Haddam Swing Bridge Fall Special

Saturdays & Sundays October 5 – October 27, 2019

11:10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

All aboard the Haddam Swing Bridge Fall Special for a delightful all day fall foliage excursion, combining sightseeing, shopping, dining and culture in the towns of Haddam and East Haddam.

Board the historic Essex Steam Train for a late morning departure from Essex Station. The northbound trip skirts untouched woodlands, trestle bridges, tidal marshes and inlets as you revel in the bountiful Connecticut River Valley foliage. Pass through the quaint New England towns of Essex, Deep River and Chester on your journey to Goodspeed Station, serving Haddam and East Haddam. At Goodspeed Station, deboard the train for a 3+ hour visit to this historic river community composed of two towns – Haddam and East Haddam – joined together by the iconic 1913 East Haddam Swing Bridge. Shuttle buses (included) whisk you to your choice of quintessential shoreline stops that include dining, shopping, sightseeing, an eco-riverboat cruise, Eagle Landing State Park – a taste of everything that Haddam and East Haddam have to offer!

Restaurants

(1) The Cooking Company
Gourmet sandwiches and salads in a colonial-era home

(4) The Gelston House Restaurant and Gastro Pub
Classic American fare overlooking the river

(5) La Vita at Goodspeed Landing
Home of Italian in East Haddam

(8) The Town Tavern
Local favorite for American and pub

(9) Two Wrasslin’ Cats
Eclectic coffee, tea, sandwiches in funky home-style setting

Other Attractions to Visit

(2) Goodspeed’s Station Country Store
Candy, jewelry, gifts, home decor – can’t miss!

(3) Riverquest Eco-Excursions 
Small boat way to see the river up close

(6) Hillside Sweet Shoppe
Ice cream and candy; classic small shop for the sweet tooth

(7) East Haddam Village
Walk this classic 1700’s river landing village

(10) Staehly Farm & Winery
October 6 & 7 Fall Flavor Festival-Wine Tastings, food trucks, pumpkin patch,
farm market and kids hay maze. Wine and Hard Cider tastings, market & pumpkin patch, hay maze every weekend in October

(11) East Haddam Historical Society Museum 
East Haddam Resort & Textile Mill showcase

(-) Eagle Landing State Park 
The best location to photograph the bridge and opera house

This excursion requires moderate walking distances to be covered.
The excursion is not recommended for toddlers / small children; strollers
are not permitted on the Shuttle Buses

Operating Dates

Saturdays & Sundays October 5 – October 27, 2019

All passengers board vintage coach train cars at Essex Station at 11:10 a.m. The train will depart Essex at 11:20 a.m. for a leisurely 55 minute train ride through the beautiful Lower Connecticut River Valley and along the Connecticut River to Haddam, Connecticut. After enjoying your day in Haddam & East Haddam, you will re-board the train to return to Essex Station at 4:30 p.m.

For guests’ convenience, we offer the following three options. Each option includes the round-trip train excursion.

First Class Seating-12:30pm Boat Ride / Coach Seating-12:30pm Boat Ride

$50 COACH per person

$65 FIRST CLASS per person

11:20 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Train Excursion from Essex

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Riverquest Boat Ride

1:30 – 3:40 p.m.
Shuttle Bus service to Restaurants and Shops in Haddam & East Haddam

  • Price does not include food or beverages
  • We suggest making advance reservation at one of the listed restaurants for 1:45 p.m. 

First Class Seating-2:00 pm Boat Ride/ Coach Seating-2:00pm Boat Ride

$50 COACH per person

$65 FIRST CLASS per person

11:20 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Train Excursion from Essex

12:15 – 1:45 p.m.
Shuttle Bus service to Restaurants and Shops in Haddam & East Haddam

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Riverquest Boat Ride

3:20 – 3:40 p.m.
Goodspeed Station Gift Store visit

  • Price does not include food or beverages
  • We suggest making advance reservation at one of the listed restaurants for 12:30 pm

First Class Seating-No Boat Ride / Coach Seating- No Boat Ride

$35 COACH per person

$50 FIRST CLASS per person 

Create your own

11:20 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Train Excursion from Essex

12:30 – 3:40 p.m.
Shuttle Bus service to Restaurants and Shops in Haddam & East Haddam

  • Price does not include food, beverages or Riverquest Boat Ride

First Class Seating

This is a popular option and sells out every trip! Includes individual
leather chairs and Cash Beverage Service (on train only).