The Griswold Inn

08/27/2026

You never know what magic is in store at The Gris! This wonderful impromptu performance by The Snow Goose cast from Goodspeed Musicals happened during our popular Sea Chanty Night. It's always a spirited night of music and fellowship with The Jovial Crew - every Monday night. ⚓🎶✨ 🍻

Love this so much and can't wait to see the show!

08/17/2026

We're feeling good about this one and we're in great company! 😉Thanks for the shoutout Visit New England!!!

Join us in celebrating 250 years of history and hospitality! ✨

https://www.griswoldinn.com

08/12/2026

For centuries, Essex has welcomed visitors with its rich maritime history, and this November, a new book explores one of the remarkable stories that unfolded right here!

⚓ If you love Essex and The Griswold Inn's rich maritime history, we encourage you to follow Faith and Fortune Book on Facebook and Instagram.

Co-authored by The Griswold Inn's Geoffrey Paul and maritime historian and bestselling author Steven Ujifusa, Faith and Fortune explores the lives of Capt. Henry L. Champlin, his wife Amelia, and the Essex community during a pivotal period in American history. Through years of research, personal letters and archival records, the book reveals how this small Connecticut River town helped shape the nation's maritime legacy and connected Essex to New York, London and beyond.

The Griswold Inn is part of that story. As one of America's oldest continuously operating inns, it has welcomed generations of travelers, mariners and local residents, serving as a lasting landmark in the community where the Champlin family's story unfolded. We invite you to follow along to learn about some of the fascinating stories from the archives, historic photographs and a behind-the-scenes look at the journey leading up to the book's November 17 release.

Faith and Fortune Book

08/10/2026

Thanks so much for the shoutout New England Inns & Resorts! Whether a drink, lunch, dinner, an overnight... We're here to welcome you - 250 years and counting! ✨

Historic Hotels of America

Covered Bridge Room Caryn B Davis

08/09/2026

We continue to hear from so many regarding Stroll magazine's issue featuring none other than...😉 Thanks so much for sharing a small part of our story! For those that live beyond Essex, as a matter of interest...

07/13/2026

250 years and counting!

We've received so many wonderful messages and heartfelt congratulations as we celebrate this special milestone in our history. This one comes from our friend, loyal patron, and founder of Highclere Castle Gin - a favorite pour in our Tap Room! 😉Thank you, Adam, for your friendship, support, and kind words. 🥂✨

07/07/2026

On this day in history... A father penned a note to his son. This, along with the Revolutionary War musket in which it was found, is now on display in one of our Historic Dining Rooms, 'The Gun Room.'

7th month, 7th day, 1776.

My dear son Jared,

I send you this my gun,
Do not handle it in fun,
But with it make ye British run.
Join ye ranks of ye Washington,
And when our independence is won
We will talk a drink of good old rum.

~ John Francis Putnam

07/02/2026

Thank you Fox News and Bill Hemmer for the America250/Gris250 shoutout!

Happy Fourth to all and... Happy Birthday America! 🇺🇸✨

A historic Connecticut tavern, the Griswold Inn in Essex, celebrates 250 years since its opening in 1776.

07/01/2026

We’re festive every day of the week but over the July 4th weekend we’ll take it up a notch! On Saturday the 4th we’ll be welcoming patrons ALL DAY with festive food and drink specials including our branded GRIS250 burger offered at the patriotic price of $17.76. Libations including Signature Liberty Lemonade, 1776 Tea, a Patriotic Spritzer and, of course, our Revolutionary Ale are all on tap. Birthday Cake and a splash of our Gris250 Sparkling Rosé is offered with our compliments to all of our dining guests for a holiday toast. Our Wine Bar & Bistro is also in on the celebration with special menu additions. Visit griswoldinn.com to view.

As for our musical menu, we’ll have ‘cocktail piano’ in the afternoon followed by the Essex Sailing Masters of 1812 welcoming patrons to The Gris at 5:00 pm, and a continuous flow of music throughout the evening!

Sunday brings yet more festivity with our Hunt Brunch and Tap Room entertainment! Festive indeed!

We hope you enjoy a spirited and safe holiday wherever you choose to spend it - maybe with us!!! 😉

Dining reservations are recommended.

Happy Fourth! 🇺🇸💥🥂 ❤️🤍💙

06/27/2026

We recently welcomed John & Abigail Adams and the director of 1776, the musical now playing just two miles down the road at The Ivoryton Playhouse.

If you love theatre - and passionate people - take a few minutes to watch this short video. The director’s enthusiasm for this production is contagious! 🎭✨
https://youtu.be/eHDGGoRGkfo?si=yAinBwlStsIYALSv

We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Playhouse during the run of 1776, offering a special “Spirit of 1776: Stay & Play” hotel package for theatre-goers who want to turn a play date into an overnight getaway. (See link in first comment.)