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From Under the Tree to Over the MantleSouthern New England's Mystic Places Offers Gifts GaloreJust 92 Shopping Days Left Until Christmas and 66 Days Until Chanukah Combining an endless assortment of unique stores, "Shop and Stay" packages at hotels, inns and B&B's, gift certificate programs and a colorful roster of seasonal shopping-related events and activities, Southern New England's Mystic Places region is the ultimate destination for filling holiday gift lists. Located just two hours from both New York and Boston and easily accessible via train or car, Mystic Places is close enough for a day trip, yet beckons visitors to stay longer and explore. "Shop and Stay" PackagesTwo of Mystic Places' largest outlet shopping centers - Westbrook Factory Stores and Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets - have teamed up with several area hotels to offer "Shop and Stay" packages, which incorporate numerous extras for the serious shopper. Westbrook Factory Stores in Westbrook, CT boasts more than 65 famous designer and national brand outlets, each offering between 20% and 70% off regular retail prices. The center's pedestrian friendly design is evocative of a New England train station and welcomes guests with its village feel. A restored 1902 cruising yawl and a 1930 steam engine add to the atmosphere. Visitors can take advantage of a free coupon voucher redeemable for a canvas shopping bag and a coupon booklet for additional savings of 5% to 25%. For more information, call 860-399-8656 or log onto www.shopwestbrook.com Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets in Clinton, CT features 70 top stores, encompassing designer fashions and sportswear, athletic apparel and footwear, luggage and leather goods, children's fashions and toys, housewares and home furnishings, gifts and specialty items plus a food court. Guest taking advantage of "Shop and Stay" packages will also receive a VIP Coupon Book featuring a broad range of discounts and special offers over and above the already significant savings enjoyed by shopping in any of its stores. The VIP coupon book is available at the Clinton Crossing Management Office in conjunction "Shop and Stay" packages, as well as for AAA members and Mohegan Sun Players Club cardholders. For more information, call 860-664-0700 or log onto www.premiumoutlets.com. The following Mystic Places hotels are offering "Shop and Stay" packages: Water's Edge Inn &
Resort - Westbrook, CT Mystic Marriott
Hotel & Spa - Groton, CT Saybrook Point Inn &
Spa - Old Saybrook, CT The Inn at Chester
- Chester, CT Westbrook Inn Bed
and Breakfast - Westbrook, CT Captain Stannard
House - Westbrook, CT In addition, the New London Mall works closely with area hotels, including the Holiday Inn, New London and Spring Hill Suites, to assist in the shopping experience and provide extra enticements. Gift Certificate ProgramsThe Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce sponsors one of the most popular gift certificate programs in the Mystic Places region. In denominations of $10 to $50, the certificates are accepted at 250 area establishments, including hotels, restaurants, stores, services, movie theaters and leading tourist attractions such as the Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea plus the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. For further information, contact the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce at 401-596-7761. The Mystic Chamber of Commerce also provides a gift certificate program called "Mystic Dollars," which can be purchased for use at more than 100 participating restaurants, shops, sightseeing attractions, wineries and hotels in the area. For further information call 860-572-9578. Festive Holiday EventsEveryone, from art associations to major shopping malls, gets into the holiday spirit in Mystic Places. Among the many events lending a festive air to the shopping experience this season are: Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets offers a wide variety of special holiday events including the "Day After Thanksgiving Early Shopping" and "Thanksgiving Weekend Savings" programs, both of which offer shoppers additional savings; the Secret Santa Charity (November 18-December 21, 2002); Strolling Santa (weekends during the Christmas season); and Holiday Caroling (December 7 and 14, 2002). For more information, call 860-664-0700 or log onto www.premiumoutlets.com All aboard the "Polar Express" at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Travel to the magic of the North Pole in search of Santa Claus. En route, listen to the story of the Polar Express©, narrated by volunteers from area libraries. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Offered December 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22 at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Or take a ride on the "Santa Special." The Christmas excursion includes a gift for each child from Santa's elves. Offered December 1, 7, 8, 14-16 and 21 at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Reservations are recommended. For information, call 860-767-0103 or log onto www.essexsteamtrain.com. The Mystic Art Association-Galleries and Studios Holiday Show is November 15, 2002. The event offers visitors the opportunity to shop for fine art, crafts and gifts. For more information, call 860-536-7601 or log onto www.mystic-art.org.SEE SANTA"Santa to the Stars" launches the holiday season on November 29, 2002 at Olde Mistick Village, a charming, themed specialty shopping center with more than 60 stores and restaurants in Mystic, CT. For more information, call 860-536-4941. Join Santa on December 3, 2002 as he lights the Mystic Christmas tree in Mystic River Park. Afterwards, stroll the streets of historic downtown Mystic, CT, home to a wonderful assortment of stores and restaurants. December 4, 2002 marks the 6th Annual Holiday Stroll & Luminaria in downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck, RI. Take the opportunity to shop dozens of specialty stores, many of which will be offering discounts and coupons for shoppers. The sidewalks will be lined with beautiful luminaria and strolling carolers will fill the air with Christmas cheer. Imagine a place where the coast and the country are within minutes of each other. A place where blue skies meet blue waters, white snowflakes meet white church spires and four distinct seasons offer something for everyone. From world-class casinos with headline entertainment, renowned family attractions and national historical landmarks to wooded hiking trails, quiet country roads, miles of beaches, acclaimed seafood and traditions that date back centuries. Now imagine all of this in one region. Welcome to Mystic Places where Southern New England's best attractions, accommodations, events, dining, arts and entertainment can be found. Located in southeastern Connecticut and coastal Rhode Island, Mystic Places is just two hours from New York and Boston and one hour from Hartford and Providence. Centered around Mystic, Connecticut, the region is accessible via Interstates 395, 91 or 95. For further information and a free copy of the Mystic Places Vacation Planner, call 800-692-6278, or visit us online at www.mycoast.com. EDITED BY MADELYN MILLER |
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