Fly-In to Goodspeed Airport and Seaplane Base and Enjoy Some Tasty Food and History at the Gelston House

CT – Are you looking for a riverfront airport that’s within walking distance of a historic restaurant and inn that dates back to before the Declaration of Independence was signed? If you are, then a flight out to Goodspeed Airport (42B) with an evening at the Gelston House might be your idea of a perfect fly-in night out or weekend getaway.

Flying into Goodspeed Airport and Seaplane Base

If you’re looking for an airport with a view, you can’t go wrong with Goodspeed Airport and Seaplane Base. It’s located in East Haddam on Lumberyard Road, next to the Connecticut River. In fact, it’s so close to the river that overshooting the end of Runway 32 is not recommended. This airport features two runways, one for seaplanes. Runway 32/14 is paved and 2,120 feet long by 50 feet wide. There are no obstructions on Runway 14, leading to the river. However, there are 70-foot trees in front of Runway 32.

Runway 16W/34W is the Connecticut River. It is 4,500 feet long and 1,000 feet wide. A bridge is 1,700 feet from Runway 16W. Goodspeed Airport is open and available to the public; however, it is privately owned.

The airport, which was first activated in 1964, covers 57 acres and has 19 aircraft based there. On average, 119 aircraft operate weekly. Eighty percent of the aircraft operations are local general aviation, 19 percent are transient aircraft, and less than a percent are air taxis. The CTAF is 122.8.

Goodspeed Airport and Seaplane Base have 36 hangars and ramps down to the river. There are day and overnight landing fees to help fund the airport. If you’d like a t-shirt or hat to commemorate your trip, there are 42B hats and t-shirts available for sale at the airport.

Gelston House Restaurant and Inn

As you land at Goodspeed Airport and Seaplane Base, you might see The Gelston House Restaurant and Inn on your approach. It’s located .3 miles from the airport, and it was built in 1736 by Jabez Chapmen. At that time, it was known as The Riverside Inn and operated as a dwelling house. In 1776, which was the same year that the Declaration of Independence was signed, the property was purchased by Mr. Gelston. The Gelston family, for which the building gets its name, owned and operated the inn for the next 49 years. In 1825, a businessman named Joseph Goodspeed purchased the inn. Joseph operated the inn until 1853. At that time, the son of Mr. Gelston, George Gelston, sought to repurchase his family’s hotel. He got together with several of the residents of East Haddam, created the Gelston Hotel Company, and bought the hotel from Joseph Goodspeed.

Today, the Gelston House Restaurant and Inn is owned by the Goodspeed Opera House Foundation, and visitors are greeted by an excellent atmosphere. Guests can choose to sit inside or dine on the patio during the warmer months, and there’s no need to drive from the airport—it’s only a six-minute walk. The restaurant and inn are open at 11:30 AM Wednesday through Saturday and close at 9 PM. On Sunday, they’re open from 10:30 AM to 8 PM. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Gelston House Restaurant and Inn Menu

The menu is robust in its offerings. Guests can choose from the main dinner menu of starters and entrees or the dinner and dinner pub menu. The lunch and pub menu, which is very popular, features banging shrimp, crispy brussel spouts, Gelston wings, Bavarian pretzels, Philly spring rolls, and garden salads for the starters menu. They also have chicken short ribs, blackened fish, and pulled pork tacos. Main courses include fish and chips, chicken avocado salad, steak tips, chicken and waffles, and Italian sea bass. For those who’d like a sandwich, they offer burgers, chicken sandwiches, fried fish, and lobster rolls, as well as many other tasty dishes. They also offer a boozy brunch every Sunday at 10:30 AM.

Gelston House Restaurant and Inn Lodging

If you’d like to stay the night, the Gelston House Restaurant and Inn has five rooms. Rooms 201, 202, 301, and 302 all have water views, while room 303 does not. Rooms are equipped with either one or two Queen beds, and they each have their own bathroom. It’s worth noting that the historic inn does not have an elevator, and bookings must be made via email or phone.

Gelston House Restaurant and Inn Private Events

The Gelston House Restaurant and Inn also hosts private events, including weddings. Each package provides a starter, entree, and dessert. However, the gold package offers more food options.

East Haddam in the Lower Landing is a great day or weekend trip for pilots and their families. You can fly into Goodspeed Airport and Seaplane Base, where you will get a great view of the Connecticut River. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Gelston House Restaurant and Inn for a bite to eat. If you’re looking for theatrical entertainment, a trip over to the Goodspeed Opera House may be a good idea.

They put on various plays, and the box office opens at 10 AM. If you’re looking for more culture, you could also visit the East Haddam Historical Society Museum, Gillette Castle, or Ray of Light Farm. East Haddam is nothing short of a great weekend getaway for pilots, couples, and their families.