Some weekends are made for stepping away — from the to-do list, the school run, the endless mental load. Essex, CT is where Connecticut moms go to eat well, shop slowly, and come back feeling like themselves again. This is the insider guide, from someone who grew up here.
Join Grace & Haven for Sip & Shop for a Cause on Tuesday, 10/26 from 5–7 PM! 20% of all sales—both in-store and online—will be donated to the Breast Friends Fund, supporting metastatic breast cancer research. Look out for Ashley from Gilded Gals’ macarons and signature mocktails at this fun, heartfelt evening of giving back!
🎃 Join us for the Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival this Saturday! Grace & Haven will be part of the fun at the annual Ivoryton Village Pumpkin Festival — a family-favorite event filled with creativity, community, and Halloween magic. Stop by our Trunk-or-Treat in space 11 on Summit Street for festive treats, smiles, and a peek at what’s new in-store and online this season.
Discover why Essex, CT is the ultimate fall destination this weekend! From whimsical scarecrows (vote for “Dead Tired” 🏆) and festive pumpkin scavenger hunts 🎃 to family holiday photo opportunities with Cassidy Smith Photography 📸, Essex is packed with kid-friendly activities, fresh flowers from Seed + Soil 🌸, and local shopping including the White Elephant and Rummage Sales 🛍️. Don’t miss the Alumni Candle pop-up 🕯️—reserve your spot for her 10/15 candle-making class while seats last! Plus, enjoy perfect fall weather ☀️ and explore Essex’s charming streets with the whole family. And keep the fun going Sunday at the CT Science Center for the CT Kids Passport Launch Party!
Welcome fall at Grace & Haven! Discover our updated store hours, upcoming events, private shopping experiences, and gift concierge services in Essex, CT. Explore ways to connect, shop, and celebrate the season with friends and family.
Looking for a unique way to connect with friends or support your community? Grace & Haven in Essex, CT is now offering private shopping events and nonprofit partnerships! Host a bridal shower, girls’ night, or mom’s coffee chat, or collaborate with us for a nonprofit event where 20% of sales are donated. Book your personalized shopping experience today via email or DM on Instagram.
Join us at Grace & Haven in Essex, CT for a heart-filled Sip & Shop for a Cause event on Wednesday, June 5 from 6–8 PM, in partnership with Ashley of Gilded Gals. This special shopping event supports A Brighter Way’s Summer Camp for Autistic Kids, with 20% of all in-store and online sales during the event donated to help fund local camp scholarships. Whether you're shopping for thoughtful gifts, women’s clothing, or sustainable kids’ items, your purchase will make a difference in a child’s life. Let’s turn meaningful shopping into meaningful change.
3 Ways to Love Your Local This Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, show some love where it matters most—right in your own community! Small businesses are the heart of Essex, CT, and this weekend, we’re celebrating with our Love Your Local event. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or simply spreading kindness, every action helps support the local businesses that make our town special.
Join us this Saturday in Essex, CT, for a day filled with shopping, giveaways, and community fun! Plus, enter for a chance to win a $100 Grace & Haven gift card by sharing what you love about your local businesses.
Read more about how you can Love Your Local this Valentine’s Day!