5 Ways to Discover Mystic Connecticut

It's amazing how one movie can change a restaurant, or even an entire town decades after its release. While 1988's "Mystic Pizza" was not a blockbuster, the fact that it starred Julia Roberts has added to its popularity. Additionally, since all things 80's have come back into style, the timing for a visit might be perfect. Screenwriter Amy Holden created the entire script based on the location of a pizza parlor (which looks nothing in real life like the set did in the movie). The coming of age story about three girl friends (also starring Lili Taylor and Annabeth Gish Sure), two of which are sisters, is nostalgic for personal reasons., it's campy and predictable like all good 1980's flicks, but its setting is perhaps the most memorable character: Mystic Connecticut.

There's not much more you can say about this town, other than how absolutely cute it is. While the restaurant is still a tourist attraction (and the pizza is not bad either), there is so much more to see here. The locals are friendly, small-town people who don't hesitate to help with directions or even sight-seeing recommendations. Only a mere 4,000 people call it home. Mystic has all the quaintness of an old fishing village and is home to the world's largest maritime museum. The river on which it was settled flows directly into the Long Island Sound.

Once you've settled in and become familiar with the area, check out these top five Mystic activities:

1. The Mystic Aquarium & Research Institute. Known for its Beluga whales and Stellar sea lions, this large facility is also home to a sting ray touch pool and a bat cave. No word yet on how to use the bat phone. There's also a 3-D theater that takes visitors on a real ride through the movie.

2. Schooner Brilliant. Spend the night aboard this classic yacht and gain a memorable learning experience as well. If you didn't know how to sail a 61-foot schooner when you arrived, they will teach you and six others on this beautiful boat. Day charters are also available.

3. Mystic Seaport. Here you'll find a children's museum and planetarium (also featured in the movie). You can also shop the Rosenfeld Photography Collection of dynamic black and white images of yachts.

4. Casinos (aka games for adults). The MGM Grand at Foxwoods and the Mohegan Sun also contain four-star restaurants and luxury day spas. They feature slots, table games, poker and the occasional big name entertainer.

5. Dining. The point here is not international fine dining, although, there is some available. You'll want to choose places for their local flavor and local produce. Still River, for example, is an out of the way little barn, but worth the drive (which is extremely beautiful in the summer and fall). The interior is elegantly decorated and the menu items are simple and fresh. Latitude 41* offers waterfront dining in Mystic Seaport where you'll want to try the clam chowder or asparagus soup. Of course, you have to eat at Mystic Pizza, which is right off Route 1, on the right past the drawbridge. If you want to check out more chick flicks from director Donald Petrie, rent "How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days" or "My Life in Ruins."