Support Local Art At Spectrum Art Gallery And Artisan Store
Editor’s Note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing
Visit Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisan Store and enter a paradise of artworks and exhibits from local artists. Established in 2014, this popular art gallery presents the works of regional and national artists and artisans. The store has a wide array of fine art and craft products in fabric, ceramic, glass, paper, jewelry, pottery and a variety of mediums. Check out their calendar for themed exhibits, which are interactive and engaging events with discussions, demos, and art showcases. Art classes, summer camps, and workshops are also scheduled regularly for all age groups and levels, making this a popular hub for cultural activity and arts.
Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisan Store
Address: 61 Main St, Centerbrook, CT 06409, United States
Opening hours: Wed – Sat: 12pm – 6pm Sun: 12pm – 5pm
Take A Ride On The Essex Steam Train
My great-grandfather was a train engineer, so my family loves to explore really cool trains. We love to ride in these cool old vintage coaches through the untouched nature along the Connecticut River taking in such sites as Gillette Castle, the East Haddam Swing Bridge, and the Goodspeed Opera House. Speaking of Gillette Castle Head to
Things To Do In Connecticut
The Connecticut River Valley area is a destination for all seasons when looking for things to do in Connecticut. It is a wonderful region with plenty of things to do and places to go to.
The Nature Conservancy named it one of the western hemispheres 40 last great places.
East Haddam is a shining gem in the Connecticut shoreline and home to a spectacular scenery. Here you will find sophistication of a big-city, along with the charm of the rural New England. The Boardman House is only 2 hours away from New York City and Boston.
Boardman House is close to several tourist attractions in Connecticut. A short walk from us, you will find Goodspeed Musicals and Restaurants by the river. There are also scenic nature trails for hiking in our State Parks nearby. It is the perfect base to explore New England!
We are close to historic coastal towns like Essex, Mystic and Old Saybrook. You will find antiques, gourmet dining, art galleries, museums, and sightseeing.
There is also shopping in several world-class outlet stores. There are also beaches such as Hammonasset to enjoy, hiking in the local state parks and biking. You will also find several golf courses in the area and Gillette Castle is a five-minute drive up the hill.
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Stay In The Historic Griswold Inn
The Griswold Inn, or the Gris as locals call it, opened for business in 1776 making them one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country. The inn oozes with historic charm and will make you feel like you stepped back in time.
If you arent staying the night, have a meal in the rustic tavern which is an experience in itself.
Popular Types Of Attractions In Essex
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Essex Indoor Golf Center
When the weather is not great or when you just need to spend some extra time improving your game, the Essex Indoor Golf Center is your ideal destination. Here you can enjoy playing 70 world-class golf courses under one roof. The center boasts state-of-the-art golf simulators which offer players a wide range of options you can set up your preferred wind conditions, Tee level, aerial view of the fairway and much more. Golfers are welcome to bring their own clubs but rental clubs are available. There is even a driving range feature to get you started. In addition to the golf simulators the center also has several mini-golf virtual games for you to try.
Essex Indoor Golf Center, 23 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT 06426, 959 265 8979
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The Essex Steam Train And Riverboat
Perhaps Essexs most popular family attraction is the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. There is always a fun experience along the tracks, perhaps the most popular being The North Pole Express. The Steam Trains schedule is packed year-round with everything from Easter Bunny train rides to rail bike adventures.
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Cooper & Smith Gallery
At the Cooper & Smith Gallery youll be able to explore over 5,000 square feet of exhibition space that is filled with contemporary fine art in a wide range of styles and genres. The gallery is steeped in tradition and emphasizes oil paintings using drawing-based disciplines. Its a wonderful place for both new and experienced collectors alike as its the perfect environment to take in new art, from abstraction to realism. Youll be able to see works by artists such as Tom Root, Molly McDonald, Henry St. Clair, Merrill French, Judith Pond Kudlow, and James Coe. There are several art exhibitions and other events which you can attend held at the gallery throughout the year.
