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MYSTIC COAST & COUNTRY

THE NEWEST ATTRACTIONS AND
DEVELOPMENTS IN A HISTORIC NEW ENGLAND DESTINATION

In New England, where history stretches back more than 10,000 years and a venerable status as a birthplace of America infuses every aspect of life, it is sometimes difficult to remember that time marches on. 

The “pretty as a postcard” 18th century villages remain as quaint and beautiful as ever, the seasons come and go, one more stunning than the last, and the inns and restaurants continue to reflect a centuries old tradition of hospitality.

In one section of New England - the 33 towns and communities of Mystic Coast & Country in southeastern Connecticut and coastal Rhode Island - a respect and profound appreciation of the past has not stood in the way of change. However, much of that change is dedicated to celebrating history.

Often called “New England in a Nutshell” because the easily explored region offers a variety of activities and experiences, Mystic Coast & Country is continually growing and changing.

A Change or Two

Camelot Cruises, Haddam: A new, luxury restaurant ship, accommodating 500 for Connecticut River cruises, will join the fleet this spring.  Cruises featuring Murder Mysteries, New Orleans jazz, Sunday Brunch and one-day Long Island voyages will be available.

Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, Niantic: A fun place for kids through the age of 12, the museum will feature a special exhibit this fall in honor of the Millennium including some multicultural exhibits of millenniums past, present and future. 

Foxwoods Resort, Mystic: Celebrating its 7th anniversary, the gaming and entertainment resort which features three hotels and over 315,000 square feet of gaming space, will increase its number of slot machines from almost 4,000 to 5,700 and gaming tables from 170 to 370.

Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam: William Hooker Gillette’s 24-room mansion on 200 acres will re-open on Memorial Day, following extensive renovations over the winter.

Historic Ship Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum, Groton: A expansion of this museum dedicated to America’s development of the nuclear submarine and the submarine force will be completed this spring, adding a larger research library, more display space, computer exhibits and expanded retail space.

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mystic: One of the newest museums in the country, this celebration of 20,000 years of American history includes a 16th century Native American village, dioramas, computer recreations, historic artifacts, fine art, interactive exhibits and a 150,000 volume library housing materials on all the Native American civilizations.

Misquamicut State Beach, Misquamicut: A new pavilion will be added to the largest and most popular beach park in Rhode Island.  The handicapped accessible facilities, to be completed by June, will include locker rooms, restrooms, a retail area, showers and an information center managed by the Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce.

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville: This popular casino and family entertainment resort run by the Mohegan Tribe will expand to include a 1,500-room hotel, entertainment center with 10,000 seats, retail and additional convention space and 100,000 square feet of meeting space and 200,000 square feet of new gaming, dining and entertainment space.

Mystic Aquarium, Mystic: The Aquarium is opening a special exhibit on the science and technology of deep-sea exploration created by Robert Ballard, the scientist who discovered the Titanic, and an outdoor Alaskan Coast Beluga whale exhibit.

Mystic Seaport, Mystic: Add even more fun and learning to your family’s Millennium visit to the Mystic Seaport, an interactive celebration of American maritime history, by touring the famous Amistad schooner, the vessel that brought more than 50 African slaves to freedom in the 1830’s.  The project will be completed in 2000 when the 81-foot ship sails on her maiden voyage.  Mystic Seaport has a Lobster Fest for Memorial Day this year and will open  'America & The Sea' exhibit for 2000.

Old Lyme Inn, Old Lyme: In addition to special Millennium dinners in the planning stages for the grand celebration of the turn of the century, this popular inn will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

Mystic Coast & Country, an easily accessible 150-square-mile region of 33 towns and communities in southeastern Connecticut and coastal Rhode Island, is one of America’s most appealing and scenic year-round vacation destinations. 

Capturing the essence and extraordinary variety of New England, Mystic Coast & Country boasts a rich history of Native American culture, a proud maritime tradition showcasing America’s most charming, historic coastal villages and a year-round cultural calendar which is the envy of the eastern seaboard.

The destination offers a range of visitor accommodations, from quaint inns and B&B’s to modern luxury hotels, fine regional dining, four seasons of special events, sports, recreation, world class attractions, spectacular casinos and a magnificent natural environment with beautiful beaches to explore.

Mystic Coast & Country is just two hours from the New York and Boston metropolitan areas, one hour from Hartford and Providence and accessible via Interstates 395, 91 or 95. 

For further information and a free copy of the Mystic Coast & Country Vacation Planner and Coast Card discount offers, call 1-800-MY-COAST.

For a preview of Mystic Coast & Country, visit  http://www.mycoast.com .

Edited by Shekeria Brown

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