Treat Yourself to the Griswold Inn in Essex Connecticut

Stay at the Griswold Inn!

Whether you refer to yourself as a Nutmegger, a Connecticuter, a Connecticotian, a Connecticutersian, a Connecticutian - or simply a person who lives in Connecticut - there are exclusive deals for you!

The Griswold Inn

Photo Courtesy of the Griswold Inn

You may be yearning to get on a train, a plane or take a longer road trip but don't feel comfortable venturing too far from home. If you're in need of shaking up your daily experience, this may just do the trick!

Consider a weekend getaway to the Griswold Inn, or "The Gris" as we like to call it!

Photo Courtesy of The Griswold Inn

The folks at the Griswold Inn can arrange a relatively contactless experience from start to finish if you so choose. They offer curbside check-in and many of their suites are located within historic buildings across the street from the Main Inn and have their own entrances.

Eat at the Griswold Inn

Dine in The Gris' historic dining rooms, as Executive Chef Toppin prepares classic American cuisine to perfection in simple, but imaginative ways. His menu showcases fresh seafood, aged beef, and the highest quality chops and poultry. After any meal, Chef Toppin’s house-made desserts are a “must”. 

Their historic dining rooms exude character, charm, and tradition, where one can be as comfortable in casual attire as in “black tie.” 

The dining room is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and they are now offering outdoor dining (weather permitting), dine-in and "Gris To Go" with curbside pickup, all available from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm daily. 

For Indoor Dining you are encouraged to make a reservation by phone, 860.767.1776, or online. 

Outdoor Dining is available on a first-come, first-served basis, although they do accept reservations for seven or more.

One of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, the Griswold began business in 1776. Although the Inn exudes the charm of days gone by, they are anything but dated. From their sophisticated cuisine, extensive wine offerings, comfortable accommodations, and modern amenities, The Griswold Inn, located in the historic seaport village of Essex, Connecticut, offers the best of times. 

Read about my stroll through historic Essex Ct with the #LetsMeetCT event at Home Place Blog with the Let's Meet CT group.

The Griswold Inn

36 Main Street

Essex, CT 06426

(860) 767-1776

https://griswoldinn.com

Travel to MGM Springfield - A New England Casino

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored  

MGM Resorts in Springfield MA

In mid-May we had the opportunity to spend a few days at one of New England's newest hotel and resort casinos, MGM Springfield, which opened in 2018 in Springfield Massachusetts. 

MGM Springfield is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International,  known for fabulous hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. 

Welcome to MGM Springfield

Getting there? Easy peasy! Just a little over an hour from our home in Connecticut and it's right off I-91. I do mean right off - like about a block from the exit! 

Parking? Also easy! A self parking garage enters right into and is just steps from the casino. Valet parking service (approximately $28) is also available.

We began our stay with a tour of the property, learning about MGM's commitment to remaining true to the spirit of the area and attention to details for the full consumer experience.  MGM is bringing the best of the best to Springfield with their partnership with the MassMutual Center with shows like CHER (that I was lucky enough to attend back in April) - and AEROSMITH coming in August 2019.  

In addition, there's always SOMETHING fun going on site in 'The Plaza' on MGM Springfield's grounds, as well as the the ROAR: Comedy Club also located in the plaza in the old Springfield Armory on weekends.  The Plaza is an incredible outdoor dining and entertainment district that highlights the outdoor beauty of the hotel and casino.

 "MGM International believes entertainment is a fundamental human need" explained marketing director, Saverio Mancini.

We couldn't agree more! And no one fills that need for entertainment better than MGM! 

The Springfield Armory
Now the ROAR Comedy Club
Located in MGM Springfield's Plaza are

MGM Springfield
Plaza Seating Area

MGM Springfield
Conference Center Veranda

It was easy to see that MGM was dedicated to being true to the area's historic location and place in the Springfield community. Building in the area certainly helped the city with their rebuilding efforts after a devastating tornado. (In June 2011 a category EF3 tornado with 160 mph winds ripped through Springfield destroying over 500 buildings in downtown Springfield and the surrounding area). 

MGM Springfield Hotel Exterior

The company built slowly and intentionally, integrating a historically accurate architectural aesthetic that blends seamlessly into the downtown landscape. 

MGM Springfield
Interactive History of Springfield MA

MGM Springfield remains true to the spirit of the city known as the "City of Firsts" with its nod to the number of items first invented in Springfield (the game of basketball, American dictionary, Indian Motorcycles, and so much more) -- all in the place that was once the epicenter for precision manufacturing - and the birthplace of Dr. Seuss!

ROAR Comedy Club
and Patio Seating Area
MGM Springfield

The attention to detail throughout the hotel and casino is incredible! Both are decorated in an early twentieth century decor with beautiful textiles and warm tones. 

The design team scoured the area and the nearby Brimfield Antique Flea Market for historically accurate pieces that represent and replicate the industrial revolution era that the area is known for.

MGM Springfield
Hotel Lobby

MGM Springfield
Antiques and Artifacts
Hotel Lobby

MGM Springfield
Hotel Lobby
Reading Nook

There's even a Starbucks in the Lobby!

We loved our hotel room! It was so tastefully decorated and had a great view of downtown Springfield!

It had a cozy little seating area that was the perfect space for our morning 'in room' breakfast! 

After breakfast - we hit the shops! There are some great little places in the surrounding block, like Kringle Emporium.

Kringle Emporium specializes in candles, but also offers coffee, baked goods, soups, sandwiches, paninis, and salads. 

Candles Galore at
Kringle Emporium

Kringle's Friendly Staff

In addition, they offer milkshakes and spiked milkshakes! This one is the S'more Something - a decadent concoction with flambeed marshmallows, chocolate goodness, vodka, and graham crackers.

