The Paul Family Celebrates Three Decades at The Griswold Inn:
The Paul Family Celebrates Three Decades at The Griswold Inn: Honoring a 30-Year Legacy of Innovation, Preservation, and Community at One of the Oldest Continuously Operated Inns in the Country
ESSEX, CT — May 12, 2025 — This year marks a significant milestone for The Griswold Inn and the Paul Family, who celebrate 30 years of dedicated stewardship, thoughtful expansion, and community engagement. Since acquiring the iconic 1776 establishment in 1995, the Pauls have not only preserved its historic charm but also enhanced its legacy through the creation of two ventures: The Griswold Inn Wine Bar (est. 2005), now celebrating its 20th year, and Goods & Curiosities (est. 2010), marking 15 years. These milestones reflect the family’s ongoing commitment to honoring the past while thoughtfully expanding its offerings to meet the evolving tastes of both travelers and locals.
"In the past 30 years we have navigated through historic defining moments: the uncertainty that followed 9/11 and the challenges confronted during the COVID-19 pandemic. We look to our history, surviving other turbulent times, as inspiration," shares Geoffrey Paul, who co-owns The Griswold Inn with his brothers and sister-in-law.
"Through it all, we’ve been honored to be the caretakers and feel we have a responsibility to preserve the Inn’s deep-rooted history," he continues.
"During our stewardship we’ve created new experiences which can be appreciated by the ‘modern-day’ traveler while respecting tradition, offering a comfortable link with the past."
Milestones
– In 2000, the family opened the doors to The Griswold Inn Wine Bar, a refined yet inviting space offering a world-class selection of wines and an innovative menu in a casually sophisticated setting. Now celebrating 20 years, the Wine Bar has become a destination in its own right. It’s been honored for 16 consecutive years with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This recognition, presented to only about 2,150 restaurants globally in 2024 —and just 37 in Connecticut—celebrates a restaurant’s steadfast dedication to providing an exceptional wine selection and service.
– In 2005, they opened Goods & Curiosities, a thoughtfully curated shop featuring unique gifts, maritime treasures, and inspired New England finds. Now in its 15th year, the store reflects the charm and character of The Griswold Inn itself.
– Several years ago, the Inn began offering Art Tours that shared stories of its celebrated maritime art collection and memorabilia. They continue to offer this popular event throughout the early winter and spring months. More recently, the Inn began a Book Talk Series.
As The Griswold Inn approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Paul family’s legacy is firmly intertwined with the history of this American treasure. Their continued dedication ensures that The Griswold Inn remains not just a place to stay, but a place to experience, connect, and celebrate. Stay tuned for upcoming festivities surrounding both The Gris and our nation’s 250th birthdays.
About The Griswold Inn
The Griswold Inn, located in the heart of the historic seaport village of Essex, Connecticut, first opened its doors for business in 1776 promising “First Class Accommodations, Fine Food and Spirits.” Two hundred and forty-nine years later, the Inn still lives up to that promise. In 2025, the Paul family will celebrate 30 years of owning and operating the iconic piece of our country’s history. The Griswold Inn is at the forefront of historic inns and is one of the most popular destinations in Connecticut. Easily accessible by land and sea, it caters to neighbors, yachtsman and overland travelers from all around the world.
The Griswold Inn, 36 Main Street, Essex, Connecticut, 860.767.1776, griswoldinn.com
