Cake Decorating - Halloween Themed
Guided by your chef instructor, you will have the opportunity to decorate your own Halloween-themed cake. The decorating process is divided into three steps - filling and crumb coat; smooth, finished top coat; and decorations. You will learn the techniques necessary for each step, with most of the emphasis placed on the decorating step. Guests will learn what different decorating tips are used for, and how to use them with a piping bag. You will also have the opportunity to make black or blood red buttercream roses to add to your decorated cake. Headstone cookies, dead chocolate trees, and black cats can also be added to your creation. This is a hands-on class; no prior experience is required. Difficulty - Easy to Moderate.
Flavors of India - Vegetarian Biryani
Let's travel to the Indian peninsula and enjoy this celebratory rice dish. The vibrant colors, the tantalizing aromas, and the rich flavors of India are all part of this class. Vegetarian biryani, papadum, mango lassi, and coconut ladoo with mangoes for dessert.
Mighty Mystic
Mighty Mystic known for his energetic stage performance and one-of-a-kind blend of roots, rock and reggae will be bringing his one-love message and lively personality to the Double E Lounge in Essex on Saturday November 1st. Join Mystic and the crew early for a special VIP reception with appetizers and a private VIP-only acoustic set from his new Walk Tall album. VIP Reception 7pm. Doors open at 8pm. After party in the lounge with DJ Code and the best in reggae, dancehall and carribean vibes. Tickets are limited! Don't wait!
Tickets are $22.00 Advance, $28.00 At the Door and $45.00 VIP .
Vip - Join Mighty Mystic and his band for a pre-show reception @7p.m. Appetizers, opportunities to get your picture taken with Mystic and the crew, autographs and a special VIP only acoustic performance of 2 tracks from his new Walk Tall album.
Black Flannel Sip 'n Shop
Join us on Sunday November 2, Noon to 5pm for our Holiday Kick-off Sip 'n Shop in the Barrel Room. Local Artists, Artisans, and Live Music. The bar will be open in the barrel room for your favorite Black Flannel beverages. Try our spirits in the Distillery tasting room while learning more about the art & craft of brewing & distilling.
Wander the barrel room in a relaxed warm atmosphere. Paintings, prints, hand blown glass, baked goods, vintage clothing, handmade jewelry and more. And if you get hungry with all that shopping, have some lunch or dinner while you're here.
Afterschool JR Chef Baking Series - Week 4: Eggs II - Custards, Curds, and Creams
The Essex Resort & Spa is excited to launch a hands-on Jr. Chef baking series designed just for middle school students (5th–8th grade; ages 10-14). Over six weeks, budding bakers will roll up their sleeves and dive into the building blocks of baking—butter, eggs, flour, and sugar.
Guided by a professional chef instructor in our Viking classroom kitchen, students will learn how to measure, mix, and master key techniques while creating a new baked treat each week. From planning and following recipes to experimenting with textures and flavors, this series is all about learning by doing.
Every class ends with students bringing home their own fresh-baked creations—plus the confidence and skills to recreate them in their own kitchens.
$80
11/4/25 - Week 4, Eggs II - Custards, Curds, and Creams.
Review the basics of an egg, and learn the characteristics egg yolks impart on baked goods. Leave with your own custard tarts.
#What to Expect
- **Please plan to be in class 5 minutes before class begins so that we may take roll call.**
FOR HANDS ON CLASSES---
- **ATTIRE:**The Essex recommends that students wear closed-toe shoes to class and to dress appropriately for a cooking environment and have long hair tied back. Shorts, skirts, open-toed shoes, and flip flops are not allowed to be worn during any classes. The Essex will provide an apron to protect most clothing but, being a professional kitchen environment, spills do unfortunately happen.
- **KITCHEN SAFETY:** Participants assume and accept that they will be participating in cooking activities where there is a natural element of risk of injury with kitchen appliances, equipment, knives, allergic reactions, and other participants in the class. When you reserve your cooking class you acknowledge this level of risk to yourself while participating in the activities at The Essex.
Cancellation -
The Essex reserves the right to limit class sizes, revise any or all menus, substitute food items, cancel a class, change class time or location, and/or substitute instructors. If a class is cancelled, The Essex will contact the guests registered and arrange a credit or a refund. In case of inclement weather it is the responsibility of the guest to call for information regarding outdoor classes. Full refunds will be granted if cancellation is received 3 days or more prior to the cooking class or event. Exceptions may be made in cases of illness or flight delays. All cancellations must be made by phone: 802-878-1100. We will not accept email cancellation.
Autumn Harvest
Roasted beet salad, butternut squash & spinach quiche, pumpkin spice streusel cake
Paint N Sip at Black Flannel | Autumn in the Notch
Join teaching artist Natasha Bogar from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Black Flannel Brewing in Essex for an evening of fun and creativity. The Barrell Room opens at 5:00 for dining before the painting starts at 6:00 pm. Paint your own acrylic on canvas of the notch in autumn.
Tickets are $45 per person
Seasonal Flavors
Gougeres, Lemony Chicken w/ 40 Garlic Cloves, Roasted Root Vegetable, French Apple Cake
A night with 8084
In November of 1982, 8084 performed their first show together with the current line-up: Andre Maquera, Randy Smith, Frank Barnes, and Gary Spaulding, plus the late Charlie Hawthorne. 8084’s self-titled debut album sold extremely well throughout Europe, and since that time, the Billboard and International award-winning musicians have released six albums, one EP, and multiple singles that received critical acclaim in the US, Canada, Europe, and Scandinavia.The band has performed in excess of 4,500 live shows, both as an opening act and as a headliner, sharing the stage with such acts as Blue Oyster Cult, April Wine, Warrant, Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Henry Lee Summer, and many others. For the past 40 years, the band has built a following of die-hard fans throughout North America and Europe through both their original music and high-energy performances.
General Admission tickets are $28.44
Cream Puffs
Choux Pastry: Mastering Éclairs and Cream Puffs
Afterschool JR Chef Baking Series - Week 5: Flour
The Essex Resort & Spa is excited to launch a hands-on Jr. Chef baking series designed just for middle school students (5th–8th grade; ages 10-14). Over six weeks, budding bakers will roll up their sleeves and dive into the building blocks of baking—butter, eggs, flour, and sugar.
Guided by a professional chef instructor in our Viking classroom kitchen, students will learn how to measure, mix, and master key techniques while creating a new baked treat each week. From planning and following recipes to experimenting with textures and flavors, this series is all about learning by doing.
Every class ends with students bringing home their own fresh-baked creations—plus the confidence and skills to recreate them in their own kitchens.
$80
11/11/25 - Week 5, Flour.
Learn the basics of wheat flour, ancient grains, and wheat alternatives. Make and bake naan (Indian flat bread), and leave with your own delicious dips to eat with the breads you bake.
#What to Expect
- **Please plan to be in class 5 minutes before class begins so that we may take roll call.**
FOR HANDS ON CLASSES---
- **ATTIRE:**The Essex recommends that students wear closed-toe shoes to class and to dress appropriately for a cooking environment and have long hair tied back. Shorts, skirts, open-toed shoes, and flip flops are not allowed to be worn during any classes. The Essex will provide an apron to protect most clothing but, being a professional kitchen environment, spills do unfortunately happen.
- **KITCHEN SAFETY:** Participants assume and accept that they will be participating in cooking activities where there is a natural element of risk of injury with kitchen appliances, equipment, knives, allergic reactions, and other participants in the class. When you reserve your cooking class you acknowledge this level of risk to yourself while participating in the activities at The Essex.
Cancellation -
The Essex reserves the right to limit class sizes, revise any or all menus, substitute food items, cancel a class, change class time or location, and/or substitute instructors. If a class is cancelled, The Essex will contact the guests registered and arrange a credit or a refund. In case of inclement weather it is the responsibility of the guest to call for information regarding outdoor classes. Full refunds will be granted if cancellation is received 3 days or more prior to the cooking class or event. Exceptions may be made in cases of illness or flight delays. All cancellations must be made by phone: 802-878-1100. We will not accept email cancellation.
Salt Cave Sound Bath at Purple Sage
Immerse yourself in soothing sound and healing energy during a Sound Bath in the Himalayan Salt Cave at Purple Sage in Essex, Vermont. Surrounded by the gentle glow of salt walls, you’ll experience the calming vibrations of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other harmonic instruments—each designed to help the body release tension, quiet the mind, and restore natural balance.
Led by there skilled sound practitioner, this immersive session blends the ancient practice of sound healing with the natural benefits of halotherapy (salt therapy). As sound waves move through the body, they help calm the nervous system and encourage deep relaxation, while the salt-infused air supports respiratory health and detoxification. Together, these therapies create a holistic experience that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being.
Tickets are $60 per person
Salt Cave Breathwork at Purple Sage
Experience deep healing and relaxation with a guided breathwork session inside our Himalayan Salt Cave at Purple Sage.
Led by certified breathwork practitioner Rachel, this 60-minute wellness experience combines the power of conscious breathing with the therapeutic benefits of halotherapy (salt therapy). As you breathe deeply, the salt-enriched air supports respiratory wellness, boosts circulation, and promotes emotional release—helping you feel lighter, calmer, and more balanced from within
Tickets are $60 per person
Baking Workshop - Puff Pastry
Explore the wonders and versatility of puff pastry in this hands-on class. Make your own puff from scratch, along with palmiers, cheese straws, and more.
