GRIS250 ~ Sunday Hunt Brunch

The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex

Our original Hunt Breakfast traces its roots to 1814, when the Inn was commandeered during the British Raid on Essex and a hearty breakfast in the style of one served at an English hunt was demanded. Today, Hunt Brunch honors that legacy with a thoughtfully prepared à la carte menu, offering breakfast and luncheon dishes in the spirit of the original table but suited to more “modern” palates and preferences. Make your Sunday experience jazzier! From 12:30 – 2:30 we’re bringing back a tradition of live Dixieland in our Tap Room. Reservations Recommended – online or by calling 860.767.1776.

GRIS250 ~ Dixieland Jazz

The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex

A Sunday afternoon tradition for years, The Corinthian Jazz Band of Essex brings the joyous sounds of Dixieland – with lively brass, upbeat rhythms, and timeless entertainment – back to our Tap Room. Join us for Hunt Brunch from 11am – 1pm and stay for the music!

Summer Nautical Workshop

Spectrum Art Gallery/Arts Center Killingworth 61 Main Street, Centerbrook

Ahoy! And welcome to a nautical themed workshop for the month of June.  This crafting workshop highlights techniques using vintage nautical maps. In this workshop participants create three unique nautical themed cards, an upgraded photo frame using map strips and a summer themed glass candle. Most supplies are included in the workshop fee, but a few you will need to bring:  scissors, 12” ruler, liquid glue (Elmer’s white, clear or glue stick, pencil or any items you might want to use to personalize your creations.

$35

Exploring Colored Pencils

Spectrum Art Gallery/Arts Center Killingworth 61 Main Street, Centerbrook

Remember using colored pencils in school?  Now, it’s not just simply coloring in a drawing, it’s about learning the many different ways to use this versatile medium  to enhance your work. In this workshop learn tips that can help your creative process move along. Learn to start light and build up to darker shades and how to blend your colors for great effects. You can choose to work in a sketchy style or pursue a more final, burnished look. Other approaches are introduced and demos given by the instructor.  Material list available upon registration.  All levels are welcome.

$65

Ct River Artisans Birthday party

Ct River Artisans 55 Main Street, Essex

Come by to see the work of local artisans as we celebrate our 40th birthday with refreshments!

Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

Recurring
Essex Village

The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

Free

GRIS250 ~ Steeped in History: Author’s Tea with Julie Gerstenblatt

The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex

Award-winning author Julie Gerstenblatt returns to The Griswold Inn with the upcoming release of her second work of historical fiction, The Stargazer of Nantucket. A meticulously researched novel, it's an adventurous maritime story featuring a courageous female protagonist. This special event will punctuate The Griswold Inn’s 250th birthday weekend celebration, offering guests an afternoon of tea, conversation, and book talk! This marks the first stop on the author’s book tour and serves as a pre-launch celebration, taking place just days before the novel’s official release. Guests may enjoy afternoon tea, receive a copy of the book, and have the opportunity to engage with the author. Advance registration is required. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling 860.767.0210. Additional details about the author and the book may be found via the ticket link.

$60