Adobe Stock / Non
Make the most of your Storm King Art Center day trip with stops around Cornwall and the riverside village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
By Julia Colombo, with additional reporting by Matt Moment
So you’ve taken a weekend to visit the Storm King Art Center. And why wouldn’t you? Permanent installations from over 150 artists make this 500-acre outdoor museum a one-of-a-kind experience that belongs on everyone’s Hudson Valley bucket list. Open since 1960, Storm King has prioritized maintaining the hills, meadows, and forests, stewarding the land it uses to showcase magnificent sculptures.
Once you’ve had your fill of Storm King, you’ll probably be looking for more activities for the remainder of your weekend. As luck would have it, the nearby locales of Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson have plenty of cafés, restaurants, museums, and eclectic shops to explore.
12 p.m. – Settle your hunger at Jones Farm
View this post on Instagram
The perfect start to a day in Cornwall is a breakfast at Jones Farm. From avocado toast to breakfast sandwiches to pancakes, Jones Farm, open Wednesday through Sunday, has a breakfast option for everyone (or, if you dawdle at Storm King into the afternoon, you can grab lunch).
@hudsonvalleymag This past weekend, Jones Farm welcomed guests to its Christmas open house! Check out all the farm store has to offer this holiday season! #hudsonvalleyny #nyfarm #upstateny #christmasinnewyork #fyp ♬ Pop and bright Christmas songs – G-axis sound music
When you’re done eating, check out the fresh produce stand, always stocked with in-season produce, and Clearwater Gifts, the onsite gift shop packed with artisanal goods ranging from candles to bath and body products. Don’t forget the farm animals! Ducks, chickens, goats, honeybees, and miniature horses are a joy for children and adults alike.
1:30 p.m. – Step into the past at the Riverbank Historic House Museum
If you’re seeking fine architecture and history, look no further than the Adams Estate at the Riverbank Historic House Museum. The house has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places and has an archaeological site on the grounds, as well as pottery displays.
2:30 p.m. – Get a tarot reading or shop at Brid’s Closet
View this post on Instagram
On your way to the next activity, stop in this metaphysical sanctuary for tarot, candle, and tea fanatics. Brid’s sells a variety of goods, from tarot decks to loose-leaf teas. The shop also highlights Hudson Valley artisans, selling Bonnie Brae’s organic soaps, Hudson Harmony’s aromatherapy products, and Moondancer candles and incense.
Related: Storm King Art Center Announces $45 Million Capital Project
3:15 p.m. – Take a walk by the Moodna Viaduct
If you follow any photographers based in Orange County, chances are you’ve seen photos of this gargantuan iron railroad trestle. Now, you can snap a few flicks of your own! There is ample parking at the head of the hilly trail which winds beneath the trestle. If you want to enjoy the views without the walk, bring a picnic blanket and lounge around with your entourage instead. Fun fact: The site is referenced in “Moodna, Once With Grace,” a song by singer-songwriter Gus Dapperton, who grew up nearby.
4 p.m. – Discuss your favorite sculptures at 2 Alices Coffee Lounge
View this post on Instagram
Before you embark on the rest of your day’s journey, stop into 2 Alices Coffee Lounge for caffeinated beverages. With both hot and cold options, there are drinks for everyone. If you’re up for a bit more than a traditional tea or coffee, check out the specials menu. If you don’t have time between breakfast and your next activity, you can always stop by for wine and beer in the evening.
4:30 p.m. – Explore nature with a hike at Black Rock Forest
View this post on Instagram
Black Rock Forest is a must during a visit to Cornwall. With 3,920 acres, it is home to several species, ecosystems, lakes, and streams just waiting to be explored. With 27 hikes of varying distance, elevation change, and difficulty, guests can easily find the hike that best suits their group. One such hike is the “Out and Back” to the Upper Reservoir, totaling a 1.8-mile round trip with a 250-ft. elevation gain/loss and a beautiful view of the Upper Reservoir.
6 p.m. – Refuel with some grub at Twins Eating House
View this post on Instagram
One of Cornwall’s hotspots is Twins Eating House. Veteran-owned and -operated and named after the owners’ twin children, the all-American menu is chock-full of breakfast foods, burgers, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, entrees, and house-made desserts. Only closed on Mondays, the eatery serves the entirety of the menu all day.
8 p.m. – Call it a day at Cromwell Manor Historic Inn
View this post on Instagram
After a day packed with activities, The Cromwell Manor Historic Inn is the perfect place to rest your head. Visit the website to book a stay in one of nine elegant guest rooms in the mansion, built in 1820. In the morning, enjoy a light continental breakfast to fuel you for your next day of activities or the trip home.
Related: What to Do During a Day Trip to Olana State Historic Site
