The Holidays - Essex and The Griswold Inn

The Griswold Inn what can be more festive over the holidays, especially during Essex's annual carol sing and boat parade on Sunday, November 25th at 4:30.  The Griswold Inn is one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country opening its doors for business in 1776 and has been catering to yachtsmen and overland travelers ever.


Inside the taproom there's a band almost every night and the wine bar is popular especially on Wednesdays for "Wine, Women and Wednesdays". 

The Griswold Inn is one of my Holiday favorites!  I guess partially because Main Street always seems aglow with its sidewalk lights.  Historical homes decorated with Christmas wreaths and lights just add to the splendor.  

A parade down Essex Main Street Christmas caroling is nothing less than enchanting!

Black Friday - done with the deals?

Not much of a shopper, I hide until about three or four in the afternoon on Black Friday.

Preferring a good walk or bike ride at Hammonasset, I can't resist a stop at RJ Julia's bookstore in Madison, Connecticut  and a stop to the RJ Cafe and Bistro. 

Venturing out little later?  You can always stop at Cafe Allegre right across the street from RJ Julia's for appetizers at the bar.  Cafe Allegre has a soft sophistication to it's atmosphere but by no means is it snobby.  One's never crowded sitting at the bar enjoying dinner and a glass of wine with Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Too mellow? Well of course there's Donahue's Madison Beach Grille.  As advertised, Donahue's does feature some of the best bands on the shoreline! Rock Bottom, Prime Time and The Bernadettes play at Donahue's with an open mic night for future artists.  It's probably one of the only spots on the shoreline for dancing (big dance floor and it gets packed) and a favorite if your going out for the music.

See you on the dance floor!