Bee & Thistle Inn

Home
Groups
CONTACT
860-767-0103

Train & Boat
- Train & Boat
  Train & Boat
  Essex Steam Train & Riverboat’s 2 1/2-hour journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley.
  Learn More
- Schedule & Fares
  Schedule & Fares
  Schedule and fare info is just a click away. All pricing for excursion packages to fit your budget. Plan your excursion today.
  Learn More
- Gillette Castle
  Gillette Castle
  The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat offers a unique hiking experience to Gillette Castle.
  Learn More
- Saybrook Special
  Saybrook Special
  The historic 4-mile stretch of rail south of Essex Station to Old Saybrook is available for passenger travel aboard the Saybrook Special!
  Learn More
- Caboose Weekends
  Caboose Weekends
  The caboose is owned by the non-profit Friends of the Valley Railroad, and was named in honor of Ralph H. Gibson.
  Learn More
- Lunch Excursions
  Lunch Excursions
  Enjoy a 3-course lunch aboard restored 1920’s Pullman dining cars as part of a 3.75 hour lunch, train and riverboat sightseeing excursion.
  Learn More
Dinner Train
- Dinner Train
  Dinner Train
  All Aboard the elegant Essex Clipper for a four-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920’s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive.
  Learn More
- Dinner Train Menu
  Dinner Train Menu
  Enjoy a 3-course lunch aboard restored 1920’s Pullman dining cars as part of a 3.75 hour lunch, train and riverboat sightseeing excursion.
  Learn More
- Dinner Train Schedule
  Dinner Train Schedule
  All Aboard the elegant Essex Clipper for a four-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920′s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive.
  Learn More
- Historic Train
  Historic Train
  See a listing of all the Historic Dining Cars and locomotives.
  Learn More
- Dinner Train Charters
  Dinner Train Charters
  The Essex Clipper Dinner Train is available for groups, private parties and chartered events.
  Learn More
Seasonal Excursions
- Free Sat Hi-Rail Rides
  Free Saturday Hi-Rail Rides
  The Friends of the Valley Railroad provide free rides in the Valley Railroad “Hi-Rail” van on select Saturdays in September and October.
  Learn More
- Passengers from the Past
  Passengers from the Past
  Join us at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat as we host living history.
  Learn More
- Saturday Night Sunset Cruise
  Friday and Saturday Night Sunset Cruise
  The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers Friday and Saturday Night Sunset Cruises aboard the Becky Thatcher — a lovely ride down the Connecticut River from the boat’s dock in Deep River to the Baldwin Bridge and back again.
  Learn More
- Music on the Riverboat
  Music on the Riverboat
  What could be more enjoyable than live music while sailing down the Connecticut River and watching a gorgeous sunset? NOTHING! And that’s why we’re offering three nights of music on The Becky Thatcher Riverboat.
  Learn More
- East Haddam Concert Express
  East Haddam Concert Express
  Take advantage of this unique opportunity to travel the Lower Connecticut River Valley aboard vintage coach train cars on your way to enjoy the Music on the River series concerts.
  Learn More
- Rhythm by the Rails
  Rhythm by the Rails
  Rhythm by the Rails is a live lawn concert series throughout the summer. All bands perform rain or shine from 6:30-8:00 pm on the lawn of Essex Station and admission is FREE.
  Learn More
- Tha’r Be Pirates on the CT River
  Thar' Be Pirates
  The Saybrook Swashbucklers,” that nefarious band of pirates known to troll the CT River sail alongside and come on board The Becky Thatcher Riverboat.
  Learn More
- Cigar & Whiskey Cruise
  Sunset Cigars & Whiskey
  Join us as we host a night of refined pleasures on our popular Cigar & Whiskey Cruise designed for adults only.
  Learn More
- Laugh Tracks Comedy Train
- Chocolate and Wine Cruise
  Chocolate & Wine Cruise
  Love chocolate? Who doesn’t? Love wine? Oh, yes! It’s a match made in heaven and we’re bringing it to you on Thursday, September 14th.
  Learn More
- Swallow Sunset Cruise
  Sunset Cruises
  The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers Friday and Saturday Night Sunset Cruises aboard the Becky Thatcher.
  Learn More
- Brats and Beer Cruise
  Brats & Beer Cruise
  Beer, Bratwurst, and Beautiful Fall foliage on the Connecticut River. A great night is in store for you from the minute you smell the brats sizzling on the grill to the last sip of beer as you glide into dock after the end of a stunning sunset.
  Learn More
- Fall Foliage
  Fall Foliage Cruise
  Make this magnificent autumnal adventure an annual Fall Foliage tradition for the memory books!
  Learn More
- Talk Like a Pirate Cruise
- Hand on the Throttle
  Hand on the Throttle
  A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about and actually operate a full size steam locomotive! Reserve your spot early…participation in the HOTT is limited to 8 students per day.
  Learn More
- Haddam Swing Bridge Special
  Haddam Swing Bridge Fall Special
  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.
  Learn More
