Essex Steam Train North Pole Express

Yea, we finally have snow on the ground for the holidays!  Last night parts of Connecticut received almost one foot of snow.  It’s always nice to have some on the ground to get everyone in the holiday mood.

Many children will be on school break until after the New Year.  If you’re looking for a great family event, check out the Essex Steam Train North Pole Express.

Just a short drive down Route 9 from Hartford, as well as not to far from I-95, there’s plenty of things to do in the historic village of Essex.

When my daughters were younger, we all enjoyed this scenic trip.

What:  Essex Steam Train and Riverboat (North Pole Express)

Where: 1 Railroad Avenue off Route 154.

For Information: http://www.essexsteamtrain.com/northpole.html

Board our locomotive-powered sleigh…for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Every coach becomes a stage for a live, musical performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies.

Essex, a historical town, was famous for manufacturing piano keys, and the nearby town of Ivoryton was known as a center of the ivory trade.  Also nearby  is the Ivoryton Playhouse.

After the trip, visit the Village of Essex for  many fine dining restaurants and shoppes.  Be sure to check out the 1776 vintage Griswold Inn, (known locally as the “Gris”).

Local Trivia: David Bushnell, designer of the American Turtle, coined the word submarine to describe his invention.

Check back near spring for more information on the upcoming Riverboat Cruises!

Cindi is the author of Moomettesgram’s Musings for WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, and Mama Mentor for personal musings and observations of aBaby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England. She is also the Editor of Timeless Bliss.  Follow Moomettesgram on Twitter.