EAST HADDAM

East Haddam is a rural town of about 8,900 spread across 57 square miles of Connecticut River valley farmland, state parks, and old villages. The Goodspeed Opera House has anchored the riverfront since 1877.

The Goodspeed produces nationally recognized musicals in a Victorian-era opera house perched above the Connecticut River. You are watching shows in the theater that originated Annie, Man of La Mancha, and Shenandoah before they moved to Broadway — a track record that earned two Special Tony Awards.

A town where the venue is the destination. Gillette Castle and Devil's Hopyard State Park draw daytime visitors, and the Goodspeed fills the evenings. East Haddam Village along the river retains its 19th-century scale.

Tip: Book Goodspeed tickets early — the intimate house sells out, especially for new productions. Combine a show with a visit to Gillette Castle, five minutes north.

Neighborhoods: East Haddam Village • Moodus • Hadlyme