Essex is on the Connecticut River with an excellent harbor for boaters from Long Island Sound. The town has beautiful landscapes, majestic trees and gardens, interesting architecture, from the factory homes of Ivoryton, with Federals, Victorians, capes and historic churches, and a town hall that was built in 1892. The epitome of a quaint New England town, Essex also features first rate marinas, a maritime museum and clusters of shops.

Area attractions include the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride, The Pratt House Museum, Ivoryton Playhouse, and Gillette Castle.

Directions:
From Hartford: Follow I-91 South toward New Haven/NY City. Merge onto CT-9 South via Exit 22S on the left toward Middletown/Old Saybrook. Take the CT-154 exit, Exit 3 toward CT-153/Essex/Westbrook. Turn slight left onto Middlesex Turnpike/CT-154. Turn left onto West Ave. Turn slight left onto South Main Street. Turn slight right onto Essex Square. Turn right onto Main Street.

The Copper Beach Inn, Essex / Ivoryton
This gracious Victorian in Ivoryton -- one of three picturesque villages that make up the town of Essex -- has been selected as the "Best Country Inn in Connecticut" by Connecticut Magazine (September 2003).

Copper Beach Inn Restaurant, Essex / Ivoryton
The Inn's highly acclaimed AAA Four-Diamond restaurant features snug, distinctive dining rooms with an "updated French" menu complemented by wine from the award-winning, 5,000-plus-bottle wine cellar (Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence").

Connecticut Lodging Directory

Connecticut River Valley Region