We took a sunset cruise on the Argia, which is the last commercial sailing ship left in Mystic,…read morewhen we were visiting Mystic with a couple of friends on the Fourth of July. The boat has different seating options - wooden benches and cushion seats without backrests. We reserved two of the cushioned areas and showed up ready to check in on time (they ask you to show up about 30 minutes before boarding to check in). You board at the dock just next to the bridge in Mystic, so it couldn't be more convenient if you're exploring Mystic for a day or a weekend. The Argia allows you to bring alcohol (wine and beer) on board (although they ask that you not bring large coolers - there's no room for them), so we brought a couple of bottles of wine bought from the great wine shop down the street. The sail is partly narrated. Our sail was two hours long, and the staff narrated for some of the sailing time - pointing out historic and interesting sites along the sail (islands with an interesting history, homes with interesting architecture, etc.). Between the gorgeous scenery, some narration of fun and interesting facts about Mystic and its harbor, the great wine we'd brought aboard, and great company - it was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours in Mystic. What a beautiful way to enjoy Mystic and its harbor!

I am very conflicted about this review. This is a perfect example of why, I detest the fact that…read moreYelp doesn't do half stars. Because, in reality, I would love to give them 3.5 stars, but I have to go with 3. So let me go through my views. First, and foremost, the staff was/is great. There were only 3 of us on the cruise. Most other places probably would've have cancelled, but the fact that they still ran the cruise, I give them a lot of credit. Because there were only 3 of us, we also could sit wherever we wanted, so getting an upgraded seat for free was also nice. As I said, the staff was very friendly and informative and even offered to incorporate us in some of the simpler tasks. The ride was great, we had a lot of wind and it made the ride more enjoyable and it was a nice relaxing ride through the harbor (sound? Ocean?). Complimentary lemonade and water are offered and you are free to bring your own food/beverage on board if you want. There even is a brief history lesson during the trip. So, what was bad? Well, there was nothing necessarily bad, but rather disappointing. And this may very well be entirely on me. But, the view(s) were very underwhelming. There really wasn't much of anything of significance to see or view. No lighthouses, fancy/historic buildings, no seals/dolphins, just a very tranquil trip with no excitement or scenery. And, again, that maybe entirely on me. They don't promise or advertise any of that, but I was expecting to see more than I did. You also spend about 1/2 hour getting to and from the dock so of the 2 hour trip only about an hour is in the ocean. It's still a great time, and definitely a case of your mileage may vary. In the end, I think it's a great time but probably not worth the $75. If you can snag a Groupon or other deal to get for $50 or so, I'd do it, but I wouldn't do it again for $75. So in sum: Staff: 5/5 Value: 2/5 Views: 2/5 Overall: 3.5/5

Our visit here started out horribly because the parking lot for the museum is across the street, so…read moreafter we parked and walked up to the corner, we pressed the crosswalk button to cross the street. Having just come in from that same direction, I was well aware that the stoplight that we initiated by pressing the crosswalk button is right around a blind curve. I made sure that the first car actually stopped before I started through the crosswalk, but just as we were almost to the other side, I heard a huge crash that shook me to my core. We turned around, still partially in the street to see that a vehicle that had come around the corner was unable to stop in time and smashed into the car that was stopped at the crosswalk. Luckily no one was injured, but the sound and the proximity and the fact that there was some sort of lingering feeling that our crossing the street caused this accident put me in a really bad headspace. We stayed out in front of the museum for a while to make sure everyone was okay and the cars were moved out of the street but there was debris everywhere and I did have to sit down at a picnic table for about 5 minutes to calm down. All that being said, we actually enjoyed this Museum quite a bit once we got past what had happened. We have visited multiple Maritime museums in the last month and I can honestly say this was probably the best one. If you're at all interested in Maritime history, or just history even, sailing or boat craftsmanship, anything like that really, you will enjoy your visit here. This is not really a museum in the traditional sense. It's kind of like walking through a village in time. You can wander through historic buildings and watch live demonstrations of traditional skills like blacksmithing or rope making or sail stitching. Don't be afraid to go inside the buildings and interact with the employees. The immersive parts of this Museum are the best because they help you to feel like you're really experiencing what it was like instead of just reading about it. I think my favorite part was getting too board and tour a historical boat that was moored in the river. I don't recall what it is named, but you can board and walk around and even go down below deck. You can really get a feel for what life was like on one of these boats. I'm 5'7 and I had to duck the entire time. The beds were so tiny it was as if they were for children. It's crazy to think of grown men being packed down there like sardines. We also enjoyed checking out the lighthouse. They show a little movie inside but you can't actually go up. That was a quick stop and a little photo op but fun nevertheless. We ended up spending a lot longer here than we had anticipated because we really enjoyed the demonstrations and the historical feel of it all. It was dog friendly which is important to us but we also found a little reading room and a nice playground area so I know it would be great for children as well. Even after such a rocky start, I was really glad that we visited here and I highly recommend a stop if you can. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here and wear comfortable shoes because the ground is gravelly and you will cover more of it than you think.

