15 Best Things to Do in Essex, CT
The town of Essex is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Connecticut.
With its breathtaking landscapes, scenic harbors, and archival inns, Essex has quite a
fascinating history to tell.
Dubbed as the "Pearl Harbor" of the War of 1812, Essex is made up of three chronicled
villages: Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton.
All of which sits six miles north of Long Island Sound alongside the Connecticut River (also
well-known for being the longest river in the New England region).
Marvel in the town's natural environments, see a host of museums and art galleries or ride in
one of its infamous steam trains.
Surely, you won't run out of things to do or see in this dazzling New England town.
Here are the best things to do in Essex, CT:
Dive into Local History at Connecticut River Museum
It would be fascinating if you could visit the Connecticut River Museum located on Steamboat
Dock at the foot of Main Street.
The three-story historic museum has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
in 1975, the museum opened to the public but was caught in a fire in 2010.
After finishing its repairs in 2011, the museum again started offering its exhibits, workshops,
tours, and events in the succeeding years.
The museum features the maritime heritage of the Connecticut River Valley including “The
Turtle” which is a working replica of the first submarine.
If you need an extra dose of tranquility, you can try out the museum's river excursions available
during the day.
Take a Ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
There is just something extraordinary about taking a ride on the old and historic Essex Steam
Train and Riverboat.
The rhythmic swaying of the train coupled with the scenic view all the way towards the
Connecticut River Valley make for a soothing experience you'll never forget.
At the end of the train ride, visitors can then get on a riverboat for a fun cruising adventure.
All in all, the trip is an enjoyable 2.5 hours roundtrip with a beautiful scenery.
You can order meals on the train if you like.
If you're lucky, you might be able to take a photo of baby eagles peeking out of their huge
nests.
Dress Up and Watch a Play at the Ivoryton Playhouse
In the heart of Ivoryton in the town of Essex, you'll find Ivoryton Playhouse.
This unique theatre has a rich cultural history that springs back to the time it was built in 1911.
Through the years, the theatre gained a reputation of being the first self-supporting summer
theatre in the whole of the United States.
During the World War II outbreak, the Ivoryton Playhouse had difficulties operating as it
became impossible for its spectators to get to the theatre.
A man named Milton Stiefel was considered to be one of the greatest directors of the American
theatre.
When the war finally ended, he decided to go and reopen the Ivoryton Playhouse where he
supported and debuted a promenade of talented stars including Ethel Waters, Gloria
Swanson, Marlon Brando, and many others.
Now, it continues to operate in prestige giving decadence to the town's most talented actors
and actresses.
Stroll down the corner of Main Street and Summit Street to see Ivoryton Playhouse's amusing
musicals, comedies, dramas as well as many special events.
Stay in the Rustic Griswold Inn
Since its establishment in 1776, the Griswold Inn has become Essex's go-to accommodation,
especially for those who have a deep love for historic hotels.
Captured during the War of 1812, the inn was used as a base of operations by British troops
which explains the wartime rifles now being hung as decorations on the walls.
The inn's interiors display paintings of old ships and artifacts that hold tales of bygone times.
One major consideration why the Griswold Inn remains a favorite to its customers is its central
location.
If you decide to stay in this historic inn, you can easily walk to and fro other attractions like the
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, the Mystic Seaport, or the Gilette Castle and State Park
Get a Glimpse of the Pratt House Museum
Dating back to 1732, the Pratt House Museum is a 290-year-old house that has become a
vintage landmark in the town of Essex.
It is surrounded by a nostalgic flush of greeneries and is located on West Avenue.
Historically, it was home to the descendants of the late Lt. William Pratt who is said to be one
of Essex's first settlers.
Now a museum, this establishment is being maintained by the Essex Historical Society since
1985.
Visit and appreciate the architecture and the historic furnishings at this museum.
Appreciate Art at Cooper & Smith Gallery
Located on Main Street, Cooper & Smith Gallery spans an exhibition space of 5,000 square
feet.
Equipped with the best lighting, the gallery features a wide array of art belonging to different
genres and styles.
If you are an artist who is looking for a large art space to house your artistic treasures, then
the Cooper & Smith Gallery is a must-visit for you.
Drop by the gallery and converse with like-minded individuals if you are a collector looking for
good pieces of contemporary or modern art.
If you're someone who just wants to appreciate art, exploring the curation of art pieces in this
gallery will be a soul-enriching experience for you.
Reconnect with Nature at Falls River Preserve
A trip to the popular Falls River Preserve is a must-do on your Essex vacation.
A 40-acre peninsula of forest and ledge projecting into Mill Pond, the Falls River Preserve
beautifully connects all the three historic villages of Essex.
When roaming the grounds, you can choose simpler paths around the peninsula into the pond
or try out more demanding trails along the ledges,
You can marvel at the well-preserved biodiversity of the preserve and the undisturbed
ecosystem of both fauna and flora.
Staying true to its name, management is firm on its "Leave no trace" preservation policy.
This means visitors would need to clean as they go so be sure to tidy up a bit before moving
on to your next destination.
Get Your Fix at Chocolate Geeks
Are you fond of all things chocolate?
If yes, then dropping by Chocolate Geeks (formerly Truffle Shots) is something you cannot
afford to miss.
This rustic chocolate house that is a favorite to those with a sweet tooth is located at The Barn
at Griswold Square and has fastly become a must-see for almost every tourist visiting the town
of Essex.
