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1776
The Griswold Inn
Essex, Connecticut
36 Main Street, Essex, Connecticut 06426
Original Property Opened in 1776
Historic Hotels of America member since 2026
art
The Griswold Inn has stood as a pillar of the charming New England town of Essex, Connecticut, since its founding in 1776. British mariners commandeered the inn during the War of 1812 and rumrunners kept spirits flowing on site in the face of hefty fines during Prohibition. But for most of its 250 years, daily life at the historic inn and tavern has come and gone peacefully, shared over songs in the Tap Room, weddings in the Hayden House, and conversations by the fireplace. This remarkable heritage has been stewarded by just six families who have preserved The Griswold Inn’s stories and structures across the decades. Whether admiring the antique furniture in the guestrooms or joining a round of song in the tavern, guests today will find the same spirit of heritage and hospitality that The Griswold Inn is known for, all within the amenities of a relaxing, modern inn.
Discover
- Discover the historic colonial structures on The Griswold Inn’s grounds, including the antique barn. The original inn was established in 1776 by Sala Griswold, and structures have been added to the grounds since. The Tap Room, for example, was originally built in 1735 as a schoolhouse before it was moved to its current location in 1801. The structure was attached to a team of oxen and rolled on logs down Main Street.
- Discover the collection of antique furniture stewarded by the historic hotel. The vintage pieces are still in use throughout the accommodations and public spaces. The storied collection includes colonial-era bed frames customized by the renowned preservationists at Leonard’s Antiques in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Tours of the banquet spaces and guestrooms are subject to availability.
- Discover the remarkable private collection of maritime art on site. Walk through the public spaces to enjoy prints, paintings, ship models, and ephemera on display. Artifacts include original banners from a temperance movement protest that took place outside the tavern doors in the 1840s. Free Art Tours & Talks are scheduled seasonally or on request when scheduling a private event.
Explore
- Visit the transportation museums of Connecticut. Mystic Seaport is an outdoor maritime museum with historic ships and restored 19th-century buildings. Visitors can walk through dock areas, workshops, and exhibits about maritime trades. The nearby Submarine Force Library & Museum displays Navy vessels, while the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat conducts voyages along the Connecticut River valley departing from the original 1892 Essex Station.
- Relax waterside at Rocky Neck State Park. The state park has soft sandy beaches and picnic areas for a relaxing summer day. Or explore the 700 acres of land while birdwatching and fishing. Osprey, cranes, striped bass, and flounder are just some of the wildlife that makes its home in the park.
- Explore the heritage of the Connecticut River Valley. From the regional influence of the Wangunk people to the raid by British forces during the War of 1812, the Essex Historical Society and Connecticut River Museum tell the fascinating stories that took place around The Griswold Inn. The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut preserves the historic home of a Griswold family member. Florence was an artist in the Lyme Art Colony in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Florence Griswold Museum promotes Connecticut art, history, and nature.
Experience
- Take part in a round of sea shanties in the Tap Room. Though live music fills the calendar at the legendary local tavern, Mondays are reserved for “Sea Chanteys” (rhythmic folk songs for maritime workers) with a live band. The lively tradition has taken place at the inn for over 50 years.
- Experience the seasons at The Griswold Inn. The inn’s winter holiday dinners include performances by the Royal Court Madrigal Singers and the Coast Guard Idlers. Around town, boat parades and The Sea Music Festival fill the summer months.
- Stop in The Griswold Inn’s variety store, Goods & Curiosities. Inspired by the joy and eclecticism of cabinets of curiosities, the shop rotates its goods frequently to ensure there are always treasures to be found. Connecticut-made products, prints of The Griswold Inn’s art collection, history books, and more can be found among the wares.
Taste
- Taste a seasonal brew on tap at The Griswold Inn called Revolutionary Ale. Revolutionary Ale was made specially for The Griswold Inn by Portland Maine’s Shipyard Brewing and is only found at the historic inn.
- Reserve a table for The Hunt Brunch served Sundays at The Griswold Inn. The Hunt Brunch is a nod to the British occupation of the inn in 1814 during The War of 1812. Enjoy the grand breakfast buffet or made-to-order favorites. Fresh-popped corn from the antique popcorn machine in the tavern is not to be missed. Dine in the historic Covered Bridge Room or the Tap Room for a brunch that is anything but ordinary.
- Taste the flavors of New England seafood, found on menus across the region. Clam chowder and Maine lobster are regional specialties, while the Clams Casino and Fish n’ Chips at The Griswold Inn are local favorites.
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