The Griswold Inn
Encyclopedia
The Griswold Inn, located in Essex, Connecticut
, is the oldest continuously-run tavern in the United States of America . Founded by three brothers in the late 18th century, it has been under the stewardship of only 6 families. The Inn was captured by British troops and used as a base of operations during the War of 1812 . During prohibition
the Inn still maintained a lively entertainment schedule for the local yachtsmen. Over the years several surrounding buildings were added to the Inn complex, each with its own unique history. The Inn was also used as a filming location for the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows
.
and steam are prominently displayed. The "Gun Room" has an impressive collection of rare firearms. The Inn holds the largest privately-held collection of the works of Antonio Jacobsen
, the country's most prolific painter of maritime art.
s, instead, classical music is piped in.
, the typical music leans toward sea shanties
and working-class song. Patrons arriving Friday through Sunday will often hear John Banker at the piano, or The Idlers
roaming from room to room. During the holiday season, quartets of madrigals
perform historical carols
and also take requests. Parlor magicians, storytellers, and local crafts are all showcased at various times of the year.
, The Griswold Inn was suggested as a romantic weekend getaway.
Essex, Connecticut
Essex is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 6,505 at the 2000 census. It is made up of three villages: Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton.- History :- The Great Attack :...
, is the oldest continuously-run tavern in the United States of America . Founded by three brothers in the late 18th century, it has been under the stewardship of only 6 families. The Inn was captured by British troops and used as a base of operations during the War of 1812 . During prohibition
Prohibition
Prohibition of alcohol, often referred to simply as prohibition, is the practice of prohibiting the manufacture, transportation, import, export, sale, and consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. The term can also apply to the periods in the histories of the countries during which the...
the Inn still maintained a lively entertainment schedule for the local yachtsmen. Over the years several surrounding buildings were added to the Inn complex, each with its own unique history. The Inn was also used as a filming location for the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows
Dark Shadows
Dark Shadows is a gothic soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network, from June 27, 1966 to April 2, 1971. The show was created by Dan Curtis. The story bible, which was written by Art Wallace, does not mention any supernatural elements...
.
Historical displays
The walls of the Inn hold numerous artifacts of historical interest. Paintings of famous vessels from the age of sailAge of Sail
The Age of Sail was the period in which international trade and naval warfare were dominated by sailing ships, lasting from the 16th to the mid 19th century...
and steam are prominently displayed. The "Gun Room" has an impressive collection of rare firearms. The Inn holds the largest privately-held collection of the works of Antonio Jacobsen
Antonio Jacobsen
Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen was a Danish-born American maritime artist known as the "Audubon of Steam Vessels".-Biography:...
, the country's most prolific painter of maritime art.
Rooms
The rooms are all well-furnished with local antiques, and the bathrooms are modern. None of the rooms have televisionTelevision
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
s, instead, classical music is piped in.
Entertainment
Each night at "The Gris" is unique. Close to the mouth of the Connecticut RiverConnecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
, the typical music leans toward sea shanties
Sea Shanties
Sea Shanties is the debut album of Progressive Rock band High Tide. The cover artwork was drawn by Paul Whitehead.-Production:Denny Gerrard produced Sea Shanties in return for High Tide acting as the backing band on his solo album Sinister Morning...
and working-class song. Patrons arriving Friday through Sunday will often hear John Banker at the piano, or The Idlers
The Idlers
The Idlers of the United States Coast Guard Academy are an all-male collegiate a cappella ensemble specializing in the performance of sea shanties and patriotic music.-Overview:...
roaming from room to room. During the holiday season, quartets of madrigals
Madrigal (music)
A madrigal is a secular vocal music composition, usually a partsong, of the Renaissance and early Baroque eras. Traditionally, polyphonic madrigals are unaccompanied; the number of voices varies from two to eight, and most frequently from three to six....
perform historical carols
Carol (music)
A carol is a festive song, generally religious but not necessarily connected with church worship, and often with a dance-like or popular character....
and also take requests. Parlor magicians, storytellers, and local crafts are all showcased at various times of the year.
Cultural references
In the Season Four premiere of Mad MenMad Men
Mad Men is an American dramatic television series created and produced by Matthew Weiner. The series premiered on Sunday evenings on the American cable network AMC and are produced by Lionsgate Television. It premiered on July 19, 2007, and completed its fourth season on October 17, 2010. Each...
, The Griswold Inn was suggested as a romantic weekend getaway.