MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT, USA -- A versatile destination, Mystic, Connecticut can please every member of the family, or serve as the perfect romantic getaway for two. Within the nearby area you'll find breathtaking views, a world class aquarium and lots of history, especially maritime and Native American history. This charming area is close enough to provide a quick getaway from New York, Boston, Providence or Hartford, although its attractions regularly tempt scores of visitors from all over the world.

Experience the Inn at Mystic

For some reason I couldn't get the Barry Manilow song "Weekend in New England" out of my head the entire time I spent in residence at Mystic Connecticut's Inn at Mystic. Since I'm not particularly a Manilow fan, I found it mildly annoying. But the point is, the inn and it's breathtaking panoramic view of Mystic Harbor, not to mention the nearby quaint town of Mystic itself so represent the perfect romantic "Weekend in New England," that the Manilow tune stayed firmly implanted in my brain until I returned to Los Angeles a week later.

Set on 13 acres of wooded hillside, the Inn at Mystic is so charming, you may be tempted to never leave. There are gorgeous manicured gardens to explore, canoes and sail boats to borrow and paddle through the surrounding waters, nature trails to hike, not to mention tennis courts, a heated pool and hot tub.

A majestic Colonial Revival Mansion built in 1904, the elegantly appointed rooms here have therma-cuzzi spas or whirpool soaking tubs, fireplaces and romantic canopy beds. You can relax and feel the gentle sea breeze on your skin on the Victorian Veranda, overlooking Mystic harbor and the sound beyond. So romantic is the setting, Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart honeymooned here. Equally romantic and offering additional privacy is the Gate House, nestled among trees and overlooking fruit orchards. It's no wonder the inn hosts countless weddings throughout the year, and they have everything you need to make your special day perfect, including first class catering.

Those looking for more economical family-friendly accomodations can opt for the property's Motor Inn. But don't think you'll sacrifice quality here. Each Motor Inn room still offers a spectacular view, along with elegant colonial style furnishings specially selected for each room's individual decor. Many rooms have fireplaces and private balconies where you can relax while gazing out to sea.

Located close to all of Mystic's sites and attractions, the Inn makes a perfect base for your explorations. Head out and spend the day at Mystic Seaport, the Mystic Aquarium or the fascinating Mashantucket Pequot Museum.

Fine Dining and Casual Fare

After a day of sight seeing, return to The Inn at Mystic's elegant Flood Tide restaurant where you'll find stuffed New England lobsters, wood fired breads and pizzas, along with a well rounded selection of wood-grilled meats, poultry and seafood. For an impressive entree, order the Chateaubriands for two, prepared tableside of course. The Flood Tide's authentic Caesar Salad, also prepared at your table, is one of the best I've ever had. The rest of the folks in my group apparently agreed, and despite other tempting salads and starters on the menu, we couldn't resist ordering this classic night after night.

Everything we had was good, but particularly memorable dishes include the puff pastry encrusted escargots (rich and plenty enough to share between 2 or even 3 people), local oysters baked with spinach, pernod and cream, pan seared duck breast with raspberry Grand Marnier compote and maple-whipped sweet potato.

Dessert at the Floodtide is well worth going off your diet for, especially the Bananas Floodtide. The dramatic flaming tableside preparation of this dish heightens the anticipation. The flavor of the buttery sweet, rum infused caramelized bananas melting into rich vanilla bean ice cream will bring you to the nearly orgasmic pinnacle of dessert nirvana. Those who prefer less production with their sweets should consider opting for the sublimely subtle lavender crème brulée. The Floodtide also offers breakfast, including a decent breakfast buffet, as well as an afternoon English Tea - with sandwiches, pastries and scones with clotted cream (complimentary for Inn at Mystic and Moter Inn guests).

When you want a casual snack, walk across the street from the inn to the Sea Swirl, an authentic New England clam shack. This family-friendly drive-in style restaurant really took me back to the New England of my youth and it was comforting to know that the concept of the neighborhood clam shack is still alive and well on the East coast. Chow down on steamers or fried clams, fried fish, lobster rolls or genuine New England clam cakes (known in some locales as clam fritters). The kids can get burgers and hot dogs, and everyone can cap their meal with soft-serve ice cream treats. Best of all, it's easy on the wallet.

First Class Service

The service at the Floodtide Restaurant, the Inn at Mystic, the Gate House and the Motor Hotel are all exceptional. The employees seem to truly appreciate the exceptional beauty of their workday surroundings. Everyone is friendly and accommodating. Much of this enthusiasm undoubtedly begins with the Inn's owner, Jody Dyer. If central casting needed the quintessential New England woman, Jody would get the part in an instant: hard-working, practical, wise, independent, and very capable, with a delightful sense of humor and lively twinkling eyes. Jody can frequently be seen puttering around the property with her two beloved dogs (Springer Spaniels who like to take swims in the waters around the inn). Ask Jody about the property's colorful history and why she loves her Connecticut home so much and you'll really see her eyes light up and a big smile fill her face. You'll also be entertained by some of the liveliest and most delightful New England story telling you're likely to ever hear. Jody's lived in Mystic long enough to know the area intimately well, (she says she'll die there). You can't help but catch her joy and enthusiasm and she is a perfect hostess to her scores of loyal guests.

The Inn at Mystic, Mystic Motor Inn and the Flood Tide Restaurant are located at the junction of routes 1 and 27 in Mystic, Connecticut. Call them directly at 860-536-9604. For reservations call toll-free 800-237-2415. You can visit the Inn at Mystic website at www.innatmystic.com.

Recipes from The Floodtide Restaurant at The Inn at Mystic

• Caesar Salad
• Bananas Floodtide

Also In the Nearby Area

• The New England Air Museum
  

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day. To learn more about Cheri, click here.