Swab the decks, batten down the hatches and get ready to set sail for a weekend of adventure in Mystic, Connecticut's seaside city devoted to all things maritime. From the popular Mystic Seaport, a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, to the newly updated Mystic Aquarium, where you can mingle with beluga whales, seals and dolphins, there is something nautical at every turn. The Colonial period buildings of Olde Mystick Village offer a few tasty seafood restaurants, historical atmosphere and a multitude of unique gift shops. While most of Mystic's attractions have a marine theme, there are a couple of exceptions: landlubbers may want to check out the Mystic Art Association's galleries and studios, which showcase the work of local and regional artists. Or have a lunch at Mystic Pizza, the eatery made famous by the Julia Roberts movie of the same name. From restaurants with plenty of crayons and kid's menus to hotels with puppet shows and bedtime story hours, everything about Mystic is geared toward children, making it a fun and educational family getaway. And for adults, the nearby Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casino complexes are a sure bet for entertainment.  More info