Connecticut is cold in February. It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to endure the frigid temperatures, short days, and long nights is to get outside. Yes, I'm suggesting we all should be outside - in February. Why? Vitamin D is more available in the winter here than most people think. Winter days are filled with bright sun and blue skies, despite the cold temperatures. The sun's reflection off the snow amplifies its rays and adds a soulful warmth in the most brilliant part of the day. It's a perfect, easy solution to beat the winter blues - and the only way to do it - is to pick a winter destination and go!

In this spirit, Mystic Seaport, a popular summer destination for families, has created a Winter Ice Festival that's just a short road trip from many metropolitan areas. The ice festival offers Ice Sculpting demonstrations, a chance to meet The New Foundland Land and Sea Dogs, marshmallow roasting, planetarium shows, and tours of their most popular antique boats.

It's well worth the trip, and the food is pretty good too. Every visitor enjoyed a free cookie, and a menu of for-purchase items offered very reasonable lunch options. I enjoyed a big bowl of clam chowder, and my husband had the chicken soup; both of us were very satisfied. The smores roasting pits were a fun addition to the event and ensured visiting strangers would leave as friends as we all huddled around the fire to stay warm while enjoying well-ventilated chats with faces we could finally fully see. The event reminded me of times when gatherings for community events was the norm and time spent with neighbors, uplifting - watching children's faces light up as they stuck their marshmallow sticks excitedly into the fire would warm even the grumpiest souls.

However, I wouldn't suggest the planetarium shows, which I found disappointing. The shows had titles such as "The Snow Globe" and "Northern Aurora," but there wasn't much offered from the production regarding the themes that these titles advertised. All the shows seemed to be identical. Beyond this minor disappointment, the day was terrific. The boats are always a joy to see, and the New Foundland Dog demonstrations were an additional highlight - and a bonus to parents of high-energy kids: there are 19-acres of grounds to run around with many interesting artifacts to interact with and climb on.

Mystic Seaport is a living museum that has been part of the Connecticut coastline since 1929. It is a replica of an 1800s maritime village typical of New England in that era. The buildings and homes at Mystic Seaport are authentic and were moved to their current locations to create the village when the museum was formed. Each of the homes within the village is still in working order and offers a glimpse of how villagers would cook their food, post their mail, repair their metals and build their ships.

Since 1941, The Charles W. Morgan Whale Ship has been docked here. It is the oldest surviving wooden whaling ship globally, and it is breathtaking in person.

The museum provides several demonstrations and daily activities for families to enjoy. To learn more, visit mysticseaport.org or, click below to visit our Seen & Heard page for more insights and photos of the day: