Essex, CT: The Oldest Hotel in America
Uncovering the Magic of Essex, CT: A Skiptown All-Stars Journey
The picturesque town of Essex, Connecticut, has captured the hearts of many, including Denise and James Gordon, the hosts of the popular travel podcast, Skip Town All Stars. In their quest to find the perfect hometown after becoming empty nesters, the couple spent time exploring the charming streets and staying at the historic Griswold Inn, uncovering the magic that makes Essex so special.
Located in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley, Essex is a small town with a big personality. Its Main Street, spanning about a mile, is lined with beautifully preserved historic homes, quaint shops, and delightful restaurants. The street ends at the Connecticut River, offering stunning views and a gateway to exciting water adventures.
One of the crown jewels of Essex is the Griswold Inn, affectionately known as "The Griz." This iconic establishment has been in continuous operation since 1776, making it one of the oldest inns in the country. The Griswold Inn has hosted countless guests over the centuries, including famous figures and, if the stories are to be believed, a few ghostly inhabitants as well.
Denise and James had the pleasure of staying at the Griswold Inn during their visit to Essex, and they were thoroughly impressed by its rich history and charming atmosphere. The inn features beautifully preserved rooms with antique furniture, including a bed that was reportedly designed by the same craftsman who created a bed for the White House. The inn's tap room boasts the original tin ceiling, complete with horsehair insulation, offering a glimpse into the building's fascinating past.
The Griswold Inn is more than just a place to rest your head; it serves as a community hub for Essex residents and visitors alike. The inn's restaurant offers delicious meals, including fresh seafood and the famous Essex clams. The wine bar, designed to resemble a ship's galley, features an impressive selection of wines and a unique mural that creates the illusion of being on a boat. The inn also hosts live music events, making it a popular spot for entertainment and socializing.
While the Griswold Inn and Main Street are undoubtedly the heart of Essex, the town offers plenty of other attractions and activities. The Connecticut River Valley is home to the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, which takes visitors on a journey through the picturesque countryside and along the river. The experience combines a nostalgic train ride with a relaxing riverboat cruise, offering a unique way to explore the area's natural beauty.
Despite its many charms, Essex does present some challenges for those considering making it their permanent home. The town's popularity and historic character come at a price, with many of the homes along Main Street and in the historic district commanding prices upwards of $1.5 million. More affordable options can be found in the neighboring communities of Deep River, Chester, and Ivoryton, but they may lack some of the quintessential Essex charm.
As empty nesters searching for the perfect hometown, Denise and James have learned the importance of having a home base while exploring new places. The couple maintains a rental property in Florida, which serves as their anchor point between travels. They have also discovered the joys and challenges of working remotely, with James continuing his career in television editing and Denise pursuing the podcast full-time. Balancing their work schedules and finding time to enjoy each new destination has been an ongoing learning experience.
Throughout their travels, Denise and James have encountered many small businesses grappling with the impact of the pandemic. They've noticed changes in business hours, limited menus, and staff shortages, which have affected the overall experience in some locations. However, they've also witnessed the resilience and adaptability of these communities, with many businesses finding creative ways to serve their customers and maintain a sense of normalcy.
One of the recurring themes in the couple's travels is the importance of embracing the moment and creating lasting memories. Whether it's a chance encounter with a celebrity, an impromptu karaoke performance, or a spooky stay in a haunted hotel, Denise and James have learned to appreciate the unexpected adventures that come with exploring new places.
As they continue their search for the perfect hometown, Denise and James remain open to the possibilities and excitement that each new destination brings. While Essex may not check all the boxes for their permanent residence, it has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the couple, with its charming streets, rich history, and welcoming community.
For those considering a visit to Essex, the Skip Town All Stars hosts recommend staying at the Griswold Inn, exploring the town's Main Street, and taking a ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. They also suggest keeping an open mind and embracing the unique experiences that come with traveling to a small, historic town.
As Denise and James continue their journey, they invite listeners to follow along, learn from their experiences, and perhaps even be inspired to embark on their own search for the perfect hometown. With each new adventure, the couple reminds us that home is not just a place, but a feeling of belonging and connection that can be found in the most unexpected places.
10 Fun Facts about Essex, CT:
1. Essex was named the "Perfect Small American Town" in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, a New York Times bestseller by Patricia Schultz.
2. The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat is the only steam train and riverboat connection in the United States.
3. Essex is home to the Connecticut River Museum, which features exhibits on the river's history and its impact on the region.
4. The town has a large number of well-preserved historic homes, with over 200 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
5. Essex was a major shipbuilding center in the 19th century, with over 500 vessels built in the town's shipyards.
6. The famous Turtle, the first American submarine used in combat, was invented by David Bushnell of Westbrook, just west of Essex.
7. Essex is known for its annual "Burning of the Ships" celebration, which commemorates the British raid on the town during the War of 1812.
8. The town is home to several popular annual events, including the Essex Spring Boat Show and the Essex Fall Antiques Show.
9. Actress Katharine Hepburn, a Connecticut native, was known to frequent Essex and the surrounding towns.
10. Essex is located in Middlesex County, which is the only county in Connecticut without a single traffic light.
10 Facts about the Griswold Inn in Essex, CT:
1. The Griswold Inn, established in 1776, is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the United States.
2. The inn is affectionately known as "The Griz" by locals and regular visitors.
3. The Griswold Inn has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Albert Einstein, Charles Lindbergh, and Katharine Hepburn.
4. The inn's tap room features the original tin ceiling, which is lined with horsehair for insulation, a common practice in the 18th century.
5. The inn's wine bar is designed to resemble a ship's galley and features a unique mural that creates the illusion of being on a boat.
6. The Griswold Inn has an extensive collection of maritime art, including paintings by Antonio Jacobsen and James Bard.
7. The inn is rumored to be haunted, with guests reporting sightings of a "woman in white" in Room 10 and other ghostly encounters.
8. The Griswold Inn has been featured in several movies, including "The Good Shepherd" (2006) and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (2008).
9. The inn's restaurant, the Historic Dining Room, features traditional American cuisine and has been recognized by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA).
10. The Griswold Inn hosts regular live music performances, including sea shanties and traditional folk music, in its Tap Room.