Italian Cuisine
Italian Chopped Salad Beef Bolognese Homemade Fettucine Classic Tiramisu
Afterschool JR Chef Baking Series - Week 6: Sugar
The Essex Resort & Spa is excited to launch a hands-on Jr. Chef baking series designed just for middle school students (5th–8th grade; ages 10-14). Over six weeks, budding bakers will roll up their sleeves and dive into the building blocks of baking—butter, eggs, flour, and sugar.
Guided by a professional chef instructor in our Viking classroom kitchen, students will learn how to measure, mix, and master key techniques while creating a new baked treat each week. From planning and following recipes to experimenting with textures and flavors, this series is all about learning by doing.
Every class ends with students bringing home their own fresh-baked creations—plus the confidence and skills to recreate them in their own kitchens.
$80
11/18/25 - Week 6, Sugar.
Learn the basics of sugar and the chemistry behind caramelization. From granulated sugar make your own hard caramels (English toffee) and caramel sauce to take home.
#What to Expect
- **Please plan to be in class 5 minutes before class begins so that we may take roll call.**
FOR HANDS ON CLASSES---
- **ATTIRE:**The Essex recommends that students wear closed-toe shoes to class and to dress appropriately for a cooking environment and have long hair tied back. Shorts, skirts, open-toed shoes, and flip flops are not allowed to be worn during any classes. The Essex will provide an apron to protect most clothing but, being a professional kitchen environment, spills do unfortunately happen.
- **KITCHEN SAFETY:** Participants assume and accept that they will be participating in cooking activities where there is a natural element of risk of injury with kitchen appliances, equipment, knives, allergic reactions, and other participants in the class. When you reserve your cooking class you acknowledge this level of risk to yourself while participating in the activities at The Essex.
Cancellation -
The Essex reserves the right to limit class sizes, revise any or all menus, substitute food items, cancel a class, change class time or location, and/or substitute instructors. If a class is cancelled, The Essex will contact the guests registered and arrange a credit or a refund. In case of inclement weather it is the responsibility of the guest to call for information regarding outdoor classes. Full refunds will be granted if cancellation is received 3 days or more prior to the cooking class or event. Exceptions may be made in cases of illness or flight delays. All cancellations must be made by phone: 802-878-1100. We will not accept email cancellation.
Salt Cave Sound Bath at Purple Sage
Immerse yourself in soothing sound and healing energy during a Sound Bath in the Himalayan Salt Cave at Purple Sage in Essex, Vermont. Surrounded by the gentle glow of salt walls, you’ll experience the calming vibrations of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other harmonic instruments—each designed to help the body release tension, quiet the mind, and restore natural balance.
Led by there skilled sound practitioner, this immersive session blends the ancient practice of sound healing with the natural benefits of halotherapy (salt therapy). As sound waves move through the body, they help calm the nervous system and encourage deep relaxation, while the salt-infused air supports respiratory health and detoxification. Together, these therapies create a holistic experience that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being.
Tickets are $60 per person
Oh, My Squash!
Roasted Delicata Salad with Chevre
Butternut Squash Risotto
Seared Scallops
Pumpkin Spice Cannoli
Sweet & Savory Crepes
From crepes with fresh berries to melty cheese and smoked ham
Taste of New England
Creamy Clam Chowdah, Lobster Pie, and Boston Cream Pie
Thanksgiving Pre-Fixe in Junction
Join us for an elevated Thanksgiving dinner at Junction, where seasonal and locally sourced ingredients shine. You’ll enjoy a thoughtfully prepared Pre-Fixe menu with options to suit every preference—including a vegan choice—paired with selections from our extensive wine list.
Our experienced team will guide you through each course, ensuring attentive service and a memorable holiday evening in Junction’s intimate, refined setting.
Secure your tickets to celebrate Thanksgiving with exceptional food, wine, and a dining experience designed to make the holiday truly special.
Your tickets serve as your reservation. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the event are subject to a $50 per person fee. Please note that only the Thanksgiving Pre-Fixe menu will be offered; the regular menu will not be available.
Thanksgiving Buffet in The Atrium
Back by popular demand, our Thanksgiving Buffet is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. Skip the stress of cooking and enjoy traditional favorites, seasonal dishes, and plenty of options for all ages in a bright, welcoming space. Ideal for families, friends, and multi-generational gatherings, the buffet lets everyone relax and focus on spending time together while our team takes care of the rest.
Looking for a more intimate experience? Join us in Junction for our Pre-Fixe dinner. Want something casual? Stop by The Lazy Goat Tavern for our Thanksgiving Plate. Celebrating at home? Our To-Go option gives you fully prepared dishes to finish in your kitchen. Whatever your plans, The Essex makes Thanksgiving easy and enjoyable. Call us at 802-764-1413 to learn more or make arrangements.