Spiked Milkshakes
at Kringles Emporium

After all our indulging we headed over to the Indian Motorcycle store where we loved all the memorabilia items - and of course, the display Indian cycles!

Indian Motorcycle Memorabilia

Actual Indian Motorcycles on Display!

After our shopping excursion we decided to head on over to the Tap Sports Bar for lunch.

Tap features loads of TVs to show all the sports events with a great 'sports bar' menu, an extensive beer selection, and a creative cocktail menu. It was a beautiful spring day - so we decided to eat on the outdoor patio!

Cocktails at Tap Sports Bar
MGM Springfield

Lunch at Tap Sports Bar
MGM Springfield

Want more options? Head over to the South End Market Place for a plethora of flavors Diner Favorites to Noodles to Lobster to Wine & Cheese --- and so much more! And it's open 24 hours!

If you're visiting on a Friday - make sure you stop into the plaza to enjoy "Food Truck Friday" where a variety of food trucks gather for some food and music and fun!

Food Truck Fridays
MGM Springfield Plaza

After lunch while the cowboy visited 'the slots' we headed over to the Salon for a well deserved pedicure! Not only does the hotel feature a full spa -- but they also feature a full service salon, with some great specials that sometimes come with a champagne perk!

MGM Springfield
Salon

Enjoy a bit of bubbly
with select services
MGM Springfield Salon

MGM Springfield Salon
Enjoying a Pedicure

After an afternoon shopping, relaxing, getting spoiled in the salon, and visiting the casino's gaming area, we headed out to dinner at Cal Mare.

The Cal Mare Restaurant

Cal Mare's chef, Michael Mina, fuses the authentic Italian coastal cuisine from the Amalfi Coast that he is know for, with New England's signature style. The marriage is a win-win!

Cocktails at the Cal Mare Restaurant
MGM Springfield

Cal Mare at MGM Springfield
Gnocchi

MGM Springfield
Cal Mare Restaurant
Lasagna

We ate soooo much that we needed to walk off our dinner, so we did some more strolling through the area and visited the gaming area. We ended our night over cocktails at MGM Springfield's Commonwealth Club where as the night goes on the music and fun gets pumped up!

MGM Springfield
Commonwealth Club

Commonwealth Club
Espresso Martini Nightcap

There's also a fun little hotel cocktail bar where drinks are found in a storybook menu and based on fairy tale names. 

Bibidi Bobbidity Booze Cocktail
MGM Springfield Hotel Lobby

Cocktails at the Hotel Lobby Bar
MGM Springfield

We loved our little getaway to MGM Springfield! We know you will too! We can't wait to visit again to enjoy more of all there is to do! 

Next time we're planning on indulging in their new BRUNCH BUFFET (!!), taking in a movie in their on premise Regal Theater, having fun with a little competitive bowling at the Tap Sports Bar, and taking in a show at the comedy club!

Hope we see you there!

MGM Grand

One MGM Way
Springfield, CT
https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en.html

413.273.5000

Disclaimer: We were invited to MGM Springfield by members of the company's management and marketing team and portions of this post are sponsored. However, all views and opinions are our own.

©  Home Place 2019

The Other Side of MA - Brunch at the Esselon Cafe

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Sunday Brunch at the Esselon Cafe in Hadley, MA

On the final morning of our trip to Massachusetts, as we made our way to the Annual Spring Bulb Show with the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, we stopped at the Esselon Cafe in Hadley MA.

The Esselon Cafe
in Hadley Massachusetts

An independently owned and operated coffee shop and retail operation, Esselon Cafe opened in June of 2006. Since its inception, it has grown from a popular local cafe and coffee shop, to an award winning restaurant -- and a retail and wholesale provider of fresh-roasted artisan coffees, fine teas, and coffee equipment and accessories.

The place was super busy! It's a self-order at the counter place, with plenty of daily specials each day - and a quite extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner! With both indoor and outdoor seating - I can't wait to return to enjoy the beautiful outside space!

Inside it's rustically charming - with antique fixtures and an authentic tin ceiling.

Esselon Cafe
Hadley MA

Beautiful Chandelier and Antique Mirror
Esselon Cafe - Hadley MA

In the true spirit of a farm-to-table type experience, they use lots of local items, produce, and proteins from area farms.

Locally Sourced North Hadley Sugar Shack Maple Syrup
is served at the Esselon Cafe

Service was fast and friendly, and soon after we ordered our beverages they were served. What a difference freshly roasted coffee makes! And their cappuccino and hot cocoa "art" was spot on!

We ordered a wide array of their specials from pancakes to eggs to french toast -- and everything - and I mean EVERY THING was absolutely delicious.

Butternut Squash Hash Brown Eggs Benedict
With Fresh Fruit

Pancakes
Served with North Hadley Maple Syrup

Cinnamon French Toast with Caramel Drizzle

Bacon and Eggs
At the Esselon Cafe

Brunch at the Esselon Cafe

Be sure to stop and visit this local restaurant when traveling through western Massachusett - or make a special trip just to try their delicious offerings. The food is wonderful, service is fast and friendly, and a visit to local farms or area attractions will make it well worth the trip.

If you're traveling from my native Connecticut, Hadley Massachusetts is about an hour from Hartford and 1.5 hours from New Haven.

Esselon Cafe

99 Russell Street

Hadley, MA 01035

413.585.1515

www.esselon.com 

About Hadley MA

Hadley is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 5,250. It is known as a major shopping destination for the surrounding communities. Hadley was settled in 1659 and continues to showcase some of the most beautiful farmland and scenic views in the county.

For more area restaurants visit: http://visithampshirecounty.com/eat/

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.

© Home Place 2017