The Griswold Inn

The Griswold Inn has been welcoming travelers in Essex since the late eighteenth century, and it remains one of the best-known inns in New England. Located in the center of the village, a short walk from the river and the main street, it combines an old tavern atmosphere with comfortable guest rooms in several historic buildings. Inside, the walls are decorated with antique maritime paintings, weapons and memorabilia, and the public rooms evoke a seafaring past. For guests who want a stay with character, a pub with live music and an easy walk to the village's shops, it is hard to beat.

The Tap Room and the dining rooms are the social center, and the inn has long been famous for hearty food, a jazz-and-folk tradition in the tavern and a Sunday breakfast that locals treasure. Rooms vary, from classic inn-style chambers to larger suites, and some have fireplaces or views of the village. Because the buildings are old, room sizes and layouts are individual, so describe your needs when you reserve and ask about quiet rooms if you want to avoid tavern noise on busy nights.

Essex is a lovely place to base yourself. The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat station is a short drive away, the Connecticut River waterfront is within walking distance and the village is full of boutiques and cafes. Gillette Castle State Park is close, and Mystic is about forty minutes away by car, so the inn works for travelers who want a quieter village stay with day trips to the coast. Autumn is especially popular, when foliage frames the river and the inn fills for weekends.

Plan ahead. Weekends and holidays book early, and some stays have minimum-night requirements. Parking is available for guests, and the village is walkable once you arrive. If you are traveling with children, confirm the policy, as the inn's tavern atmosphere appeals more to adults. Winter visits are cozy, with fires, hot drinks and the lights of the village, and midweek rates can be reasonable. For history lovers, couples and anyone who enjoys the tradition of an old New England inn, the Griswold is a satisfying choice.

The inn's traditions add flavor to a stay. Live music nights in the tavern, seasonal events and holiday gatherings give the building a social energy that many guests treasure, and the antique maritime paintings on the walls are worth an unhurried look. Early risers can stroll to the river for views of the harbor before the village wakes, then return for a hearty breakfast to start a day of exploring.