Private Events
- Functions & Charters
  Functions & Charters
  No matter what your event is, Essex Steam Train & Riverboat can make it extra special with a variety of choices. From the Riverboat to the Dinner Train, to our grounds and facilities, Essext Steam Train can make your event the talk of all your friends!
  Learn More
- Dinner Train Charters
  Dinner Train Charters
  The Essex Clipper Dinner Train is available for groups, private parties and chartered events.
  Learn More
- Riverboat Charters
  Riverboat Charters
  Breathtaking views from the Becky Thatcher riverboat set the stage for a memorable party, wedding, rehearsal dinner, family reunion, or corporate event. Our riverboat, a Connecticut River Valley fixture, is available for evening charter, May – October.
  Learn More
- Meeting Spaces
  Meeting Spaces
  No matter what the event, EST&R has the right venue for you. From weddings to birthday parties, and everything in between we have you covered with delicious food options and attentive staff.
  Learn More
- Weddings & Receptions
  Weddings & Receptions
  Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a variety of special wedding packages that will be the perfect for the wedding of your dreams!
  Learn More
- Caboose Birthdays
  Caboose Birthday Parties
  Your child’s dream – a party on a Little Red Caboose! Available May through October.
  Learn More
- School Trips
  School Trips
  Here at Essex Steam Train we love kids! A ride on the Essex Steam Train and the Connecticut Riverboat offers many educational touchstones.
  Learn More
- Group Bookings
  Group Tours
  Fun in numbers! At Essex Steam Train we love groups of any size! Learn more about what EST&R can offer for your next group gathering.
  Learn More
Plan A Visit
- FAQ General
  FAQs-General
  Go ahead and ask us. We've got your questions covered!
  Learn More
- Trackside Cafe
  Trackside Cafe
  Stop by Trackside Café for a tasty, convenient, and affordable lunch while visiting the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.
  Learn More
- Gift Shop
  Gift Shop
  Come visit The Gift and Memorabilia Shop at the Essex Steam Train for traditional Engineer Caps and Train Whistles, as well as dozens of new t-shirts, toys, and activities.
  Learn More
- Directions
  Getting Here
  We are looking forward to seeing you! Let us help you get here easily.
  Learn More
- Brochure Download
  EST&R Brochure
  To view our full brochure, please click the download link below.
  Download
- Essex Station
  Essex Station
  View a map of the EST&R grounds with helpful information on specific areas to help you navigate.
  Learn More
- Food & Lodging
  Food & Lodging
  See what the surrounding areas of this beautiful corner of Connecticut has to offer for dining and lodging.
  Learn More
- Oliver Jensen Gallery
  Oliver Jensen Gallery
  The gallery is named in honor of Oliver Jensen, offers seasonal shows, usually featuring an exhibition in summer and winter.
  Learn More
- Local Attractions
  Local Attractions
  Learn more about places to explore in our own backyard, along the Connecticut shoreline, in the greater Mystic area and beyond!
  Learn More
Specials
- 2018 Packages
  Packages
  Learn more about the great packages EST&R has to offer!.
  Learn More
- Discounts
  Discounts
  We often extend specials and discounts for different groups. Click below to see our current discounts.
  Learn More
- Tourism
  Tourism Packages
  EST&R has partnered with some of the areas most spectacular Inns so you may experience what this beautiful corner of Connecticut has to offer.
  Learn More
- Visions of the Holidays
  Visions of the Holidays
  Design the front of a holiday greeting card and be eligible to have your original artwork displayed on the walls of River Valley Junction for the holidays.
  Learn More
About
- About
  About Valley Railroad
  The Valley Railroad Company, operating the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, has been serving the lower Connecticut River Valley since 1971.
  Learn More
- History
  Valley Railroad History
  The Valley Railroad Company has been in existance in one form or the other since 1868.
  Learn More
- Employment
  Employment Opportunities
  Find out more about our seasonal job opportunities and how to become a part of our EST&R family.
  Learn More
- HANDICAP ACCESS
  Accessibility
  Essex Station is proud to be an ADA compliant site. However, for safety & insurance requirements, it is necessary that all guests be able to move around our grounds without our assistance.
  Learn More
- Press
  Press Kit
  For press and media inquiries or information, please click Learn More.
  Learn More
- Photography Policy
  Photography Policy
  We love your photos! For information on our photography policy, please click Learn More. Sharing on social media? Don't forget to use our hashtag #essexsteamtrain
  Learn More
- In the Media
  In the Media
  Come see where we've been featured!
  Learn More
- Side Tracks Blog
- Leadership
  Leaderhip & The Faces of EST&R
  See the wonderful folks who make the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat experience one to remember!
  Learn More
- Valley Railroad Radio

