Mystic Ct and Newport RI
Feb 3rd, 2007, 08:37 AM
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Mystic Ct and Newport RI
We are planning two days in Mystic CT,driving down from Boston and staying at the Marriott Mystic Groton, and then doing two days at the Newport Marriott, late April, early May. We will probably stop at Foxwoods for a couple hours of gambling fun, but other than that have no plans. With two days in the area, is the Mystic Seaport one of them? Where should we spend the second day at that time of year? We are planning on doing the Mansions in Newport for sure. Thanks, Fodorites...NannyJan
Feb 3rd, 2007, 09:14 AM
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This is only personal preference, but I would rather have the extra day in Newport rather than in Mystic, but that is just me - one full day and night in Mystic is enough for me, but it sounds like you might spend part of the next day in Foxwoods, -
I can't help with much to see there, except the downtown area, museums, etc.
In Newport, the first thing I would do is stop at the transportation center/visitors center and get some pamphlets and 'what's happening' brochures -
then, to get a nice overview of the area is the ten mile drive - you can print it out on oceandrivenewport.com -
it's basically a self guided type tour in your car, with excellent stops along the way, so how much time you would spend doing it depends on what interests you (a nice lunch or dinner at Castle Hill is always nice) - it will take you by Bellevue Ave where most of the mansions are located - you can look at the map and sites on the web site and that will help you decide how many stops you would make and how much time to allow.
I would do some homework first on the mansions and pick the ones you might most like to see: newportmansions.org - you can read about each one and pick the architecture/period that most appeals to you - The Marble House and Rosecliff are two of my favorites for different design - and Astor's Beechwood has a different flair - hard to choose !
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a beautiful spot to walk through - if you are not into tennis and don't want to do the museum, at least peak into the entrance and see the horseshoe and veranda it is lovely. It's right on Bellevue Ave among some shops.
If the weather is nice, a walk along the Cliff Walk to see the water and the back side of the mansions can be nice - cliffwalk.com will give you info and a map and opening dates/times/areas that are being worked on, etc.
Sakonnet Vineyards in nearby and offers a short but nice tour and wine tasting but check at that time of year for opening days/times - don't know that site off the top of my head
Things I would consider depending on your tastes is the Newport Art Museum ( two buildings, a Stick Style and a 1919 neo classical bldng) both lovely inside , the Touro snagogue, Fort Adams (which you will pass on the Ten Mile Drive)
If the Adirondack II is running, it's a nice sailing vessel that tours in the harbor.
Check the Newport Yachting Center to see if they have any activities going on while you are there.
Castle Hill has magnificent views of the water, bridge and is lovely at sunset as well as during the day.
If you are a shopper, you will enjoy walking along Bannister, Bowens wharfs and going in and out of the stores all along America's Cup Ave along the waterfront - but venture up some side streets as well makign your way to Bellevue there are some nice smaller shops hidden along the route.
I can't help with much to see there, except the downtown area, museums, etc.
In Newport, the first thing I would do is stop at the transportation center/visitors center and get some pamphlets and 'what's happening' brochures -
then, to get a nice overview of the area is the ten mile drive - you can print it out on oceandrivenewport.com -
it's basically a self guided type tour in your car, with excellent stops along the way, so how much time you would spend doing it depends on what interests you (a nice lunch or dinner at Castle Hill is always nice) - it will take you by Bellevue Ave where most of the mansions are located - you can look at the map and sites on the web site and that will help you decide how many stops you would make and how much time to allow.
I would do some homework first on the mansions and pick the ones you might most like to see: newportmansions.org - you can read about each one and pick the architecture/period that most appeals to you - The Marble House and Rosecliff are two of my favorites for different design - and Astor's Beechwood has a different flair - hard to choose !
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a beautiful spot to walk through - if you are not into tennis and don't want to do the museum, at least peak into the entrance and see the horseshoe and veranda it is lovely. It's right on Bellevue Ave among some shops.
If the weather is nice, a walk along the Cliff Walk to see the water and the back side of the mansions can be nice - cliffwalk.com will give you info and a map and opening dates/times/areas that are being worked on, etc.
Sakonnet Vineyards in nearby and offers a short but nice tour and wine tasting but check at that time of year for opening days/times - don't know that site off the top of my head
Things I would consider depending on your tastes is the Newport Art Museum ( two buildings, a Stick Style and a 1919 neo classical bldng) both lovely inside , the Touro snagogue, Fort Adams (which you will pass on the Ten Mile Drive)
If the Adirondack II is running, it's a nice sailing vessel that tours in the harbor.
