National Geographic Names Mystic, Connecticut, One of Best Places to Live and Play

In its first "Best Places to Live + Play" issue, National Geographic Adventure Magazine named Mystic, CT one of its 50 Best Adventure Towns in the September issue, quite a coup for the area.

The magazine divided its adventure towns into five categories: wilderness, small, mountain, waterfront, and urban, and named 10 places to each category. Every state had one city represented in the National Geographic Adventure Magazine list. Mystic was named as a waterfront adventure town; other waterfront adventure towns in New England were the better-known Newport, RI and Rockland, ME.

Mystic, CT is actually a village shared by the towns of Groton and Stonington, which increases the breadth of available opportunities. Boating, fishing, eating seafood, and touring sea-themed sites are all accessible Mystic activities. Combined with the accessibility of the historic downtown to boating, Mystic embodies the best of waterfront living, according to National Geographic Adventure Magazine contributing editor Dan Koeppel.

To experience permanent destinations and upcoming events that showcase Mystic, check out the following:

Mystic Aquarium has the only Beluga whales in New England, an interactive sea lion show, sting ray touch pool, penguins exhibit, range of other sea life on display, and multiple deep sea exploration exhibits. For more information, go to www.mysticaquarium.org.

Mystic Seaport Tall Ships and other attractions offer glimpses into the area's seafaring past. Visitors can climb the 107-foot tall ship, explore a recreated 19th century sea village, take kids to a sea-themed Children's Museum just their size, and watch at the working shipyard and fishing fleet. For more information, go to www.mysticseaport.org.

51st Annual Regional Show at The Mystic Arts Center from August 3 through September 22. The show features hundreds of area artists in a range of mediums. The Mystic Arts Center is located at 9 Water Street in downtown Mystic; call 860-536-7601 for more information.

Taste of Mystic on September 7-9. The Taste of Mystic will be in downtown Mystic on Cottrell Street, with 30 restaurants hosting food, live music, and an oyster shucking contest. Call 860-572-9578 for more information.

USS Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine, self-guided tours are available at the Submarine Force Museum. For more information, go to www.ussnautilus.org.

Mystic River Bridge separates Groton and Stonington, and is one of CT's historic moveable bridges. The bridge takes approximately 15 minutes to open and close, and gathers quite a crowd when boats pass through. Enjoy a delicious scoop from Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream (2 West Main Street, 860-572-7978) if on the Groton side of the bridge while waiting.

Though tourism is at its height during the summer months, Mystic offers year-round sea-celebrating things to do. Its recognition as one of National Geographic Adventure Magazine's best places to work and play validates the area offerings.

Sources:

National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Mystic.org