860-767-0103

Tourism

Tourism & Packages

Posted on August 25, 2017

- Built in 1756, the Inn in Old Lyme, CT is rich with over 300 years of Connecticut history
- Friday-Tuesday overnight stay at The Bee & Thistle Inn
- Two tickets to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat excursion
- Bottle of wine and Cheese & Crackers when you arrive after your excursion
- Dinner for two at the Chestnut Grille
- Continental Breakfast
- Package pricing starts from $450.00, excluding tax and fees
- Booked through The Bee & Thistle Inn / 860-434-1667

<< Back

Train & Boat

Schedule & Fares

Gillette Castle

Saybrook Special

Caboose Weekends

Lunch Excursions

Dinner Train

Dinner Train Menu

Dinner Train Schedule

Historic Train

Dinner Train Charters

Free Saturday Hi-Rail Rides

Passengers from the Past

Friday and Saturday Night Sunset Cruise

Music on the Riverboat

East Haddam Concert Express

Rhythm by the Rails

Thar' Be Pirates

Sunset Cigars & Whiskey

Chocolate & Wine Cruise

Sunset Cruises

Brats & Beer Cruise

Fall Foliage Cruise

Hand on the Throttle

Haddam Swing Bridge Fall Special

Functions & Charters

Dinner Train Charters

Riverboat Charters

Meeting Spaces

Weddings & Receptions

Caboose Birthday Parties

School Trips

Group Tours

FAQs-General

Trackside Cafe

Gift Shop

Getting Here

EST&R Brochure

Essex Station

Food & Lodging

Oliver Jensen Gallery

Local Attractions

Packages

Discounts

Tourism Packages

Visions of the Holidays

About Valley Railroad

Valley Railroad History

Employment Opportunities

Accessibility

Press Kit

Photography Policy

In the Media

Leaderhip & The Faces of EST&R

Tourism & Packages

Bee & Thistle Inn

Posted on August 25, 2017

View Our Calendar

Buy Gift Cards

SEASONAL EXCURSIONS

STAY CONNECTED