If you are looking for a great spot for a weekend trip or a stopover point on a longer trip up the Eastern Seaboard, then do not search any farther than Mystic, Connecticut. The small village is nestled along the Mystic River with its two major attractions being the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium.
The Seaport offers historic tall ships which you can climb aboard as well as one where you can watch the ongoing restoration process. It is an ideal place for kids of all ages with a Discovery Barn, a hands-on Children's Museum, Planetarium and art museum. You can explore a 19th Century seafaring village on foot or by horse and carriage. Water activities include taking a cruise aboard a steamboat or chartering a sail on the Breck Marshall or Araminta. My children loved a short sail along the river where the captain guided them as they took turns sailing the boat. There are also sailboats and rowboats for rent for those seafaring souls.
The focal point of the Mystic Aquarium is the beluga whale exhibit which is quite an undertaking. You can observe four of them from above and below their habitat. The bird sanctuary where you can feed some feathered friends was a lot of fun, but it can be frustrating for little ones who can't quite keep a bird on their seeded stick. This is definitely a must stop, but bring your patience if you go during the peak summer season. It was packed!
We stayed at the Whaler's Inn which is centrally located in downtown Mystic. Its convenient location is within walking distance of the village's main attractions as well as shops and restaurants. The historic inn offers a pleasant atmosphere in addition to being comfortable and clean. Their prices were affordable and the inn also offers on-sight parking. The staff was affable and helpful. They provided us with a refrigerator for the baby's milk and yogurt without charging us. a nice touch which we greatly appreciated.
Mystic Pizza was another must stop, especially if you've seen the movie. The film of the same name premiered in the late eighties and marked the debut of Julia Roberts. It was filmed on location in the town. The restaurant definitely attracts tourists, so be prepared to wait, but it's worth it. The food is good and so is the ambiance. However, it is not stroller friendly, so if possible leave it in the car or hotel.
It's a perfect place to explore by foot, bike, boat or kayak. There are different types of harbor cruises available for guided tours if you are so inclined as well as boats and kayaks to rent for your own exploration.
As my kids said a few moments after arriving, Mystic is definitely a re-do. It's worth checking out!
Please check out these links to help prepare your visit!
http://WhalersInnMystic.com
www.oldemistickvillage.com
http://mysticaquarium.org
www.ArgiaMystic.com
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