With more than 300 years of maritime history to recommend it, this appealing village on the lower Connecticut River offers a bit of everything for visiting boaters.
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ESSEX AT A GLANCE
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NOAA Charts: 12375, 12372
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With more than 300 years of maritime history to recommend it, this appealing village on the lower Connecticut River offers a bit of everything for visiting boaters.
Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina(860) 767-2483; Transient-friendly “resort marina” featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool, picnic and recreation areas, laundry, showers, plus an on-site restaurant and deli.
A small anchorage in 7 to 12 feet of water can be found just east of Nott Island. The channel here is narrow, but offers just enough swing room for most boats. Visiting boaters can also anchor or grab a mooring in protected Hamburg Cove, opposite Brockaway Island, some 1 1/2 miles upriver.
Launch Ramp: Essex Town Landing; A one-lane ramp with tie-up pier can be found at the end of Main Street, adjacent to the Connecticut River Museum. No fee, but street parking is limited.
Baldwin Bridge State Ramp; A better choice for larger boats is the Baldwin Bridge Ramp in Old Saybrook, directly below I-95. This is a free state ramp with ample parking.
DESTINATION ESSEX
Dining:
The Griswold Inn(860) 767-1776; Historic inn and restaurant in the heart of Essex. Offers fine dining, a Tap Room with live music, and a wine/tapas bar.
Siren Kitchen and Bar(860) 662-4224; Get away to the island! Apps and sandwiches, salads, and entrees with something for everyone at Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina.
Olive Oyl’s(860) 767-4909; Coffee, pastries, gourmet sandwiches, salads, box lunches and other treats and provisions.
Connecticut River Museum(860) 767-8269; Waterfront museum featuring educational programs, exhibits, special events, schooner tours and festivals, all revolving around the Connecticut River. The museum also hosts boating-related events such as the Antique and Classic Boat Show and the Annual Boat Building Workshop.
Riverquest(860) 767-8269; Narrated natural history tours of the river. Passengers usually see bald eagles, osprey and wading birds on these 1.5-hour excursions. Departs from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam.
Pratt House Museum(860) 767-1191; Built in 1701, the Pratt House Museum, run by the Essex Historial Society, chronicles the changes in Essex from an agrarian community to a shipbuilding hub.
Where to Stay: Griswold Inn(860) 767-1776; The cozy Gris has been welcoming weary sailors and landlubbers since 1776. Choose from tempting menus in the main dining room or at the wine bar or Tap Room before retiring to a luxurious, antiques-filled room.
Cool Shops: Toys Ahoy(860) 767-2067; Carries a wide selection of children’s toys, games, books, gifts and more.
Kayak Rental: Connecticut River Museum(860) 767-8269; Rents kayaks from the museum’s headquarters adjacent to the town landing at the end of Main Street.