Two years ago, an idea quickly gained momentum. We needed a girls’ trip. The e-mails flew back and forth between me and three girls I went to high school with, and a plan started coming to fruition.
Our requirements were simple.
A fun spot to visit.
Easy to get to.
Not overrun with tourists.
Far enough away that it felt like a mini vacation, yet close enough that we didn’t waste all our time driving.
After that, all bets were off. Spa? Even better. Casino for my friend, Susan? Aces. No pun intended.
And so the countdown was on. And the location? Connecticut.
This picture of me and my friend Susan always makes me think of Thelma & Louise.
We stayed at an Embassy Suites just outside of Mystic. Although none of us had stayed there before, it ended up being perfectly located.
With an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa on premises, manicures and pedicures were the perfect kick-off to the weekend.
Being just minutes away from the downtown Mystic area gave us lots to explore.
And a stop at Mohegan Sun scratched Susan’s itch for gambling, and satisfied a raw oyster fix for Beth and I (and also paved the way to one of my favorite photos, which actually hangs in my kitchen to this day).
It was a weekend stuffed silly with wonderful food, laugh out loud moments, and fond memories, and one that replenished our spirits completely.
When The Ex and I were married, and before kids, heading to Mystic, CT was one of our “go to” trips, and we loved introducing friends to our favorite haunts in the area (waving to Chris, remember our trip??).
Mystic Pizza.
Ice cream by the drawbridge.
A duck into my favorite Army & Navy store.
A tour of the boats and ships in the harbor.
Seafood.
It’s one of those areas that while it is a bit of a draw for tourists, it’s not terribly crazy overrun, and checks that little “something for everyone” box.
The Bee & Thistle Inn is one of our favorite bed-and-breakfast spots just outside of Mystic, and somewhere I still have the mug that my friend Chris bought me after a decadent breakfast there some 14 years ago.
One of these days, I need to take the kids. I think it’s time to introduce them to the wonders of that area.
And it doesn’t hurt that there is an aquarium.
If you’re looking for a day trip or a place to visit with your family, go to Connecticut. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Which Connecticut destination would you like to visit? Leave a comment below and you will be entered into a sweepstakes from BlogHer to win $1,000 to help you plan your trip!
For travel information and inspiration, visit CTvisit.com, and you can also visit BlogHer.com to read other Connecticut travel stories.
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This sweepstakes runs from 6/14 – 8/8.
