Ivoryton, which is actually part of Essex, located in Middlesex County, took its name from the ivory industry set up here by the Comstock family, who imported tusks to be shaped into covers for piano and organ keys. Today people come to Ivoryton for the Ivoryton Playhouse, which stages excellent productions of dramatic and music works.

Designated one of the 40 "Last Great Places" by The Nature Conservancy, the Lower Connecticut River Valley is a wonderful region to see and explore.

Recreation activities available in the area include golf, fishing, horseback riding, biking and of course skiing.

Area attractions include Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Ride, Mystic Marine Life Aquarium, Mystic Seaport, Gillette Castle State Park, and Jonathan Edwards Winery.

Connecticut Lodging Directory

Connecticut River Valley Region

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").

Deacon Timothy Pratt B&B Inn c.1746, Old Saybrook
A c.1746 center chimney Colonial in the heart of Old Saybrook's historic and shopping districts with guest rooms that are romantically furnished in period style.