Food & Drink

Savor the Jonathan Edwards Winery Experience in Mystic

There are many things to do near Mystic CT, but adding a visit to Jonathan Edwards Winery introduces a quieter, more intentional pace to your itinerary. Located just a short drive from downtown Mystic, this destination offers a refined take on wine tasting in Connecticut, making it a natural fit for a couples getaway along the coast.

Start your day in Mystic with a walk along the waterfront, followed by a lunch centered on fresh seafood. From there, shift inland to explore one of the most approachable Connecticut wineries. Jonathan Edwards Winery provides an open, scenic setting where vineyard views and a relaxed tasting room create space to slow down and enjoy the experience together.

The tasting format is straightforward, allowing guests to sample a curated selection that highlights the winery’s style. Whether you opt for a guided tasting, a glass of your favorite varietal, or a shared flight, the environment encourages conversation and connection. Guests can also enhance their visit with a light picnic or a curated cheese and charcuterie board.

Stay at Top Hotels in Mystic CT for a Couples Getaway

After exploring wineries near Mystic, return to downtown and settle into one of the most well-located hotels in Mystic CT. The Whalers Inn places you within walking distance of shops, dining, and waterfront views, making it easy to continue your evening without additional travel.

Onsite dining at Shipwright’s Daughter offers a seamless transition into the evening, while nearby options like Mystic Fish Camp provide a more casual alternative. With everything centrally located, your time remains focused on enjoying the coastal setting and each other’s company.

For couples looking to combine wine-tasting in Connecticut experiences with classic coastal charm, pairing Jonathan Edwards Winery with a stay in Mystic creates a well-balanced, memorable itinerary.

Best Wineries Near Mystic for Couples’ Getaways

Couples planning a getaway to coastal Connecticut often discover that exploring wineries near Mystic adds an easygoing, memorable layer to the trip. The region’s wine scene has grown steadily, earning praise for its thoughtful approach, scenic settings, and welcoming tasting experiences. From coastal influences to small-production vintages, these wineries offer an experience that feels personal and unhurried, ideal for couples looking to explore together.

Many of the best wineries near Mystic are just a short drive from downtown, making it easy to plan an afternoon tasting without sacrificing time enjoying all the other things to do in Mystic, CT. Jonathan Edwards Winery is one of the most popular stops, known for consistently well-crafted reds, especially Cabernet Franc and Merlot blends. Live music and a relaxed tasting room atmosphere make it a favorite for couples visiting on weekends. Saltwater Farm Vineyard delivers a very different experience, set inside a restored airplane hangar near the coast. The open space, breezes, and approachable wines make it a standout among Connecticut wineries. Stonington Vineyards rounds out the trio with beautifully maintained grounds, friendly staff, and white wines that pair well with a picnic on the property.

Between tastings, Mystic offers plenty of ways to round out your days. Walk through Mystic Seaport, browse local shops, or enjoy time on the water with a harbor cruise. The dining scene is also worth planning around, especially reservations at standout restaurants that highlight the region’s culinary talent.

Where to Stay During Your Wine-Focused Escape

After visiting wineries near Mystic, returning to a well-located hotel makes the experience even better. Staying in downtown Mystic places you close to dining, shopping, and waterfront attractions while keeping top Connecticut wineries within easy reach. Our unique downtown Mystic Hotel offers couples comfortable rooms, historic character, and thoughtful amenities create a natural balance between exploration and relaxation. With everything so close, couples can move easily from morning walks to afternoon tastings and evenings out without ever feeling rushed.

Adding wine tastings to your itinerary brings a new perspective to things to do in Mystic and creates shared moments that linger long after the trip ends. Book your couples getaway and experience why wineries near Mystic continue to draw visitors back year after year.

Best Tasting at Finger Lakes Cider House in Upstate NY

A visit to Finger Lakes Cider House is one of the most unique things to do in Finger Lakes NY. Overlooking Cayuga Lake and the rolling orchards of Good Life Farm, this beloved cider house captures the creative spirit of the region while offering a true farm-to-glass experience.

While the Finger Lakes is widely known for award-winning vineyards, it is also a leader in artisan hard cider production. At Finger Lakes Cider House, you’ll discover crisp, dry, and complex ciders crafted from organic apples grown right on the property. Order a tasting flight featuring favorites like the Funkhouse and Pioneer Pippin, then pair your cider tasting with local cheeses, charcuterie, or a farm-fresh grilled sandwich.

The relaxed lawn setting invites guests to sit back and relax. You may find friends gathered around a cornhole game, couples sharing a bottle at sunset, or visitors exploring the orchard before settling in with a glass. For travelers searching for cideries near me or planning tours in the Finger Lakes, this stop belongs at the top of the list.

Beyond the Finger Lakes Cider House, several exceptional cideries and Finger Lakes wineries are located nearby, including Bellwether Hard Cider, Black Diamond Farm and Cider, South Hill Cider, and New York Cider Company. Each offers its own approach to traditional cider-making methods and locally grown apple varieties.

Stay Near Finger Lakes Cider House at Our Upstate NY Hotel

After a day of cider tasting, return to one of the most welcoming Hotels in Upstate New York. Located just a scenic drive from the Finger Lakes Cider House, our boutique inn offers thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, spa services, and a fresh breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients.

Guests appreciate the walkable village location, relaxing hot tub, and on-site Finger Lakes Spa. Whether you’re planning a unique getaway centered around cider houses, wineries, or outdoor exploration, our inn provides the perfect home base. Reserve your stay and experience the Finger Lakes Cider House and beyond in comfort and style.

Best Hitchcock Bainbridge Dining Experience

Hitchcock Bainbridge has long been a driving force behind some of the most talked-about Bainbridge Island restaurants. With the debut of Kingfisher Restaurant, the Hitchcock Restaurant Group adds another layer to its culinary footprint, blending seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients with a warm, contemporary atmosphere in the heart of Winslow.

Kingfisher Restaurant feels both refined and welcoming. By day, it operates as a boutique food market and wine bar with thoughtfully curated wines, sake, cider, and sherry. By evening, it transforms into one of the most exciting places to eat on Bainbridge Island, offering small plates inspired by Japanese izakaya and Spanish tapas traditions. Expect freshly shucked oysters, seasonal crudo, grilled skewers, and vegetable dishes sourced from Kingfisher Creek Farm. Several times a month, prix fixe tasting dinners highlight the creativity that defines Hitchcock Bainbridge.

Beyond Kingfisher, the broader Hitchcock Bainbridge portfolio strengthens the island’s reputation for exceptional dining. Bruciato delivers wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, Hitchcock Delicatessen reimagines the classic deli, and Café Hitchcock provides daytime fare crafted with local ingredients. Together, these restaurants on Bainbridge Island reflect a cohesive vision rooted in quality and hospitality.

Stay at the Only Downtown Bainbridge Island Hotel

After dinner at Kingfisher Restaurant or another favorite from Hitchcock Bainbridge, complete your island escape at the only Downtown Bainbridge Island Hotel. Located just steps from the ferry and Winslow Way, Eagle Harbor Inn places you within walking distance of the best Bainbridge Island restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

Spacious suites, thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, and private parking make exploring effortless. Guests also enjoy freshly brewed Pegasus Coffee each morning and access to Island Fitness passes during their stay. Whether you arrive by ferry for the evening or plan a full island getaway, pairing Hitchcock Bainbridge dining with a stay downtown captures the very best of Bainbridge Island. Reserve your room and experience the island’s most celebrated flavors just outside your door.