2021 New England Trip (Done)

“one of the earliest and most significant Second Empire Style country houses in the U.S.” A National Historic Landmark since 1971, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is regarded as one of the earliest and most significant Second Empire Style country houses in the United States. Built by renowned financier and railroad baron LeGrand Lockwood between 1864 and 1868, the Mansion, with its unparalleled Gilded Age interiors and furniture, illustrates magnificently the beauty and splendor of the Victorian Era. https://www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/

“king for a day!” It's not very often that you get to tour a dead, eccentric, rich dude's castle, so the chance to explore a building that's basically like a mansion from Scooby Doo is pretty awesome. At Gillette Castle State Park, you're invited right inside the medieval-style castle that was once home to a famous (and slightly odd, but in the best way possibly) stage actor. It was built by William Gillette, best know for his theatrical turn as Sherlock Holmes, in 1914. And, like every eccentric rich person, he designed it himself and added some...unusual features. You know, like a system of mirrors that allowed him to keep an eye on the rest of the house (and any guests staying there) from the master bedroom, a specially designed system of doorknobs and locks, and a train that circles the castle grounds. There are 47 doors in the building, and no two are alike. Other touches include built-in couches on moveable tracks and wooden light switches. He even designed the arial tramway that brought the building materials to the property himself. Gillette also had a special name for his regal estate: he called it "The Seventh Sister", because it was built on the last hill in a chain known locally as The Seven Sisters. Gillette died in 1937, leaving behind no wife or children (his wife had died in the 1880s and he never remarried) to whom he could bequeath his estate. In his will, he only specified that it should not go to any "blithering sap-head who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded", which is maybe the coolest thing I've ever seen written in a will ever. Whether he considered the government "blithering sap-heads" or not, the state of Connecticut took over the property and turned it into a state park in 1943-- at the very least, they seemed to understand Gillette's appreciation for the place. In 1999, Gillette Castle itself underwent a 4-year, 11 million dollar restoration that added a museum and theater space to the building, as well as a picnic area and hiking trails in the park. The trails mostly follow the railroad tracks, with trestles and tunnels, and past the railroad station. The grounds are definitely worth a hike if you're not into the whole museum thing, but personally, I would want to go inside and check it out to see if there are any secret doors hidden in the fireplaces or bookshelves...hey, you never know! -Roadtrippers From late April to Late November you can take the Chester - Hadlyme ferry across the CT River from Chester to get to Gillette Castle. While crossing the river, the castle is in full view, in all its majesty sitting atop the cliffs.The alternative is to drive north along Rt 154, to the famous East Haddam Swing Bridge, and then follow signs to the castle. In all, the drive is about a 10 miles through some wonderful scenic areas of Haddam, and East Haddam, Connecticut. https://www.ctvisit.com/listings/gillette-castle-state-park

“Near Stonington's Old Lighthouse Museum” Featuring beautiful views of the village of Stonington and its harbor, this elegant inn is less than 3.5 miles from I-95. The property also offers nightly wine receptions. A large, warm fireplace and free Wi-Fi are found in each room of the Inn at Stonington. Some rooms also feature a scenic private balcony or a hot tub. Guests of the Stonington Inn can enjoy the on-site fitness room or learn how to kayak on the bay. The village and area parks can also be toured on borrowed bikes.The property also provides a daily breakfast. The Old Lighthouse Museum is a 4-minute walk from the inn. Downtown Mystic is less than 5 miles away. Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

Waterfront dining conveniently located directly behind the Inn featuring seafood and more. Dine inside, outside or right at the bar. Breakwater boasts stunning sunsets and views of the Harbor & Fishers Island Sound. Mari Kodama and her crew welcome you. Phone: (860) 415-8123

Breakfast? Noah’s Restaurant has been serving Stonington Borough and Southeastern Connecticut great food since 1979. - Real nice friendly neighborhood place with good food.

The Velvet Mill is a community of Fine Artists, Artisans, and small businesses coming together in the Stonington Borough in South Eastern Connecticut - Not that impressed....

One thing we know for sure - the Dog Watch is a great way to keep you and your crew happy. Dog Watch is all about having a good time. With locations in Stonington and Mystic, Connecticut, you will enjoy amazing food and great people and your choice of waterfront views and harbor sunsets or a relaxed backyard atmosphere with lawn games and live music. We source our food and drink from many local vendors. Ate at Stonington - was great!

“a quintessential New England experience” What is Mystic Seaport? Ask three people and chances are you’ll get three very different answers. To some, it’s a fun family destination offering hands-on activities and special events. To others, it’s a world-renowned maritime museum featuring exhibit halls and historical interpreters. And to still others, it’s an incredibly valuable education and research center. In fact, it’s all three – located within 19 charming acres on the banks of Connecticut’s legendary Mystic River. A quintessential New England experience, Mystic Seaport offers visitors of all ages a unique link to our seafaring past and endless, year-round opportunities to immerse themselves in new worlds of hands-on history. - Spent most of a day and there was still more to see

Located at Mystic Seaport, this is the only existing wooden whaleship.

Joseph Conrad Joseph Conrad is an iron-hulled sailing ship, originally launched as Georg Stage in 1882 and used to train sailors in Denmark. After sailing around the world as a private yacht in 1934 she served as a training ship in the United States, and is now a museum ship at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.

Submarines have fascinated people from Alexander the Great to the Beatles, from Jules Verne to John Holland. You’ll find out why when you visit the nation’s finest displays and collections of America’s submarine heritage. Submarine Force Library & Museum https://ussnautilus.org/museum-information/

“Seafood on the mystic river” Our family owned business has been proudly serving the Mystic area since 1976. We offer a variety of fresh seafood, including whole clams, calamari, sea scallops, and fish. On the menu, there are Angus burgers, foot long hot dogs, fresh crisp salads, and milkshakes. Try our famous fresh lobster salad roll while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Mystic River. Centrally located between the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium.

“1 of the nation's leading aquariums” The mission of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., which includes Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Learning, is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. Sea Research is an active member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). In addition, the aquarium’s professional staff is affiliated with several industry organizations.

“In colonial New England style setting” Over 60 Stores & Businesses In A Colonial New England Style Setting Our Early American Village is abundant with picturesque settings of flowers, trees, duck ponds and a waterwheel. The shopkeepers in our Village pride themselves on offering you some of the most interesting and unique items from all over the world. Come, spend a relaxing day in Olde Mistick Village. Stroll the beautiful lanes and enjoy shopping in distinctive buildings designed to represent a New England Village of about 1720. Our shopkeepers pride themselves on offering you some of the most interesting and unique items from around the world. Feeling hungry? Olde Mistick Village is home to some of Mystic’s best restaurants. We also feature a multi theatre arts & movie cinema for your enjoyment. Walkways and restrooms are handicapped accessible. There are many benches and rest areas to catch your breath, unwind, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and let your mind slip pleasantly back to another era. We hope that all who stroll the walks of the Village will become as personally attached to its atmosphere as we are in creating it. - Lots of neat stores... good for half a day

“Near New England Pirate Museum” In this charming coastal New England city you will experience more than 300 years of history, art, architecture, and culture. Salem is rich with beautiful public spaces, museums and galleries, historic sites and attractions, great shopping and dining. The best part is, the Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites is in the heart of it all. Our professional, attentive staff is ready to assist you in planning your day so you will see all that Salem has to offer. In addition to the attractions, such activities as deep-sea fishing, whale watching and schooner cruises are also available within walking distance of the hotel. Located at Pickering Wharf in Salem