The Griswold Inn

07/07/2026

On this day in history... A father penned a note to his son. This, along with the Revolutionary War musket in which it was found, is now on display in one of our Historic Dining Rooms, 'The Gun Room.'

7th month, 7th day, 1776.

My dear son Jared,

I send you this my gun,
Do not handle it in fun,
But with it make ye British run.
Join ye ranks of ye Washington,
And when our independence is won
We will talk a drink of good old rum.

~ John Francis Putnam

07/02/2026

Thank you Fox News and Bill Hemmer for the America250/Gris250 shoutout!

Happy Fourth to all and... Happy Birthday America! 🇺🇸✨

A historic Connecticut tavern, the Griswold Inn in Essex, celebrates 250 years since its opening in 1776.

07/01/2026

We’re festive every day of the week but over the July 4th weekend we’ll take it up a notch! On Saturday the 4th we’ll be welcoming patrons ALL DAY with festive food and drink specials including our branded GRIS250 burger offered at the patriotic price of $17.76. Libations including Signature Liberty Lemonade, 1776 Tea, a Patriotic Spritzer and, of course, our Revolutionary Ale are all on tap. Birthday Cake and a splash of our Gris250 Sparkling Rosé is offered with our compliments to all of our dining guests for a holiday toast. Our Wine Bar & Bistro is also in on the celebration with special menu additions. Visit griswoldinn.com to view.

As for our musical menu, we’ll have ‘cocktail piano’ in the afternoon followed by the Essex Sailing Masters of 1812 welcoming patrons to The Gris at 5:00 pm, and a continuous flow of music throughout the evening!

Sunday brings yet more festivity with our Hunt Brunch and Tap Room entertainment! Festive indeed!

We hope you enjoy a spirited and safe holiday wherever you choose to spend it - maybe with us!!! 😉

Dining reservations are recommended.

Happy Fourth! 🇺🇸💥🥂 ❤️🤍💙

06/27/2026

We recently welcomed John & Abigail Adams and the director of 1776, the musical now playing just two miles down the road at The Ivoryton Playhouse.

If you love theatre - and passionate people - take a few minutes to watch this short video. The director’s enthusiasm for this production is contagious! 🎭✨
https://youtu.be/eHDGGoRGkfo?si=yAinBwlStsIYALSv

We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Playhouse during the run of 1776, offering a special “Spirit of 1776: Stay & Play” hotel package for theatre-goers who want to turn a play date into an overnight getaway. (See link in first comment.)

06/10/2026

There were so many delicious moments throughout the weekend! This one - a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday along with the cake that went with it! The fabulous cake was custom-made for the occasion by The Pursuit of Pastry in Old Saybrook - 👌🏼✨!!! It was a celebration that will certainly go down in history! 😉 And it's not over yet!

06/07/2026

The GRIS250 Birthday Celebration continues...🥳🥂💥

06/06/2026

Highlights from a spirited kickoff for our GRIS250 celebration - 250 years of history and hospitality. More on tap tonight! 🥂✨

06/03/2026

One more time with feeling!

If you haven't heard by now... 😉

Thanks to the team at NBC Connecticut - Lisa LaMontagne, Abbey Carnivale and John Mongeau - for giving us the opportunity to share the good word!

See you soon?

(video link in first comment - 4 minutes)

06/01/2026

There's still time to join us for this special book event over our GRIS250 Birthday Weekend!

Sunday, June 7th | 3:30-5:00 pm
Steeped in History: An Author's Tea with Julie Gerstenblatt

At the center of the story is a young woman’s story of resilience and identity.

As we mark 250 years of history and hospitality, this story feels an especially fitting part of our birthday celebration. Set in maritime New England, defined by legacy and courage, The Stargazer of Nantucket reflects our seafaring heritage and the enduring tradition of storytelling that has shaped The Gris since 1776.

An intimate afternoon of tea, conversation, and storytelling...
Advance reservations are required.

https://store.griswoldinn.com/products/steeped-in-history-afternoon-tea-with-author-julie-gerstenblatt