©2007: All rights reserved by The Valley Railroad Company. Any reproduction or distribution of the text or artwork presented here without the prior consent of the company is strictly prohibited.
©2003 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.

Tourist Guide to the Connecticut River Valley

1. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - Essex. Centrally located in the Connecticut River Valley, the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat is a great place to start your adventure. Be sure to visit River Valley Junction, an interactive museum located adjacent to Essex Station. Plan to spend: 3 - 4 hours
   
   
2. Essex Village - Visit "The Best Small Town in America." Shops, restaurants, and the Connecticut River Museum. Plan to spend: 2 - 3 hours plus time for lunch
   
   
3. Chester Village - Boutiques, galleries and restaurants in this quaint artist community. Plan to spend: 2 hours plus time for lunch
   
   
4. Gillette Castle State Park - Hadlyme. Once the home of William Gillette, a turn-of-the-century actor known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on Broadway. Plan to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours, plus time for a picnic lunch or hike
   
   
5. East Haddam Village - Shops and the Goodspeed Opera House. Plan to spend: 1 hour, plus 3 hours for Goodspeed performance
   
   
6. Florence Griswold Museum - Old Lyme. Recently expanded, this former art colony home showcases American Impressionist art. Plan to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours

Essex Steam Train to Essex Village and Connecticut River Museum (1.3 miles):
Turn RIGHT out of EST parking lot, go under Route 9 and turn LEFT at stop light onto West St. Follow West St. to Main St. shops and restaurants. The Connecticut River Museum is at the end of the street (don’t drive into the river).

Essex Steam Train to Gillette Castle via Route 154 (7.5 miles):
Turn LEFT out of EST parking lot onto Route 154 (north). Stay on Route 154 through Deep River village. Turn RIGHT onto Route 148 to the Hadlyme ferry (toll). After getting off the ferry turn LEFT onto Geer Hill Rd. to Gillette Castle State Park.

Essex Steam Train to Gillette Castle via Route 9 and Chester village (9.5 miles):
Turn RIGHT out of EST parking lot, go under Route 9, turn LEFT at stop light and immediately turn LEFT again onto Route 9 north to exit 6 (Route 148). Follow Route 148 to Chester village and onto the Hadlyme ferry (toll). After getting off the ferry turn LEFT onto Geer Hill Rd. to Gillette Castle State Park.

Essex Steam Train to Gillette Castle via Route 9 (year round all weather route, 15.6 miles):
Turn RIGHT out of EST parking lot, go under Route 9, turn LEFT at stop light and immediately turn LEFT again onto Route 9 north to exit 7 (Route 82). Follow Route 82 across the East Haddam swing bridge, through East Haddam village. Turn RIGHT onto River Rd. to Gillette Castle State Park.

Essex Steam Train to Florence Griswold Museum (5.6 miles):
Turn RIGHT out of EST parking lot and immediately turn RIGHT again onto Route 9 south to end; exiting directly onto Route I-95 north, over Baldwin Bridge to exit 70. At the bottom of the ramp turn LEFT onto Route 1 and follow to Florence Griswold Museum (on the LEFT after the fourth stoplight).

Florence Griswold Museum to Gillette Castle via route 156 (15.7 miles):
Turn RIGHT out of FGM parking lot onto Route 1. Turn RIGHT at third stop light onto Route 156 north to Route 148. Turn LEFT onto Route 148 south to Geer Hill Rd. (just before reaching the Hadlyme ferry). Turn RIGHT onto Geer Hill Rd. to Gillette Castle State Park.

We've also compiled a handy list of Inns, Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Restaurants in the Connecticut River Valley.