This is the perfect retreat for any family, business or group of friends looking to get away. The…read morestaff is outgoing and fun to be around and the property itself is gorgeous. The owner works in his shop creating new works of art to place around the conference center, his artwork can be seen both inside and outside. There is a Jacuzzi and Sauna on site as well as a large fire pit. The location also features several trails and even an obstacle course.

We have come to this center for our annual staff retreat each year and they never fail to please…read more The grounds are beautiful, the ropes course extensive and the food service provided is great. Be warned, bring bug spray and plan to use all of it.

My wife and I went on a Saturday day date to an ornament making class just before Christmas. It was…read morean amazing experience. Our instructor James made what could be an intimidating experience seem extremely welcoming and laid back. His level of expertise, professionalism and ability to teach was remarkable. I strongly advise anyone looking for a great new experience to give this place a shot. I know we'll be back again soon.

Attended a pumpkin glass session. It was so fun! The staff explain everything and really help you…read moreout. The staff explain why they do this "this way" so you learn a lot too! Lots of fun color choices! Even with Covid-19 they are doing small classes and taking precautions with sanitizer available. Sign up early as classes fill up quickly. Great fun!!

This is an homage to American folk art. If that is your cup of tea, you will love it here! All…read morethe things are just as the original owners left it. The tour is a brisk 45-60 minutes packed with lots of information and things to see. There is a walking trail on the grounds. There is a bathroom with indoor plumbing for guests to use. Free parking is available on the grounds.

I enjoy American folk art yet, more often than not, your only opportunity to experience it is in…read morethe sterile environment of a museum display case. Cogswell Grant is the opposite. You get to see an amazing collection in-situ, just as the owners intended. Additionally, you get to experience this marvelous collection within the Little families charming 18th c Essex farm house. The Little's were collecting American folk art before it was "discovered" by high-end collectors (such as Abby Aldrich Rockefeller). My favorite pieces: the decoys, chickens, and other avian representations throughout the home. The hook rugs are magnificent, too. They have some kitsch mixed in with absolute masterpieces. The home is a jewel box! The surrounding farm is open to exploring and is very close to Crane's Beach and the wonders of Essex. So, when you saunter to Woodman's for clams, continue to Cogswell to satisfy your aesthetic needs.

I will never step foot in this place or property and judging by all the reviews for Riversbend and…read moreEssex Marina, Curt and Lindsay appear very green oriented and somewhat discriminatory. I was walking through the marina because I used to go Essex Marina with my family and friends when it was owned by George Lufkin and his family to launch our boat. I accidentally stumbled upon a wedding admiring the beautiful restaurant and as I was walking by to leave the owner Curt said to me can I help you I replied no, he replied there is a wedding keep it moving and then when I replied you could have been nice about it he replied I am a nice guy, I don't have to be your on my property. I just moved to Essex and so far all the restaurants, businesses, and people have been so nice and welcoming. The Lufkin family were so warm and welcoming and these two were not welcoming to the locals. Sorry to the wedding party honest mistake and hope you have many years of happiness. I am sorry to all the staff that work there but the owners attitude needs to change. Every interaction is a learning experience and let this be a clear lesson in hospitality. I am not saying don't go here but want to leave you all with the information to make an informative decision before stepping foot on the property. Don't want anyone to go through the same ordeal as me.

Love Riversbend!!! Perfect location, good drinks and really, really great pizza! A true hidden…read moregem :)

My partner and I just had the pleasure of staying at the Inn and the experience was luxurious. The…read moredecor was calming with a coastal feel creating the perfect escape. The bathtub was a large soaker that was great for taking my worries away. We enjoyed a yummy Bolognese sauce and a bottle of wine from their restaurant Grove. And I can't say enough about the attentive staff, especially Paula and Billie Sue. They were so kind and made sure we had everything we needed. This is great spot if you need a bit of respite and want to enjoy small town friendliness with a touch of indulgence.

Fantastic stay very comfortable very friendly people enjoyed it immensely they really took care of…read moreus

The barn and gardens were very nice. The owners were also very friendly and pleasant but the…read morecatering was awful. We paid 125 dollars and were served on tiny paper plates. Plastic glasses, very small portions of bad food. There was a DJ who played so loudly that we could not talk to each other. Nice people but this event was very bad. Loved the barn but not the food or the tableware. They acted like this was a wedding--not a farm to table dinner. Also I dont want to watch them plating food in the dining room out of plastic containers. I came home and made a snack for myself. I WAS STARVING.

My nephew was married here last week and it was by far nicest wedding venue I've ever been to. The…read moregrounds were gorgeous and the food and service were terrific. The barn has been upgraded for comfort, but not so much as to distract from the rustic atmosphere of the place. The vineyards, gardens and live animals lent an authenticity that recently-built "farms" can't match. The lovely deck and patio had tasteful, upscale furniture, complete with fire pits. The landscaping was beautiful as well. I've been to dozens of weddings and can't remember a lovelier spot.

Cute little store with a diverse selection of culinary finds including local goods, assorted olive…read moreoils and a unique wine selection. Found a few treats including chocolate bitters, a wonderful bottle of Sancerre and unusual olive oil. Hard to leave without at least one treat unless you try extremely hard!

In the past I've only come here for the oils and vinegars. Lately the wines they have been getting…read moreare very unique and incredible, same with the beers. A lot of these you will not see at a regular liquor store. I love this place!

My partner and I got married 10/4/25 at the Barn and we could not recommend this venue enough! Our…read morecoordinator from The Red Barn, Emily, was with us every step of the way. She went above and beyond on our wedding day to ensure we had drinks, food, even going as far as helping my mother in law get to and from photos. She helped keep our little one entertained throughout the night so we were able to truly enjoy ourselves. Every single guest commented on how incredible she was-- if I could give her more than 5 stars I would.

The red barn is quite picturesque from the outside. It's a bit sterile on the inside so if you are…read moreplanning and event here, you may need to dress up the banquet hall. The bathrooms are clean but they could use more stalls. Parking is easy, although messy if it's raining. The acoustics aren't too bad if there is a DJ. The servers are all excellent, and they attempt to do silver service, meaning that they serve food simultaneously to each person at the table, etc. It's not silver service! The food is ok. We had steak tips that were delicious. The chicken picatta was dry and tiny. This is a great place for a wedding or corporate event, just be sure to stay on top of the details.