Mystic Country is a lovely destination if you are taking a vacation in New England. The unique aspect of this vacation is the 3 Cs. You can experience the Coast, Casino and the Country side in one place! The Mystic waterfront will take you back in history about Maritime America. Indulge in some solitude at Mystic’s best kept secret, the Quiet Corner. If you want to pace things up then Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos located inland Mystic Country, is the place to head.
Reaching Mystic Country
Mystic Country is just a few hours from New York City and Boston and one hour from Hartford and Providence. Centered around Mystic, Connecticut, the region is accessible via Interstates 395, 91 or 95.
Driving Directions to Mystic Country
From New York City: 130 miles, 2+ hours; take I-95 North, Exits 63-93
From Newark: 140 miles, 2+hours; NJ Turnpike North to I-95, Exits 63-93
From Boston: 100 miles, 1+hours; I-95 South, Exits 93-63 or I-90 West, Exit 10, I-395 South
What to see at Mystic Country
Mystic Sea Port is great place to begin. The Museum of America and the Sea will present you the American experience from a maritime perspective. This living history museum comprises of a village, ships and 17 acres of exhibits depicting coastal life in New England in the 19th century.
The shipyard exhibits Charles W. Morgan, the 1841 wooden whale ship which has outlived all of her kind and is currently under restoration. You need climb the “stairway to heaven”, a 48 step staircase to board it!Mystic River Scale Model has more than 250 detailed buildings. They grace a spectacular 50-foot long model of the Mystic River area between 1850 and 1870.
Other notable features are a Boathouse, Marine Railway, Ropewalk, Ship smith shop, nautical instrument shop, Whaleboat exhibit, Life saving station and a replica of Brant Point Lighthouse.The most exciting Exhibit Gallery is the “Frozen Inn” as the Eskimos of Hudson Bay region call their Igloos. In fact they want to be called not as Eskimos but as “Invits”. These tribes used to heat their Frozen Inns to 30deg Fahrenheit inside when outside temperature was -40 deg. F!
Also visit the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard to watch skilled shipyard workers use traditional tools and techniques to preserve the Museum’s collection of historic vessels. The 19th century seafaring village is a real fun place. It is alive with the sights and sounds of 19th century maritime America. Explore authentic trade shops, join chantey men in songs of the sea and take part in a 19th century baseball game on the village Green! A leisurely horse and carriage ride through this 19th century village is a must.
You can explore the water front in any of the exciting options like “Sabino”, a 1908 coal-fired steamboat or “Resolute”, a 26-foot diesel powered Herreshoff launch. You can even take a sailing cruise aboard the “Breck Marshal”, a historic catboat. Or if you feel like it, Captain your own rowboat or sailboat! Water Taxi “Liberty” and Water Shuttle “Necessity” are the other equally exciting alternatives.
Round up your trip at Coastal Mystic with some exciting Cruises. Such as Captain John’s Sunbeam Fleet to the Lighthouse, Nature Cruises spotting the Bald Eagle and Envirolab Cruises that explore Life under the Sea.
After the Coast, Casinos are a different experience. MGM Grand Casino at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos are the place to be in. The Casino experience offers everything from world famous concert tours to local musicians. Other attractions are an 18 hole Golf Course, a Rejuvenating Spa as well as an interesting kid’s entertainment area.
Enough of fun and din? Enjoy some quiet moments at the Quiet Corner of Mystic Country. The best option would be to stay in a quaint New England Inn and experience the countryside on a bike or even walking.
For my travelogue on other places around New York, visit Holiday Ideas around New York.
For my trevelogue on places around London, visit Holiday Ideas around London.