Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic Seaport is the living museum of America’s maritime past. Located on 19 acres on the banks of Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut it includes a recreation of a 19^th century Connecticut coastal village, a shipyard, several exhibit halls, storage for a large number of historic artifacts, and over 500 historic ships and other watercraft such as America’s oldest commercial ship, the 1841 whaler the Charles W. Morgan.

Stroll through the village, which will transport you to the mid-1800s with stories from historians, musicians, storytellers, and craftspeople who will bring to life the hard lives of those whose destiny was linked to the sea. Stop by the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard to watch the traditional shipbuilding techniques that have been kept alive over the years as the craftsmen work on restoring and maintaining the museum’s collection of watercraft. A place of learning and a nostalgic reminder of the past, Mystic Seaport is also a fun place to browse and enjoy yourself. You can let your imagination run wild and simply have a good time – there is always something going on by the water.

75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355, Phone: 888-973-2767

The crown jewel of the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Charles W. Morgan is the last of its kind. After five years of meticulous restoration, this magnificent tall ship, once a part of the 2,700 vessels-strong whaling fleet, sailed on its 38^th journey. It spent more than 200 years on the world’s seas after being launched in 1841 from the New Bedford, Massachusetts shipyard of Jethro and Zachariah Hillman.

It sailed from Arctic waters to Cape Horn and survived hostile natives and even the Hurricane of 1938. Instead of hardened sailors, the decks of the beautiful historic ship are now receiving millions of tourists who learn an important story of America’s maritime heritage.

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT, Phone: 860-572-5315

There is so much sea life to see in Mystic Aquarium , but seeing beluga whales from behind a 20 ft. long underwater window as they swim slowly in their one-acre habitat filled with 750,000 gallons of water will take your breath away. Don’t miss the African penguins, seals, sea lions, shark and ray touch pools, exhibits with jellyfish, Return to the Titanic and the Deep Sea 3D movie presentation.

The Mystic Aquarium in Mystic also organizes a range of fun events such as family overnight visits, Cocktails with the Whales, learning workshops, and so much more.

55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355, Phone: 860-572-5955

You might have to wait for some time on Route 1 while the bascule bridge over Mystic River in Mystic goes up to let some large ship pass and then back down to let the road traffic continue its flow. But, take your time and have a look at the mechanism that makes this possible.

All machinery is exposed, and when the system was built in 1922, it received high praises for its ingenuity. Electric motors lift the bridge span; its mobile span is 85 ft wide and 218 ft long. It weighs 660 tons and uses two 230-ton concrete counterweights. The Mystic River Bascule Bridge stays open for about five minutes and it opens and closes about 2,200 times a year.

U.S. Route 1 over Mystic River, Groton - Stonington, Mystic, CT 06355

There were no shopping malls in the 1720’s. What they did have were charming, quaint village streets with beautifully maintained shops selling all manner of lovely and desirable things. Olde Mistick Village is a reconstruction of one such village, promising a delightful shopping experience even if you don’t actually buy anything.

Just strolling along the cobblestoned streets lined with trees filled with flowering pots is a pure pleasure. There is even a duck pond you can sit by and relax after browsing the shops. Some of the best Mystic restaurants and cafes are also in Olde Mistick, but you can also just grab a hot dog and munch on it while sitting on one of the many benches and watch people pass by. Time seems to slow down in the Village, making it a perfect place to spend your day.

27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355, Phone: 860-536-4941

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is not only an environmental education center, but also a beautiful, lush, green space where local residents and visitors can spend time hiking or watching wildlife. The center is situated on 350 acres of mixed woods, wetlands, and meadows and is intersected by ten miles of hiking trails.

It is not unusual for visitors to spot bluebirds in one of the meadows or bullfrogs and painted turtles in the pond. In the summer, the wildflower garden is filled with colorful blooms, while the woods provide pleasant shade in the heat of the day. Some of the birds like owls and hawks cannot be released and live in spacious outdoor enclosures.

109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic, CT 06355, Phone: 860-536-1216

The seeds of Mystic Arts Center were planted by Impressionist painter Charles Harold Davis who settled in Mystic in 1891. His presence attracted a number of other artists who formed an art colony, and the rest is history. From the art colony to the Mystic Art Association to the Mystic Art Center, the institution grew in reputation and in its number of permanent artifacts.

Today, the center’s Schuster Gallery contains a permanent collection of more than 250 artworks. Three additional galleries offer exhibits of local and regional artists. The Center also maintains a number of artists’ studio, helps with the sale of selected artists’ artworks, and organizes art classes, seminars and art camps for all ages.

9 Water St, Mystic, CT 06355, Phone: 860-536-7601

Exploring the area around the coastal village of Mystic is best done on the water – you can enjoy the scenic coastline, beaches, nearby islands, and the many boats that make it their home here. Argia Mystic Cruises take guests on an exploration in a true maritime tradition, on board of ARGIA, their 18-feet schooner where guests can learn about maritime history from knowledgeable staff while lounging on the spacious wooden deck while the crew is manning the ship as it glides peacefully through the water.

The schooner can comfortably accommodate up to 49 passengers. Passengers are offered complimentary lemonade and snacks, and they can also bring their own food and drinks. The trip begins and ends by passing under the Mystic River Drawbridge, one of Mystic’s most popular attractions. The

15 Holmes St # 7, Mystic, CT 06355, Phone: 860-536-0416

Fisher’s Island Sound, about a mile off shore, is arguably one of the most popular sailing destinations on the East Coast. The 7-mile long island acts as a buffer from the unpredictable and often wild swells of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing for a peaceful and calm oasis. Poet's Lounge Sailing Charter captain takes you aboard his classic ocean racer the 1972 Ericsson 39 for an unforgettable trip of two, four, or six hours.

You can take a short two-hour trip to Fisher Island or relax, stop for a swim, or have a picnic during a four hour trip. Alternatively, you can enjoy a full day of sailing out to the open ocean, snorkeling inside the calm waters of Fisher’s Island Sound and even stop for a nice meal at a dockside restaurant. Your captain will keep you safe and ensure you are having fun at the same time; he can even entertain you with his ever-present guitar.

Pearl Street, Maxwell's Boat Yard, Mystic, CT, Phone: 860-287-7956