A Romantic Trip to the Griswold Inn in Essex, Connecticut

I have been dreaming about my trip to Essex, Connecticut non-stop since I took my son. I had Redfin alerts set to this town and talked about it incessantly. It was beginning to annoy my husband, so I decided to bring him so he could see how amazing it was for himself.

Essex might be the most patriotic place in America. The Main Street is lined with American flags and the yellow lines in the road turn to red white and blue. But the heart of the town is The Griswold Inn.

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The Griswold Inn Essex Connecticut

Established in 1776, “the Gris” is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the United States, offering guests a unique opportunity to step back in time. The ambiance is steeped in history, with period decor, antique furnishings, and maritime artifacts adorning the common areas, creating an authentically nostalgic atmosphere.

George Washington is even rumored to have stayed here!

The central location of the inn means that once we park, we won’t have to touch our car again until we leave since we can walk everywhere.

Each room is completely different from the next so it is always exciting to check into the Gris. We were in room 5 this time which looked right over the Main Street.

Our room had a sitting area with a sofa and gas fireplace, high ceilings and a four poster bed. The rooms at the Griswold Inn are comfortable and well-appointed, each uniquely decorated to reflect the inn’s rich heritage while providing modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and updated bathrooms.

Despite its age, the inn maintains a high standard of cleanliness and comfort, ensuring guests can enjoy the quaint charm without sacrificing modern needs.

We spent the day strolling the Main Street, shopping the boutiques and admiring the historic homes. There are several attractions in Essex, but today was all about relaxing.

For dinner, we head downstairs to the Wine Bar. This turned out to be a highlight of our stay. The Wine Bar is a sophisticated and cozy spot with an intimate atmosphere.

We started with a flight of Cabernets. The Wine Bar has received the Wine Spectator’s prestigious Award of Excellence for 15 years in a row, so you can expect a really good glass of wine.

Ladies take note- each Wednesday evening, they serve wines by the glass at half price for women! Yay for wine, women and Wednesday!

Next we ordered a couple of small plates to share, similar to tapas. I loved the small sizes because that meant that we could try several plates. Every meal was delicious.

After dinner, we head into the tavern for a night cap. The Tap Room, with its warm, wood-paneled interior and lively ambiance, offers a great selection of local beers and wines, making it a perfect spot for an evening drink.

This quintessential New England tavern just oozes with history. The ceiling is made of crushed clam shells and horsehair plaster. The shape of the back dining room resembles a covered bridge, because, well, it once was! We listened to ghost stories from the bartender before finally heading up to bed.

Our time at The Gris went by all too fast. This has become one of my favorite little getaways when I need to relax and recharge.

The Griswold Inn is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that immerses guests in the history and charm of Essex, Connecticut. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply in search of a cozy and unique getaway, the Griswold Inn promises a memorable and delightful stay.