10 Main St, Essex, CT 06426, Phone: 860-581-8526
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Things To Do When Vacation On Essex Connecticut
Essex, Connecticut one of the worlds most visited cities, Essex, Connecticut has something for everyone, from a rich history stretching back to Roman times and grand architecture to world-class dining, entertainment, and grand old parks. Essex, Connecticut seamlessly combines 21st-century modernity with Old World charm and beauty. Here are the best things to do in Essex, Connecticut. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
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Why Youll Enjoy This Activity
Outdoorsy and nature-loving adventurers have a lot to love about Connecticut because of its wealth of gorgeous trails.
Weaving through lush greenery and endless landscapes, the Farmington River Trail is also perfect for burning off calories and exploring Connecticuts flora and fauna at the same time.
Outdoor Things To Do In Essex Connecticut
Some of the best parts of Essex, Connecticut are the pockets of greenery found throughout the city turn a corner or venture down some side street and youll suddenly find yourself facing a sprawling wetlands nature reserve or in the midst of dense foliage. Its in these smuggled spaces where pavement gives way to plant life that Essex, Connecticut truly shines. If youre looking for the best outdoor activities in Essex, Connecticut , heres where to go.
From rooftop restaurants and beer gardens, to outdoor cinemas and outdoor swimming pools, theres something invigorating about being outdoors in the city. Venture a little further afield and you can blow out the cobwebs on bike trails, sandy beaches and even picturesque flower farms, all within easy reach of Essex, Connecticut. Dont dally indoors theres some incredible outdoor experiences waiting to be had in Essex, Connecticut.
Eye-opening tours, trips to lavender fields, and secret parties: there is no shortage of things to do in Essex, Connecticut off the beaten path. Check out this list of cool stuff to do in Essex, Connecticut . Essex, Connecticut is such a heap of things to see and things to do, and I can never grow tired of it.
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Dont Forget To Bring Something Back For Fido
Essex is known as a very dog friendly place. The shops have bowls of water outside their doors and even little treat jars.
Gracies Corner is a small shop that has high quality food and toys for dogs and cats. Since Katouche wasnt with us on this trip, we brought him back some Polka Dog Bakery treats. I think he has forgiven us for leaving him at home.
Lastly Head Down To The Waters Edge In Westbrook
The grounds of the Waters Edge Hotel, set on the Long Island Sound, will provide the perfect end to your day of nature, New England charm, and history. You can see more about my time here in How a Breakation Can Improve Your Winter Mood.
Enjoy your time in the Connecticut River Valley. Please let me know about it in the comments. Also, let me know if you have been and have other suggestions.
If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!
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Things To Do During Holiday In Essex Connecticut
Six weeks of long, uninterrupted bliss the school holidays are finally here and while its great to spend time with the little ones, sometimes it can be hard to keep the nipper entertained over the holiday period. Fear not, weve rounded up a selection of Essex, Connecticut summer holiday activities
Essex, Connecticut is a busy year-round destination. When visiting Essex, Connecticut in December keep in mind that hotel prices and airfares are higher than in other months. As this is peak travel time to the city, visitors flood the most popular attractions, and stores get filled with shoppers, so make sure to plan your days out.
Go Back To School At Hill’s Academy Museum
via their official FB page
Built in 1832, Hills Academy began as a school for local children, then a boarding house, then a lodge for the Improved Order of Red Men. Now, in its third incarnation as home to the Essex Historical Society, this simple two-story Greek Revival building serves as a meeting place as well as a museum. Visitors curious about the history of Essex would benefit from a wander on the second floor, where they store the artifacts, photographs and archival records of the town.
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Essex Connecticut With Kids: Top 10 Things To See And Do
If you’re looking for a nearby escape in the Nutmeg State, look no further. Colonial vibes and New England charm ooze out of the town of Essex, which is nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River. This quaint Connecticut town is home to one of the oldest continuously running inns in the country, a packed calendar of annual events, and tons of lovely shops and restaurants.
Time and time again, Essex has earned a spot as one of the Best Small Towns in America. Whether you grab a burger at The Gris, a cone of Essex Mud, or spend the day coasting down a historic railroad, this small New England town is anything but sleepy. Read on for the top 10 things to do in Essex, Connecticut with kids. For more cute towns and the best kid-friendly Connecticut activities, don’t miss the Top Attractions in Connecticut for Families.
