Cornwall is a must-visit in Orange County. Adobe Stock / brandtbolding
Calling all nature lovers! Historic, charming Cornwall, bordered by the Hudson and Storm King Mountain, is incredibly scenic.
From the bustle of the village, Cornwall-on-Hudson, to the solitude of the trails, you’ll find the best of both worlds whether you’re seeking a primary or weekend home, or just a pretty spot for a day trip.
Cornwall was officially established in 1788, and you’ll find a number of vintage buildings that give the town storybook appeal, like the circa 1760 Sands-Ring Homestead and the circa-1868 building that houses Prima Pizza.
Cornwall’s history and tight community are exactly what caught the attention of HGTV, which deemed it perfect for their series “Home Town Kickstart.” Design team Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent set out to renovate a public space, a business, and the house of a “hometown hero” for the episode which aired May 8: Check out their handiwork at Bridge Street Park and Madison Avenue Boutique.
Speaking of boutiques, there are several worth browsing in addition to Madison Avenue, which sells children’s clothing and gifts. Woodsman Shoppe sells menswear and accessories; for women’s apparel, try Poppy on the Hudson and MOD; and the Cornwall Country Store sells an array of home goods, vintage toys, and homemade gelato.
Across town, you’ll find a mix of new and longstanding eateries. For coffee, try 2 Alices Coffee Lounge or Cornwall Coffee Co. The Farmhouse Market does double duty as shop with local charcuterie and provisions and a restaurant serving farm-to-table fare. Painter’s Tavern, a restaurant, inn, and art gallery offers a variety of wraps, burgers, and bar food. There’s also Fiddlestix cafe for unique brunch creations and filling salads. For more upscale dining, Peppetini serves Italian food in a converted 1900s bank.
Outside of downtown, the café and bakery at 100-year-old Jones Farm serves up breakfast specials like pancakes and egg sandwiches; their carrot cake, key lime pie, and apple cider donuts are especially popular.
For many, Cornwall’s draw is the great outdoors. Storm King State Park is beloved by hikers and has a beautiful water view; the world-renowned Storm King Art Center sculpture park is a short drive west; the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum offers education programs and open trails; and Storm King Adventure Tours leads groups of kayakers to spots like Bannerman Island and Fishkill Creek from Donahue Park.
Henry Hudson once said that the area at the base of Storm King mountain would be a wonderful locale for a settlement. We have to agree.