We took a little holiday and drove up to Mystic CT last week.
It’s a beautiful little historical town on the Connecticut shore,
across from Long Island. There are several reasons to visit,
including Mystic Seaport where all the whaling history you want
to know about is at your disposal. And . . .
the Mystic Aquarium –those are the two most advertised draws.
But we go because we used to live there and we go back to favorite
restaurants and to visit old friends.
How beautiful were the days? Look at the blue sky in this photo
from Masons Island—the shades of blue just climb right up the
picture! (Click on photos to enlarge)
at Masons Island Mystic CT ©booksandbuttons
another view of a marina Masons Island Mystic CT ©booksandbuttons
The “village” of Mystic Seaport is a cultural goody for Mystic residents
as well as tourists. My friend and I took a leisurely walk along the paths
–with a welcome breeze–and then watched a mini-production of a
pirate play/spoof at a small theatre set up near the water. Fun!
see the little sailboats having a lesson? at Mystic Seaport ©booksandbuttons
But one of the biggest amusements (or not, if you’re a
resident trying to drive through town) is the DRAWBRIDGE
over the Mystic River that rises once an hour to let tall boats
pass through going either out to sea or in to the harbor. A
loud toot that will scare the pants off you lets you know that
the bridge is going to go up. And then when all seems clear,
and the traffic is stopped both ways, the bridge begins to rise.
Now I know I’m not the only one who has ever taken a photo
of it!! But it’s now a new, restored bridge so I’ll use that excuse
to show you the progression. Ready?
the toot! has sounded. Mystic Drawbridge–STOP signs rise up from an opening in the street. ©booksandbuttons
Mystic Drawbridge rising. That’s a wonderful toy
store on the corner at left. ©booksandbuttons
Mystic Drawbridge nearing the sky. ©booksandbuttons
Mystic Drawbridge UP ©booksandbuttons
And then when the bridge is back down, a glance on the other side of the river
shows an lovely little row of historic homes—-what a beautiful place–to live,
or to visit!
photo of historic homes from Mystic Drawbridge ©booksandbuttons
The restaurants? I could name twenty easily–you won’t go
hungry in Mystic, and not all are expensive either.
This time we stayed at the Whaler’s Inn, right downtown–had a
nice stay and a great dinner at their restaurant Bravo! Bravo!
Maybe you’ll take a trip to Mystic sometime. Thanks for stopping by.
I only know of Mystic because of the film, Mystic Pizza – maybe someday I’ll actually get there. I like your post. Thank you.
That was a good movie! and there really is a
Mystic Pizza restaurant–the original–I have
a friend who was an “extra” in the movie–though I’ve
never been able to find her. But I think the main
reason to go to Mystic is for the charming scenery.
Thanks for your comment.
What a lovely little holiday! And the weather looks like it was gorgeous. That blue sky!
yes, it was nice to be near an ocean breeze.
Mmm…looks lovely! 🙂
It *is* lovely. I loved living there.