City Guide

Essex

Featured

Find your way.

There's no single right route, just the one that fits you.

RiverQuest

Experience the Connecticut River aboard RiverQuest. 90-minute daytime cruise Essex Harbor and the lower Connecticut River, eagle cruises, and educational expeditions available.

Learn more →

More in Essex

Attractions

Things to Do in Essex

Simple trips are often the best.

You don't need much for a place to leave an impression.

Connecticut River Museum

Housed in an 1878 Steamboat Dock warehouse located on the waterfront, the museum tells the…

Learn more →

Take the long way.

The best parts of the trip are usually the ones you didn't plan.

Pratt House (c.1732)

Historic house built in sections throughout the 18th-century. Vernacular architecture with period furnishings, herb garden.

Learn more →

Let it unfold.

Not everything needs to be scheduled to be meaningful.

Becky Thatcher

Includes hour-long cruise aboard the Becky Thatcher to enjoy the view of the Connecticut River…

Learn more →

Not every place needs a reason.

Sometimes it's enough just to be there.

Historic Villages of Essex

The historic villages of Essex (Centerbrook, Essex & Ivroyton) situated on the west bank of…

Learn more →

Take the detour.

The extra miles are often where the story begins.

Griswold Inn

1776 inn with an outstanding art collection, riverboat decor, furnished with antiques. 31 rooms with…

Learn more →

Stop when something catches your eye.

Those moments tend to matter more than the planned ones.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride

Ride in 1920's coaches pulled by an authentic steam locomotive. Then, board the river boat…

Learn more →
Events

Upcoming Events

Apr–May
16–3
Gypsy
Apr
25
Shad Festival
May
20–21
Mack the Knife, the Life and Music of Bobby Darin
May
29–31
14th Annual Hot Steamed Jazz Festival
Jul
25
14th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair