• What makes Essex a great vacation destination?
    • Filled with history and charm, Essex is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed vacation on your own, with a loved one, a group of friends, or the entire family.
  • Where should visitors start their trip in Essex?
    • Start your trip with a meal at the Griswold Inn which has been welcoming travelers since 1776.
  • What are some must-visit attractions in Essex?
    • Then head out to incomparable attractions such as the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, the Florence Griswold Museum, or one of the oldest standing buildings in the state, the Pratt House.

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1. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

© Kybele/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat?
    • The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is a historic excursion operated by the Valley Railroad Company, offering a memorable journey across Connecticut’s rivers.
  • What makes this attraction unique?
    • It is the only steam train and riverboat connection in the entire United States, providing a rare and scenic travel experience.
  • When does the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat operate?
    • The train and riverboat operate seasonally from May through October.
  • What locomotives and class experiences are available?
    • Guests can choose from one of two operating steam locomotives and select from multiple class experiences, including:
      • Coach
      • First class
      • Open-air car
      • Caboose (cabin car) ride
  • Are there special events held on board?
    • Yes, several onboard events take place throughout the year, including the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.
    • The Essex Clipper Dinner Train is a romantic culinary event, recognized by USA Today as a "Memorable Meal."
  • Where is the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat located?
    • 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426

2. Connecticut River Museum

Connecticut River Museum

© Connecticut River Museum

  • What is the Connecticut River Museum?
    • The Connecticut River Museum is a cultural and educational institution dedicated to preserving the maritime heritage of the Connecticut River Valley.
  • When was the Connecticut River Museum established?
    • The museum is housed in a restored steamboat warehouse from 1878, one of the last remaining on the river, while the institution itself was built in 1813.
  • What kind of artifacts can visitors see?
    • The museum showcases a collection of maritime-related artifacts, including:
      • Nautical artwork
      • Navigation equipment
      • Shipbuilding tools
    • Many of these artifacts were donated by the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford.
  • What can visitors learn about shipbuilding?
    • The museum has a permanent shipbuilding exhibition featuring models of steamboats and historical maps, providing insights into maritime construction and history.
  • What is one of the most fascinating exhibits?
    • Visitors can see a full-scale replica of the Turtle, the first American submarine, which played a role in early naval warfare.
  • Where is the Connecticut River Museum located?
    • 67 Main St, Essex, CT 06426

3. Pratt House

Pratt House

© Essex Historical Society

  • What is the Pratt House?
    • The Pratt House is a historic house museum and one of the oldest surviving buildings in Connecticut, constructed in the mid-17th century.
  • Is the Pratt House historically significant?
    • Yes, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was owned by a single family for over 2½ centuries before being transferred to the local historical society.
  • Are tours available at the Pratt House?
    • Yes, there are docent-led tours held daily, providing visitors with insights into the house's architecture and history.
  • What can visitors see on the tour?
    • The tour showcases stunning architectural details and decor, including:
      • Period furniture
      • An accurate, period-appropriate kitchen garden
  • Where is the Pratt House located?
    • 19 West Ave, Essex, CT 06426
    • Phone: 860-767-0681

4. Cooper & Smith Gallery

Cooper & Smith Gallery

© Cooper & Smith Gallery

  • What is the Cooper & Smith Gallery?
    • The Cooper & Smith Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery featuring over 5,000 square feet of exhibition space showcasing a wide range of styles and genres.
  • What kind of art is displayed at the gallery?
    • The gallery emphasizes oil paintings created using drawing-based disciplines, with works ranging from abstraction to realism.
  • Who are some of the featured artists?
    • Visitors can see works by artists such as:
      • Tom Root
      • Molly McDonald
      • Henry St. Clair
      • Merrill French
      • Judith Pond Kudlow
      • James Coe
  • Is the gallery suitable for both new and experienced collectors?
    • Yes, the gallery provides a welcoming environment for both new and experienced collectors, offering a space to appreciate and acquire new art.
  • Are there exhibitions and events at the gallery?
    • Yes, the gallery hosts several art exhibitions and other events throughout the year.
  • Where is the Cooper & Smith Gallery located?
    • 10 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
    • Phone: 860-581-8526

