Downtown Essex, Connecticut
Discover shopping, dining, and accommodation in downtown Essex.
Moving to Essex?
Order a Free Relocation Guide
We are seeking partnerships with forward-thinking city officials and business leaders to replicate
our system in their downtowns and launch cities together.
ShopDowntown.org Discount Card Program
The ShopDowntown.org Discount Card Program encourages local shopping by offering exclusive savings at participating downtown businesses. Shoppers can obtain a discount card by donating $20 or more to the American Cancer Society, unlocking deals of up to 15% off at local stores. The program supports small businesses, funds community health initiatives, and helps strengthen the local economy, making it a win-win for both merchants and consumers.
Shop
0 results
Hotels
The Griswold Inn
36 Main Street
Essex, Connecticut
Hotel Tips
Bring an actual credit card to avoid deposits and pre-authorizations consuming money in your checking account which will reduce your available balance. Hotels that accept paper cash often ask for a hefty deposit to cover potential damages in your room leaving you scrambling to find an ATM.
Ask to be shown a room before you check-in which signals the front desk agent to show the best room available to sell it right away. This can put you in the best room available at that time and gives you the ability to check for cleanliness, smells and sounds before transacting with the hotel.
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.
Things To Do
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.
Essex has that special dining venue and you are sure to find something to please with numerous meals served to satisfy each palette. A wide variety of restaurants and delis are available to choose from with a nice selection of entrees and especially desserts.
Essex thanks the collection of small business owners who devote their time and energy to make shopping downtown a great experience. Inventory offered downtown is shopped by the merchant buyer to bring the best products to your neighborhood.
Why Do You Love Downtown?
CJ
Great vibe to this town! My mom lives in Medford so when I come to visit, I like to stop in Ashland.
Erin Lawless
The shops and bakery make it an appealing destination for people who want to keep small businesses going by enjoying those shops as well
Melanie Kraus
I have not been there in a long time. Last time I was there was with my parents. I thought it was neat little town back then. Could you send me some information on reelsville Indiana.
Sharon Wright
I like the idea of downtown merchants being more visible and that they are locally owned and operated. It's great to see what's available downtown and I look forward to the discounts as well. Being a history buff, I love see the architecture as it was back in the day which is lost in modern buildings. Downtown is charming, inviting and quaint!
heather ashbaker
this will be my first visit
Join our newsletter
The American Cancer Society does not endorse any product or service.

