Come celebrate with us.

One of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, The Griswold Inn opened its doors for business in 1776 and has been catering to yachtsmen and overland travelers ever since. We are situated in the historic hamlet of Essex, nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River. Anyone familiar with Essex knows it as an extraordinary town and The Griswold Inn - a very special place. Although the Inn exudes the charm of days gone by, we are anything but dated.  From our sophisticated cuisine, extensive wine offerings, comfortable accommodations, and modern amenities, The Griswold Inn offers the best of times.

• GRIS EVENTS
• AREA EVENTS
• TAP ROOM

Free Art Tour & Talk June 9

The Griswold Inn's museum-quality collection of nautical prints, paintings and ephemera will be the subject of a free tour and talk on Sunday, June 9th at 5:00 p.m. Reservations are required, 860.767.1776.

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Ivoryton Playhouse

"I'm Connecticut" plays from June 5th through June 23rd at this wonderful year-round professional theatre located in the neighboring village of Ivoryton, just 2 miles down the road! For ticket info, 860.767.7318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.

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Losers' Day Parade & Burning of the Fleet Saturday, May 11

Parade, muster and other festivities mark this beloved annual tradition. Parade step off is at 2:00 pm from Essex Town Hall. Events continue at the Foot of Main and at the River Museum until 5:00 pm.

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Join us in our Award-Winning Tap Room!

Our Tap Room features live music every night of the week highlighting a variety of musical genres!

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From the GRIS Blog

• Redefining American Merlot

  The Merlot grape is one of the five varieties of Bordeaux and may be traced back to the first century in France. Even though Cabernet Sauvignon is the regarded the premier grape of Bordeaux, it is actually second for total acreage.  Merlot is often the primary grape in blends due to its ability to ripen [...] View ->

• The Sun-Drenched Southern Rhone

  Because we have chosen to begin our Autumn Wine Series in October with the wines from the Southern Rhone (we will have the perfect food to pair with them, as well),  I thought it would be particularly  noteworthy to discuss this scenic wine region of France.  Since the Middle Ages when the pope gave the order to begin [...] View ->

• Summer: A Time to Blush

  It’s a warm summer evening in New England, after a sticky, sunny, near stifling day. Your mind begins to focus on a simple dinner, perhaps a salad or something simple on the grill. OK, first let’s take care of your wine choice:  something simple, light, cool and refreshing, perhaps low in alcohol, or even a [...] View ->

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