Marina recommendations for Essex and Newport

C

CaptPearl

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Jul 24, 2007
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27720
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I'm starting to plan this summer's family boat trip. Any recommendations of transient marinas in Essex Conn., Mystic Conn., and Newport Rhode Island would be much appreciated. We need marinas that are better suited for younger children that may include a pool and other activities. It would also be helpful to be located close to area attractions that are either walking distance or a short cab ride away. Any information about the above locations as well as water hazards, tides, and currents I should be aware of would be helpful.
 
If you're looking for a pool in Newport, Try Newport Harbor Hotel Marina. Nice place, in the heart of the action and a nice indoor pool. They also have a resonable patch of grass for the kids to run around on and play catch, etcc. I also like Newport Yachting Center. Also in the heart of the action. And I did hear they have an arrangement for guests to use the pool at Newport Harbor Hotel but you would need to confirm that.

Navigation into Newport is pretty easy. Boat traffic can be heavy but the harbor is large and well laid out. Just check your charts.
 
Essex Island Marina is great. Brewers in Essex is second best. Both have pools and are basically in town. Just a bit farther up river is Hamburg Cove and Gillette Castle.

In Newport there are lots of marinas in town. Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina has a pool.
 
I agree with Sea Gull on Essex Island Marina, it is terrific and very kid friendly. In Mystic my advice is to get a membership at Mystic Seaport (a good thing in any event) and then book a spot at the Museum dock. It's an unforgettable experience. And there is lots of room for kids to run around.
 
Essex Island is very good. Great pool. In Mystic I would stay at Brewers. I know someone said to stay away, but I keep my boat there and can say that it is very nice. Great pool and hot tub. You will need a dink to get into town or it will be about 15 minutes walking time. You could also stay at the actual Mystic Seaport. Not the seaport marina. Fixed docks, but very close to town and you get to wander through the seaport all day.
 
248Vista and I are talking about the same thing - staying "at the actual Mystic Seaport" and the "Museum dock". After the Seaport closes for the day (7 p.m.?), the people on the docks for the night basically own the place. Particularly in June-July when it stays light late it is great to be able to stroll the grounds with no crowds, actually no people at all other that the other boaters.

I stayed at Brewers two summers ago. I keep my old boat at Brewers Pilots Point and they have a reciprocal arrangement. The Brewers in Mystic is very well kept with beautiful docks, clean restrooms and showers, nice pool etc. It is a long walk to town and a long walk back. We didn't try going to town in the dingy because we weren't sure if we would find a place to tie up. If there is a town dingy dock that would be the answer.
 
There is a town dingy dock just before the draw bridge. Makes it nice and easy. It is really cool staying at the seaport though. It can be a tad creepy sometimes, but still cool
 
Thanks for all your suggestions, looks like Essex Island and the Newport Hotel Marina are tops on the list. Not sure if were going to include Mystic yet ot not. Any further information anyone can provide on restaurants and family things to would also be helpful. Thanks again
 
I would not pass on Mystic. It is actually, in my opinion, nicer and has more to do than Essex. Tons of restaurants, always someting going on in town. The Seaport, the aquarium and olde Mystic Village. You will not want to pass it.
 
Be careful if you stay in Mystic with kids, there is a really nice toy store that you cannot go into town without passing. You'll blow your vacation fund before you even get to town.

Dan
 
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