From the Essex Steam Train Website:
Old Saybrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, and East Haddam Residents ride free on May 18 & 19, 2019 on the Essex Steam Train’s Neighbor Appreciation Weekend! Neighbor Appreciation weekend includes free steam train and riverboat rides (coach seating) for residents in six towns along the Valley Railroad’s operating line Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, East Haddam and Old Saybrook.
- 10:00 a.m. 2-hour round-trip train ride or 3.5-hour round-trip train & boat ride to GOODSPEED STATION (Neighbor Appreciation Weekend dates of May 18 & 19 only)
Passengers may also select a 1-hour train ride or 2.5-hour train & boat ride (as available) at 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. - 1-hour train ride departs at 3:30 p.m.
Hop aboard this springtime adventure bursting with flora and fauna! The magnificent Connecticut River Valley – “one of the last great places on earth” situated in our own backyard – will be on full display from the multiple decks of the Becky Thatcher riverboat. Enjoy close up views of native wildlife in their natural habitat as the train traverses the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek. Treasure the historic sites, including East Haddam Swing Bridge, Goodspeed Opera House, and Gillette Castle.
Please note: Tickets for “Neighbor Appreciation Weekend” are available for all four departures on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Essex Steam Train Ticket Window on the excursion date (sorry, no advance tickets) and are for COACH SEATING; Passengers wishing to ride First Class must purchase a full price ticket. Limited seating is available, please arrive early to secure your tickets. Steam Train Only tickets will be offered in the event that Steam Train & Riverboat tickets are sold out. Adult residents must present picture identification at the Essex Station ticket window.
Photo by Kathy Brown.
