Take the back roads to get to East Haddam, unless you are aiming to have an experience of going from the extreme of the highway to the extreme of narrow, country roads. There is a ferry and a steel swing bridge. Pick one. On June 14th, the swing bridge celebrated its 100th birthday and this is the kind of place that throws a party for such an occasion.
Put on your Adventure Pants because this small town center requires visitors to walk…an entire block. There is a lot of charm packed into a small area, yet complaints have been lodged about parking here.
There is an opera house here, we know, but sometimes having unscheduled time is more relaxing. Grab an ice cream, then take a short jaunt to a pavilion or picnic table near the dock and spend time people-watching.
East Haddam has a farmers’ market every Wednesday from 4-7pm at the Grange.
There is a Historical Society and Museum.
It may not be a food mecca, but there are several restaurants.
It’s a photogenic town.
When you have had your fill of being in a town center, you can check out what else is in the area.
Gillette Castle State Park is one of those places you have to see, even if you never go inside.
Though children are permitted, this seems best enjoyed from the outside by those who are very young and/or into touching everything. This is a hands off space. Why stress over keeping Junior in line when you can just let her run amok on the grounds?
There is plenty to see and experience without paying admission. There are hiking trails and picnic tables. The food concession area actually has more than hot dogs, hamburgers, and grilled cheese.
But if you can go inside the castle, do it. You can not take flash photography. Or backtrack. Or touch anything. Pets are forbidden. Given the number of restrictions, we’re surprised at how cool the experience remained, even though our trip was on Connecticut Open House Day when admission was free and it was crowded.
Going to a castle and feeling like you’ve picked the wrong career path is normal.
William Hooker Gillette, by the way, had strong ties to Hartford. This fact makes the trip to what was his home feel a lot less like cheating on Hartford.
If you go inside, take the time to read his letters. The man had wit! Perhaps rivaling or exceeding that of a particular deceased longtime Hartford resident who has a reputation for his wit.
If you aren’t up for the concession stand, there are picnicking opportunities on the grounds or down the road at Devil’s Hopyard State Park. Maybe you are bad at planning, that’s okay. We found a place called The Cooking Company in Haddam that offers take out sandwiches, potato salad, and more. While you wait for the food, there is stuff to browse, like ginger syrup.
Devil’s Hopyard in East Haddam has fun, spooky lore, but really, it’s just a nice spot to picnic next to a river.
You might want to bring some natural insect repellent. Mosquitoes and ticks!
Gillette Castle State Park is located at 67 River Road in East Haddam. There is no parking fee.
Devil’s Hopyard State Park is at 366 Hopyard Road in East Haddam. There are no parking fees.