Jun 5, 2026 - Jun 5, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

 

Founded in 1776 alongside the birth of the nation itself, The Griswold Inn in Essex, Connecticut, is celebrating an extraordinary 250 years as one of America’s oldest continuously operating inns. Through centuries of history — from wars and economic hardships to changing generations — “The Gris” has remained a beloved gathering place filled with timeless New England charm.

To mark this historic milestone, the Inn will host a yearlong celebration featuring a special Birthday Weekend in June that brings the Revolutionary era to life. Guests can enjoy fife and drum performances, Founding Father reenactors, candlelit colonial dinners, lively sea chanteys, and immersive historical experiences. Later in the month, the celebration continues with The Spirit of 1776: Stay & Play, a unique theatre experience presented in partnership with the Ivoryton Playhouse.

“There are few places in America where you can truly step into history and feel it all around you,” says co-owner Joan Paul, who operates the Inn alongside her husband Doug and his brothers Greg and Geoff. “This anniversary honors the generations of seafarers, soldiers, travelers, and loyal guests who have helped shape The Griswold Inn’s remarkable story.”

A symbol of endurance, hospitality, and American heritage, The Griswold Inn’s 250th anniversary offers visitors a rare opportunity to celebrate history where it has been living for centuries.

Jun 5, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

In celebration of its 250th anniversary, The Griswold Inn will host A Taste for History — a festive weekend honoring America’s Revolutionary spirit through food, music, storytelling, and colonial-era traditions.

The celebration begins Friday with performances by the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps, alongside Revolutionary Ale, “1776” burgers, sea chanteys in the Tap Room, and historic wine pairings at The Gris Wine Bar. Guests can also mingle with reenactors portraying iconic Founding Fathers and Revolutionary-era figures.

On Saturday, the Inn will host a candlelit Courses in History Dinner Party in its historic Covered Bridge dining room, featuring live chamber music from Orchestra New England, colonial-inspired dining, appearances by historical figures including John Adams and George Washington, and a special birthday cake celebration.

Sunday’s festivities conclude with a traditional Hunt Brunch inspired by the Inn’s War of 1812 history, commemorating the British Raid on Essex. Guests can also enjoy a special Author’s Tea with bestselling author Julie Gerstenblatt, who will preview her upcoming historical novel The Stargazer of Nantucket ahead of its official release.

Blending immersive history with timeless New England hospitality, A Taste for History offers guests a memorable way to celebrate 250 years of The Griswold Inn and America’s enduring heritage.

Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026 Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426

The 2026 Connecticut Sea Music Festival returns to Essex, celebrating the rich traditions of maritime folk music and coastal culture. Presented in partnership with the town of Essex and local venues, this beloved festival brings together musicians, storytellers, and sea music enthusiasts for four days of unforgettable performances and community spirit.

Daytime events are free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted, while evening concerts require tickets. Advance ticket sales close Wednesday, June 10 at midnight. A limited number of walk-in tickets will also be available prior to each evening concert for $35 (Adults) and $20 (Children), though advance purchase is strongly encouraged.

As many events take place outdoors near the waterfront, guests are encouraged to dress in weather-appropriate layers and bring hydration for comfort during cooler evening temperatures. Please note that smoking is prohibited on museum grounds, and only service animals are permitted under the concert tent.

Jun 25, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

As part of its 250th anniversary celebration, The Griswold Inn is partnering with the historic Ivoryton Playhouse — Connecticut’s famed “First Lady of Theatre” — for a special Stay & Play experience featuring the beloved musical 1776. Located just two miles from the Inn, the Playhouse has entertained audiences for more than a century and celebrates its own 115th anniversary this year.

The package invites guests to immerse themselves in Revolutionary-era history through an overnight getaway that includes preferred seating to 1776, accommodations at The Griswold Inn, continental breakfast for two, and a commemorative keepsake.

Weekday packages are available for $350, while Friday and Saturday stays are priced at $385, with room upgrades available for an additional charge. Performances run throughout the week with both matinee and evening show options available.

Blending historic charm, award-winning theatre, and New England hospitality, the Stay & Play experience offers a memorable way to celebrate America’s founding spirit during The Griswold Inn’s milestone anniversary year.

Jul 4, 2026 - Jul 4, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

Celebrate Independence Day in historic Essex with a full day of patriotic festivities centered around The Griswold Inn and the Connecticut River Museum. The celebration features family-friendly activities, including a special scavenger hunt, museum exhibits opening at noon, and the beloved annual boat parade sailing down the Connecticut River at 2 p.m., accompanied by ceremonial cannon fire.

Guests can also enjoy a taste of colonial America with special historic-inspired dining in The Griswold Inn’s iconic Covered Bridge dining room. Adding to the Revolutionary spirit, the Essex Sailing Masters of 1812 will welcome visitors with traditional music and maritime pageantry, creating a festive tribute to America’s independence and Essex’s rich coastal heritage.

Sep 22, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026 The Griswold Inn. 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

The Griswold Inn is home to one of the finest private marine art collections in the country, with museum-quality paintings and artifacts displayed throughout the historic property. Originally built over generations by the Ladd/Lovell Family, the collection continues to grow under the stewardship of the Paul Family, who have cared for the Inn for more than 30 years.

Due to growing guest interest in the stories behind the artwork, The Griswold Inn introduced guided art tours led by co-owner and innkeeper Geoffrey Paul, whose passion and deep knowledge bring the collection vividly to life. Held seasonally and open to the public, these tours combine history, storytelling, and art in a uniquely engaging experience that has earned rave reviews from visitors and local historic groups alike.

Guests frequently praise the tours as informative, entertaining, and filled with fascinating historical insights — with many returning more than once. Additional public tours are planned for the fall, while private group tours paired with brunch, lunch, or dinner experiences are also available.

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026 10 Woodland Rd, Deep River, CT 06417

Jun 7, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026 Downtown Milford – Milford Green / Lisman Landing and Milford Historical Society Milford, CT 06460

Oct 9, 2025 - Oct 31, 2027 New Haven Museum 114 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510

May 23, 2026 - May 23, 2026 270 Sherman Ave Hamden, CT 06518

May 30, 2026 - May 30, 2026 Guilford Town Green, Broad and Whitfield Streets Guilford, CT 06437