The Griswold Inn in Essex is gearing up for a milestone that hardly any American business reaches: a 250th anniversary in June 2026. Opened in the summer of 1776—just weeks before the Declaration of Independence—the beloved “Gris” has stuck around through war, economic chaos, cultural shifts, and even a global pandemic.
It’s evolved from a colonial waystation into a modern destination that somehow still feels genuinely historic.
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A Quarter-Millennium of Connecticut History at The Griswold Inn
The Griswold Inn sits along the Connecticut River in Essex, and folks widely consider it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the United States. While other places have paused or shut down during tough times, the Gris has never closed its doors—not during the Revolutionary War, not through Prohibition, not in the Great Depression, and not even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That kind of resilience makes the Gris a point of pride, not just for Essex but for nearby towns like Middletown, Old Saybrook, Chester, and Deep River. Locals from all around have long treated the inn as their favorite spot to gather.
From 1776 to 2026: A Living Timeline
The inn’s story began in the summer of 1776, right as colonial unrest turned into full-on revolution. Since then, it’s offered shelter, meals, and camaraderie to generations of guests—everyone from shipbuilders and river captains to weekend travelers rolling in from New Haven, Hartford, and New London.
Over nearly 250 years, the Gris has quietly chronicled American life, not in textbooks, but in the conversations echoing through its dining rooms and the memories made under its roof.
Inside “The Gris”: Rooms, Dining, and the Famous Tap Room
Step inside the Griswold Inn and you’ll see that history isn’t just preserved—it’s lived. The place doesn’t feel like a museum at all; it’s more like a lively, welcoming hub where locals and visitors mingle over food, drinks, and live music.
Every corner has a story, from the guest rooms to the cozy bar spaces that anchor Essex’s social scene.
34 Rooms With Character, Not Cookie-Cutter Style
The Gris offers 34 uniquely decorated guest rooms, each with its own vibe. Forget identical, modern hotel layouts—here, you’ll find sloping floors, period details, and thoughtful touches that nod to the inn’s long past.
They put the focus on warmth and atmosphere instead of flashy amenities. Most rooms don’t have TVs, and honestly, that’s intentional—it encourages conversation and real connection.
Five Dining Rooms, a Wine Bar, and a Colonial-Era Tap Room
Dining at the Gris isn’t just about the food; it’s a ritual. The inn boasts five dining rooms, each lined with maritime art, historic prints, and artifacts that echo the seafaring history of the lower Connecticut River Valley.
There’s a cozy wine bar for those looking for a quieter spot, especially couples sneaking away from busy lives in places like Norwich and Groton.
The crown jewel, though, is the Tap Room. It lives in a relocated circa-1735 schoolhouse, with low ceilings, dark wood, and a roaring energy that’s hard to find anywhere else. Locals, travelers, and musicians have all claimed it as a favorite haunt for decades.
Stories, Sea Shanties, and Social Media: Community at the Core
The Griswold Inn wears its age with pride, but it’s definitely not stuck in the past. The inn still feels like the heart of the community, where tradition and modern life meet every day.
You notice this especially in the entertainment, the inn’s online presence, and the personal way the owners run the place.
Live Music and Monday Night Sea Shanties
The Gris is famous across Connecticut for its live music, ranging from local bands to the legendary Monday night sea shanties. These rowdy singalongs celebrate the region’s maritime roots and have become a bucket-list experience for plenty of visitors.
Regulars drive in from all over the shoreline and river valley—places like Madison, Clinton, and Guilford—just to join the chorus.
#Gris250shareyourstories: Inviting the Public Into the Celebration
With the 250th anniversary coming up, the owners are asking guests—past and present—to be part of the story. Through email and social media, they’re collecting photos and memories under the hashtag #Gris250shareyourstories.
It’s an open invitation to anyone who’s ever toasted a milestone, celebrated a birthday, or ducked into the Tap Room on a snowy night. These shared stories will fill out the picture of what the Gris has meant to people from all over Connecticut and beyond—whether it was a first date, a wedding, or just a favorite spot for chowder on a rainy Sunday.
The Paul Family: Stewards, Not Just Owners
For about 30 years, the Griswold Inn has belonged to the Paul family, longtime Essex residents who see themselves as caretakers of a living landmark. Their connection to the inn feels personal, not just professional.
A Love Story Intertwined With an Inn
Joan Paul, who handles day-to-day operations, has a history with the Gris that goes back to her teenage years—including her first date with the man she’d marry, right inside these walls. That personal affection shows in how she and her family approach everything from hospitality to preservation.
With 2026 on the horizon, the Pauls aren’t just planning an anniversary bash—they’re getting ready to celebrate 250 years of American life, all seen through the lens of one enduring Connecticut inn.
Making New Memories in an Old Connecticut Icon
From shipbuilders and soldiers to temperance crusaders and film crews, the Griswold Inn has quietly woven itself through American culture. It’s even landed a few pop-culture moments, showing up in everything from Dark Shadows to Hallmark and Netflix films.
But honestly, what makes the Gris special isn’t just its history on screen. It’s the thousands of private moments—engagements, anniversaries, family reunions, or just a simple night out with friends—that really stick with people.
The Gris is closing in on its 250th year, and it keeps drawing guests who want to make their own memories, not just look at someone else’s. In a state loaded with historic towns—Essex, Old Saybrook, Hartford, New Haven—the Griswold Inn somehow stands apart.
The past lingers here, but it’s not frozen. People keep adding to the story, one stay at a time.
Here is the source article for this story: This CT inn opened the year the nation was born. Why that’s 250 years of history still being made.
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