left untouched after the original owners left it. Because it is a "living" house museum, everything looks like it was recently used which makes the place really come alive. The staff here are dedicated to their work and it adds the finishing touches on an already incredible experience. Fun fact - did you know there were over 10 different types of spoons used at a typical dinner service?

Tiny but impactful. Rotating local artists- professional,…read moreamateur & students. Various mediums - oil, water color, acrylic, wood, etc Beautiful tall windows provide excellent light.

Mrs. K. and I were not interested in actually going inside the museum or in climbing to the top of…read morethis lighthouse. But wow, we were very interested in seeing, walking around it, enjoying the view of the Sound that you can see from here. This structure was built in 1840 to replace an earlier one from 1823 that succumbed to shoreline erosion, it was crafted from large granite blocks, some salvaged from its predecessor. The tower itself is octagonal and 35 feet tall, attached to a 1 1/2 story keeper's house. Initially lit by an oil lamp and eight parabolic reflectors, it was upgraded to a sixth-order Fresnel lens in 1856 - a leap forward in lighthouse technology. But by 1889, its light was extinguished, replaced by newer beacons on the harbor breakwaters. Its second life began in 1925, when the Stonington Historical Society purchased it for $3,650 and transformed it into what's believed to be the nation's first lighthouse museum. Since then, it's become a repository of local maritime and agricultural history, with exhibits ranging from sea captains' treasures to artifacts from the British bombardment of 1814, including a cannonball embedded in a hearthstone and a rare Congreve rocket. The museum doesn't have its own parking lot but you can park nearby if it's not too busy. Stonington Point and the Dubois Beach have a small lot and it's nice there. If you're passing by on I-95, this is only 20 minutes off the highway. Take the time to detour and check this out. Even if it's not season and the museum is closed, walking around is free. [Review 1071 of 2025 - 124 in Connecticut - 24625 overall]

Very nice small, local museum. Exhibits are varied. War, slavery, whaling, local life. Three rooms…read moreon ground floor, one small upper space that is under renovation and the tower. During our visit the fresnel lens was in a crate on the 2nd level. The staircase to the light housing is narrow and two-way. The ladder to the top is sturdy but takes a bit of maneuvering to get on the platform. Area holds ~ four people and is quite warm. The one employee answered our many questions. They offer senior, first responder and veteran discounts on entry. The museum is air conditioned. A good stop while in the area.