A popular summertime destination in the state of Connecticut is the town of Essex..along the Connecticut River Valley. The area is renowned for its authentic 19th century steam trains. Since 1871, these trains have operated throughout the region. Only one hundred currently exist in the United States. One can even catch a decent glimpse of nearby Gillette Castle through the train’s window. I chose the combo package of the narrated steam train and riverboat excursion, when I arrived in the region for a splendid day trip!

Vintage cars are pulled by a bona fide steam locomotive. The steam train and riverboat connection is the only one that currently exists in the United States.

The nostalgic train ride takes guests on a two and a half hour ride through the woods, passing by small towns, marshes, coves and boat piers. East Haddam, Lyme, Deep River are a few of the towns we encountered along the route.

The narrated tour informed us of various locations coming into our view along the way. Spots where birds and small mammals nestle or swim, town centers, boating docks, and so forth.

Deep River is the first small town that comes into our view. The docks to our left provide boarding and disembarking points for cruises along this stretch of the Connecticut Valley.

Our tour group disembarked from the train and boarded the riverboat. The glorious riverboat exuded a sense of adventure for me!

We cruised past several grassy marshes. An occasional flock of ducks or geese would greet us.

A couple of small islands may be found along the cruising route.

Gillette Castle came into our view eventually. This magnificent castle was the home of “Sherlock Holmes” stage actor William Gillette.

Next, we gazed upon the swing bridge standing proudly before us. It is a movable, swing truss bridge that opens up to allow the flow of river traffic or rail and auto traffic, based on the rotation at its motorized pivot points. The reputable East Haddam Opera House stands to its side.

Homes along the river stand on stilts for protection against flood waters.

After the lovely cruise had completed, our train awaited us for the journey back to Essex Train Station. I hopped into my car and headed to Gillette Castle for an up close encounter with its interior!

The stately castle is found perched on one of the Seven Sisters hill. It lies within the Gillette State Park.

The sprawling Connecticut River lies adjacent to the property and provides amazing views from the residence’s balcony or dining room windows. With construction completed in the year 1919, the residence includes a spacious living room, a library, a study, kitchen and pantry, nine bedrooms, and seven baths. President Calvin Coolidge, actress Helen Hayes, Albert Einstein, and Charlie Chaplin were among those celebrities whom were entertained as guests of Gillette at his castle during its heyday!

My lovely visit to the castle had concluded. My next destination brought me to Chester, another town along the Connecticut River. Art galleries, boutiques and restaurants are the offerings for the traveler in this quaint downtown. My main reason for a stop here, was to pay a visit to the vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurant “Six Main” (Six Main). Several of their vegetarian dishes can be made vegan. The knowledgeable waitstaff can assist with selections.

The waitress brought some crusty vegan whole wheat bread with a tasty bean dip.

For my dinner entree, I selected the General Tsao’s Cauliflower consisting of cauliflower, vegetable fried rice, cashew, broccolini, and chili paste. This meal was flavorful and really delicious! I recommend that vegan tourists in the area make this restaurant their dinner stop!

I chose the sweet cornbread with berry topping and vegan whipped cream for dessert. It was very good, not overly sweet but fruity, and a great complement to my savory meal.

When I arrived in Essex earlier in the day to board the stream train, I had not spent ample time in the town itself. Therefore, I headed back there to see the town during the evening. Many boutiques, shops, and dining establishments are located within the downtown.

I also paid a visit to the boat docks by the waterfront to admire the views of the local lighthouse and small boats under the light of the moon.

As I headed back home, my final stop for the evening was NORA Cupcake (Nora Cupcake) bakery in the town of Middletown, known to offer a few vegan flavors. There was one flavor remaining during the late evening hours, so that was to be my selection! Fortunately, it was a flavor that I absolutely love..chocolate! The chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting was scrumptious!

My visit to southeastern coastal Connecticut had come to an end. I really enjoyed my adventure on the historic steam train from Essex, the relaxing cruise along the Connecticut River, the gorgeous rooms within the magnificent Gillette Castle, and the superb vegan dining I encountered!