Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be on a whaling vessel, or live in a 19th century seaport village, and marvel at the skills of master craftsmen?

Well, you don’t have to imagine anymore. I’ve just completed a page all about Mystic Seaport at the New England Vacations web site.

Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut is a collection of 19th century historical ships, and a recreated New England seaport village. But to describe it that way suggests it’s yet another collection of things, albeit with a nautical flavor. But there’s much more waiting for you on your New England vacations…

The New England region is attached at the hip to the sea. As the whaling and fishing industries blossomed in the region, seaport villages and towns sprang up along the miles of coastline of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine.

Massachusetts in particular became the center for the whaling and fishing industries because of the close proximity of Georges and Stellwegan bank.

At one time the town of Mystic was home to many shipbuilding yards. But the decline of the whaling industry and other economic factors led to the rapid demise of shipbuilding in the area and they all closed. The Mystic Seaport museum is built on the site of one of these old shipyards.

Mystic Seaport will take you back to the past glories of those 19th century whaling and fishing days of the region.

You’ll be able to experience Tall Ships, visit nautical shops and homes, and tour unique exhibits.

The most popular places to visit at the seaport are the Charles W. Morgan Tall Ship, the Mystic River Scale Model, the Shipsmith Shop, the Voyages and Figurehead exhibits, and the Preservation Shipyard.

And if you arrive early enough book a cruise on the Sabino, a wooden steamboat which makes 30 and 90 minute excursions up and down the Mystic River.

Located 100 miles from Boston on Route 95 at exit 90 in Connecticut, the Mystic Seaport exhibits are open between 9-5pm April-October, and 10-4:00pm November-March. 2005 Admission fees are $17 per adult, and $9 for kids (6-17). Like Old Sturbridge Village your ticket is good for two days once validated.

Have a whale of a time! (Sorry about the pun)

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacations Guide.com

Related posts:

1. Mystic Aquarium – An Underwater Adventure
2. New Bedford Whaling Museum – A Heritage of New England
3. Why You Must Visit The Museum of Science During Your Boston Vacation …
4. 7 New England Museums to Experience
5. 6 Day History and Museum Tour of Southern New England