For Every Season There’s a Reason to Visit

The calendar says autumn has arrived, but with the recent gorgeous, warm, sunny days at Mystic Seaport, summer has definitely been duking it out with fall and coming up the winner.

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Days like this need to be savored, and that’s exactly what 2^nd and 3^rd graders from St. Joseph’s School in New London were doing late last week.  For them, it’s the beginning of a new school year, and one of their first study assignments is the history of whaling. How great that they were actually able to board the historic Charles W. Morgan to learn first-hand about whaling and life at sea for her sailors.
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Sabino’s whistle can be heard blowing on grounds, signaling a down-river cruise. She’ll be steaming along until October 11 and then will hibernate until the spring of 2011. Early fall days can be beautiful on Mystic River’s sparkling waters. Take a ride while you still can.

Sabino offers visitors cruises through Columbus Day Weekend.

Ditto for a horse and carriage ride with famed horses Duke or Little John hoofing it around Museum streets for your enjoyment.

Enjoy autumn's scenic beauty while taking a horse and carriage ride.

Yes, fall weekdays at Mystic Seaport are chock-full of indoor and outdoor activities, but just wait until the weekends roll around. Special events coming up include:

• Argia Twilight Cruise with Sea Music  – October 7, Saturday-5:30-7:30 p.m. 
• Chowderfest – October 9-11, Saturday-Monday (more than just chowder)
• Fall Beer Tasting & Talk– October 16, Saturday -5-7p.m. (new brews from local breweries)
• Nautical Nightmares – October 15-31  (tickets on sale now)

And how about living vicariously as adventurers talk about their personal experiences and challenges chasing their dreams and dealing with unique situations?  The Adventure Series at Mystic Seaport is your ticket to an exciting afternoon (1:30 p.m.) or evening (7:30 p.m.) program. The series begins the third Thursday in October and continues every third Thursday through April.

Summer may be officially over, but for me, autumn at Mystic Seaport has a special charm of its own. Come  visit and I’m certain you’ll agree.

 For more information on the above-mentioned events, visit www.mysticseaport.org.

 Blog written by Trudi Busey.

How About a New Tradition?

What’s your Thanksgiving holiday tradition?  Do you watch the Macy’s parade on TV?  Do you bundle up to watch a local football game? Or, if you’re in charge of preparing the Thanksgiving feast, do you even have time to relax at all?

Well!  Here’s a new tradition for you to consider.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast; take your seat in the bleachers at a football game or sit in your easy chair at home and flip the TV channel to the Macy parade. Then, sometime between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., meander over to Mystic Seaport country and celebrate the season’s bounty at the Seamen’s Inne Thanksgiving Grand Buffet. Just think how nice it would be to simply enjoy the food without worrying if the turkey is tender, the mashed potatoes lumpy or the gravy too thick or too thin!

Then, right next door is Mystic Seaport, Yes, even on Thanksgiving Day the Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and….admission is half-price!  True, not all the exhibits will be open, but you can either work up your appetite or walk off the calories you just ate by climbing the staircase up to the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship deck. If that’s too strenuous, than board the L.A. Dunton.  Visit the Buckingham-Hall House and imagine cooking a Thanksgiving feast in that kitchen!  Then, visit the Voyages exhibit where it’s easy to spend a good chunk of time, either before or after your dinner.

Mystic Seaport this time of year has a tranquil charm. The village streets are quiet and the allure of the sea is ever present. It’s a special place for all seasons.

So how about it? Ready to start a new tradition? Then make your reservations for the Thanksgiving Day Grand Buffet at Seamen’s Inne (860.572.5303) and pop over to Mystic Seaport to  enjoy the view along the Mystic River and visit the open exhibits. Don’t forget to tell the exhibit interpreters  you’re thankful for them working on this day of thanks!

We wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!

Blog posted by Trudi Busey.

No Tricks, Just Treats at Mystic Seaport this Saturday!

With symbols of Halloween jumping out at us at every turn, I wondered – how and where did this October 31^st day originate? Turns out, we owe it largely to Irish immigrants. They brought versions of their Celtic festival, Samhain (pronounced sah-wen), to North America. Combine that with the northern European pagan tradition and religious festivities associated with “All Hallow’ Evening” (now known as All Saints Day) and VOILA – October 31^st is what we all now know as  Halloween!     

Too much information? Sorry. But wait – here’s some really important information for anyone with children ages 10  and under. Want a really safe place to take your little goblins trick-or-treating on Halloween?  Then come to Mystic Seaport. From 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31^st , children in costume will gather up treats at designated locations within the Mystic Seaport village. It’s a scene guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of all, whether participants or simply onlookers.

Parents, you can vicariously relive this fun time of childhood because it’s a requirement that children be accompanied by an adult. You don’t have to come in costume yourself,  but please come with  $2 for each child you bring (to help defray candy costs). If you’re lucky, maybe your little ghosts and goblins will share some of their Halloween treats with you!

Park in the Seamen’s Inne parking lot, enter through the Museum’s library gate and follow the pumpkin path. You’ll be given a map to lead you to all those treats in waiting.

