Essex, CT
Essex, a favorite port of many cruisers, is situated 2.5 miles above the Connecticut River bridges. This town is compact and its attractions are easily accessible by foot from the marinas and town dock at the western edge of the Connecticut River.
First settled in 1648, Essex rapidly established itself as a Colonial boatbuilding center. Over the centuries hundreds of boats have been built here including the first American Man-o-War ship. Even though the lofting sheds are gone, enough flavor of the town’s maritime past remains to make it a magnet for visitors touring by land and water.
Navigation Alerts Around Essex, CT
Browse navigation alerts around the Essex, CT area, or find navigation alerts specific to your boating location in Explorer.
Marinas, Dockage, Service & Navigation
Plan your boating trip around Essex, CT. Browse marinas, dockage, service yards, and navigation alerts.
View More Information to Plan Your Boating Trip In The Explorer.
From the beginning, life in Clinton centered around the essentials of survival: fishing, farming and the all-important local industry of shipbuilding. Clinton became the home of the Collegiate School in 1701, with the Rev. Abraham Pierson selected to teach the first class of undergraduates. He continued teaching until his death in 1707, at which point students scattered for a period of time to other locations. Eventually, the Collegiate School was relocated to New Haven, where it became what it is today: Yale University.
Learn more about this seafaring town at the Adam Stanton House and General Store, an antique house museum at 63 E. Main St. (860-669-2132) and the Elisha White House, a museum housed in an 18th-century house (also known as "Old Brick") containing portraits, period furniture and domestic tools. Open for tours by appointment at 103 E. Main St. (860-669-2148).
A worthwhile journey is to Chamard Vineyards Bistro at 115 Cow Hill Rd. (transportation required). They serve lunch and dinner and reservations are recommended. The 40-acre property boasts 20 acres of established vines that are carefully tended by hand in the European tradition, yielding superior Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir fruit.
Purchase a Guide
The Waterway Guide Team has gained extensive boating knowledge over the years, and now we are sharing all of the tips, skills and tools we’ve picked up along the way!
The Waterway Guide App makes it easy to leave reviews, use our Explorer, and view Waterway Guide materials, all on the go!
*In-App Purchases Available
