EXPERIENCES
Great Train Robbery
May 16
Step aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train for an unforgettable evening of dining, drama, and 1920s intrigue! Don your finest 1920s attire and start the night with a lively cocktail hour on our trackside patio before boarding the elegant train for a sumptuous dinner as you travel through the scenic Connecticut River Valley. But keep an eye on your wallets—a gang of vintage-era bandits is hot on your trail!
Lunch Train
May 22 and June 5
A 3-course lunch aboard restored 1920’s Pullman dining cars as part of a 3.75 hour lunch, train and riverboat sightseeing excursion.
11:15 am Boarding at Essex Station, salad and main entrée served
11:30 am Scenic train excursion while finishing meal
12:45 pm Dessert on train at Deep River Landing
1:10 pm Becky Thatcher riverboat excursion
3:05 pm Return to Essex Station via coach train
All entrées are served with Garden Salad, Roll and Chef’s Dessert
Cash Bar for Wine, Beer, Non-alcoholic beverages
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Please be aware that our food is prepared in a common kitchen and may contain or come into contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish or shellfish.
Springtime In Paris
May 29
Our culinary team is excited to welcome you aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train for one of our three specialty dining experiences, departing Essex Station on select Fridays in 2026. During the heyday of train travel in the United States, railroads heavily incorporated a blend of local and international cuisine when creating menus for their first-class dining cars. Inspired by the culinary traditions that shaped our present dining service, our chefs have crafted three unique prix-fixe menus to serve aboard our one-of-a-kind Pullman dining cars.
Caspian’s Clues
May 31
A new detective has arrived at the Essex Steam Train. The Essex Steam Train is excited to introduce a new face to the crew aboard select afternoon train rides: Caspian Holmes. As the grandson of Sherlock Holmes, Caspian is carrying on a long lost family tradition by establishing a new chapter of the Bright Eyed Rogue Detective Society (BERDS).
Cigar & Whiskey Experience
June 19
Settle into a smooth summer evening at Essex Station’s South Patio for our Cigar & Whiskey Experience 
Enjoy a laid-back, open-air night filled with bold flavors, live music, and great company. Sample a curated lineup of premium whiskeys while connecting with featured liquor reps, and explore top-tier cigars from Bongo Ron’s Cigar & Lounge.
Savor mouthwatering BBQ, kick back with friends, and let the Cobalt Rhythm Kings set the vibe with live tunes that carry you through the night.
Whether you’re here for the whiskey, the cigars, the music, or just a great atmosphere—this is your perfect excuse to unwind and indulge in a little smoke, spice, and soul.
Donuts with Dad
June 21
An Evening In Tuscany
June 26
Our culinary team is excited to welcome you aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train for one of our three specialty dining experiences, departing Essex Station on select Fridays in 2026. During the heyday of train travel in the United States, railroads heavily incorporated a blend of local and international cuisine when creating menus for their first-class dining cars. Inspired by the culinary traditions that shaped our present dining service, our chefs have crafted three unique prix-fixe menus to serve aboard our one-of-a-kind Pullman dining cars.
Princess Academy & Royal Tea
July 11, 12, 18 & 19
Let us make all of your wishes come true on July 11, 12, 18 & 19 when you attend our third annual Princess Academy and Royal Tea! Dress your princess in training in her prettiest gown and join our beautiful Belle of the Valley and her regal companions in the Grand Ballroom at Essex Station for an unforgettable and magical afternoon.
Family Pirate Adventures
August 1
Ahoy and avast, me hearties! Come aboard for a jolly good time and join the crew of the infamous Captain Kidd! Set sail with the scurvy scallywags of the Becky Thatcher on a fully immersive, one-of-a-kind treasure hunt along the Connecticut River. Hear tales of sea serpents, mermaids, and buried loot, and take part in the search for Kidd’s long-lost treasure—right aboard the ship! Sing sea shanties with our band of merry pirates and take home a piece of your newfound treasure.
Thar Be Pirates
August 21
Ahoy! Let us show you a wicked good time as you join the crew of the notorious Captain Kidd for an exclusive night of pirate fun on the Connecticut River. Join a gathering of the legendary pirates of New England as they celebrate the most notorious dread pirate of them all aboard the Becky Thatcher, the famed riverboat overtaken by a rowdy crew for this very occasion.
