Travel Edit : Essex, CT

Looking for a weekend escape? I strongly recommend Essex, CT.  This cozy coastal town is rich with history and the perfect place to explore. An hour from Hartford, CT or Providence, RI and two hours from NYC. Right off the highway you enter into a quaint seaman's village, perfect for a weekend visit for families or couples.  

Essex, in Middlesex County is located in the southern Connecticut and lies on the Connecticut River. Originally Essex was part of the Old Saybrook Colony and was called Potapoug Point. In the 1852 Essex Village was settled. Bordering the Connecticut River, part of it is a peninsula with two large coves on either side. During the wars Essex became an area famous for shipbuilding and trade. One of the largest battleships built downtown was the Oliver Cromwell. 

Essex is home to the Connecticut River Museum, which is at the bottom of Main Street. A great place to visit and learn about the areas maritime history and heritage. Also the Essex Steam Train is a fun way to travel along the Connecticut River. You can take just the train ride or opt for the train to ferry ride, where the ferry meets the train and drops you at the rivers edge to pick up the Essex Steamboat. The steamboat then takes you along the gorgeous Connecticut River where you will get spectacular views of Gillette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera House, which are in East Haddam, CT.

Today, Essex village is filled with charm at every corner, beautifully kept homes, a bustling waterfront with active boatbuilding and  boat filled marinas. A quaint lighthouse at the waters edge and a striped awning covered ferry that takes you to Essex Island. Mainstreet is a haven filled with restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, and beautiful parks and cozy inns.

Downtown Marina and Shipyard, Lighthouse, Essex Island Ferry

Strolling Main Street you will find historic homes that have been meticulously maintained through the years and locally owned shops and galleries to browse. The landscaped yards and gardens of flowers are stunning. Coffee, ice-cream, lunch or dinner, you will find it in the many eateries in town. Three favorites are dinner at Noah's on the waterfront, or taking a quick ferry ride to Essex Island and grabbing a lobster roll at Siren.  And last but least, a visit to Essex is not at all complete unless you visit the historic landmark called The Griswold Inn. Built in 1776, the inn is a famous favorite. You can stay or play at this great establishment. Gorgeous rooms right on the main street with a amazing wine bar and tavern that offers live music. Grab dinner in the dining room, a glass of wine in the wine bar or a beer and chowder in the tavern...a must during your stay.

 Beautiful Main Street Essex, CT

Whether you pull off the highway for lunch, or pull in with your boat for a few days, you will feel as if you are part of this unique historic village. Also note many homeowners VRBO their historic homes if you decide to stay for an extended period and become part of this special community. I have been visiting Essex for many years and each time is as enjoyable as the first. 

Below I have linked some Essex and Connecticut river area highlights for you to use when planning your trip.

https://essexmarinallc.com/marina/

https://www.essexboatworks.com/

https://shmarinas.com/locations/safe-harbor-essex-island/

https://essexsteamtrain.com/

https://griswoldinn.com/

https://ctrivermuseum.org/

https://www.noahs63main.com/

https://sirenkitchenandbar.com/

https://ctparks.com/parks/gillette-castle-state-park

https://www.goodspeed.org/