There are few places in Connecticut that feel as timeless and charming as Essex. Nestled along the Connecticut River, this little village is the perfect spot for a day trip filled with small-town beauty, independent shops, and hidden gems.

Morning Stroll Through Essex Village

I love starting my Essex adventures with a leisurely walk around the village. The streets are lined with boutique shops, historic buildings, and cozy cafes, giving you that classic small-town charm. This peaceful morning stroll sets the tone for a great day.

Browsing at Harley + Marley

It was time to explore the shops along North Main Street. My first stop of the day was Harley + Marley, a charming gift shop filled with seasonal décor, homemade candles, local treats like honey and soap, and fun items for kids. One of the highlights is their make-your-own candle bar, which right now features some amazing fall scents.

The shop has a special story. Back in 2015, the owners were living their dream on Boho Farm in East Haddam, surrounded by gardens and animals—16 goats, 2 sheep, 3 pigs, chickens, and ducks. They also ran a small farm store with handmade goat milk soap and soy candles. What started as a simple passion project quickly became a local favorite.

That same spirit now lives on in Essex. Named after the goats that first inspired it, the boutique is full of thoughtful home décor, gifts for kids and pets, books, and of course, their signature hand-poured candles.

Website: Harley + Marley

Treasure Hunting at House of the Triple Moon

Next to Harley + Marley is another great shop, House of the Triple Moon. This magical space offers crystals, books, jewelry, gifts, and potions, often sourced locally and from women-owned businesses. The shop also showcases the work of local artists and authors, giving the community a place to connect with creativity.

Beyond shopping, House of the Triple Moon hosts workshops, classes, and seasonal celebrations in their classroom space. From journal clubs and moon circles to kids’ crafts and hands-on “how-to” sessions, there’s always an opportunity to learn, explore, and gather. The team encourages curiosity, offers guidance, and supports anyone looking to deepen their personal practice. For the latest events, follow them on Instagram @house.of.the.triple.moon.

For a more personalized experience, the shop also offers access to readers, mediums, and astrologers who can provide guidance tailored to your journey.

House of the Triple Moon was built on a simple idea: bringing the best from the team to every visitor. From the founder to the front-line staff, every detail is crafted with care and intention. Whether you’re stopping by to shop, learn, or simply soak in the atmosphere, there’s something here for everyone, and the team hopes you leave inspired and eager to share the experience.

Website: House of the Triple Moon

Shopping Local at Homeward Collective

Next it was time to do more shopping at Homeward Collective, a boutique that perfectly captures the town’s coastal New England charm. The shop feels light, airy, and welcoming, with soft textures, natural tones, and displays that invite you to linger and explore.

Inside, you’ll find a carefully curated mix of home décor, clothing, and accessories. From linen textiles and handcrafted ceramics to relaxed yet polished apparel, everything is chosen with an eye for quality and timeless style. The vibe is coastal-meets-modern, with pieces that feel both beautiful and functional, perfect for refreshing your space or wardrobe.

What makes Homeward Collective especially unique is how it transforms with the seasons. The shop reinvents itself throughout the year, offering new products and reimagined displays, so each visit feels fresh and inspiring. I ended up buying their “East Coast” sweatshirt, that will be the perfect piece for fall.

Instagram: Homeward Collective

Lunch at Drift

For lunch, I stopped at Drift, a beautiful waterfront restaurant with incredible views and equally delicious food. Located right on the Connecticut River in the historic Dauntless Shipyard Marina, it is just steps away from Main Street and the charm of Essex Village.

The menu highlights coastal flavors with a fun, creative twist. Their Connecticut-style lobster roll is packed with fresh, never frozen Maine lobster poached in butter and served warm on a brioche bun. If you prefer a chilled option (my order!), the cold lobster roll comes tossed in a house citrus mayo. Drift is also known for their signature smashburger, crispy lobster rangoons, and even a bone-in pork schnitzel with seasonal accompaniments.

To go with the food, Drift’s cocktail list is full of playful yet refined creations. Favorites include Bong Water, a smoky and tropical mix with a little spice, and Poolside at Fenwick, which tastes like summer in a glass. I opted for a Painkiller, my favorite cocktail to drink by the water! Pair your drink with live music on Saturdays or enjoy happy hour specials during the week from 3 to 6 PM.

Drift has something for everyone, whether you are planning a date night, bringing the family along, or pulling in from a day on the water. With fresh seafood, a relaxed atmosphere, and unbeatable river views, it is one of the best spots to dine in Essex.

Website: Drift Restaurant

Sweet Stop at Joy Chocolates

After lunch, we made our way to Joy Chocolate Co. for a sweet treat. The shop opened in November 2022 and is located on North Main Street in a beautifully restored 1800s home, the Farnham Parmelee Homestead.

Joy Chocolate Co. creates its treats in small batches, with handmade chocolates, fudge, and caramels made on site. The selection is rounded out with candies sourced from across the U.S. and abroad. In the cooler months, you can enjoy a single-origin hot chocolate, and their Guatemalan coffee has a subtle chocolate note that pairs perfectly with a sweet bite.

The interior is whimsical and colorful, set against darker tones that make the treats pop. The space feels intimate and nostalgic, and it’s even pet-friendly, with special treats for dogs.

Everything I tried was delicious, but the chocolate-covered marshmallow with caramel stood out as my favorite. The quality is excellent, the service is welcoming, and it’s the perfect spot to indulge or pick up a thoughtful gift.

Website: Joy Chocolate Co.

A Whimsical Visit to The Marshmallow Factory

After Joy Chocolate, stop into The Marshmallow Factory for more treats. This charming shop makes some of the most delicious goodies, from marshmallow bark to chocolate-covered marshmallows and gourmet s’mores-to-go kits. Everything is made on-site with real ingredients. My favorite was the snickerdoodle marshmallows!

The story behind the Marshmallow Factory is just as sweet. The owners, a talented husband-and-wife team, have had an incredible journey. After ten years designing in the Graphic Arts industry and 20 years training chefs and hospitality teams across the U.S., they didn’t slow down for retirement. Instead, they opened the Downtown Market Grille in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, ran Kiki’s Ice Cream in Rhode Island, and eventually brought the Marshmallow Factory to Dunedin, Florida.

In 2022, they returned to their home state of Connecticut and opened in Middletown, and now recently moved to North Main Street in Essex.

Website: The Marshmallow Factory

Exploring the Harbor and Connecticut River Museum

After lunch and a few sweet treats, I walked down to the water to watch the sailboats drift along the river. Just steps away is the Connecticut River Museum, which is housed in a historic 19th-century steamboat warehouse. Inside you’ll find fascinating exhibits about the region’s maritime history and even a replica of the Turtle, America’s first submarine. This is the perfect way to end a fantastic day.

Essex has all the things I love about New England: charm, history, and a true sense of community. Every visit feels personal, whether you’re wandering through the shops, soaking up the history, or just enjoying a walk through town. It’s always worth the trip.

Share Your Essex Experience

Have you visited Essex, CT? Which shops, restaurants, or hidden gems are your favorites? Share your experiences in the comments below or tag your photos with #EssexCTDayTrip on Instagram!

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