Mystic Seaport continues to be one of the most thoughtfully run and genuinely enjoyable attractions…read morein New England. Every visit feels like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history, and the amount of effort that goes into maintaining that experience is impossible to miss. The staffing is exceptional. Everyone--from the interpreters in period dress to the shipyard craftsmen to the folks running the exhibits--brings an energy that makes the place feel alive. They're knowledgeable without being overwhelming, friendly without being scripted, and clearly passionate about what they do. It's rare to find a team that consistently elevates an entire visit, but Mystic Seaport pulls it off. The shops are charming and well-curated, offering everything from nautical gifts to handcrafted items to books you won't find anywhere else. They strike a great balance between being tourist-friendly and genuinely interesting, and it's easy to lose track of time browsing. As for the overall experience, it's simply entertaining from start to finish. Whether you're wandering through the recreated 19th‑century village, stepping aboard historic vessels, watching demonstrations, or exploring the rotating exhibits, there's always something engaging to see or do. It's the kind of place where you can spend hours without realizing it, and every corner feels like it has a story waiting to be discovered. Mystic Seaport remains a standout destination--beautifully maintained, thoughtfully staffed, and endlessly enjoyable. A true 5‑star experience. Enjoy

Great alternative to get around. Reasonable. Easy on/off. Free parking. The boat isn't all that…read morecomfortable /hard seating. But, if you need an easy way to get around, avoid 2 hr meter parking - which is a real drag, this is a great option. All day pass $12. Limited tour so be clear on where it stops/goes to. The loop take approx 45 min. Easy for families/strollers & large groups. Bring water or pay $2.

We went on the Revolution Ghost tour with Evan as our guide. We had a great time! Even our 12 year…read moreold really enjoyed it! I learned a lot of history and got to hear some haunting stories while on the trip. Evan did a great job of keeping us entertained and the scenery was lovely. It was interesting and relaxing. If you go, try to sit at the back or in the middle of the boat. We sat at the front and struggled to see what was being talked about. It was a great length of time at 75 mins and parking was easy in the parking garage. If you are looking for something different where you can walk away relaxed and more knowledgeable, take the tour! You won't be disappointed!

Outstanding opening with live artillery (Brown's Company) and flint-lock firings. This was all I…read moreaddition to some great docent work within the museum itself!! Please do not miss this gem of history moments from Route 395!

A MOST excellent tour today, Filled with fun facts, entertaining banter and our family…read morehistory--This Family of America was born here-- where our government developed, was fought for and ever evolving from--straight up from the floor boards....I enjoyed walking where Washington walked, -wondering whose DNA might still be on me right now---I remain amazed !!! Thank you--Cam and Greg for saving this treasure trove of American History!

This was an awesome fun experience. It was great since there was only four of us. The guide was…read moreawesome and gave plenty of history of Guilford. Zipping around on the Segway was totally fun. I'll do it again. Very, very, very easy to learn the Segway. I recommend this tour

Excellent experience. Rich is a great teacher. I never rode a Segway before. At first I was…read morestiff and nervous. By the end of the training, I was comfortable and relaxed. Really fun. I highly recommend Shoreline Segway !

