This once prominent whaling town has seen little change over its history. Besides the apparent “time freeze” and various museums dedicated to the region’s maritime legacy, Mystic looks much the same as it did in the 1800’s.

Tourists are another exception. An expansive aquarium, models of whaling ships, and coasts thick with marinas have transported Mystic into an overtly popular Connecticut hub. The streets are very well preserved, boasting pristine-looking buildings seemingly built at the town’s inception and first flirt with distinction. The shipyard is lined with antiquated vessels and various workshops, on display for a glimpse of time gone past.

Overall, Mystic is a bustling town, successful namely because of the latest tourism surge. If you get a little overwhelmed, rent a bike and hit Downes Marsh, a haven for exotic birds and those wary of crowds.