Selected as ”The Best Country Inn” in Connecticut by the readers of Connecticut Magazine, for the past two years, the Copper Beech Inn is minutes from the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, and is just a 2-hour drive from either New York or Boston. Lovingly restored over the past three years, the period antiques, Oriental rugs, and richly textured fabrics bring comfort and classic European sophistication to this grand estate. Elegant guest rooms & suites with oversize beds feature Italian marble bathrooms and air-jet thermo-masseur tubs. The award-winning AAA Four-Diamond restaurant was named the "Best Overall" in the state by the readers of Connecticut Magazine, in 2005. It features extraordinary food and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list with over 400 selections. Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report selected the inn as one of the “The Best in New England” and, The New York Times said in a recent review “The Copper Beech Inn is a lovely example of what Americans look for in a three or four-star country inn … the wine list is pretty spectacular ... the dining experience always marvelous.” Essex, “The Best Small Town in America," offers classic unspoiled coastline, countryside and quaint historic villages. Nearby activities include the Essex Steam Train, Hammonassett State Park; art galleries & museums, designer outlet shopping, Gillette Castle, the historic Ivoryton Playhouse and Goodspeed Opera House.