Mystic

If you’ve heard of Mystic, a small town on Connecticut’s Southeastern coast, it’s likely because of this movie. However, I’m not here to write about pizza.

I’d much rather profile the Mystic River Bascule Bridge–the town’s real landmark.

Built in 1920, it looks unlike any other bridge I can name.

Apparently, bascule bridges come in a plethora of shapes, sizes and designs, but I haven’t seen one with such bulky, square-like blocks on top of it.

Here’s a shot of the bridge when it’s up: notice how those big blocks are now firmly on the ground, providing weight.

I spy a pot-bellied guy through the drawbridge wheels.

Mystic itself has a charming (if small) downtown full of local businesses and not one single Starbucks.

Mystic’s Army Navy Store is a somewhat quirky one.

I can’t decide what I like more: the intense, blinding fluorescent light beaming out of Envy, or the little “Paint Misbehavin'” sign hanging next door.

I wish every nighttime picture I took had as vibrant a color palette as this one.

Spent an afternoon at the Mystic Seaport, a living history museum located along the river.

The pastoral view across the river–it’s oh-so-New England.

The Sabino steamboat. Built in 1908, it reminds me of FITZCARRALDO a bit.

What else could I say about this clearly exceptional sea craft?

A potential pirate ship (this one reminds me of the Captain’s Steak Joynt, which Milwaukeeans of a certain age will also remember).

Mystic Seaport has a lot of neat old buildings…

And a few novel, not-so-old structures, like this lighthouse replica.

Back to the Bridge: I wonder if they’ve ever had to use that life-preserver (or if it’s just “for show”).