Cynthia - Click to enlarge Edition #1, 8 October 2007
Updated, 17 February 2012

Hello, my name is Cynthia. Thank you for visiting my first in a series of articles on coastal New England. I am a New England mermaid, born not far from New London Harbor, Connecticut. I hope this website will grow to be a way for residents and fans of coastal New England to learn more about the area. It will also be a place where readers can share their own experiences.

For those less familiar with the area, we are talking about a six state area in northeastern United States. New England is made up of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.

Other articles in this series can be found on the Home Page.

Mystic, Connecticut

No visit to southeastern Connecticut would be complete without a trip to Mystic. In addition to shopping along historic Main Street, Mystic contains two major attractions. The first is Mystic Seaport, the museum of America and the sea. Education programs, shopping, tall ships to tour, boat rides, and plenty of food to eat. There is a lot to see and do here. Visit www.mysticseaport.org for more information.

The other major attraction is the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. Fish, penguins, sea lions, and underwater plantlife, they're all here. Where else can you touch a Beluga whale? Visit the aquarium online at www.mysticaquarium.org for the complete picture.

Mystic Seaport (Click to enlarge)   Penguins at Mystic Aquarium (Click to enlarge)

When shopping in downtown Mystic, be sure to pay a visit to Mermaid's Cove Jewelers at 5 West Main Street. Tell them that mermaid Cynthia sent you. In addition to jewelry, you will find nautical giftware, art, sea glass, and mermaid collectibles. [Note: The Main Street shop is closed, but you can still find them on the web.]

A major landmark in downtown Mystic is the drawbridge on Main Street over the Mystic River. The bridge opens to let the larger ships pass underneath. This mermaid remembers a dream she had about the drawbridge when she was very young. I also remember passing under the bridge more than once, and no, they didn't need to raise it for me.

If you love the sea as much as I do, be sure to spend some time at Shells Galore 'n More at 12 Cottrell Street at Mystic River Park. Here you can find shells, coral, rocks, minerals, jewelry, and a lot more. You are sure to find that special treasure.

Make that short drive south on Route 215 to the village of Noank, and enjoy lunch or dinner at Abbott's Lobster in the Rough. Abbott's menu includes lobsters from 1 1/4 to 10 pounds, seafood rolls, and the wonderful New England Seafood Feast. Abbott's also serves a variety of appetizers including an excellent Rhode Island style (clear broth) clam chowder. Visit Abbott's at 117 Pearl Street in Noank. Check the website for directions and their seasonal schedule. The food is excellent, and so is the view.

You can easily spend an entire day in Mystic, and be sure to bring your camera. Mystic is located under two miles south of I-95, off exit 90. Here is a map of the area. See more at www.mystic.org, and if you see me in the water, be sure to wave.

Contact me

Write to me at and introduce yourself! I welcome comments and ideas for future articles. Emails may be used in future articles, and should include at least a first name and last initial. I would also love to know where you're from. I can notify you by email when future editions go online, just let me know. Your email address will remain private. I will not share my email list with third parties.

Until next time, help keep the waterways clean, for my world and for yours.

Love,
Cynthia

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Photo Credit:
Cynthia at Sunrise: DSI Photo
Mystic Seaport, Aquarium, Drawbridge: Cynthia
Noank Harbor: Cynthia

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