Essex, CT

Travel Guide

Essex featuring a house
Essex
Essex which includes a house
Essex featuring a marina
Essex showing a marina

The charm of Connecticut is abundantly clear in this historic town with inextricable links to the river and an enticing old-world atmosphere.

Essex has been described as “one town, three villages,” a description that captures the varied charms of this riverside community. Travel between Essex Village, Centerbrook and Ivoryton to enjoy the numerous attractions. Fascinating museums, classically American main streets and atmospheric arts venues characterize a place that has been voted one of the country’s finest small towns.

European settlers first established communities here in the late 17th century. The town was once one of New England’s crucial shipbuilding centers. Wander the banks of the Connecticut River, where over 600 vessels were built between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Discover more of Essex’s maritime past and the history of boating in the Connecticut River Museum. Exhibits here include a full-scale, working replica of the first American submarine and displays showing how Native Americans relied on the river. The museum also offers excursions along the water in a historical vessel and a river festival every May.

Browse the stores on Main Street, where traditional timber buildings, hotels and storefronts hark back to a bygone era. Take a break from shopping in one of the restaurants or art galleries along the way.

Stroll along the walking trails of Canfield Woods, a pleasant nature preserve on the edge of town. Paths lead beneath red maples, American chestnuts and spruces, among others. Bring your binoculars to spot deer, foxes and a variety of birds.

Relax for an evening in the Ivoryton Playhouse, a stunning theater that has stood on this site for over 100 years. Professional musicals, dramas and comedies are performed in this storied venue throughout the year.

Essex is about 40 minutes away from New HavenOpens in a new window and 20 minutes from Middletown by car. Travel by boat to arrive here in style, docking in one of the marina slips in the center of Essex Village.

Come to Essex in any season of the year. Spring and summer bring warm days by the river, while fall promises New England’s famous colorful foliage.

Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun

4.5 out of 5
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Montville, CT
The price is ¥26,333 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
¥26,333
¥34,013 total
Oct 8 - Oct 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Montville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,018 reviews)
"We went to get away from all the stress and was exactly what we got. The room was beautiful. We unexpectedly were upgraded to a suite and took advantage of the what the room offered. Ate at great places, experienced a WNBA game for the first time. Everyone on staff was so friendly making us feel ..."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Mohegan Sun
Holiday Inn Norwich by IHG

Holiday Inn Norwich by IHG

3 out of 5
10 Laura Blvd, Norwich, CT
The price is ¥13,903 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥13,903
¥15,988 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,025 reviews)
"Love staying here! Everyone is so helpful and rooms are clean!"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Holiday Inn Norwich by IHG
Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area

Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area

3 out of 5
2049 Norwich, New London Turnpike, Montville, CT
The price is ¥15,338 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
¥15,338
¥17,638 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Montville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,596 reviews)
"Everything was very nice close to Mohegan Sun"

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2025

Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

2 out of 5
298 E Haddam Moodus Rd, East Haddam, CT
Stay at this cabin in East Haddam. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Machimoodus State Park and Amasa Day House are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Our cabin was in a great spot backed up against high ground in a nicely wooded area. It was secluded & very quiet. Firewood was provided. Close proximity to hiking & Chester, CT with nice restaurants. The staff were proactive & very thoughtful."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus
Cliffside Resort Condominiums

Cliffside Resort Condominiums

3 out of 5
61475 Route 48 (North Road), Greenport, NY
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Greenport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Railroad Museum of Long Island and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (240 reviews)
"Great view of the water and nice amenities with the beach and pool."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Cliffside Resort Condominiums
The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise

2 out of 5
Old Lyme
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Old Lyme. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Perfect for a weekend beach getaway. Very small but accurately portrayed in the pictures. It was clean and the host was very helpful and responsive."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

The Stern at Soundview · Beach+Ocean+Sunrise
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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