A Charming Town In New England Is Home To One Of The Oldest Restaurants In The World

Each year, New England's charm attracts millions of visitors both domestically and from around the world. From hiking enthusiasts to leaf peepers to history buffs, travelers find a lot of reasons to flock to the Northeastern coast. But if you're in the mood for a New England getaway, don't overlook Essex, Connecticut. Although it's home to only about 6,800 residents, this idyllic little inland port town packs quite a punch.

Nestled on the Connecticut River, the settlement that became Essex was started in the 1640s, and this area's history has only gotten more interesting. As the town grew, its waterfront location made it an optimal place for shipbuilding. So when the Revolutionary War began and the Connecticut General Assembly began to commission warships, colonial shipbuilder Uriah Hayden oversaw the construction and launch of the 'Oliver Cromwell' in Essex from January to June 1776. During construction, while tradesmen, suppliers, politicians, and shipyard workers were in town, a new inn was built as a hub for food, drink, and respite. That place was The Griswold Inn.

The Griswold Inn (known affectionately as "The Gris") is among the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the United States. Even after the war ended, the shipbuilding industry in Essex continued and The Gris remained an important community hub. Unfortunately, that made both the town and the inn a target during the War of 1812 when the British blockaded the Connecticut River in response to an embargo enacted by President Jefferson. 

When local shipbuilders started secretly converting their merchant ships into privateers, the British found out and led a raid on April 8, 1812. Not only did they destroy 28 vessels worth around $200,000 (that's about $3.5 million today), but the British stormed the inn and used it as headquarters. Fortunately, both the inn and the town survived and went on to serve as an important port for steamboats during the 1800s. 

In the 1840s, The Gris was targeted once again. This time by protestors during the Temperance Movement. A temporary olive branch must've been extended at some point as the inn was briefly called a "first class temperance hotel" by owner Thomas Ladd. However, by the Prohibition era, it was decidedly not a dry hotel as it was repeatedly raided and fined for serving alcohol. But despite Prohibition, the Great Depression, the end of shipbuilding, and various other setbacks, The Gris survived and thrives to this day.

Today, The Gris continues to function as both an inn and a place for sustenance. The inn offers 34 distinct, comfortable rooms including one fully ADA-compliant room. Rooms start at around $195 a night. Previous notable guests include legends such as Mark Twain, George Washington, Albert Einstein, and Katharine Hepburn. Thanks to its Main Street location, the inn is within walking distance of the Connecticut River Museum, plus lots of shops and restaurants.

The famous tavern at The Gris is a mainstay on many "Best Bar" lists. Although it started as a schoolhouse in 1735, it was dragged across town by a team of oxen and attached to the inn 66 years later. Come for the jovial atmosphere, drinks, and bar fare, and stay for the live music and incredible historical artifacts adorning the walls. Don't forget to experience the historic fine dining in one of the four beautiful dining rooms open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner.