THINGS TO DO

Spread out over a large area, the town of Cornwall has three defined sections within its borders, each found along the triangle formed by Routes 7, 4 and 128.

The offerings of Cornwall Bridge and Cornwall Village have some distance between them and are best discovered by car or bike. Entered from the west by passing through a covered bridge, West Cornwall (left), meanwhile, has a small concentration of shops and restaurants that can easily be explored on foot.

Cornwall's Ballyhack Antiques, available by appointment only, has an unequalled collection of period antique furniture and accessories, so a call ahead to see their collection is worth your time. The showroom of beautiful Shaker furniture crafted by Ian Ingersoll (in West Cornwall, past the covered bridge) also warrants a look. Just up the hill, meanwhile, is Railroad Square, a collection of galleries, shops and restaurants.

The Wish House has a large collection of eclectic and funky gifts and clothing. Dedicated to art, the shop showcases local artists' works via a rotating gallery series. Be sure to drop by the Cornwall Arts Collection, too; this collection also presents local artists, including the mobile designer Richard Griggs.

Across the street is the Cornwall Bridge Pottery store and its collection of wood-fired pottery. Seconds can also be purchased at the Cornwall Bridge Pottery Workshop, located on Route 7 just south of the intersection with Route 4 (left). The workshop itself is worth visiting just see to the wood kiln, one of the only such kilns in the country still being used commercially.

And the outdoors, you ask? Cornwall makes a great place to visit in any season! Bordered to the west by the Housatonic River and the Housatonic Meadows State Park, Cornwall is also home to the Mohawk Mountain State Forest. With over three thousand acres, the state forest has a number of trails that will reward hikers and skiers with panoramic views.

The section of the Housatonic River winding its way along the western edge of town is included in an official state Trout Management Area. Encompassing a ten-mile stretch of the Housatonic, the T.M.A. is strictly catch-and-release water. In its eddies and currents fishermen can expect to hit brown, rainbow and brook trout, as well as smallmouth bass. The lower 3-1/2 miles of the T.M.A. are designated fly-fishing only. Cornwall has several fly-fishing outfitters who offer both guide services and lessons ranging from casting to fly-tying. Along Route 7, just across from Baird's General Store, the Housatonic River Outfitters have a full range of fishing equipment for sale and rent in addition to their guiding and instructional services. Further along Route 7, overlooking Housatonic Meadows State Park, is the Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop. An Orvis dealer, Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop is a full-service outfitter and home of Tightline Adventures Guide Service.

For whitewater fun, continue north on Route 7 to Clarke Outdoors. Owned and operated by Mark Clarke, an 8-time Open Canoe National Champion and A.C.A. instructor, Clarke Outdoors offers everything from float trips to whitewater kayaking. Flat water paddling on local lakes can also be arranged, as can instruction in both sea and whitewater kayaking. For those transporting their own boats, the Housatonic Meadows Picnic Area is a decent spot to put in or take out.

Access to the Appalachian Trail couldn't be easier from Cornwall, as it passes the town to the west and travels through the Housatonic Meadows State Park. Many through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail find Cornwall a convenient spot to stop, shower and refuel on their way to the end of the trail (a month or more away). However, you don't need to hike the whole 2,167 miles of the AT to appreciate the scenic beauty of the area: a number of day hikes can be had both on and off the Trail. For the area's most elaborate trail systems, follow Route 4 a few miles west of its junction with Route 128 to the entrance of the Mohawk State Forest.

The state forest remains open year-round, and provides an excellent spot to cross-country ski after the snow begins to fall. For more wintertime diversions within the state forest, head south on Route 4 from the junction of 4 and Route 128 to Mohawk Mountain. The family ski area has been in operation for over fifty years, and was opened by the same man who later opened Vermont's Mt. Snow. Mohawk Mountain is also home to the Pine Lodge, one of the oldest base lodges in the country. They also offer snowboarding and night skiing!

Western Connecticut has more than its share of farms, and Cornwall is no exception. For a variety of pick-your-own fruit and vegetable opportunities, head to the Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm. The farm opens its grounds from early summer through late fall and is located on Route 4 just west of Cornwall.

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LODGING

The quaint Cornwall Inn, located on Route 7 in Cornwall Bridge, is a great all-around lodging option. Its comfortable fourteen rooms are complimented by a restaurant and bar, making it a convenient spot to rest your head while in Cornwall. The owners and staff will point you in the right direction.

For the added advantage of splendid views with your accomodations, consider the Hilltop Haven B & B. This hilltop B & B overlooks (literally) both West Cornwall and the wider Housatonic River Valley.

For another option, try the Hitching Post Motel (only two blocks from the bus stop) in nearby Warren. The recently renovated lodge operated by the Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop offers a more rustic experience. The five-room lodge is great for groups, as it has spacious shared living and dining rooms, and is located just across the street from the Trout Management Area of the Housatonic River.

For a unique experience, stay at the Cathedral Pines Farm in Cornwall, home to a llama farm.

Campers can find secluded spots along the river at the Housatonic Meadows Campground, just past the Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop on Route 7.

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DINING

In West Cornwall, The Wandering Moose Cafe is situated just off to the side of the covered bridge. Serving a variety of American dishes, the upscale diner is a nice spot to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

A local favorite for lunch is the Berkshire Country Store, located at the junction of Routes 4 and 128. The store has a deli counter making all sorts of tasty sandwiches and lunch foods.

In Cornwall Bridge, The Cornwall Inn's restaurant serves tasty dishes ranging from juicy hamburgers to seafood. For supplies of all sorts, stop into Baird's General Store at the intersection of Routes 4 and 7 in Cornwall Bridge.

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NIGHTLIFE

After dark, Cornwall takes on the appearance of a sleepy little town. As nightlife goes, far and away the best watering hole is the bar at The Cornwall Inn. Drop by and swap stories with the locals as you plan your next day's hike.

TRANSPORTATION

BUS:

Take Bonanza Bus from Port Authority to Torrington. There is no charge to bring your bike on the bus, but it must be boxed. From there it's about a 15-mile bike ride to The Cornwall Inn.

Travel time from NYC: 2-1/2 hours.

CAR:

From the GW Bridge, take I-95 to Rt 7.
Continue North on Rt. 7 through Danbury to Cornwall.

Travel time from NYC: 2 hours.

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TRAVEL TIPS

Packing extras: bike, sunscreen, fishing gear, camping gear, sunglasses, and hiking and ski paraphernalia.

LINKS

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MAP

For a detailed map of Cornwall, please click here.