MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT, USA -- Also known as The Museum of America and the Sea, a visit to Mystic Seaport has three main components: a re-created 19th century whaling village, a preservation shipyard and a host of exhibit galleries. A year round destination, Mystic Seaport also offers visitors an extensive selection of special events throughout the seasons, so there's lots of reasons to keep coming back, from music festivals, to boating events, to historical exhibits and educational programs, to food festivals.

Allow plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll through Mystic Seaport's 17 acres, especially the recreated New England coastal village. There's something new to see behind every door and around every corner, including costumed docents demonstrating everyday activities of the bygone whaling era, including working cooperage and blacksmith shops. You may get a chance to haul on the lines and help set sail, or lift your voice and take part in a sea chantey sing along. You can get out on the water yourself and row or sail your own historic small craft, or cruise the river on the museum's working coal-fired steamboat, the Sabino.

The Sabino is just one of four vessels on site designated as historic landmarks. You'll also get to tour the impressive Charles W. Morgan, the last surviving wooden whaling ship in the US; the Joseph Conrad, a full-rigged 1882 training ship; and the L.A. Dutton, the last surviving example of 19th century New England wooden fishing vessels. Over all, the museum boasts one of the world's largest collection of historic vessels (over 500) and a maritime photography collection of over a million images. Would-be sailors can even learn all about celestial navigation at the seaport's planetarium.

With so many historic maritime vessels, it's no wonder that one of the world's only preservation shipyards is located on site. Skilled artisans employ 19th century techniques to maintain and restore the museum's unparalleled collection, as well as build historically accurate recreations, such as the slave ship Amistad.

The kid's will love Mystic Seaport's children's programs. Kids get to dress up and experience life as a sailor, including swabbing the decks (now if you could just get them to do that at home).

The numerous galleries of permanent and rotating exhibitions always have something for everyone. When I visited, the museum was highlighting "Sea Dogs," an exhibition dedicated to canines at sea. Check the museum's website for current exhibitions.

It sounds cliché to say an attraction has something for everyone, but in Mystic Seaport's case, it's true. Some folks will come and have an enjoyable family outing. Others will pursue more scholarly passions. Still others will relish becoming immersed in the magic of the sea and maritime life. All ages and all levels of interest will have a wonderful and memorable experience.

Mystic Seasport and The Museum of America and the Sea can be found at 75 Greenmanville Ave. in Mystic, CT 06335. Call 888-9-SEAPORT or visit www.mysticseaport.org.

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.