America's best food town is a seaside jewel 2.5 hours from NYC

Key Points:

• Travel + Leisure has named Mystic, Connecticut, the best small town in the U.S. for destination dining, highlighting its transformation from a humble pizza town to a food mecca with numerous James Beard award-winning chefs and abundant local seafood.
• Mystic's culinary scene features innovative restaurants such as The Port of Call, known for its James Beard-recognized beverage program, and Shipwright’s Daughter, led by James Beard Award winner David Standridge, which offers a daily-changing menu based on local seafood.
• Oyster Club specializes in bivalves with oysters sourced from multiple New England states, while Nana’s Bakery is celebrated for its sourdough products and unique sourdoughnuts; Barbary Coast offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with a natural wine list.
• The town is experiencing a hotel boom, with new and expanded accommodations like the dog-friendly Delamar Mystic and the upscale Stanton House at The Whaler’s Inn, providing waterfront views and convenient access to local dining.
• Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Mystic year-round, with suggestions to explore nearby quieter areas like Stonington Borough for a peaceful retreat after busy days at popular spots such as Mystic Seaport.