The Thanksgiving Buffet takes place in The Atrium in our Main Building. Price includes all food, taxes, service charges, and gratuity. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are non-refundable.
Salt Cave Sound Bath at Purple Sage
Immerse yourself in soothing sound and healing energy during a Sound Bath in the Himalayan Salt Cave at Purple Sage in Essex, Vermont. Surrounded by the gentle glow of salt walls, you’ll experience the calming vibrations of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other harmonic instruments—each designed to help the body release tension, quiet the mind, and restore natural balance.
Led by there skilled sound practitioner, this immersive session blends the ancient practice of sound healing with the natural benefits of halotherapy (salt therapy). As sound waves move through the body, they help calm the nervous system and encourage deep relaxation, while the salt-infused air supports respiratory health and detoxification. Together, these therapies create a holistic experience that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being.
Tickets are $60 and Call to reserve tickets
French Cuisine
Gougeres
Coq au Vin
Winter Greens
Spiced Poached Pears
Paint N Sip at Black Flannel | Sunrise
Join teaching artist Natasha Bogar from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Black Flannel Brewing in Essex for an evening of fun and creativity. The Barrell Room opens at 5:00 for dining before the painting starts at 6:00 pm. Paint your own acrylic on canvas of Stowe Mountain at sunrise. Natasha designed this scene. She will guide the class step by step, teaching color mixing, brush handling, and blending. All supplies are included, and all abilities are welcome. Ages 10 and under need adult accompaniment.
Cost is $45.00 per person
Salt Cave Breathwork at Purple Sage
Experience deep healing and relaxation with a guided breathwork session inside our Himalayan Salt Cave at Purple Sage.
Led by certified breathwork practitioner Rachel, this 60-minute wellness experience combines the power of conscious breathing with the therapeutic benefits of halotherapy (salt therapy). As you breathe deeply, the salt-enriched air supports respiratory wellness, boosts circulation, and promotes emotional release—helping you feel lighter, calmer, and more balanced from within.
Steak Night
Caesar Salad, Ricotta Gnocchi w/ Spinach & Gorgonzola, Grilled Steak, Lemon Ricotta Cake
Save The Date: Spa Open House!
Join us Dec. 7th, 2–5 PM for our Spa Open House and see what’s new!
Take a guided tour, enjoy light bites, and chat with our team during mini skincare consultations. You’ll find open house specials, make-and-take spa gifts, and get a first look at the newest skincare brand coming to our spa.
It’s the perfect afternoon to get inspired for your self-care routine.
More details to come!
Cooking With Local Brews
Local Brews
Beer Steamed Mussels
Beer Braised Mussels
Chocolate Stout Cake
Salt Cave Breathwork at Purple Sage
Experience deep healing and relaxation with a guided breathwork session inside our Himalayan Salt Cave at Purple Sage.
Led by certified breathwork practitioner Rachel, this 60-minute wellness experience combines the power of conscious breathing with the therapeutic benefits of halotherapy (salt therapy). As you breathe deeply, the salt-enriched air supports respiratory wellness, boosts circulation, and promotes emotional release—helping you feel lighter, calmer, and more balanced from within
Tickets are $60 per person
Crab Cakes!
Lump Crab Cakes
Shrimp & Grits
Cheddar Biscuits
Bananas Foster
Champlain Trio Holiday Concert
Celebrate the season with a heartwarming evening of holiday music! Relive cherished memories with seasonal classics such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker suite, selections from Handel’s Messiah, toe-tapping jazzy arrangements and much more - all with beautiful winter scene projections on the big screen! We promise that this will be a night that audiences of all ages will remember, so bring your friends and family and get your tickets today. Doors open at 4pm
Tickets are $29.50 for adults and $13.60 for children under 12
Mexican Cuisine
Beef Empanadas
Fish Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Elote
Warm Churros with Chocolate Ganache
Salt Cave Breathwork at Purple Sage
Experience deep healing and relaxation with a guided breathwork session inside our Himalayan Salt Cave at Purple Sage.
Led by certified breathwork practitioner Rachel, this 60-minute wellness experience combines the power of conscious breathing with the therapeutic benefits of halotherapy (salt therapy). As you breathe deeply, the salt-enriched air supports respiratory wellness, boosts circulation, and promotes emotional release—helping you feel lighter, calmer, and more balanced from within.
Limited spaces available—reserve your spot today! Cost is $60 per person
Cioppino
Panzanella Salad, Cioppino w/ Creamy Polenta, Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake
French Cuisine
Sole Meuniere
Ratatouille
French Apple Cake

