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Which would you rather see: Beluga caviar or Beluga whales? Chances are, you'd go for the food and any young ones traveling with you would d rather see the whale. But you (and your children/grandchidlren) can have both (and much more) in Mystic, Connecticut, for there are Beluga whales to see and Beluga caviar to taste at some of the posher restaurants.
Situated half way between Boston and New York, the Mystic area is filled with places that will please everyone. For example, adults can spend time at the Foxwoods Resort Casino or the Mohegan Sun -- but be sure to bring plenty of wampum to these faux Indian casinos.
During the days, children (and their parents) will enjoy the Mystic Seaport, a recreation of a maritime village with special exhibits such as female pirates and sea captains. This classic New England attraction is an easy walk from the village center where we had the best chowder ever at the S & P Restaurant next to the drawbridge.
There are also sure hits for kids at places like Nature's Art in Montville with a dinosaur exhibit, or Groton, which houses the USS Nautilus. This is America's first nuclear powered submarine, and you can now tour it and see how tight the quarters are.
Perhaps the most popular place in this region for families is the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration, which is like a small theme park. It's filled with splashy aquatic exhibits from all over the world and this is where you'd find the big Beluga whale. Not only can you watch these graceful mammals in the Alaskan Coast exhibit, but they have a special whale-touch program where you - or more likely your child - can touch their backs and belly up to their bellys while seeing up close how they breath, spout and "sing."
But if your taste for Beluga is more to taste it than touch it, you'd be more than satisfied at the Marriott's Octagon Restaurant. Indeed, after a day of fish and water-related sights, it's almost a relief not to have to see another fish again, for here the specialty is delicious steak. The extraordinary dinners are beautifully served in a large stunning room with an open kitchen and roaring fire. A fine selection of wine is available, perfect for relaxation after a busy touring day.
We also recommend this hotel where it's easy to unwind and relax with or without the wine. This is a peaceful place because of its size - at 6-stories, with 285 guest rooms, it's not too big and not too small. And it's also quiet because of its location. It's right off I-95 in Connecticut, far enough away that you don't hear any traffic, but near enough to the highway to make it easy to find as well as to travel to all the attractions in the region.
MYSTIC MARRIOTT HOTEL & SPA
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