Get them to ‘the Gris’

          So my favorite TV show just started back up again, AMC’s Mad Men! Now obviously I lust for the fashion and that handsome Don Draper but Season 4, Episode 1 also just happened to plug one of my favorite places in the world, the Griswold Inn or ‘the Gris’ as it’s better known, in Essex, Connecticut. It’s not just me that thinks so, I remember seeing a book about the 1000 places to see before you die and seriously, Essex and the Gris were in there! I first heard about the Inn when I worked on Main Street at J. Alden Clothiers. If it hadn’t been for my time there, I would not have become so familiar with the family that owns it or what it means to this quaint town. 

            For those of you who don’t know, Essex is a nautical little shoreline town in Connecticut near Mystic. You can dock your boat and check out all of the shops along Main Street or even take a ride on the steam train. It really is a fun way to spend a day. The Gris is an amazing piece to the towns puzzle. It opened in 1776 and is one of the oldest inns in the country and business is alive and well today. I remember last Spring De Melis and J. Alden participated in a Fashion Show Fundraiser to benefit the Child and Family Services Agency and of course the Gris made the perfect setting. Not only that but the Grist was where I spent my rockin’ New Years Eve last year- dancing and having a blast!

However if it weren’t for the fantastic performances of the Shiny Lapels, I wouldn’t have a good place to spend my random Tuesday nights in Connecticut. Hands down they are my favorite performers and the band I hope to have play my wedding someday!

Even before Mad Men was shouting out the Gris I was telling my friend ‘you have to come with me to see this place, it’s awesome!’ Even their web site boasts “Although the inn exudes the charm of a day gone by, we are anything but dated.” It’s the truth. They have a gorgeous guest rooms, a bar/tap room,  and a beautiful dining area including the Wine Bar that won the Wine Spectator 2009 Award of Excellence.

With Fall here before you know it, I truly can’t wait to coax my New York friends to Connecticut with me to get them to the Gris. Maybe we’ll spot Betty Draper and her new beau?!