Ivoryton in Connecticut River Valley

Once a center for the ivory trade, where factories fabricated piano keys and hair combs, Ivoryton has since subsided into a residential quietude. A virtual suburb of the only slightly larger Essex, a few miles east, the town perks up a bit in summer, when the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. (tel. 860/767-7318; www.ivorytonplayhouse.com), conducts much of its theatrical season, which runs from March to November. The repertoire includes revivals of well-known shows such as Evita and The Glass Menagerie.