Get to Know Essex
We’re so lucky to call Connecticut’s Essex Island our home port. The 13-acre Essex Island is an extremely popular destination for boaters with its proximity to the historic Essex Village. The island is easily accessible just up the Connecticut River from Long Island Sound.
The town of Essex is made up of three villages: Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton, with a rich history dating back to the early 1600s. Essex was a key shipbuilding center and was the site where the state’s first battleship, the Oliver Cromwell, was built and launched in 1776.
Its storied past, natural beauty and walkable amenities make Essex Village a great day stop, with an assortment of gift shops, kitchen supplies, pet and children's toys, boutiques and local crafts.
Arriving By Boat
There are a couple of transient options for the day or a longer stay here in the port of Essex, but I’m going to talk about Safe Harbor Essex Island, our home marina. It’s a peaceful and well-maintained destination, with a beautiful pool, and several clean, ample rest rooms, laundry and shower facilities. There are plentiful barbecue grills, lawn games, fire pits, outdoor couches, lawn games, and special events throughout the summer.
As a transient, you may get a slip along the river or on the inlet side. If you are on the inlet side, you’ll make your way through the mainland ferry channel to those cove slips. Captain Mark advises caution when you are making your way through the channel, as the current can sweep you toward the street side, and there’s a bit of a blind spot departing from the cove toward the river.
Book a slip for Safe Harbor Essex Island through Dockwa. You can also hail the marina on VHF 9 or call 860-767-2483.
Looking for a mooring? Inquire or book through the separate but “sister” facility Safe Harbor Dauntless, based on the Essex mainland.
Ferry Tale
Speaking of the channel – one of the best parts about coming to Essex Island is to get back and forth to historic Essex Main Street – without a dinghy – you need to take a free, two-to-three-minute ferry ride across from the Island to the Mainland. From the Island, the ferry deposits you at the foot of Pratt and Ferry streets.
The ferry runs continuously from 7 AM to 11 PM (hours may vary based on the month and run a bit later on summer Fridays and Saturday). The ferry only allows 6 persons at a time so there can be a tiny wait, but it’s worth it! Dogs are welcome of course, and may even get a treat!
Restaurants
On-Island Eats
A fresh and creative restaurant, Siren Kitchen & Bar, is right here on the island, with mostly outdoor seating overlooking the channel. I’m a big fan of their beer battered fish sandwich and spicy margarita — read more on the menu.
In the summer season, they’re open noon to 9 PM seven days a week (weather permitting).
If you have a furry friend, note that dogs are not allowed in the restaurant or on the patio at Siren. However, you can often perch at the Adirondack chairs peppered around the vicinity of the restaurant and order food and cocktails to enjoy right there.
Siren doesn’t take reservations, but you can call 860-662-4224 with questions or for take-out orders.
Essex Village Restaurants
If you're getting off the Essex Island Ferry, walk up the gentle sloping hill about 500 feet to the shops, sights and restaurants of Main Street – including the historic Griswold Inn. (Dogs are welcome on the patio or in the garden seating.)
Across Main Street (on the channel side) is Noah's at 63 Main.
Find details, menus and more on Where to Eat in Essex.