Connecticut Cruise Ports

[Muster Station]

With RCCL's Explorer of the Seas stopping in New London, Connecticut today I wanted to start a thread about things to do while cruising to a Connecticut Port. Past cruise experiences into Connecticut Ports would be terrific. Any information with regard to future cruises planning to stop in Connecticut would also be helpful.

[Muster Station]

Clyde's Cider Mill in Old Mystic is great and you can watch the cider being made (15 min from port), Old Mystic Village (15 min away) is a beautiful walking, shopping village (the Steak Loft has great steaks), Downtown Mystic (15 min from port), upscale shops, restaurants, a great view of the Morgan at the Seaport, and the best ice cream you will ever have right on the drawbridge. Stonington Village (20 min from port) another village that is a little more quaint with shops, restaurants and a beautiful point to see the ocean from, Westerly, RI (25-30 min from port) is a beautiful Victorian town in it's rebirth with wonderful upscale shops, great restaurants (84 High St would be my recommendation), quite a few artist studios, and a Victorian walking park with fish pond and fountain behind the library. And then there is always Foxwood's or the Mohegan Sun Casino's.

[kitty1]

Fort Trumbull is actually quite nice. We are from CT and went there to watch the ship depart on Saturday. First time we'd ever been there and I was impressed. Didn't go inside the fort, but the grounds were very nice. There are two fishing piers (one has the Bark Eagle docked there, so you couldn't go on that one). The fort overlooks Downtown New London Harbor and the river and Long Island sound in the other direction. There are lots of places to sit and just relax outside by the water. The grounds are free. There is a $5 fee to go inside the fort. I would go back there again. It might be a little bit of a walk from downtown, but could be done.

 

New London also has several restaurants that are know for local seafood and lobster within walking distance of the state pier.

[alinicus]

Another option for those who play golf is Foxwoods Lake of Isles Golf Course. An immaculate course that is as beautiful as it is challenging.

 

Still another option in Mystic, for the more active is kayaking in the Mystic River. It's a really great spot as you can go right up next to the Morgan and other boats in the seaport and under the drawbridge as it is being operated. Rentals are available in several spots down by the river.

 

Also, not a long ride is a trip to Old Saybrook (about 20 min) - another quaint town with beautiful beaches and great shops and restaurants.

 

For those who enjoy art, the Lymand Allyn Art Museum has over 10,000 work in it and is a gorgeous spot, especially during the fall and then you can cross the street and stroll in the Conecticut College Arboretum, again, stunning in the fall.

 

And a personal favorite dunring the summer is Harkness Memorial State Park. A park with some great spots that include beaches, expansive lawns and a mansion with gadens to explore. Really a wonderful place!

 

Whatever you decide to do in Southeastern Connecticut - enjoy!:D