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

Easter Sunday March 31

Enjoy a bountiful spread served buffet style. Easter Brunch and Dinner. Seatings from 10 to 6. Reservations recommended, 860.767.1776.

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"Pour Your Own Pint" Sat March 16

The "challenge" is hosted by The Gris and Guinness from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. during the Essex Go Bragh Festival. Come spectate or participate.

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Free Art Tour & Talk March 3

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, March 3rd at 5:00 p.m. Reservations are required, 860.767.1776.

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Ivoryton Playhouse

"Life Could Be a Dream" plays from March 15 through March 30th 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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Essex Go Bragh Saturday, Mar 16

Third Annual Irish Parade and Festival celebrating Ireland and Essex. Parade step-off at 10:30 a.m. from Essex Town Hall.

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Eagle Boat Excursions Feb 1 - Mar 17

The Eagles are Here! Get out on the Connecticut River and enjoy the solitude, winter landscape and wildlife. Boat departures on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more, ctrivermuseum.org or 860.767.8269.

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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

• 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 ->

• Aromatic Whites from Alsace

  Unlike the rest of France, the vast majority of wines in Alsace are white wines (they do produce a small amount of Pinot Noir). Despite their world wide appeal, most wines of Alsace are consumed mainly in France.  The four primary varietals of the nine permitted are also the only varieties that are allowed to [...] View ->

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