Area Attractions
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Ride
A 12 mile round-trip scenic ride on a vintage railroad and a cruise on the riverboat"Becky Thatcher".

Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea
Maritime village with authentic 19th century ships and historic homes on the Mystic River in Mystic.
Mystic Aquarium
Home to over six thousand species with 49 living exhibits and a marine theater.

Gillette Castle and State Park
Hilltop Stone Mansion overlooking the Connecticut River. Built by William Gillette in 1919. Gillette was a stage actor most noted for portraying Sherlock Holmes for many years in New York. Located in Hadlyme. A short ride on the Chester Ferry (in season) is an interesting approach and a great view of the mansion from the river.

Essex Village
A picturesque riverside town with an eclectic medley of boutiques, clothing shops, gift shops, art galleries, antique shops, eateries, marinas, and an inviting town green on Middle Cove to enjoy the ambience of the town.

Chester Village
A whimsical town with a quaint selection of clothing shops, antique shops, art galleries, craft studios, and restaurants.

Old Lyme Village
On the eastern bank of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. Location of the Florence Griswold Museum, home of American Impressionism. Art galleries, shops, restaurants.

Old Saybrook
A shoreline village with multiple beach communities and marinas. Located at the mouth of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. Home to the new Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, numerous national and smaller retailers and restaurants.