We were a group of four. One person was mid-tour when we arrived. As there is only one docent, she…read morebegan the tour over. We were 3/4 way through our first floor tour when another party arrived. Instead of adding them to the tour, and then covering what they missed, she asked them to wait. The living room is beautiful. Plaster work, beautifully hand painted walls (by a modern artist), elegant furnishings. Photos of the home pre-restoration are showed and discussed in this room. So much work has been done! There are also photos of the family and you learn a bit about them here. We also had the opportunity to ask questions about the home and family. Through this Q&A we discovered in what types of 'shipping' the family were involved. The dining room table displays a variety of period china. The fireplaces on this floor are marble. The dining room light fixture is very interesting, and although not original fits very well and makes a statement. Sadly, the kitchen is not restored for guests to view. There is however a butlers pantry in the dining room displaying more serve ware. An Antarctic research station is named after Captain Palmer and a live feed is shown in the next room as well as several ship models including the one Capt. Palmer was on when he discovered the continent. Information on the gentleman who created these models is also presented. There is a variety of information in this room about Capt. Palmers Antarctic discovery and one of his shipping trades: seal pelts. The short hallway between dining room and this include other items of trade such as Palmer tea and jade. The upper floors are self toured and there are three of them. Stair cases narrow as you ascend. The highest point is a small cupola surrounded by windows with a small bench seat that fits about three. There was a nice breeze with the windows open and long views. The two floors between include bedrooms, 'toilet' rooms, children's play room, fire alarm display, sewing room, office space and storage. Plenty of old furnishings, linens, toys etc. I particularly love the sewing box. Beautiful, intricate work. The price for the two locations is very reasonable and if you have time, are looking for an air conditioned space, love history/architecture/home décor, then this is going to be a nice stop. Free parking is available at the side of the house. Enter at the grand front door. A gift shop is located just inside to the left of the entrance. A restored ice house, storage and out houses are behind the home. I saw no public facilities (but didn't ask). There is a fair amount of land with the home including a small pathway with bench seating along the water on the other side of parking. In July there were plenty of mosquitos. Picnic tables are located behind the research library next to parking. Tickets may be purchased on line through their website as well as at the Stonington light house museum. Stonington residents and historical society member admission is free. Military, senior and first responder discounts are available. July and August the museum is open daily 10am - 4pm. The rest of the year hours are limited - check the website for information.

We visited after being informed that our Stonington lighthouse entrance fee also included entrance…read morehere. It's right down the street Who was Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer? He was credited with discovering Antarctica (whilst hunting for seals) in 1820 at the young age of 21 with a minimal crew. He grew rich and built a stately home in his birthplace of Stonington, CT. After his brothers wife died, Nathaniel and his wife (who were childless) shared the home with his widowed brother and his 4 children. It was great to learn the history of this family and home, feeling transported to another time and imaging what it must have been like. I want to know more. Beautiful furnishings, interesting history and a beautiful setting. Parking is free and plentiful and the grounds are serene and quiet. A great way to spend an hour or so in this quaint town.

The pretty quaint Old Mystic offers shopping, galleries and restaurants. A sweet looking town that…read moreis quiet and peaceful.

Now an Airbnb - this rental is lovely, we rented part of the carriage house too. Perfect for a…read morelarge group with lots of separation between the rooms but great central gathering rooms. The main Denison red home is just charming with boating theme, filled with antiques and each of us getting a bedroom bath suite. The town of Mystic is just charming and highly recommend for a getaway.

Great execution, slow response in planning…read more We loved working with South County Trolley. The trolley was clean and the driver was very helpful and attentive, particularly with regard to my dress and the rain. He had champagne and water bottles ready for us and took song requests fired at him one after the next. Day of execution was 5 stars. That said, we docked stars here because of the booking and confirmation process. The company wasn't very responsive, even when I called to say I wanted to pay them, and it took over a week for us to get a confirmation of their services in advance of the wedding. I only heard back from Betsy after multiple voicemails and emails from both me and my husband the week before the wedding. Overall I recommend the trolley experience, everyone loved it, but I'd just be regimented with follow up in advance of the day

