M. Merrymaking in Mystic

Another school vacation is descending upon us, and I am left without a plan.  Soccer has started up and we are expecting the births of our first goats, so we don’t want to take any extended trips. Spouse and I were kicking around ideas for day trips and he hit upon a golden one:  Mystic, CT.

We’ve been to Mystic before and I am sure we will revisit some places (like the aquarium), but there is still a lot there that we haven’t done.  Let’s see what there is to do…

Mystic Aquarium

Aquariums are always a big hit with my family, and the one in Mystic is no exception.  It features the usual large and small tanks of various fish, feeding exhibits and marine shows.  There are other things though that set it apart

• A lot of the aquarium exhibits are outdoors.  This is great in good weather, but a bit trying when it is cold and wet.
• They have a great bog exhibit where you can listen to and see bullfrogs in action.
• If you like to get close and personal with marine life, you can feed rays – it’s open to anyone that wants to pay a little extra.
• The aquarium has a research department that focuses on health and conservation.

Big family tip:  It may be better to buy a one-year membership than individual tickets for one day.

Olde Mistick Village

Right next to the aquarium is Olde Mistick Village.  It is a small shopping area that invokes the flavor of old New England villages.  You won’t find any Walmarts or Targets here.  The village has small, quaint specialty shops that are perfect for window shopping.   There are also some good places to grab lunch instead of eating the food at the aquarium.  And don’t forget dessert!  There are some great fudge shops there.

Mystic Seaport

One place we have yet to drop our anchor at is Mystic Seaport.  And I always wonder why we don’t.  Mystic Seaport has tons of things to see and is divided into 3 main parts:  the Shipyard, the Village and Exhibits/Galleries.

You can go to a shipyard and tour several ships including the only remaining wooden whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan.  Here you can also see how ships used to be made.

The Village has something for everyone:  good eats, play structures for the kids, and a recreation of a 19th century shore village.

If you are interested in museums, you can get your fill in the exhibit halls and galleries.  In addition to maritime displays, there is a children’s museum and planetarium.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

The DPNC is a wildlife sanctuary containing 10 miles of trails to get away from the bustle of the tourist traps.  I know my kids would be really interested in their raptor exhibit, where they have owls, hawks, falcons and kestrels.  Although these are my least favorite animals in the spring when my chickens start disappearing, they are amazing animals to see.  You can also observe other birds and animals that they rehabilitate for release.

Yes, I think Spouse has come up with a good idea to help survive vacation.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

Blogging my way from A to Z as part of the 2016 April A to Z Challenge.  Come blog through the alphabet with me.

Photo courtesy of Britt Reints.