Downtown Mystic is known for the shopping, restaurants and being an all-around destination. But some new store owners said they're targeting the blocks just outside Main Street.
Bethany Perkins opened up B. Carver's Home & Gifts on Broadway Avenue.
"It's a very local feeling. I wanted it to be like a Mercantile," Perkins said.
According to Perkins, unlike the crowded atmosphere of downtown, she offers a unique experience, and wants to better target locals.
"Parking is ample," she said. "It gets very congested downtown and I wanted it so that locals didn't have to go through downtown to run in and grab a quick hostess gift."
It seems to be a new trend for businesses in the area. Red Head Heron Antiques and Non is opening next door. The owner said for her store, parking is critical. But it's convenient to be just a few blocks from downtown.
Across the street, there's M/Bar. A new coffee and wine bar in a converted gas station.
Local
"We're right at the end of Route 27, so it's ideal in that respect," said Michael Connery, a principal with M/Bar. "The access is very good, we have our own parking lot."
Real estate agent Judi Caracausa of Market Realty LLC said property in Mystic rents out quickly and it's pricey. Side streets are now a sought after and cheaper option for new businesses.
"You can still walk to historic downtown, you can walk to the train station… there's very unique shopping, unique boutiques," Caracausa said.
But the side streets of Mystic are filling up, too, according to Caracausa, because Mystic is a destination for both tourists and locals.
Perkins said she wants the whole neighborhood to be a destination for the people of Mystic. A place for people to stop in, instead of pass through.
"We need a little neighborhood name too," Perkins said.
