Mystic Village Seaport

From Sturbridge, the scenic Route 169 leads south toward the Connecticut shore. However, if time is of the essence, I recommend Route 20 from Sturbridge northeast to Auburn, picking up I-395 south to Jewett City, and then Route 164 into Mystic Village Seaport, a stop that appeals to both parents and children alike. Ever since the 17th century, Mystic has been the area’s center of shipbuilding and of maritime commerce. It is now a museum village depicting life as it was in this earlier time. At the visitor center a movie is shown that introduces you to the town—an excellent way to begin your visit. Many clipper ships were built in this port in the middle of the 19^th century and here you find several examples of the vessels of that era. Of the three fully rigged sailing craft moored at the docks, particularly interesting—and open for tours—is the Charles W. Morgan, the last of the 19^th-century whaling ships surviving today. Don’t miss the shops of the craftsmen who made the materials used in the construction and the sailing of these vessels. There is a Children’s Museum where you can enjoy the activities and games played on board ship.