The seaside town of Mystic has a tidy downtown laced with shops, galleries and antique stores. Nearby homes built for the rich sea captains of bygone days radiate charm. The 17-acre (7-ha) museum town of Mystic Seaport exhibits the workshops, buildings and shops of 19th-century Mystic, with the paraphernalia of the whaling era showcased in displays and films. Theater is also used to entertain and educate people about whaling and the lifestyle of the time. Winding along the Mystic River is the Four Mile River Road. This natural area is a welcome place for bikers and hikers to trek-no cars allowed. The road meanders past an osprey sanctuary. Another appealing place to visit in the Mystic area is the Mystic Aquarium, which is home to over 6000 sea creatures.A visit to Olde Mistick Village provides shopping, restaurants and entertainment in the guise of an historic New England village.