Essex is a town in Chittenden County, Vermont known for its picturesque setting between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, and its many parks and recreational facilities. Major attractions include Smugglers' Notch Resort and the Cochran Ski Area. Each year in June check out the Annual Essex Golf Classic. Among the biggest companies in Essex are IBM and S.B. Farley Company. The biggest schools here are the nearby University of Vermont and Community College of Vermont. One of the best places to visit when you are in Essex is Indian Brook Park. Famous persons from Essex include William B. Castle, mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, and Jon Fishman, drummer for the band Phish. .