The Atlas Obscura Guide To Essex

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Essex, Connecticut

Updated April 15, 2021

Unusual Attractions in Essex

Essex, Connecticut

The Griswold Inn

British troops and Prohibition couldn’t stop this spot from becoming one of the United States' oldest continuously-run taverns.

Essex, Connecticut

Essex Steam Train

This classic steam-powered train takes tourists on a nostalgic trip around the Connecticut River Valley.

The fully functional replica of the Turtle Submarine in CT

Essex, Connecticut

'Turtle' Submarine at Connecticut River Museum

This museum holds a fully-functional replica of the "Turtle," the first American submarine ever built.

Are we missing something unusual?

Add it!

The small stone often has coins and other offerings left by visitors.

Deep River, Connecticut

The Grave of XYZ

The mysterious headstone of an unidentified bank robber was seen visited, every year, by a woman in black.

2 miles from Essex

House from the 1971 movie “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death”

Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Old Bishop House

House used in the 1971 horror film "Let's Scare Jessica to Death."

3 miles from Essex

East Haddam, Connecticut

Gillette Castle State Park

Quirky castle designed by the American actor best known for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage.

5 miles from Essex

Lyme, Connecticut

Grave of Joan Bennett

Final resting place of the actress famed for her roles in Dark Shadows and Dario Argento's Suspiria.

6 miles from Essex

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Essex

Essex, Connecticut

The Griswold Inn

British troops and Prohibition couldn’t stop this spot from becoming one of the United States' oldest continuously-run taverns.

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Essex, Connecticut

Essex Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Essex.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Join the Ranks!

Visit a place in Essex.

Recent Essex Activity

Sigil Select Collections

has been to Essex Steam Train

5 days ago
Sigil Select Collections

wants to go to 'Turtle' Submarine at Connecticut River Museum

5 days ago
h9vysg2qvc

wants to go to 'Turtle' Submarine at Connecticut River Museum

4 days ago
tuber0488

has been to The Griswold Inn

2 days ago
penrlrpr

has been to The Griswold Inn

2 days ago

Stories About Essex

In non-pandemic times, the bar is packed for chantey night.

This Connecticut Inn Has Hosted Sea Chantey Singalongs for Half a Century

Landlubbers are very welcome.

by Allison Hadley

April 15, 2021

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.

Learn More

Take your next trip with Atlas Obscura!

Countries

Cities

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Essex

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Essex, Connecticut

Updated April 15, 2021

Unusual Attractions in Essex

Essex, Connecticut

The Griswold Inn

Essex, Connecticut

Essex Steam Train

Essex, Connecticut

'Turtle' Submarine at Connecticut River Museum

Deep River, Connecticut

The Grave of XYZ

Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Old Bishop House

East Haddam, Connecticut

Gillette Castle State Park

Lyme, Connecticut

Grave of Joan Bennett

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Essex

Essex, Connecticut

The Griswold Inn

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Essex, Connecticut

Essex Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Essex Activity

Stories About Essex

This Connecticut Inn Has Hosted Sea Chantey Singalongs for Half a Century

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.