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Down to the sea in ships
Mystic, Connecticut, is not a municipality but rather a census-designated place (CDP) comprised of the towns of Groton and Stonington. Situated at the head of the Mystic River, this area has been known for shipbuilding since the 17th century. More than 600 vessels were built along the Mystic River between 1784 and 1919. However, the building of wooden ships began to decline with the advent of steam power following the Civil War.
The Mystic Seaport Museum
If you plan to visit this charming Connecticut locale, the Mystic Seaport Museum is a “must see.” It will take you back in time to the great Age of Sail. Conceived in 1929 as the Marine Historical Association, what became known as the Mystic Seaport Museum now owns the largest collection of maritime photography in the world. Inside the museum you’ll also find maritime artifacts, logbooks and ships plans. Outside, you can see the 1841 Charles W. Morgan, America’s last wooden whaleship, which was acquired by the museum in 1941. To complement the ship, historic wooden buildings were relocated to Mystic, forming a coastal village that is part of the museum experience.
Restoring the Susan Constant
In the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard, you will see wooden ship restoration in action. An excellent example is the work about to begin on the Susan Constant from Virginia’s Jamestown Settlement. This 120-ton re-creation of one of the three ships that first brought colonists from England to the New World in the early 17thcentury has provided maritime education to more than 19 million visitors over the past 30 years. Her restoration at the Mystic Seaport Museum’s working shipyard will take approximately two years to complete.
Where to stay
The Whaler’s Inn is a historic hotel located near Mystic shops and restaurants and is known for its individually designed guest rooms, some of which feature fireplaces. The Mystic at the Aquarium Hilton, located a mile from the Mystic Seaport Museum, provides an indoor pool, a fitness center and the IRONS restaurant.
Where to eat
Located on Route 27 with a view of the Mystic River, the Seafood Snack Bar offers fresh seafood such as clams, crab cakes, clam chowder and lobster rolls alongside hamburgers and hot dogs. You might also consider the Noble Smokehouse, which is near the train station. Here you can enjoy treats such as a Slow Smoked Brisket entrée or Baby Back Ribs.
How to get there
Served by major airlines like American and Southwest, T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, RI, is about an hour’s drive from Mystic. However, if you are coming from the Boston area, consider taking the train. Amtrak Northeast Regional provides a train that stops at the Mystic Station five times a day, a trip that takes about an hour and 40 minutes.
Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check government advisories before scheduling trips. Enjoy your visit as you travel into history!