The Connecticut River Valley takes in New England river towns such as Middletown, Essex, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook. Tour the historical homes or experience the natural beauty of the river and the region's state parks. For a change of pace, take in a performance at the Ivoryton Playhouse or a musical at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam. In the north east of Connecticut, visitors can escape the hustle of city life to the quiet, country atmosphere of New England's towns. Most of the historical homes are only open from mid-May until mid-October. But, when they are open, guests can gain an insight into the daily lives of Revolutionary America. Some such sites include the Nathan Hale Homestead, the Prudence Crandall Museum and Jonathan Trumbull House. The Gillette Castle is another prominent River Valley attraction, featuring tours of this stately home built in 1919.