Downtown Essex, Connecticut

Hotels

Hotel Tips

Not all online booking systems are fully integrated with hotel reservations systems so there is a chance that smaller hotels are hand entering your stay from a fax machine which leaves room for errors. Book directly with hotel to avoid any problems and ask for a price match if you find a better price online.

Avoid booking poolside for kids playing during the day and gatherings at night. Sound bounces off of the water and voices carry so ask for a room away from the pool either on the opposite side of the hotel or in higher floors.

Always find a reason to email the front desk manager in hotels that you plan to visit again. Tell them what they did right and express your plans to stay again and ask what opportunities there might be for frequent discounts or upgrades on your next visits. If you become friends with the manager, you just might get the friends and family rate some day.

Things To Do

Essex offers on-the-go dining when you visit your favorite food truck. Pick up some corn tortilla tacos with freshly made pico with a fresh squeeze of lemon to give your day a boost. Food trucks can offer a wide variety of niche ethnic blends.

Essex has several options for shopping for specialty food items that are not found in regular grocery stores. Shops tailored for "foodies" offer tastings of the products as well as scheduled culinary classes to perfect your skills. Shop for infused oils, salts and spices from around the World!

Essex helps you expand your skills and learn some new ways to expand your artisan flare? Sign up for classes at your kitchen supply store, yarn shop, art and craft shop and photo gallery. You'll be having great fun with your new friends as you you take on that next project.

Why Do You Love Downtown?

Molly MacTaggart
Always love quaint, historic downtown areas, late April will be our first visit to Dillon.

Crystal Wood
Always rich in diversity and intriguing in atmosphere, it's busy, lively and full of color and wonderful aromas! A great experience for the senses.

Darcie Maassen
I love Downtown because I love the beautiful historic buildings. It's a very pretty area aesthetically. I also appreciate the great variety of delicious dining within a small area. Favorites include Capers, Pomodori, Paisanos, Bricktowne Brewery, Elements Tapas bar, Porters, Larks and 4 Daughters. They are all within 4-5 blocks!

Christy Richards
Because I love to shop local and the stores and owners make your visit welcoming inviting you to return again with a smile on their face.

Robby
High quality group of restaurants and wonderful shops! Authentic old fashioned down-town atmosphere brings it all together very well.

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