Special Packages
Plan a day-trip to Essex or a longer stay to explore the region! Group Tour Package options are available. We are happy to work with you to customize your visit with multiple sites and places to eat/stay. Please contact our events team at events@ctrivermuseum.org
Winter Adventure Package with the Griswold Inn
Winter Adventure Package
February 10th through March 18th, 2023
Thursday through Sunday stay-overs
The Eagles are Here!
Come to Essex and enjoy the comfort and charm of The Griswold Inn and experience the beauty and tranquility of the Connecticut River.
All aboard RiverQuest for a winter adventure: get an up-close view and learn the fascinating story of the majestic Bald Eagle. A naturalist will help spot these awe-inspiring creatures and point out other winter wildlife along the River. Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises are two hours long and depart from the docks of the Connecticut River Museum. Binoculars are available for use on board and complimentary coffee is included. We suggest bringing warm clothes for the cruise. Though the cabin is heated, you may want to venture out on deck from time to time. Excursions are as follows:
February 10th through March 18th: Fridays at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 2:00 pm. All departures are subject to weather conditions.
The Winter Adventure Package includes:
- An overnight stay in one of our charming standard rooms*
- Continental breakfast for two
- Two tickets for passage aboard RiverQuest – includes free admission for two to the Connecticut River Museum’s exhibits and galleries
Stay-overs on Thursdays and Sundays are $230; stay-overs on Fridays and Saturdays are $290.
For your planning…Lunch and dinner are served daily in our historic dining rooms and our award-winning Tap Room features live entertainment! Additionally, our stunning Wine Bar is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings.
Ring 860.767.1776 to reserve this package today.
* Tax not included. Limited availability. Room upgrades available for an additional charge. February 17, 18 & 19th excluded.
Onrust Sunset Cruise Package
Sunset Sail on the Connecticut
Thursday through Sunday stay-overs
Griswold Inn offers this wonderful experience.
Experience Essex from the water perspective and take a cruise aboard Onrust. This sailing vessel is a re-creation of the one Adriaen Block built in 1614 which he sailed up the Connecticut River: the replica is docked at the Connecticut River Museum, 50 yards from our front door!
Departure is 6:00 pm: as sunset changes departure will move a bit earlier.
Sunset Sail Package includes:
- an overnight stay in one of our charming standard rooms *
- continental breakfast for two
- two round-trip tickets for passage aboard Onrust
* Room upgrades are available for an additional charge.
September Package Price: $234
October Package Price: $276
Make it extra special with our Wine + Cheese Box created specifically to be enjoyed aboard ship!
Add-on:
Wine + Cheese Box for Two ~ $30
a 1/2 bottle of Chardonnay or Prosecco (2.5 (5oz) glasses); 2 types of cheese with crackers, grapes, nuts, two small bottles of water. Necessary napkins and utensils.
Additional info: Bring a jacket or sweatshirt as it can be cool out on the River in the evening.
To make reservations, please call 860.767.1776.
Winter Wildlife Cruises
Each winter as the temperature dips below freezing, Bald Eagles from as far north as Canada make their way to the open waters of the Connecticut River for easy fishing and nesting. Make it a weekend with the WINTER ADVENTURE PACKAGE offered by the Griswold Inn and the Copperbeech Inn!
