Connecticut Dinner Train

Board the Elegant Essex Clipper and Enjoy a 4 Course Meal and Beautiful Views of the Valley

Gifts are delivered as an open dated Gift Certificate, making it easy to book a date in the future. * Risk Free Purchase Guarantee.

About This Experience Gift

  • Step Back in Time and Board an Elegantly Restored 1920's Pullman Car
  • Relax and Enjoy Breathtaking Views of the Connecticut River Valley
  • Savor a Delicious and Beautifully Presented Four Course Meal

Climb aboard the elegant Essex Clipper for a two and a half hour scenic journey through the Connecticut River Valley. You and your guest will savor a four-course meal served in lavishly restored 1920’s Pullman cars.

Relax with the rhythm of the rails, traveling back to a time when trains were king and “dinner in the diner” was a decadent special occasion. Indulge in a delicious four course meal during this breathtaking sightseeing excursion through the beautiful Valley, named one of the “last great places on Earth”by the Nature Conservitory. Travel northward from Essex Station through scenic towns, serene forests and picturesque meadows. On the trek back, you and your guest will pass the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek, spotting geese, Blue Herons, and even Bald Eagles!

Combining brilliant sights and a relaxing atmosphere, the Essex Clipper has something for everyone. So whether you are looking to take a trip back in time or a unique date night, this Ride on the Rails is the ticket, and makes the perfect gift!

Where to Go for Scenic Train Rides in Hartford

  • Essex, Connecticut

Group Size and Spectator Info

Participants
The Connecticut Dinner Train For Two Experience Gifts Certificate is valid for two participants, unless additional are added onto the certificate. There may be up to fifty additional participants in the dining car.

Guests
This experience is not suitable for non-paying guests or spectators.

When can you book Connecticut Dinner Train

OPEN CURRENTLY CLOSED

The Connecticut Dinner Train is offered Saturday and Sunday evenings May thru October; and Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings July and August, subject to availability.

The train boards at 6:30 PM and departs at 7:00 PM on Saturday Evenings May thru August and boards at 4:30 PM and departs at 5:00 PM on Saturday Evenings in September and October.

The train boards at 3:30 PM and departs at 4:00 PM on Sunday Evenings May thru September and boards at 4:30 PM and departs at 5:00 PM on Sunday Evenings in October.

The train boards at 6:30 PM and deptarts at 7:00 PM on Friday Evenings in July and August. Afternoon Trains are offered in October and board at 11:30 AM and depart at 12:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

How Long Is The Connecticut Dinner Train

The Connecticut Dinner Train For Two has a travel time of 2½ hours and a total duration of approximately 3 hours.

Does Weather Impact Scenic Train Rides

The Essex Dinner Train may be rescheduled by the Conductor if there is severe weather.

What to Wear for Scenic Train Rides

Business Casual attire is suggested.

What To Know Before You Go

Spring and Summer Dinner Menu
*menu subject to change
Prime Rib, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetable
Chicken Francaise with lemon, butter and herbs served over pesto linguine with seasonal vegetables
Mahi Mahi with jasmine rice, avocado lime crema, and mango salsa
Linguine with house made pesto, sauteed vegetables and shaved parmesan Vegetarian Option

Fall Dinner Menu
Prime Rib with a red wine au jus, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Stuffed chicken breast with cranberry herb stuffing and a lemon beurre blanc
Seafood Newburg
Mushroom ravioli with a brandy cream sauce Vegetarian Option

*All Entrees Include Prefix Cheese Plate Table Top Appetizer, Salad, Warm Rolls and Dessert

Beverages other than water, coffee and tea are additional and can be purchased on board from the full service CASH bar.

Reservations are subject to availability; Certificates are not redeemable for Specialty or Holiday Events.

Children under the age of 10 years old are not permitted onboard.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time and bring Photo ID for boarding.

Price includes tax and meal service gratuity.

ITEM/SKU NUMBER: 05YE37900A

Inquire about this Experience

Reservation And Cancelation Policy

All changes to reservations for the Connecticut Dinner Train Experience require fourteen (14) days advance notice.

Xperience Certificates® cannot be exchanged once a reservation for the experience has been made.

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