"The trolley tour through Narragansett is filled with historic sites, as well as insightful…read morememories. Ted showcases the little town in existance, but paints the scenes of the past with delightful stories. A lifetime of community involvement has made Ted's knowledge of Narragansett the wealthiest in existance. From the Pt. Judith Lighthouse to the URI Bay Campus and South Ferry Church, the trolley explores the fascinating history of the town with soulful narratives." This doesn't even begin to describe the tour I took in August. Owner Charles "Ted" Wright delivers a colorful, interesting and in-depth view into the history of Narragansett beginning with the towers all through the different owners of the mansions including the magnificent hotels of the late 1800's to the early 1900's, the bunkers at the Bay Campus (Fort Kearny,) and the World War II prisoners of war and their newspaper, Druid's Dream, St. Peter's church and it's historic past, all the way down to Pt. Judith Light house and back! Any person that is interested in history and has read up on Narragansett's history will be more than pleased with Ted Wright's stories from his past about Buckytown and the time they fired the guns at Fort Greene. This ride is about 2 hours. I originally didn't want to go on this tour thinking that $15 was way too pricey for any kind of tour. I was glad to have spent the money to hear Mr. Wright's stories and entertaining facts about the many events, places and people who existed here in this small seaside community. Even though I knew some facts that most people don't know about Narragansett like there used to be a train that came to Narragansett Pier and there were huge hotels along Ocean Road that were well known and visited I was not disappointed in founding out new and unusual things that happened and people that lived here. The few people that took this tour with my friend and I were treated to a ride on Ted Wright's first trolley: the Onnie and Angie Trolley, named after the two people who convinced Ted to buy it. The ocean breeze flowed through the windows as we drove first to St. Peter's and toured the church, through Narragansett Pier down to the Point Judith Light house via Scarborough beach back to the Towers. Before we drove to the Bay Campus we were asked if anyone wanted to disembark before continuing on. We drove past South Ferry Road Church into the Bay Campus then back by Narrow River up Bridgetown Road into Narragansett Pier and the neighborhood behind the beach area. Even though I was afraid that it would be too hot to do such a tour, the trolley allowed the cooling ocean air to flow through open windows. Ted narrated the tour and it was loud enough for everyone to hear. If you missed anything he didn't mind passengers asking questions and invited people to ask about anything they heard. "In the months of July and August, the trolley leaves from The Towers every Wednesday to roam , returning at Noon. Cost of Tour: $15 After the tour, join Wednesday Luncheons the The Towers by Tom's Market Catering. Cost of Luncheon: $14.50 per person" (You are not obliged to go to the luncheon.) The tour begins at 10:00 am. I recommend arriving early. We were able to get a parking space on Ocean Road close to the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce. You meet the Trolley Tour on the opposite side under the Towers. A woman takes your money or personal check and gives you a ticket. You board the trolley and she takes a head count and then takes your ticket. If you enjoy history but have a difficult time walking this is an excellent tour. If you have a Wednesday morning to spend and want to discover facts about Narragansett and the seaside community that was here more than 100 years ago this is an excellent way to do it. My only regret is that Mr. Wright hasn't recorded his tour on CD or written a book.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center serves as a fantastic alternative to the other animal-based…read moretourist attractions in the area of Mystic, CT. Though I am quite a big fan of the Mystic Aquarium, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is a fantastic getaway from what can sometimes be a very jam-packed and overwhelming institution. I visited in late January, which admittedly is probably not the best time to be visiting here, but a five star review should tell that even in the colder months, this place still was as warm and as welcoming as one could expect. Though you're not going to be seeing anything huge, the live animals on display are very exciting still. Collections of herptiles, such as Painted and Spotted Turtles, New England Wood Turtles, snakes, and one of my personal favorites, the Diamondback Terrapin all call this institution home. In addition to that, the Nature Center also has a robust Bird-of-Prey collection, with Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Broad-Winged Hawks, a relatively rare species in captivity around here. Many of these birds are permanently injured I believe, or unsuitable for release, and it is the job of the nature center to care for them, which they do fantastically. I understand the general public might see these as "cages", but I've been to a multitude of animal facilities across the United States and I was very impressed with the level of care that these species receive. While the live animals are quite interesting to look at, dead ones are too! The nature center has a huge assortment of local species in taxidermized forms, showcasing the incredible wildlife that we have in our very own backyards in New England. It allows you to get a closer look and a deeper appreciation for some species you typically don't get to see up close. I have a background in sociology and one of the things that my professor has turned me onto is the sociology of bathrooms and how they're presented, so I tend to take a picture of every bathroom at every institution I end up going to. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center did not disappoint. I thoroughly loved the tiling on the walls of native wildlife. A very good touch. The entire facility is filled to the brim with education on the native wildlife habitats and species you can find around Mystic. It's very good. For birders, this place is a fairly decent way to find more native species. Red-Bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpecker, tons of sparrows, and my friend has even spotted a Belted Kingfisher here in the warmer months. Overall, this place is fantastic. The front of desk lady was extremely helpful and kind. I only had wish I had gotten her name, she made this experience a memorable one. If you're in the area in the future, whether it's looking for nature trails or even visiting the aquarium or the seaport, please find some time to check out this location. It's a quick stop but absolutely worth it to learn a lot more about the nature around us. I look forward to stopping by once again in the warmer months. I am hoping that they take proper precautions with the oncoming Avian Influenza however.

Must see if in mystic. The owls were so cool and learning about rehabilitation makes you want to…read morebecome a conservationist. Even if the building is closed, you can still enjoy the trails. Don't forget to donate to keep this place going.