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!

Anyone thinking of Halloween?

Mystic Seaport’s Sights & Frights
October 19-20 & 26-27; 6-9:30
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
860.572.5322
Admission: $13; (members $12)

Mystic Seaport Link

A haunted Halloween celebration with fun for the entire family. Step back in time and wind your way through the spooky 19th-century village with beautifully carved pumpkins lighting the way. Take a journey through a haunted ship, or listen to chilling tales of long ago. Have your future told by a roaming fortune teller, enjoy seasonal refreshments in our tavern and be entertained by musicians singing eerie tunes of long ago. The fun includes crafts, games and a nightly costume parade for our younger visitors.

If you decide to visit the Seaport don't miss Lattitude 41 Shipyard Tavern.  Tavern menu includes chowder, small plates and burgers as well as a grilled 12 oz. NY strip or bouillabaise (many more offerings).  Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday 4-6 pm with $4.00 Draft beers, House Wines $6.00 House and Specialty Cocktails $5.00 Gosling’s Dark and Stormys and 50% Off all Small Plates. The Tavern is warm and cozy with ample room for a gathering of friends after work.

Shipyard Tavern Link

Halloween Trick or Treat
October 31; 4-6 pm
Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic
860.536.4941
Admission: Free
Old Mystic Village Link

Olde Mistick Village Merchants will be handing out treats for the young ones. Come see your fellow ghosts, goblins and fairies as you stroll from shop to shop. Fun for everyone! Event held rain or shine.

And don't forget about Azu!  Link to Azu Restaurant
 "... Like walking into a party that's already in full swing, the restaurant must have slow nights, but I haven't run into one yet"   − New York Times Azu offers an extremely diverse menu with a large selection of appetizers and shared plates.  Atmosphere is fun and party-like.


Myself, I'll be heading over to the local hot spot PLP or Penny Lane Pub  ,
Main Street Old Saybrook for their First Annual Holloween Party.  

Courant.com describes Penny Lane Pub as "a cozy space in the style of an English Pub. The downstairs room is divided by a partition into a large sit-at bar with TVs and a restaurant with spacious booths and tables. The atmosphere is very woodsy and masculine with lots of mahogany, giving it a solid and comfortable feeling."  I don't find it overwhelmingly masculine or woodsy more warm and cozy with a friendly hostess and bartender (Melissa).  Lots of different menu options including my favorite Cobb Salad.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday local entertainment jams in the bar and could be loud and crowded but everyone seems to have a good time.    

Hope to see you!  


Halloween Party
Wednesday, October 31st
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Upstairs Dining Room and Bar
Appetizer and Drink Specials, Entertainment,
Costume Contest, Prizes