5. Florence Griswold Museum

Florence Griswold Museum

© Florence Griswold Museum

  • What is the Florence Griswold Museum?
    • The Florence Griswold Museum is a National Historic Landmark focused on the home of Florence Griswold, which became the heart of the Old Lyme Art Colony.
  • How did the Old Lyme Art Colony originate?
    • To make ends meet, Florence Griswold took in boarders, including artist Henry Ward Ranger, who encouraged other artists to stay.
    • The home soon became the epicenter of the Old Lyme Art Colony, which played a crucial role in the growth of American Impressionism.
  • What kind of artwork is displayed at the museum?
    • The museum showcases an extensive collection of American Impressionist paintings within its 9,500 square feet of exhibit space.
  • What are some highlights of the museum's collection?
    • Notable works in the collection include:
      • Summer Evening by Childe Hassam
      • Laurel by Edward Francis Rook
      • East Hartford Meadow by Milton Avery
  • Where is the Florence Griswold Museum located?
    • 96 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT 06371
    • Phone: 860-434-5542

6. Truffle Shots

Truffle Shots

© Truffle Shots

  • What is Truffle Shots?
    • Truffle Shots is a locally created, mother-daughter chocolate brand that produces internationally award-winning truffle chocolates.
  • How are Truffle Shots made?
    • They are crafted in small batches using premium ingredients that melt smoothly as soon as they hit your tongue.
  • What are some of the most popular flavors?
    • There are over thirty amazing flavors to try, with some of the most popular being:
      • Minted Grapefruit
      • Tellicherry Cardamom
      • Caramel Beurre Noisette
      • Miel Habanero
      • Fig Balsamico
  • Is there alcohol in Truffle Shots?
    • No, there is no alcohol in any of the Truffle Shots, making them suitable for chocolate lovers of all ages.
  • Can customers create custom assortments?
    • Yes, customers can create a nine-pack custom assortment, allowing them to mix and match different flavors to try out.
  • Where is Truffle Shots located?
    • The Barn at Griswold Square, 47 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
    • Phone: 860-581-8351

7. The Griswold Inn

The Griswold Inn

© The Griswold Inn

  • What is The Griswold Inn?
    • The Griswold Inn is a historic dining establishment that specializes in classic American cuisine prepared with simple ingredients and imaginative form.
  • What type of food is served at The Griswold Inn?
    • The restaurant offers seasonal menus crafted by award-winning Executive Chef Toppin, featuring:
      • High-quality pork chops
      • Aged beef
      • Fresh seafood
  • What is special about the Hunt Breakfast?
    • The famous buffet-style Hunt Breakfast is served on Sunday mornings and is a tradition that dates back to the War of 1812.
  • What is the dining atmosphere like?
    • The restaurant features a black-tie dining room full of charm and character, making it a wonderful place for a romantic meal.
  • Where is The Griswold Inn located?
    • 36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
    • Phone: 860-767-1776

8. Olive Oyl's

Olive Oyl's

© Olive Oyl's

  • What is Olive Oyl's?
    • Olive Oyl's is a carry-out restaurant that has been serving delicious food in the heart of Essex since 1991.
  • Where is Olive Oyl's located?
    • The restaurant is situated just steps away from the picturesque Connecticut River, making it a perfect stop for fresh and flavorful meals.
  • Does the menu change seasonally?
    • Yes, the menu changes to reflect seasonal ingredients, ensuring fresh and unique offerings throughout the year.
  • What types of food does Olive Oyl's serve?
    • The restaurant offers a variety of sweet and savory culinary creations, including:
      • Seasonal salads
      • Fresh soups
      • Daily specials such as Ponzu grilled salmon and New England crab cakes
      • Freshly baked goods like coffee cakes, buttermilk bran muffins, and tempting scones
  • Where is Olive Oyl's located?
    • 6 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
    • Phone: 860-767-4909

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