Essex, Connecticut
Connecticut River village with pristine colonial architecture. Voted America's Best Small Town by readers poll.
Quick Facts
What Makes Essex Special
- •Voted America's #1 Best Small Town by Smithsonian
- •Main Street with unspoiled colonial buildings
- •Connecticut River Museum
- •Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
- •Griswold Inn - continuously operating since 1776
- •Essex Yacht Club and maritime heritage
- •Falls River Inn and fine dining
Where to Stay in Essex
The Essex Inn
Charming historic inn in the heart of Essex, featuring elegantly appointed rooms with period furnishings and modern amenities. Known for exceptional hospitality and locally-sourced breakfast.
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Request a room with views of downtown for the best experience
Essex Bed & Breakfast
Cozy bed and breakfast offering personalized service and comfortable rooms. Homemade breakfast featuring local ingredients. Perfect for couples seeking an intimate getaway.
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Complimentary breakfast and evening refreshments included
Local Chain Hotel
Reliable national chain hotel with comfortable rooms, free WiFi, pool, and fitness center. Convenient location near major attractions and restaurants.
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Good option for families and those seeking predictable amenities
Vacation Rentals
Variety of vacation rentals available through Airbnb and VRBO, from cozy cottages to spacious homes. Great for extended stays and families wanting kitchen facilities.
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Book early for peak season availability
Where to Eat in Essex
Essex Bistro
Upscale dining featuring seasonal menus with locally-sourced ingredients. Creative dishes showcasing regional flavors in an elegant atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Main Street Cafe
Popular local spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Known for generous portions, friendly service, and comfort food favorites. Great for families.
The Local Pub
Welcoming neighborhood pub with craft beers, burgers, and classic pub food. Live music on weekends. Casual atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Downtown Coffee House
Cozy coffee shop serving expertly brewed coffee, fresh pastries, and light lunch options. Popular morning gathering spot for locals and visitors.
Essex Diner
Classic diner offering hearty breakfasts, homestyle cooking, and generous portions. Friendly service and nostalgic atmosphere. Cash-friendly.
Pizza Place
Local favorite for pizza, pasta, and Italian classics. Family-friendly with quick service. Great for takeout after a day of exploring.
Sample Itineraries
Perfect Day in Essex
Experience the best of Essex with this carefully planned itinerary covering local attractions, dining, and activities.
Getting Around Essex
Essex is a compact, walkable town where most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within easy walking distance of each other. The downtown area is best explored on foot, allowing you to appreciate the historic architecture and discover hidden gems. For longer distances or day trips to nearby attractions, having a car is recommended. Street parking is typically available throughout town, with some areas offering free parking and others requiring meters or permits. Check posted signs carefully. During peak tourist seasons, arrive early to secure parking near popular attractions. Many accommodations offer on-site parking for guests. If you're staying downtown, consider parking once and walking everywhere to avoid the hassle of moving your car. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft may have limited availability depending on the time of day. Local taxi services are available but should be called in advance. Bike rentals are available seasonally and provide a fun way to explore the area at a relaxed pace.
When to Visit Essex: Seasonal Guide
Spring (March-May)
Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers to the area. It's a quieter time to visit with fewer crowds.
- •Mild weather perfect for hiking and outdoor activities
- •Spring flowers and fresh greenery
- •Lower accommodation rates before peak season
- • Local farmers markets begin
- • Spring festivals and events
Summer (June-August)
Peak tourist season with warm weather and long daylight hours. All attractions and restaurants operate on full schedules.
- •Warm, sunny days ideal for outdoor recreation
- •All seasonal businesses and attractions open
- •Festivals, concerts, and community events
- • Summer concert series
- • Fourth of July celebrations
- • Art fairs and markets
Fall (September-November)
Autumn is spectacular with colorful foliage and pleasant temperatures. Popular season with moderate crowds.
- •Beautiful fall foliage and crisp weather
- •Harvest festivals and seasonal activities
- •Excellent hiking conditions
- • Harvest festivals
- • Fall foliage tours
- • Halloween events
Winter (December-February)
Winter brings cold temperatures and potential snow. Quieter season with holiday charm and winter activities.
- •Peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere
- •Holiday decorations and festivities
- •Winter sports and activities nearby
- • Holiday celebrations
- • Winter festivals
- • New Year's events
Best Photography Spots
Historic Downtown
The main street and historic district offer excellent architectural photography opportunities. Best captured in early morning or late afternoon light.
📸 Best time: Golden hour (sunrise or sunset)
Town Center
The heart of Essex features charming streetscapes and local character. Look for interesting storefronts and street scenes.
📸 Best time: Morning for fewer crowds
Scenic Overlook
Find elevated vantage points for panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape. Stunning during fall foliage season.
📸 Best time: Sunset for dramatic lighting
Local Landmarks
Iconic buildings, monuments, or natural features that define Essex. Research specific landmarks before your visit.
📸 Best time: Blue hour for illuminated buildings
Day Trips from Essex
Nearby State Park
Explore pristine natural areas with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Historic Town
Visit a neighboring historic town with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Many areas have complementary attractions worth exploring.
nearby city
Take a day trip to the nearest major city for museums, shopping, dining, and urban attractions. Provides a nice contrast to small-town charm.
Practical Tips for Visiting Essex
- •Book accommodations well in advance during peak season, especially for weekends and holidays
- •Most restaurants accept credit cards, but some local establishments may be cash-only
- •Dress in layers as weather can change throughout the day, especially in spring and fall
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring downtown and visiting attractions
- •Check attraction hours before visiting, as some locations have seasonal schedules
- •Bring a reusable water bottle - many establishments offer water refill stations
- •Download offline maps in case of spotty cell service in rural areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Essex?
May to October for river activities, or December for holiday festivities
How many days should I spend in Essex?
A weekend (2-3 days) is ideal for experiencing the main attractions and getting a feel for the town. If you want to explore the surrounding area more thoroughly, consider 3-4 days.
Is Essex walkable?
Yes, Essex is very walkable with most downtown attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance. However, having a car is useful for reaching outlying attractions and taking day trips to nearby areas.
Are there family-friendly activities in Essex?
Absolutely! Essex offers various family-friendly activities including parks, museums, outdoor recreation, and special events throughout the year. Many restaurants and attractions cater specifically to families.
What should I pack for a trip to Essex?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, sunscreen, and a camera. Depending on the season, bring weather-appropriate clothing. Check the weather forecast before your trip.
Where is the nearest airport to Essex?
Tweed-New Haven (30 min), Hartford Bradley (1 hour)
Are pets allowed in Essex?
Many outdoor areas and some accommodations in Essex are pet-friendly. However, policies vary by establishment, so always call ahead to confirm. Most restaurants with outdoor seating welcome well-behaved dogs.
Similar Towns You Might Like
Chester
Connecticut River village with theater and art galleries. Historic Main Street meets vibrant arts community.
Mystic
Historic whaling village where the drawbridge still opens for sailboats. Julia Roberts made Mystic Pizza famous, but the maritime museum steals the show.
Litchfield
Pristine New England village green surrounded by Federal mansions. Connecticut's best-preserved colonial town.
Stockbridge
Norman Rockwell's idealized America brought to life in the Berkshires. Main Street looks just like his famous painting, museum and all.