Essex travel guide

Essex travel guide

National Airports

There are no national airports in Essex, Connecticut. However, there are several airports located within a reasonable driving distance of Essex:

Bradley International Airport (BDL): Located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Bradley International Airport is the closest major airport to Essex, approximately 40 miles away.

T.F. Green Airport (PVD): Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, T.F. Green Airport is approximately 75 miles from Essex.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located in Queens, New York, JFK Airport is approximately 100 miles from Essex.

La Guardia Airport (LGA): Also located in Queens, New York, LaGuardia Airport is approximately 90 miles from Essex.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Located in Newark, New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 130 miles from Essex.

While there are no airports located in Essex itself, visitors can easily reach the town by renting a car or taking public transportation from one of these nearby airports.

Trains in Essex

Essex is a small town located in the state of Connecticut in the northeastern United States. While it doesn’t have its own train station, there are several train stations nearby that provide access to the town.

The closest train station to Essex is the Old Saybrook train station, which is located about 5 miles away from the town. This station is served by Amtrak and the Connecticut Shore Line East commuter rail service. The station has connections to New York City, Boston, and other major cities in the region.

Another nearby train station is the New London train station, located about 20 miles away from Essex. This station is also served by Amtrak and the Shore Line East, and provides connections to New Haven, Providence, and other destinations in the region.

Finally, the Hartford train station, located about 35 miles away, is served by Amtrak and provides connections to Boston, New York City, and other destinations in the Northeast.

From any of these train stations, visitors can take a taxi or rental car to get to Essex. Additionally, some hotels and inns in Essex may offer shuttle service to and from nearby train stations for their guests.

Buses in Essex

Essex is a small town in Connecticut, and while it is not as well-connected as larger cities, there are still some options for bus travel.

9 Town Transit – 9 Town Transit provides local bus service to many towns in the lower Connecticut River Valley, including Essex. They offer a few different routes that connect to surrounding towns and cities such as Old Saybrook and Middletown. You can check their website for schedules and routes.

Greyhound – Greyhound is a national bus company that operates in Connecticut. They have a stop in New London, which is about 20 miles from Essex. From there, you can take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service to get to Essex.

Peter Pan – Peter Pan also provides intercity bus service to Connecticut, with stops in New London and Hartford. From there, you can connect to other buses or transportation to get to Essex.

Shoreline East – Shoreline East is a commuter rail service that connects New Haven to New London, with several stops in between. Essex is one of the towns that has a Shoreline East station. While this is technically not a bus, it is still a public transportation option that can be used to get to Essex.

Overall, while bus service to Essex is limited, there are still options available that can be used to travel to the town.

How to get to Essex

Essex, Connecticut is easily accessible by car, train, and bus.

By Car: Essex is located off of Route 9, which connects to Interstate 95 to the south and Interstate 91 to the north. From New York City, the drive takes approximately two hours, and from Boston, it takes approximately one and a half hours.

By Train: Essex is served by Amtrak and the Connecticut River Line of the Shore Line East commuter rail service. The Essex station is located in the heart of the town, making it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Amtrak provides direct service to Essex from New York City, Boston, and other cities along the Northeast Corridor.

By Bus: Essex is served by the 9 Town Transit bus system, which connects the town to neighboring towns and cities, including Old Saybrook and New Haven. Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines also provide service to nearby towns and cities, including New Haven, Hartford, and New York City.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, Essex is easy to get to and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

What is the best time to travel to Essex

The best time to travel to Essex, Connecticut depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. The peak tourist season in Essex is during the summer months of June, July, and August. However, the fall season from September to November is also a great time to visit, especially for leaf-peeping and enjoying the beautiful autumn colors. The winter season from December to February is the off-season, but it can be a peaceful and quiet time to visit if you don’t mind the cold weather.

In terms of weather, the summer months are typically warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The fall season is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C). The winter season can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F (-7°C to 4°C). Spring, from March to May, is a beautiful time to visit as the flowers start to bloom, and the weather warms up.

Overall, the best time to visit Essex depends on your interests and preferences. If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, then the summer and fall months are ideal. If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful time, then the winter season can be a great option.

How to get around Essex

Essex is a small town located in the southern part of Connecticut, and it is best explored on foot. Many of the town’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy for visitors to get around.

There are also a few options for getting around Essex and the surrounding area:

Car: If you have a car, driving around Essex and the surrounding towns is a great way to see the area. There is ample parking in the town center, and the roads are easy to navigate.

Bike: Biking is a popular way to get around Essex, and there are several bike rental shops in the area. The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat also offers a bike rental service for those who want to explore the area on two wheels.

Train: The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat is a popular attraction in Essex, and it offers a train ride through the surrounding countryside. This is a great way to see the area without having to drive.

Bus: There are several bus companies that operate in the area, including Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines. These buses connect Essex with other towns and cities in Connecticut and beyond.

Overall, getting around Essex is easy and convenient, and there are several options for visitors to choose from.

Accommodations in Essex

Essex, Connecticut is a small town that is known for its charming New England feel, picturesque harbor, and historic architecture. While it may not be a large city with a variety of hotels, there are a few places to stay in the town and the surrounding areas that offer comfortable accommodations for visitors.

The Griswold Inn – This historic inn was established in 1776 and is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country. The rooms are beautifully appointed with antique furnishings, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. The Griswold Inn also features a restaurant and pub, which are popular with locals and visitors alike.

The Essex Inn – Located in the heart of Essex, this inn offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning and relax on the inn’s front porch, which offers views of the town’s charming Main Street.

Copper Beech Inn – Just a short drive from Essex, this elegant inn is located in the town of Ivoryton. The rooms are spacious and decorated in a classic New England style, and the inn features a restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine.

Riverwind Inn – This bed and breakfast is located in Deep River, just a few miles from Essex. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and the inn features a large wraparound porch that is perfect for relaxing on a warm summer day.

Saybrook Point Resort & Marina – This luxurious resort is located in Old Saybrook, just a few miles from Essex. The rooms are spacious and modern, and the resort features a full-service spa, an award-winning restaurant, and a marina with access to the Connecticut River.

The Bee and Thistle Inn – Located in Old Lyme, just a few miles from Essex, this charming inn offers comfortable rooms and a popular restaurant that features seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

Visitors to Essex should keep in mind that accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during the town’s popular events like the Essex Winter Series concerts or the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. It is always a good idea to book accommodations in advance to ensure availability.