Mystic Seaport Museum
If I had to name my most favorite spot in Mystic… it’d be the Mystic Seaport Museum. That won’t come as a surprise if you’re following me on Instagram (@knotsoloud) as I’ve posted many, many photographs from there! I have been visiting them for years, so often that my parents gifted me a membership one Christmas. I’ve been a proud member since 2013!
Mystic Seaport is DOG FRIENDLY! I bring my Dalmatian and we’d walk around the grounds, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mystic River. The drawbridge downtown can be seen from many points at Seaport. I was particularly excited when ‘Bring Fido’, a traveling app for people with pets used my photo of my dog and I at the Seaport!
It’s one place that is gorgeous during all seasons. I really can’t pick a favorite. The Mystic River is gorgeous in the autumn with the trees changing colors. The reflection of its colors on the river’s water just enhances the beauty of Mystic. The snowy covered grounds is also a sight! I was lucky to be granted access (member privilege!) right after a snow storm, one of my favorite photographing memory! Summer is colorful, with those sailboats in the river.
Mystic Seaport Museum is known for their 19th century seafaring village, the shipyard, and sailing ships. Each of the building in the village is set up as an exhibit. The exhibits portrays all the craftsmen and trades that contributes to ship building. It is very interesting to learn about what goes into building a ship.
The shipyard is where it all happens, the constructing of a boat. There is always a boat there that is being restored. There is an observe deck near the boat that is being restored so you can watch the volunteers at work. It amazes me to watch them work!
There are a few ships at Mystic Seaport to tour. The Charles W. Morgan ship is a favorite. It is the oldest surviving wooden whaling ship from the 19th century. I watched it go under a multi million dollar restoration project in 2010, it was very fascinating to follow the progress. I followed it closely up to the day it was re-launched into the Mystic River. That day was a very memorable event. Thousands of people came out on their boats on the river or stood along the Mystic River to see the ship sail. I stood near the drawbridge when I saw it sail down the Mystic River to embark on the voyage around New England for the summer. It is currently docked and an active exhibit at Mystic Seaport so I highly recommend you to check it out.
The Mystic Seaport hosts many events throughout the year. A favorite of mine is the Wooden Boat Show at end of June. I attend the event annually! It shows a collection of beautiful traditional and classic wooden boats. The festival is usually all weekend long, so there is plenty to do. There are demonstrations and performances to see, special tours of wooden boats, and vendors/exhibitors.
Another worthy mention about the Seaport, is that they offer sailing programs. This is where we learned how to sail the year we purchased our sailboat. The instructors were very informative and helpful. My husband enjoyed it so much that he returned for Dyer Dhow racing series.
Don’t forget to stop in the Museum bookstore on your way out. A collection of nautical related books, apparel, souvenirs, nautical home decor products and many more!
Hours and pricing information are available here on their website here.
All photos are my own. Prints are available for purchase.