Surrounded on three sides by water and loaded with small town charm, historic Essex, CT is a gorgeous place to visit in in any season. The waterfront village sits on the Connecticut River; just a few miles south, the river empties into Long Island Sound in Old Saybrook.
The Main Street is brimming with small gift and fashion shops like Emmys on Main and Cortlandt Park as well as the prettiest Talbot’s storefront.
Cafes and restaurants abound – such as Olive Oyl’s, the Griswold Inn and the fantastic new waterfront spot Carlsons Landing. Just down the road at the town line is The Savour Cafe + Bakery (full disclosure it’s our sister in law’s place but it’s an amazing cafe bakery – a great place to stop on the way out for a yummy take home treat!)
There are tons to do along the small stretch of street – parks and clubs including The Essex Yacht Club and the Connecticut River Museum are located at the river’s edge. It’s also fun to walk around the marina Essex Boat Works to watch the boats go in and out of the harbor. One of our favorite spots is to grab a seat in the gazebo at the gorgeous scenic park on the pond right off Main Street.
Make it an overnight by grabbing a room at The Griswold or at the charming b+b style hotel Copper Beech Inn located just down the road in Ivoryton.
You can pack an entire day and more into this little village!
Pin For Later