Check the Newport Yachting Center to see if they have any activities going on while you are there.
Castle Hill has magnificent views of the water, bridge and is lovely at sunset as well as during the day.
If you are a shopper, you will enjoy walking along Bannister, Bowens wharfs and going in and out of the stores all along America's Cup Ave along the waterfront - but venture up some side streets as well makign your way to Bellevue there are some nice smaller shops hidden along the route.
Feb 3rd, 2007, 01:55 PM
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My wife & I go to Newport every Jan or Feb just ot relax. We will be there in a couple of weeks.
I am a big Marriott fan, but to truly experience Newport, I would go with a Bed & Breakfast (unless you are using points for a free room). I am assuming it is just two of you. If you have kids, the Marriott is a fine choice. The Francis Malbone House is one of the best (and most expensive) B&Bs in Newport. My wife & I love it.
Restaurant Bouchard is an excellent French restaurant in Newport. Again, expensive (jacket req'd, tie suggested). 22 Bowen's Wharf is a popular steak house, but we both found it to be very disappointing, especially for the price.
Outside of the Seaport & Aquarium, there;s not much more in Mystic in April. I'd do the extra day in Newport.
If yuou go to Foxwoods, be preapared to spend at least a half day there, especially on a weekend. It is huge and gets very crowded. It will take you some time just to figure out where everything is. If you plan on playing table games, be prepared to wait to find a seat. Minimum bets also tend to be high vs. AC or Las Vegas.
I am a big Marriott fan, but to truly experience Newport, I would go with a Bed & Breakfast (unless you are using points for a free room). I am assuming it is just two of you. If you have kids, the Marriott is a fine choice. The Francis Malbone House is one of the best (and most expensive) B&Bs in Newport. My wife & I love it.
Restaurant Bouchard is an excellent French restaurant in Newport. Again, expensive (jacket req'd, tie suggested). 22 Bowen's Wharf is a popular steak house, but we both found it to be very disappointing, especially for the price.
Outside of the Seaport & Aquarium, there;s not much more in Mystic in April. I'd do the extra day in Newport.
If yuou go to Foxwoods, be preapared to spend at least a half day there, especially on a weekend. It is huge and gets very crowded. It will take you some time just to figure out where everything is. If you plan on playing table games, be prepared to wait to find a seat. Minimum bets also tend to be high vs. AC or Las Vegas.
Feb 3rd, 2007, 02:21 PM
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I really enjoyed Mystic Seaport but I do not think it is a day-long activity. I would go early if you can, then grab lunch at Mystic Pizza and see downtown, maybe do the aquarium, but have the late afternoon/evening for the casino.
Both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are great casinos and very close to each other. I think if you are an experienced gambler, Foxwoods has more to offer. If you are new the casinos or more of an amateur, I think Mohegan Sun is a more enjoyable exeperience and less intimidating. I always enjoy Mohegan Sun much more than Foxwoods... but that is just one man's opinion. =)
Both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are great casinos and very close to each other. I think if you are an experienced gambler, Foxwoods has more to offer. If you are new the casinos or more of an amateur, I think Mohegan Sun is a more enjoyable exeperience and less intimidating. I always enjoy Mohegan Sun much more than Foxwoods... but that is just one man's opinion. =)
Apr 3rd, 2007, 03:24 PM
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Unless you're seriously interested in maritime history and ship building, I'd recommend staying in Newport and doing a day trip to Mystic. For sure, Mystic is a gorgeous seaport village.
The mansions in Newport are magnificent. Recommend following the advice to tour no more than two per day. The "Mansions Experience" tickets (five mansions for $31) is a good deal. Also recommend a visit to Astor's Beechwood (not owned by the Preservation Society).
The mansions in Newport are magnificent. Recommend following the advice to tour no more than two per day. The "Mansions Experience" tickets (five mansions for $31) is a good deal. Also recommend a visit to Astor's Beechwood (not owned by the Preservation Society).
Apr 3rd, 2007, 04:40 PM
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I spent half a day at the Mystic Seaport, and it was gone in a flash. Didn't get to see half the stuff I'd have liked to. I hardly a shipbuilding buff, but I found some of the stuff so fascinating as it is so different from what we have here in nearly the center of North America, far, far from the sea.