Opened by a mother and daughter in 2012, Chocolate Geeks worked its way up to create the
best things that chocolate has to offer.
It won international awards in recognition of its amazing lineup of premium chocolate products
which continue to win the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
You can enjoy a glass of non-alcoholic Truffle Shots at Chocolate Geeks before checking out
some of their rich chocolate chip cookies and wrapping up a few bean-to-bar chocolates as a
coming-home present for your loved ones.
Go Shopping at Toys Ahoy!
This village toy store sitting proudly on Main Street can look a bit small at first.
In reality, the store is jam-packed and filled to the brim with the best toy selections covering
all genres sure to tickle any child with cheerfulness and excitement.
Toy's Ahoy offers an assortment of pocketbooks, toys, and games adults and children will
surely enjoy.
If you are looking to incorporate lesser screen time in your child's daily routine and you won't
replace phones with something less "electronic," then this store is a must-visit for you.
You can also bring the young ones with you so they can choose something of their own liking.
Pick Flowers at Scotts’ Farm & Greenhouses
Located along Plains Road in the town of Essex, Scotts’ Farm and Greenhouses offer a
plethora of flowers and vegetables to serve your kitchen and gardening needs.
If you are looking to start your own garden, you'll be pleased to know that the farm sells
thousands of fine-looking hanging baskets.
You can purchase the greenhouse's farm-to-market produce of crop vegetables, herbs,
tomatoes, pumpkins, and melons picked daily depending on the season.
Stroll down the flower gardens of Scotts’ Farm & Greenhouses before trimming your own
flowers which they sell by the pound at the cutting garden.
You can brush up on your flower arrangement skills as the garden offers make-your-own or
DIY flower bouquets.
Visit Essex Veterans Memorial Hall
The people of Essex have an extra special way of regarding their veterans.
They established the Essex Veterans Memorial Hall (originally named Centerbrook
Schoolhouse) in 1946 on a space located near Westbrook Road.
Also dubbed the "Essex Vets Hall", it was established with an inherent responsibility to
financially or otherwise assist veterans, their families, and the community.
You can strike a conversation with a veteran if you see one and even join in any of their
activities being held throughout the year.
Essex Veterans Memorial Hall has a bar and sports equipment facility so clubs can enjoy their
social gatherings whenever they like.
Play Golf Virtually at Essex Indoor Golf Center
Play a round of virtual golf at over 70 renowned courses coming from all over the world.
Essex Indoor Golf Center is a year-round virtual golf entertainment and training facility located
just along Saybrook Road.
It is equipped with six state-of-the-art aboutGolf simulators so that players of all ages can
learn, practice or play.
If you are looking for new grips, the golf center offers them at reasonable prices and they also
offer re-gripping services to fit your needs.
If you try playing with the center's stimulators, you will find that it is very much similar to playing
outdoors.
What is more interesting is the center's 3D fantasy mini-golf courses that are played virtually
underwater or in space.
Relax and Meditate at Essex Wellness Center
If you are looking for a place that can help you destress or meditate, then the Essex Wellness
Center is a must for you.
The center offers a strategically developed range of health services in one location.
Some of the services being offered include naturopathic & Chinese medicine, acupuncture,
massage, facials, therapy, life coaching, reiki, yoga, and Tai Chi.
Similarly, you can take advantage of their lessons on mindfulness meditation which is being
offered to everyone without the charge.
Go Shopping on Main Street
If you are someone who wants to pick up some souvenirs but can't seem to decide which one
to get, try to explore the stores lined up on Main Street.
Check out the novelty items offered by specialty boutiques like the "You, Me and the Sea" and
find sea-themed clothes and jewelry.
Other stores also craft their own products so take your time strolling down Main Street.
You can also go window-shopping if you've already maxed out your budget.
Looking through the handcrafted items will surely stir your creativity and give you inspiration
which you can bring with you before you cap off your vacation to Essex.
Grab a Pack of Sweets from Olive Oyl's
Are you looking for hearty food items to bring home as gifts?
Worry not because Olive Oyl's has got it covered for you.
Established in the center of Essex in 1991, Olive Oyl’s is one of Essex's top-rated carry-out
restaurants.
You can choose from their wide array of creative and seasonally prepared food offerings such
as meals, house-made pastries, soups, salads, gourmet sandwiches, and many more.
Warmly nestled only a few steps away from the scenic and breathtaking Connecticut River,
Olive Oyl's is a dazzling place to drop by and pick up the savory culinary masterpieces its
owners have been creating for over two decades.
Fill up your basket with the shop's famous croissant. bagels, and muffins, or better yet, try
their Classic Mini Junior's Cheesecake.
Don't forget to check the store's daily specials to see if you could try to grab some New
England crab cakes.
Final Thoughts
Like it came fresh out of a movie, Essex is brimming with history and scenic attractions sure
to please your travel appetite.
It is one of the best small towns to visit offering a rich variety of things to enjoy and places to
visit.
From old steam trains and tranquil river quests to historic museums and plenty of farms,
vineyards, and greenhouses, as well as from art galleries to decadent culinary restaurants and
chocolate patisseries, it sure will be a bit difficult to leave this friendly town.
Visit Essex and unravel its stories and wonderful attractions.
Start planning your Essex adventure today!
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REFERENCE:
https://www.essexct.gov/