just 19 miles from your campsite lies the tiny historic seaport town of Mystic. Famed for shipbuilding and whaling, it is the home of the Mystic Aquarium, one of only two U.S. facilities holding Steller sea lions, and it has the only beluga whales in New England. Special exhibits include a ray and shark touch pool, an African penguin exhibit, a jelly gallery, and the “Jurassic Giants” dinosaur exhibit.

You and your family can experience life aboard an historic sailing ship when you charter the Schooner ARGIA, the last commercial sailing ship left in Mystic. Or go deep-sea fishing with Mataura Sportfishing Charters and reel in tuna, shark, and marlin.

While in Mystic, visit the Seaport Museum, the quaint antique shops and public buildings of the Mystic River Historic District, and have a bite at Mystic Pizza – the pizzeria that inspired a movie of the same name.

Ocean Beach Park in nearby New London features a 50 meter Olympic –sized pool, triple water slides, kiddie spray-park, 18 holes of miniature golf, gift shop, nature trails, restaurants, a half mile of white sugar-sand beaches, and of course…the Atlantic Ocean.

Win big at Foxwoods Resort & Casino in nearby Mashantucket, where you can play table games, bingo, slots, or play on-line. Mohegan Sun invites you to Roll – Thrill – Win at its fabulous location in Uncasville. Mohegan Sun offers dining and entertainment in addition to table games, bingo, and slots.

Pequot Public Golf Course in Stonington is one of Connecticut’s most scenic courses. Pequot’s par 70, 18-hole layout provides an enjoyable and memorable golfing experience for all players. Ocean winds add to the challenge!

Built by late 19th – early 20th century actor William Gillette as his private residence, Gillette Castle is sometimes described as ‘medieval gothic’. Completely encrusted in fieldstone, insulated with seaweed and paper, featuring 47 interior doors with Steampunk-type latches, the 14000 sq ft Gillette Castle is a wonder to behold. Go. You won’t be disappointed.

Just like us, Buttonwood Farm is a beloved family-owned business that has been pleasing people for decades. They raise sunflowers and make 17 or more flavors of farm-fresh ice cream from the milk of their own free-range dairy herd. Well worth the drive to nearby Griswold.

And while you are in Griswold, be sure to visit Fort Griswold Battlefield, the site of the largest Revolutionary War battle fought in Connecticut.

All aboard the elegant Essex Clipper Dinner Train for a 4-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920s Pullman dining cars, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. The rhythm of the rails and the attentive staff transport you back to the day when rail travel was king.

What does it take to live and work in a submarine? Visit the Naval Submarine Base in Groton to find out. While there, be sure to go to the USS Nautilus Memorial Museum to see the first nuclear-powered submarine.

The seacoast towns of Connecticut are rich is history, architecture, and arts organizations. For musical productions, visit The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam. Like incredible historic homes laden with gorgeous antiques?  You’ll love the Newport Mansions. For those who love acting and live theater, the Eugene O’Neill Theater & Workshop in Waterford is the only theater in the nation to receive two Tony Awards and the National Medal of Arts for summer performances of puppetry, musicals, plays, and cabaret!