Essex is one of three unique villages on Connecticut River that runs through four states. It is measured to be the longest river in the New England area, 406 miles to be exact. The town is famous for building warships during the Revolution in the 1700s.
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Our first thought as we enter the village is that it has the same homie feeling as Stars Hollow, the town of “Gilmore Girls”. A small town with nothing more than the perfect amount of charm a town really need. We are parked near the water and are naturally drawn to explore the blue open view from a pier at the Essex harbor.
As our eyes absorb every angle of the beautiful small-town dock, our mind is once again thrown to another tv show, “Once Upon a Time”. The harbor of “Storybrooke”, (their towns fictional name) have so much of resemblance that we have to take a moment, close our eyes and pretend that we are in Steveston Village (Richmond, BC).
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Anyhow, this is Essex, and we are amazed by the small little shops we see while strolling around where our steps take us. An old antique store with strong nautical themes poke on our attention, so does a gift store with lots of souvenirs as well as books. We enjoy it so much that we forgot to feed our “sweet tooths”.
We have heard a lot of good things about a special cafe called “Essex Coffee and Tea Company” that we have to try out. It is as this town, small and charming, with a good variety of choices. One of their suggestions is “Maple Latte” that I just have to try, while Lindsay has one of their herbal teas. A “blondie” and an “almond horseshoe” later we feel as good as new. Next time we must try the legendary Macaroons, which have been voted “Taste of the Valley’s Best Cookie” for 3 years in a row.
The walk through Essex is everything we could dream of. Children are sick sacking past us riding a battery operated car. They don’t need to sit inside staring at a smartphone, no not when you live in a town like this. Our steps take us to a nice park which does not seem to be a hidden secret.
One couple is catching up at the gazebo, others brought their books. As for the rest of us, we just enjoy the sunbeams touching our faces, strolling around looking out over the water.
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As we have admired the decor of the oldest operated Inn in the country we decide to time-travel back to 1776. It is time for dinner and we are going to enjoy a meal signed Griswold Inn. We don’t mind waiting for our table, the interior of the inn have captured us in a deep admiration. It is decorated as if no time has passed since they first opened back in the 16th century. In the area which seems to be where breakfast is served for the night guests, old cozy bookshelves are filled with antique books. Dark wood decor and beautiful murals are competing for our attention with an inviting roaming open fire, breathing 1700s.
The menu is rich with options and even have an impressive separate menu for those of you who are on a restricted diet. We are enjoying “Fish and Chips” and a “Turkey Sandwich” as our eyes slowly scanning the old steamboat images on the walls. The time flies and we are soon back to 2018. It is time to leave and we are delighted by all the things that Essex spoiled us with.
As we pull out with our car a lighthouse is blinking from a distance saying “goodbye for now, please come again!” An invitation that we gladly will hold on to!