Sound fun?  You betcha!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Blog post written by Trudi Busey.

Fall into Fun at Mystic Seaport

Many people travel north to Vermont and New Hampshire to enjoy the vibrant colors of a New England autumn. With recent fuel prices and economic troubles weighing on the shoulders of leaf peepers everywhere, a trip north may not be feasible. Mystic Seaport offers the perfect solution. The Museum boasts 19 acres of beautiful grounds brimming with autumnal glory. Wander in and out of incredible exhibits and enjoy a true New England fall day in our re-created seafaring community.

The area of Mystic, CT, has a 300-year maritime history and fortunately for you, Mystic Seaport is striving to preserve that history. Many of the vessels you can see along our waterfront were built locally, or have roots in the New England maritime community. Your appreciation for 19^th-century craftsmanship is sure to be heightened by the framing of nature’s beauty.

The picture above was taken facing the Mystic River from the Planetarium located on the north end of the grounds.

The fall air a little too crisp for you? Step inside the Shipsmith shop and warm up while watching our craftsmen hard at work. Or, venture over to the Buckingham-Hall House and see what’s cooking over the flames.

 

If you’re looking for a spook or two, join us for the Nautical Nightmares. Tickets are on sale now. Find out more at www.mysticseaport.org.

 

Kids can’t seem to resist the sound of crunching leaves. They’re sure to also love our kid-friendly area near the Planetarium which features a Children’s Museum, The Art Spot and our very own fleet of wooden boats where kids can pretend to be captains and pirates in a sea of leaves.

 

And what’s the best part about autumn at Mystic Seaport? Children who visit us on October 24-25 and November 1-2 will get into the Museum for half price! Pretty good bargain if you ask us.

 

Make sure you Fall into Fun this autumn at Mystic Seaport! We’ll hold onto the majestic autumn leaves as long as we can.

Morgan on the Move

Moving a 167-year-old boat is a very careful process. The conditions must be just right. The tide must be high and wind should be minimal, therefore making the move a less stressful on the vessel. The Charles W. Morgan took her first official steps toward her restoration voyage on Monday, October 20, at 12:30 p.m. With the help of push boats, a tug and the careful tending of lines, the whaleship pulled away from her berth for a three-year voyage.

Above the Morgan is being tended to by a tug and other push-boats. Being 167-years-old has its downfalls (though she looks pretty good for her age, right?). There is no engine aboard the authentic whaling ship, her movements are dependant on and controlled by the tug and push-boats as they prepare to maneuver her around Lighthouse Point, toward her final destination.

Seen here is the bow of the Morgan as she approaches the crowds of people waiting to greet her at the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard.

A big welcome for the old gal as the last lines are secured.

For more information on the Morgan’s restoration, visit www.mysticseaport.org.

A Small Glimpse of Museum Happenings

The L.A. Dunton was placed back into the water yesterday. Returning to her berth just outside the Visitors Reception Center, the Dunton will remain in her normal location until she makes her way over to Chubb’s Wharf to rest in the Charles W. Morgan’s place during the time the whaleship is being restored.  

The Morgan is scheduled to be moved to the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard Sunday, October 19, at 11:30 a.m. In preparation for the big move, Shipyard staff members are working hard to remove rigging and take out  masts to get the Morgan ready for her journey. Below are photographs showing the work of the riggers and the crane that has been used to carefully remove yards and the three masts. 

For more information on Mystic Seaport happenings, visit us online at www.mysticseaport.org.

A Wall of What?!?!

Nothing says fall like a fresh-picked apple. But if you’re craving something a little bit sweeter this autumn, you may be drawn to what could be considered the best part of the Museum’s Café and Bake Shop – the WALL OF FUDGE.

 

What? You didn’t know we had one? Well, sweet-lovers, welcome to paradise.

 

An entire wall of shelves feature fan favorites such as traditional Chocolate, Snickers, Rocky Road, Mint-Chocolate, Raspberry and the list goes on and on. A fudge flavor for everyone can be found on this wall. Fudge with nuts, with candy, with swirls and layers. Who could ask for more?

 

The newest addition to the wall is Caramel Apple fudge. Flavored with cider, each block of fudge is layered with caramel and actual speckles of fresh cider. This must-try treat definitely makes a fall favorite a little more special.

 

If you are looking for something a little more substantial, the Bake Shop offers sandwiches, pastries, muffins, coffee and other beverages. Craving another one of fall’s favorite flavors? Then you must try our popular pumpkin muffin. It’s a delicious way to start your autumn adventure at the Museum.

  

Not just for Museum visitors, the Museum’s Bake Shop is popular among locals, too. Parking is easy and accessible and a fresh cinnamon scone, hot coffee and friendly service make it worth the stop. Small tables inside and out create a relaxing environment to enjoy a tasty treat, friendly conversation and a glorious autumn day.

 

Make a point to stop in. We promise, your taste buds won’t regret it.

 

Check out our other tasty hotspots at www.mysticseaport.org.