MYSTIC SEAPORT, A wonderful Maritime destination for families!
Written: Dec 07 '03 (Updated Feb 07 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The best of maritime museums
Cons: Gets crowded on summer weekends.
The Bottom Line: This is the best maritime museum in the US. It is full of information and history.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Mystic Seaport |
I have been to the Mystic Seaport a number of times over the years. The first time 28 years ago, was a trial camping destination with our first child at three months old. It was good then. More recently, not this past summer but the summer before, I went with my wife and youngest daughters, 13 and 15 at the time. We had a great time!
ARRIVAL
The town of Mystic is on the Connecticut coast not quite half way between New York City and Boston at exit 90 on interstate 95. It's about 100 miles southwest from Boston and 150 northeast from NYC. It's a good idea to make this a two day visit if you have the time. There is plenty to do and the second consecutive day free add onto the seaport is a bargain. You also have a pretty good aquarium very close by. I haven't been there in over five years so I can't give you any good information about it here or in a review.
Driving by car we followed the directions to the museum given on their web site. As you near the seaport you will pass some large parking lots on the left. We bypassed them and just a bit further, beyond the main entrance on the left is a small parking lot on the right. If you are lucky, it may not be filled and it happens to be in a wonderful, unmarked by street signs, location.
If you arrive before opening be sure to have your camera with film. There are some good shots to be taken in the large open air waiting area.
The seaport is open all year except for Christmas. It always opens at 9AM. Closing hours are either 5PM or 4PM depending on season. Check the web site for details.
Early arrival means you can have the place pretty much to yourself for a couple of hours. We were last there on summer weekdays. It wasn't crowded at all. We purchased our tickets. $17.00 Adult and kids 6-12 $9.00. Ha, my 14 year old suddenly became 12. Children under 6 are free. No, my 15 year old did not become 5.
Here is an important note. You can get into the seaport free the next day as long as you get your ticket validated. There are many nearby hotels and motels in the area. Do book ahead of time especially in the summer. The area is full of tourists. We had to stay outside of town, but only one exit south on interstate 95. That was just fifteen minutes away.
The SEAPORT MUSEUM
Mystic Connecticut in the 1800s was one of the premier ship building centers in the US. Mystic river provided a deep draft and protected area off the Long Island Sound.
The Mystic Seaport Museum, for years, has captured the 19th century feel and deliver it to the public every day.
The museum encompasses 17 acres of shore line with many tall ships, maritime buildings, and displays with hands on demonstrations and people dressed in period costumes with great knowledge of the maritime town and age it depicts. The streets are made of gravel. They have many original buildings that were brought to the site.
There is even a lighthouse on the property. That's a great place to just sit on the ground in the shade of and check out the river in front and the village behind you.
It is a village with a school house, chapel, Shipsmithing shop, lobstering exhibits, general store and so much more. There are over thirty maritime buildings. There are many I have not mentioned. Most places have demonstrations going on.
Four of the building on the grounds hold Historical Landmark status.
Carriage Rides are available.
There are over a dozen Tall ships and others boats that you may board, and some even go out into the river.
The ships are varied from true tall ships to the last wooden whale ship in the world.
The Shipyard is an active area where boats are brought in and out of the water and worked on for maintenance, overhauls, and restoration. This is real deal stuff, not just demonstrations. They use methods and tools of the 1800's. It is all very interesting and you never know what projects may be going on during your visit. Sometimes I wonder how they get anything done at all. The workers are always eager to talk about what they are doing.
FUN FOR KIDS
This is a hands on place. Many demonstrations will get kids involved. The children's museum is specifically set up for the younger children. It is all hands on and they can also dress up in sailing gear and have pictures taken.
Older kids will enjoy some of this too. There are also other places that make it interesting for kids. The planetarium is always cool. You learn how the sailors were so attached to the night sky.
GETTING AROUND
Every group receives a map of the area and a schedule of events when you purchase your entry tickets. Look it over and start planning your day. It is impossible to see everything. Walking around is the way of seeing things. The ground is flat for those who have trouble with hills.
There are also benches throughout the grounds. Not as many out of the sun that need to be though. It can get hot on a summer day.
We went directly to one of the tall ships that was giving a demonstration on how to set the massive sails. Some sea stories were told and then some educational info on the ship itself and the rigging.
Everybody was involved in the "heave ho" of setting the sails. Well most everybody. This guy opted to watch and take photos.
We saw quite a number of demonstrations and in just about every building we visited there were very knowledgeable people there eager to give information.
They have lobstering demonstrations and whaleboat demos too.
The staff throughout were very friendly and liked their jobs.
BOAT RIDES
There are many boating opportunities. A steam boat goes out regularly and also one of the sailboats. Actually some of the ships may not be around because the museum offers sailing courses. This is a real learning center and they have program for groups and individuals.
You can even take out your own small sailboat or row boat. These are limited in amount available, time of day, and weather conditions. They all cost above admission prices.
If I recall, the steamboat ride we took was about four dollars per person.
RESTAURANTS
They have a couple of places where you can purchase food on the grounds. For sit down service they have the Seamen's Inn Restaurant and Pub. This place offers lunch and dinner.
For faster food The Galley will cook up burgers, salads,fish dishes, and fries. Prices are reasonable for the convenience of a place you can't easily leave. This place also serves breakfast.
Actually we timed our days and decided to eat off the grounds at the areas famous Mystic Pizza. This was also the name of a movie starring Julia Roberts. This is the place chosen for a cute story of three gals and the loves of their lives. It can get crowded at peak times but it is a fun place with good pizza and an extensive menu.
Another place on the grounds is the Spouter Tavern. Food and drink can be had here. This place also has some good beers available. Once again you will find all the help friendly and dressed in period dress.
Through out the site are places where you can get iced tea and cold lemonade. Cookies, pickles and walk away ice creams are also available. We snacked at the place and then went out to dinner after closing. In the summer you still have a few hours of light after closing.
ACCESSIBLE
In the building where you purchase your tickets they have a limited amount of wheel chairs available. They had an electric one too but it did not work. There is no charge for their use. You do need ID.
Throughout the grounds there are accessible restrooms.
As far as getting around you will find that most of the grounds are quite flat. Some paths are gravel yet, pretty firm. Access to buildings is mixed as it is for boarding boats. My guess is that more than half the buildings and one third of the boats are easily accessible.
Some are difficult and there are some boats that may be an impossibility.
The restaurants will not be a problem.
It my feeling that this place is overall a good place to visit for those who may be challenged in any way.
Actually it is a great place for anyone to visit. Though I enjoy going to New Yorks, South Street Seaport and even the Nautical Mile in my home town of Freeport, neither compare to the learning experience of the Mystic Seaport Museum or its overall authenticity.
Oh yes, they have a pretty nice gift shop too!
It is not fast paced. You just wander from place to place. You may want to catch particular timed demonstrations but relax in between. This place offers a lot to learn, fun experiences, great picture opportunities, and a relaxing day.
Mystic seaport is listed in the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. To read about the book and see some of the other listings go to
1,000 Places to See Before You Die
Wonderful Weekends from New York City Mystic is one listed in this book.
other reviews by popsrocks
Mystic Pizza a fine, famous restaurant in town.
Newport Rhode Island Opulence, Charm and Romance! Also list in the book as a place you must see before you die. I hope to see it again and again.
Connecticut
Maritime Aquarium Also in Connecticut.
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT, NY
Freeport's Nautical Mile
South Street Seaports annex in Freeport
Recommended:
Yes
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