Kids take the helm at the Connecticut River Museum.
Best Things To Do In Essex Connecticut
Filled with history and charm, Essex, CT is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed vacation on your own, with a loved one, a group of friends, or the entire family. Start your trip with a meal at the Griswold Inn which has been welcoming travelers since 1776. Then head out to incomparable attractions such as the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, the Florence Griswold Museum, or one of the oldest standing buildings in the state, the Pratt House. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.
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Back In Time To This Historic Shipbuilding Own
Essex, Connecticut, may be the most truly New England town in all of New England. As an early shipping and shipbuilding town, Essex played a key role in the war of 1812, suffering the Great Attack from the British coming in through the Connecticut River. Since then, the town has retained its great American pride, as well as its small-town friendliness. Its streets are lined with historic buildings and houses built in Federal-style architecture distinctly all-American, dating back to the birth of America. Made up of three very small villages, Essex is a great town to escape to for a few days, to catch a breath of fresh air and walk around in one of the birthplaces of America. Even better, Essex is only a two-hour drive from New York City.
by Gerry Teal via Flickr
The best thing about natural life is that it invariably remains the same over the course of hundreds of years. Peering out the window of the Essex Steam Train on a track that dates from the late 1800s and watching the Connecticut River Valley slowly pass, it wont feel like much has changed over the past century and a half. This is why this particular attraction is as popular as it is because it feels like a time machine, and for all intents and purposes, it may as well be one. Take the steam train and riverboat tour and feel the generations evaporate away into the steam.
Take A Tour On Essex Steam Train And Riverboat
Get the best of two enchanting historical means of transport, with the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat tour. It is an enjoyable 2.5 hours round trip with beautiful scenery. Your journey starts at the Essex Station, with a train ride in comfortable coach cars to a riverboat tour. And, after a breezy cruise on the Connecticut River during which youll get to see some birds and enjoy live music, the train will bring you back to Essex Station. It is one of the best tours available in Essex.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Add a touch of historical exploration to your Essex visit at Pratt House, a vintage landmark acquired and owned since 1985 by Essex Historical Society. This over 200-year-old house, dating back to 1732, has been well-preserved, thanks to the efforts of six generations of the Pratt family who were among the first settlers in Essex. Located on 19 West Avenue, it has a main block with story-wood-frame structure, five bays, a central chimney and two older structures with gambrel roofs, attached to the main block, dating further back to 1650s. Pay a visit here to appreciate the architecture, furnishings that represent a range of styles through the years, and even a vintage blacksmith shop.
Pratt House
Opening hours: Fri – Sun: 1pm – 4pm
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Things To Do In Essex Connecticut For Seniors
Colonial homes from the 18th and 19th centuries line Main Street alongside quaint boutiques in the charming and elegant river town of Essex, Connecticut. A small population of about 6,700 people between the three villages of Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton enjoy everything the pastoral lifestyle and intimate community have to offer. If youre coming to tour Essex Meadows senior living community and youre wondering what to do in Essex, here are 10 pastimes popular with the locals.
Things To Do With Kids In Essex Ct
- TripBuzz found 242 things to do with kids in or near Essex, Connecticut, including 235 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Groton, Mystic, New London and Waterford.
- From Essex Steam Train & Riverboat to Connecticut River Museum, the Essex area offers 115 different types of family activities, including: History Museums, National & State Parks, Parks and Historic Homes.
- The town of Essex is positioned in Middlesex County, Connecticut. This lightly populated area, covering 12 square miles, is made up of three separate villages. The town is home to seven National Historic Sites and is host to an array of festivals and parades. This family-filled town is a historic wonder filled with exquisite architecture on the coast of the nearby Connecticut river.
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Envy The Historic Homes On Main
I think I actually started drooling looking at the Colonial era homes on the Main Street. Most are original. All are beautiful. Picture gas lanterns flickering outside, perfectly manicured gardens and white picket fences.
If you need a rest, look out for a small town park. Its the perfect place to sit on a bench and look out over the water.
