Cornwall is the picture-perfect small town for when you need to get away from your busy life. With a plethora of thriving local businesses and sights, it’s hard to fit all the action into one day. Gear up for a lively 24 hours of good eats, abundant history, and adventures with this Hudson Valley itinerary.
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9 a.m. – Sip on a coffee at 2 Alices Coffee Lounge
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To start your day of adventure in Cornwall, stop into this quaint Hudson Valley coffee shop for delightful brews. With tons of hot and cold drinks available, 2 Alices offers beverages for everyone. Keep it simple with coffee or tea or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, take a peek at the specials menu. For the summer, the vanilla watermelon lemonade and orange creamsicle iced latte are must-try drinks.
311 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson
845.534.4717
10:30 a.m. – Find new perspective at Storm King Art Center
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Storm King Art Center, the gem of the Hudson Valley art scene, houses magnificent (and humongous) sculptures that are worth exploring at your leisure. The 500-acre sculpture park has a collection with featured works from Maya Lin, the lauded artist and creator of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., and many other notable artists. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson Highlands and Schunnemunk Mountain, this art center is an ideal place to get a dose of culture while still enjoying the beauty of the area.
1 Museum Road, Cornwall
845.534.3115
12 p.m. – Enjoy farm-to-table fare at Jones Farm
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Since 1914, Jones Farm has been a staple of Orange County, complete with a country store, frame shop, and onsite bakery, Grandma Phoebe’s Kitchen. Stop by in the early afternoon to visit the animals, then shop for handmade jewelry, home décor, candles, local honey, seasonal treats, and more or grab a bite at the cafe. Call ahead to stay updated on daily specials, but expect homegrown eats like avocado toast, breakfast plates with farm-fresh eggs, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and other lunchtime favorites. Don’t leave without stopping into the bakery for a slice of the deadly carrot cake with cream cheese icing — there’s a reason it’s the best-seller.
190 Angola Road, Cornwall
845.534.4445
1:30 p.m. – Channel your inner explorer on a Storm King Adventure Tour
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See the region in a whole new way on the Bannerman Island Castle Kayaking and Walking Tour. The adventure offers all you could want in a staycation: history, nature, and light exercise. Thrill seekers will love the chance to spot the ghosts that are rumored to roam the haunting ruins. More likely, however, everyone will enjoy learning about the space’s rich history, including its time as a military surplus warehouse and a Scottish castle-esque residence. From the river to the island, the scenery is unparalleled.
4 Duncan Avenue, Cornwall-on-Hudson
845.534.7800
4 p.m. – Browse novels and knick-knacks at Good Books
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A family-owned, independent bookstore that’s a newer addition to the Valley, Good Books is all about community. The shop is more than just a hub for books, but a place of gathering and conversation for Cornwall residents. Hang out in the store to find your next favorite title, or shop mugs and totes to take home as souvenirs, along with notebooks, puzzles, and activity books. If you’re lucky, you might get to catch an author talk or lecture, too.
284 Main Street, Cornwall
845.779.3271
6 p.m. – Dine in a converted bank at Pepettini
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For authentic Italian food, head to Pepettini on River Avenue. The eatery is located in a converted bank from the early 1900s, with an updated interior that honors the building’s history with the original vault intact. The menu features dishes that pay homage to the cuisine of central and southern Italy, with fresh seafood and traditional dishes that you won’t find at other Italian spots in the area. Start your meal with the artichokes and scallops before diving into the rigatoni boscaiola or gnocchi with shrimp and pesto.
3 River Avenue, Cornwall-on-Hudson
845.534.2144
8 p.m. – Drink and be merry at Storm King Lounge & Fare
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You can’t miss the neon sign that points towards this destination on the Hudson. Storm King Lounge & Fare is the perfect place to kick back after a long day in Cornwall. If you’re still craving a bite after dinner, the lounge has satisfying bites like ahi tuna tartare, kimchi dumplings, clothesline bacon, and tempura fried cauliflower. Grab a beer, martini, or cucumber gimlet and enjoy the live music if you visit on a Saturday.
2 Idlewild Avenue, Cornwall-on-Hudson
845.534.8646
10 p.m. – Unwind at Cromwell Manor Historic Inn
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After a jam-packed day, there’s nothing better than calling it a night in a warm, cozy bed. The Cromwell Manor Historic Inn, a longstanding bed and breakfast in the Hudson Valley, is idyllic for a day trip overnight. The inn’s main building was built in 1820, but the original house goes back to 1764. Each room boasts eclectic décor that will make you feel like royalty.
174 Angola Road, Cornwall
845.534.7136
Related: What to Do in Piermont: A 24-Hour Day Trip Guide to the Village
