OT: Mystic Seaport

[temery]

I am thinking about a field trip to the Mystic Seaport, and possibly the aquarium.

Anyone been? Is it worth the trip?

 

[JLock819]

I went to the Aquarium this summer and I left disappointed. Maybe I was expecting too much after being to some of the larger aquariums. Was in town for a wedding at Latitude 21, so I only made to those two places and the seafood/ice cream shack near the restaurant, which were both good.

 

[Cassius Klaiber]

I've been to both somewhat recently. Here's my take:

Aquarium- nice especially with children, but don't expect that you'll need to stay all day unless you're really interested in learning all about the animals. Fairly good variety, but no Seaworld to say the least. I did enjoy it though (went with wife and one year old). Can get packed with school field trips.

Seaport- really the shipbuilding equivalent of Old Sturbridge Village, if you've been there and like that sort of thing. If you're the type to interact with the workers, and ask questions, you'll enjoy it. If not, you'd probably find it mildly interesting, and somewhat overpriced.

So, take my two cents for what it's worth...

 

[Excalibur]

What ages?

 

[Dove]

Last time I did the Seaport was around Christmas time 10 years ago. It was okay. If I was a kid I would be bored.

 

[Husky1972]

Born and raised in Mystic. This would be a good time to visit the Seaport, as they will have an old time Holiday feel to the exhibits. It is a Whaling port version of Sturbridge. Don't know if they are still doing it, but they always had a candlelight tour of the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan during December, which adults and children alike enjoy. Reservations were necessary. They gave you a feeling of what it would have been like to live upon the Morgan back in the day. I was taken on the tour as a youngster and took my children, as well. The Morgan has been recently restored and re-floated, so it might be an even better experience.

Now live in Vermont in the summer & fall, and Southern Maryland in the winter & spring. We are off to Willliamsburg next weekend for a few days, which, like the Seaport, is a nice visit during this season. Because not everyone feels this way or are busy this time of year, you will also get a better feel of what a town would have been over like a century ago as it will be much more leisurely, as opposed to the traffic, lines, and mobs of people "in-season".

 

[Kitaman]

I wasn't overwhelmed but I'm not a kid. Up the road this place is another option: Pequot Museum

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Born and raised in Mystic. This would be a good time to visit the Seaport, as they will have an old time Holiday feel to the exhibits. It is a Whaling port version of Sturbridge. Don't know if they are still doing it, but they always had a candlelight tour of the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan during December, which adults and children alike enjoy. Reservations were necessary. They gave you a feeling of what it would have been like to live upon the Morgan back in the day. I was taken on the tour as a youngster and took my children, as well. The Morgan has been recently restored and re-floated, so it might be an even better experience.

Now live in Vermont in the summer & fall, and Southern Maryland in the winter & spring. We are off to Willliamsburg next weekend for a few days, which, like the Seaport, is a nice visit during this season. Because not everyone feels this way or are busy this time of year, you will also get a better feel of what a town would have been over like a century ago as it will be much more leisurely, as opposed to the traffic, lines, and mobs of people "in-season".

Still has the candlelight tours and there is a community carol sing, check their website for dates. Depending on where you are coming from, Gillette's Castle on the way is decorated for the holidays in period fashion

 

[sledog]

Grew up in Mystic, and a long time Seaport member. Can't go wrong of you want a historic view of the whaling industry - the first global industry. The CW Morgan was restored and relaunched this summer, and is prepping for its 38th voyage this summer (hasn't been to sea since '21).

On another level, Santa will be there 12/14, and the famous annual carol sing will be the 22nd. Many people. Since admission is FREE that day (with a canned food donation), that's the day to go. And don't forget to hit the Seaman's Inn Tavern to warm up.

ps - the art gallery usually has very good stuff.

 

[dsturdy5]

Took 4th graders to the seaport. It was great. Plenty of interactions with workers and hands on stuff for the kids to do.

 

[huskypantz]

Kind of OT, but I visited the London aquarium this year. It is one of the worst aquariums I have ever been to. The aquarium in the Mall of America is nicer. I can't believe that an international city could have such a neglected tourist attraction in a popular location.

 

[SubbaBub]

Kind of OT, but I visited the London aquarium this year. It is one of the worst aquariums I have ever been to. The aquarium in the Mall of America is nicer. I can't believe that an international city could have such a neglected tourist attraction in a popular location.

Most fish in London are breaded and served with chips. No surprise the leftovers aren't much to look at.

 

[Dove]

Most fish in London are breaded and served with chips. No surprise the leftovers aren't much to look at.

I was gonna go there, too, Subby. Funny stuff!

 

[Chris]

I went as a kid, i loved it. But that was over a decade ago

 

[Waquoit]

I wasn't overwhelmed but I'm not a kid. Up the road this place is another option: Pequot Museum

From what I heard, the Pequots are mostly known for never winning a fight. Until the fight to open a casino , that is.

 

[Waquoit]

Grew up in Mystic, and a long time Seaport member. Can't go wrong of you want a historic view of the whaling industry - the first global industry. The CW Morgan was restored and relaunched this summer, and is prepping for its 38th voyage this summer (hasn't been to sea since '21).

On another level, Santa will be there 12/14, and the famous annual carol sing will be the 22nd. Many people. Since admission is FREE that day (with a canned food donation), that's the day to go. And don't forget to hit the Seaman's Inn Tavern to warm up.

ps - the art gallery usually has very good stuff.

You said seaman. Heh, heh, heh...