[img:mainstessex.jpg]ESSEX ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN - Historic Essex on Lake Champlain has welcomed a number of new businesses, rebounding positively from record high water this spring. In fact, the community is not just ready to welcome visitors for the summer - it is veritably BUZZING with activity.

Visitors won't find any empty storefronts; there are several new businesses, and twists on some of the classics.

The iconic Old Dock restaurant opened for the season on July 1. The restaurant was featured in many of the flooded images in the spring media coverage as it is particularly visible in its location on a jutted-out section of land adjacent to the ferry dock. The Rudder Club, another lakeside restaurant featured in those reports, opened July 1 as well.

A stroll through the tree-lined streets of this historic town is quite a treat. Bolstered by pedestrian traffic from the ferry from Vermont, the restaurants, shops, inns and art galleries complement the gorgeous 19th century architecture, (the entire village is on the National Historic Register, and includes the most intact collections of federal and greek revival architecture in the entire state!)

The completely renovated Essex Inn features beautifully-appointed suites, and the restaurant is now serving lunch and dinner from its all new state-of-the-art commercial kitchen - all open year round.

The Ice Cream Shop - a favorite for locals and magnet for day-trippers, is under new ownership. Its talented new proprietor has completely remodeled the interior space and expanded the menu offerings to include cafe-style treats as well as ice cream.

A few doors down, the newly-opened Live Well is operated by three partner/owners collectively offer yoga, tai chi, massage and physical therapy.

Renu, a fancy thrift shop, has moved to a new location around the corner on Route 22. Essex Provisions is a new high-end deli/style store and eatery, whose sandwiches I can wholeheartedly endorse.

The new Pink Pig Antiques occupies a prime Main Street storefront; a must-see collection of a mix of old, new and decidedly very cool stuff.

One can learn more about the new businesses, plus the local CSA farms that supply the local restaurants and the plethora of other nearby treasures with a stop at the Adirondack Art Association. Located at the heart of Main Street, this art gallery accidentally serves as the de facto visitors center, but step inside, and you'll stay for more than directions.

"Mother nature is powerful, but the energy, resilience and enthusiasm of our historic lakeside community trumps her every time," said George Davis, Essex Resident.
"I'm proud to be part of the Essex Renaissance."

So spread the word; Essex on Lake Champlain is open for business...not to mention recreation, arts, music, dining....and sunrise viewing.

Check out https://www.essexonlakechamplain.com/ to learn more about historic Essex, and learn about all the Lake Champlain Region has to offer at lakechamplainregion.com

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