Chrissy hails from Connecticut and moved back over a year ago after living the good life in Boston. The change of pace has done her well and she truly enjoys living, working, and playing in her home state. Working in the field of marketing and communications Chrissy hopes that her posts will entice others to check out the great state of CT!
I’m excited to have Chrissy guest blogging for me today while I get settled in Glasgow!
Summer’s just coming to an end and that means there is still the potential opportunity to partake in warm-weather events and outdoor venues. In recent months I have had the opportunity to visit a unique and historical venues in CT that is perfect for the summer months: The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT.
Driving along scenic Rt 9 in CT, the Goodspeed Opera House is about 35 minutes south of Hartford. The Goodspeed Opera House was built in 1876 by William Goodspeed for his shipping and banking business and to provide a venue for his love of theatre. The opera house opened on October 24, 1877. After Goodspeed’s death, the opera house went from serving as a militia base during World War I to a general store to a storage depot for the State of Connecticut Highway Department. In 1959, Goodspeed Musicals restored the building, and the Goodspeed Opera House was rededicated on June 18, 1963.
The Opera House itself is perched along the banks of the river and offers breathtaking views. Picnic tables and benches arranged outside welcome patrons to sit during intermission or after the show. The theater itself is quite small, so everyone is guaranteed a great seat, and the history of the architecture is evident everywhere you look. The theater even has a bar for that intermission-drink and they carry a variety of “themed” drink specials. And don’t let the name fool you – the “Opera House” caters towards popular musicals and plays.
My friend and I took in a matinee of the musical Carousel and we had a delightful time! While the crowd in attendance was on the older side, it was the perfect afternoon trip! The Opera House is a popular tourist site in CT and they event hold weddings and special events. While we did not have the chance to partake, The Gelston House, located directly across from the Opera House is a wonderful place to grab a delicious meal. The restaurant has ample outdoor seating and a broad menu – and you can’t beat the view of the boats going by!
The CT Shoreline certainly has a lot to offer and a trip to the Goodspeed Opera House is a “must” if you are planning a visit to the state and are looking to experience culture, history and entertainment all in one!
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