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A visit to
Essex, Conn., reveals true small town, classic New England curb
appeal
by Eric H.
(ESSEX, CONN.) -- Essex exemplifies
the "small town" feeling perhaps better than any other
town in New England.
The pleasant tree-lined, riverside
downtown offers great little shops, 14 miles of sidewalks, incredibly
well-maintained at-the-sidewalk old historic homes, picturesque
marinas representing the Essex shipbuilding history dating back
to the mid-1600s and a beautiful park with gazebo and picnic
benches leading to the Connecticut River.
Once you visit, you'll never
want to leave this special little place that is so much at peace
with the world. Staying overnight is not a bad idea as the old,
creaky and quintessentially New England Griswold Inn offers top
notch accommodations and dining. What a special place --Essex
has to be experienced by anyone visiting New England.
The Black Seal , in the heart
of the quiet downtown, is another terrific dining choice with
its tavern, village green-like meeting place atmosphere, pleasant
service and great seafood dishes, particularly the crab omelette!
Essex features the Essex
Steam Train and Riverboat Ride, combining train and boat riding
through some exceptionally beautiful countryside. A train ride
through the all-American community of Deep River (with a nice,
laid-back, Mayberry RFD-like downtown) leads to a riverboat ride
to the Gillette Castle and historical
Goodspeed Opera House
in East Haddam. This excursion showcases the quiet, pristine
side of the Connecticut River offering some of the best river
scenery in New England.
Author Norman Crampton named
Essex as the best small town in America in his book, "Best
small towns in America." It's hard to label just one town
as the "best," as beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
One can, however, understand why Essex received this accolade
as this pristine small town is the perfect place to enjoy small-town
America.
For more information, visit the
Middlesex
County Chamber of Commerce Web Site.
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(Top)Great
scenery of flowers and the Connecticut River from a small downtown
park; the pristine and interesting yet relaxing downtown; (bottom)
a gazebo with fine views of the Connecticut River offers visitors
instant water views from downtown Essex. (photos by Eric H.) |
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