The second day of our road trip was truly an action packed day full of lots of fun. Besides the castle; all of it was really exciting for the kids and they loved it.

Ready for apple picking!

Our first stop for the day was to Rose Orchards Farm to do apple picking. It turned out the apple’s weren’t ready yet so we did peaches instead. The kids certainly didn’t mind! They were happy to be fruit picking. They absolutely loved the apple picking when we went to the Poconos last year, so they knew what fun this would be!

Having a taste test.

Tate’s turn to try.

Tate picking a peach.

After the peach picking we headed to Essex to start our train ride. Our train adventure was quite involved. It included riding a steam train, then a ferry to the castle, a tour of the caste, ferry back to the train and then a hop off the train for a boat ride and then finally the train back to Essex. A lot, right?

Checking out one of the other trains.

Our train arriving at the station!

Riding in the train.

When we got off the train (we were the only ones who chose to get off and go to the castle!) we had to walk a little way to the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and then ride it over to the Gillette Castle State Park and hike up a hill to get to the castle. Of course we didn’t realise that there were two ways to get to the caste – by road or state park. So Richard ended up carrying the pram up stairs. Luckily we realised there was an easier way once arriving at the castle and took that way back!

Gillette Castle.

Closer up.

Gillette Castle was initially privately owned and was built by William Gillette. William Gillette is an American actor most notably known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage.

Inside the Castle.

William Gillette loved wood and used it every where. Intricately carved and made doors and locks. It was really amazing!

The back of the castle.

After the castle we took the ferry back and waited to catch the train again.

The view from our ferry ride back.

Waiting at the station.

Here’s our train!

Knox napped during our first train ride, so it was great that he got to enjoy the second one!

Next stop was the Becky Thatcher river boat for an hour long cruise around the Connecticut River.

Riding on the boat.

A view of the castle from the riverboat.

After the riverboat ride we headed back on to train to return to Essex. After such a long day all we did was drive to Mystic Connecticut, had dinner and crashed in our hotel!