We stayed at the Microtel in Uncasville, an easy 2.5 mile drive from Mohegan Sun. The Microtel is excellent for an economy hotel. There’s a Super Shop & Save (Starbucks within) behind and a Chili’s to the side. We had tickets for The Smothers Brothers in the cabaret, a fabulous venue. Tickets are general admission, so you go when the doors open, are assigned seats, and can wander about (or order cocktails) until the show begins. Beautiful room, no bad seats. Fantastic show! Also had tickets for Dancing with the Stars in the Arena. Very nice arena. Spectacular show! Had burgers and shakes at Johnny Rocket’s. Very good. Wait staff performs - great fun. Enjoyed terrific steak (filet tips) sandwiches (with wonderful fries and cole slaw) at the Uncas American Indian Grill (a very nice dining area with moderate prices). Wandered all about the casinos, but did no gambling.

One day, we drove to Bill’s Seafood in Westbrook, a delightful casual waterside restaurant. Huge deck with umbrella tables right on the water. Fresh, expertly prepared, seafood. Drove the scenic route back, stopping at Harkness Memorial State Park - a gorgeous waterfront estate (with back to back weddings). Note that “nominal parking fee” is $7.50, $10 with out of state plates. Another day, we headed to Mystic for a wonderful lunch at S & P Oyster Company, located right next to the drawbridge with umbrella tables on a lovely deck. Excellent food. We also enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Skipper’s Dock in Stonington (also with umbrella tables on a beautiful deck overlooking the marina) in the very romantic dining room. Appealing menu with fantastic food.

While in Mystic, we went to the Aquarium (excellent) and poked around the shops in Olde Mystic Village. Grey Goose is kitchenware heaven! Though Mystic was very busy, there were no traffic problems at all.

Drove the scenic route to Newport, where we stayed at the Newport Harbor Hotel (booked with Hotwire). This hotel is very nice and well located within walking distance to shops and restaurants. We love The Mooring for it’s awesome location on Sayer’s Wharf and the imaginative seafood menu. A bag of donuts is not to be missed! Incredible gelato at Cold Fusion. We drove the 10-mile drive and loved the Sunset Sail on the Adirondack II. Also had an amazing, leisurely, lunch at Castle Hill Inn, a gorgeous property where it’s wonderful to relax and watch the boats go by. Newport, too, was busy, but no traffic problems.

For several days, we were back and forth, here and there, on I-95 in Connecticut. No traffic problems whatsoever. On Sunday, we noted quite a bit of traffic going toward New York, but it was moving normally. Driving to Newport on a Sunday was just fine.