One-room school where patriot spy and Connecticut state hero Nathan Hale taught before the American Revolution. Tour time: 20 minutes

Bordering woodlands, this small-town country inn is 6.3 miles from the action of Lime Rock Park racetrack and 9.9 miles from the tranquility of Housatonic State Forest. Traditional rooms feature pillow-top mattresses, goose-down pillows, flat-screen TVs and USB-equipped outlets, plus mini fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Amenities include multiple gazebos, an outdoor pool and a business center, and a cozy common room features exposed beams and a fieldstone fireplace. Continental breakfast and Wi-Fi are complimentary.

One of the last active cavalry militia units in the United States in service since 1808. Troopers perform mounted military drill and musical ride. State forest mounted patrols, search and rescue, special needs riding program. Other amenities: Parking

Kidcity is a one-of-a-kind children's museum for the early years, where families play pretend together. Each whimsical room is handmade by our artist crew for ages 1 to 7. Reservations required at KidcityMuseum.com.

Come experience beautiful Connecticut and Rhode Island coasts on a sportfishing charter with Captain Steve Burnett. Sailing from Stonington, CT, you’re only a quick ride away from some of the Mystic region’s best fishing areas. The famous Watch Hill reefs, Fishers Island, Orient Point, the Rhode Island shoreline, and even Montauk, NY are all within an hour’s run.

Cider is made by the last steam powered cider mill remaining in the United States and the oldest producer of hard cider, since 1881. A National Mechanical Engineering Landmark. Cider press demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays in October (11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.) and in November (11 a.m. & 1 p.m.) Other amenities: Dining Nearby, Parking

National Memorial (East) with actual conning tower of a WWII submarine. 52 memorial plaques listing all boats losts and black marble Wall of Honor listing all men lost on submarines.

Sail away aboard the traditional sailing ship, ARGIA. Return to the romantic Age of Sail aboard this magnificent 80-foot schooner. Discover islands, lighthouses, and the beauty of sailing as you bask in the sun and salt air aboard a 19th-century schooner in calm and protected waters. Enjoy a day sail or a sunset cruise. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine (or order snacks when you book) to make this excursion truly memorable. Please purchase your tickets ahead by visiting our website www.ArgiaMystic.com or calling 860-536-0416. Departures daily (May-Oct.) at: 9:30 a.m. (2 hours) Noon (2 hours)

The University of Connecticut's Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, is one of America’s hidden treasures -- an exhibition, performance, workshop, and information center about the wide world of puppetry, its global roots and its exciting possibilities for the 21st century. The Ballard Institute includes a superb collection of more than 2,500 puppets from all over the world; an archive of books, manuscripts, posters, drawings, audio-visual materials and photographs all covering the history of puppetry, including the Puppeteers of America Audio-Visual Collection. The museum curates and

River Bend Campground presents the Lucky Strike Mine and Sluice. Guided by the light of a miner's helmet, prospectors enter an authentic man made mine to search the recesses for gems and minerals (be sure to bring your camera!). They can view a fluorescent rock exhibit and wildlife exhibit with over 40 mounted specimens. Mine is open 9-5, daily. Weekday canoe, paddleboat and kayak rentals also available. Camping mid-April to mid-October. Tour time: 30 minutes Other amenities: Parking, Parking