The Essex center is about 3 miles north of Old Saybrook Amtrak and 7 miles southeast of Gillettes Castle.
The climate in Essex includes four separate seasons, with cold, snowy winters, cool fall and spring seasons, and warm, humid summers. The area receives about 30 inches of snow per year, with average temperatures in the low 20-degree range in the winter months. In the fall, the leaves change color and the temperatures drop to around 50 degrees or lower, so many people enjoy visiting during this time of the year. Since the weather is fairly predictable and not too drastic at any time of the year, it usually doesn't impact hotel rates much.
Essex hosts a few small events throughout the year. These events typically don't bring in large crowds, so they won't cause hotel prices to spike. Some of the most popular events among locals include the annual “Burning of the Ships” commemoration, which includes a parade and ceremony, as well as the annual fall festival in mid-October.
Seniors traveling to the area can qualify for lower rates at Quality Inn Old Saybrook Westbrook, which offers clean, spacious rooms and access to nearby restaurants and shopping areas. The property has a gift shop, a restaurant, a bar, a computer station, and complimentary daily newspapers in the lobby. In the rooms, you'll find flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, tea and coffee makers, phones, complimentary toiletries, and free wireless internet access. The private terrace also offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
AAA members can save when staying at Springhill Suites by Marriott, which is about 14 miles from Essex in New London. Every suite has a kitchenette with a microwave and a refrigerator, along with a separate sitting area, a desk, an LCD TV with cable programming, free wired and wireless internet access, and a phone. The property has a 24-hour fitness center, a convenience store offering snacks and drinks, a TV in the common area, an indoor pool, and a business center. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items comes with your stay.
For government employees and military personnel, Holiday Inn New London Mystic Area offers discounted room rates. At this hotel, you can take advantage of the picnic area, indoor pool, fitness center, business center, and dry cleaning and laundry services. If you want to gamble, hop on the complimentary casino shuttle. The on-site restaurant serves American fare, while room service is offered during select hours. The guest rooms feature separate workspaces, refrigerator, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary toiletries.
Super 8 by Wyndham Old Saybrook offers affordable pricing and appealing amenities. This oceanfront property has a seasonal, outdoor swimming pool, a business center, free parking, and express check-in and check-out services. Within your room, you'll have a refrigerator, a microwave, a private bathroom with a shower, a desk, and a TV with cable channels. A complimentary continental breakfast is included with your stay, where you can enjoy fresh waffles, fruit, coffee, juice, and other tasty options. Parking is also free for guests, as is high-speed wireless internet access.
One of the top attractions in Essex is the Connecticut River Museum, which offers unique insights into the shipbuilding history for which the area is known. The museum is open daily until 5 p.m. and discounted admission is available to AAA members. Exhibits are spread over three levels and offer insights into colonial ships and the process of building them, the British raid during the War of 1812, the fur trade, navigation, ports, and other maritime histories. You can also pick up a souvenir to remember your visit to the museum at one of the gift shops.
If you're in the area when the weather is pleasant, you can spend some time at Main Street Park in Essex Village. It offers beautiful views of the ships coming into the harbor, along with a covered gazebo and expansive green space. Explore the local art scene at Cooper & Smith Gallery, where you can see paintings and other art pieces on display from a range of styles and genres, including abstract, representation, and more.
During a visit to the Pratt House, you can feel like you've taken a step back in time. This house was originally constructed in 1732 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The rooms feature furniture and household items that date back more than a century.
Essex is a fascinating town to visit, showcasing unique historical structures and elements from the time when the nation was first founded. Enjoy a relaxing and quaint visit to this area where you can find hotel options that offer plenty of appealing amenities.