Way More Than 10 Things To Love About Cornwall, CT
Cornwall — that’s the cute little town with the covered bridge, yes? Yes, yes it is. Along with a seven-spandrel arched number just down Route 7 and encompassing two other townships. We’re just full of surprises, though we tend to be quiet about such things. However, it seems like someone spread the word of our atmospheric neck of the woods as the population well, popped during the pandemic, welcoming young families, businesses and a renewed (yet relaxed) energy.
Pine Loop Knob. Photo courtesy Cornwallct.org
1. The Great Outdoors
Under aforenoted bridges, the gracefully navigable Housatonic flows. The stretch running through the Cornwalls offers ample picnicking opportunities along with watersports, toobing, fly fishing and the occasional bald eagle sighting. Camping is available in rustic Housatonic Meadows State Park (technically on the Sharon side, but) and there’s a popular hike, Pine Knob Loop, just across the way. “Wild and wooly” Clarke Outdoors delivers thrilling rafting experiences and Housatonic Anglers can school you on casting. Those favoring drier pursuits might consider hopping an ebike or enjoy a gentle stroll through one of Cornwall’s many lovely preserves. Forgot your sunhat? 3 Guys Ski & Ride can kit you out for most non-couch related activities.
2. Eateries
Frank Food Company
As one should, let’s begin with dessert, specifically devil’s food cake and High Five Pies at Frank food company. The beloved takeaway spot formerly located in Kent has grown into a full-fledged gastropub with a menu boasting comforting mains such as Hurlburt Farm grass fed burgers and wild cod fish and chips. Fancy brunch? Sundays calls for mimosas on the patio. Tucked back near the old train station, cozy RSVP has been transporting guests to France for 30 years now. As the name of this celebrated establishment suggests, reservations way in advance are a must. As we began, so we shall end, with scrumptious, made-from-scratch baked goods (plus ice cream!) at Suzie’s Sweets. Fans of her previous roadside bakestand featuring fresh focaccia and all manner of cupcakes and cookies, rejoice!
3. Dirt
Despite the nationwide decline in small farms, Cornwall’s deep agricultural roots still flourish, as evidenced by our two markets. That’s right, two. Our tiny town is bountiful and we are grateful for these community centerpieces. Luscious jams and vibrant bouquets can be found at The Original Cornwall Farm Market,; poison ivy balm and knife sharpening too! The Cornwall Co-Op has your dinner party fixings (and weaving needs) covered, with organic herbs and veggies, dairy products and meats for purchase. Both markets are held on Saturday mornings during the summer into early fall. Bring the kids or canines! It’s not quite the weekend and the cupboards are bare? Collective market, The Local, opens its doors each Friday. All profits flow back to the farmers, artists, cooks, and craftspeople who work and thrive in Cornwall. Farm stands running on the honor system dot our town’s country roads as well. Forgive me for keeping my favorite source for corn (i.e. sweet gold on a cob) a secret, however.
No fake news here, unless you count the tall tales in the annual April Fool’s issue. Approximately 50 volunteers in town write and edit for the 30-year-old non-profit, non-partisan newspaper. Funded solely by donations, the free publication is committed to bringing neighbors the latest developments from building permits to births. While the website hosts searchable archives and features expanded conversations, sometimes with supplementary videos, I must say it’s a treat to open the mailbox and find the print edition. The thorough, often amusing reportage is complemented by delightful illustrations drawn by a different artist each month.
5. Traditions
Quirky town, eclectic customs — Cornwall has them in spades. We’ve got Art at the Dump and an Election Day soup competition, an anonymously decorated tree on Route 4, even cow chip bingo. There are moving traditions too, such as the annual Memorial Day parade, newcomer’s tea, and a Firefighter Race — in full gear! — down Mohawk Mountain, which raises funds for burn units. During the holidays, West Cornwall windows celebrate the 12 days of Christmas and the United Church of Christ observes the season with a pageant. Boxing day entertainment includes a heartfelt reading and Trinity Retreat Center rings in the New Year. But perhaps the most anticipated event occurs in July: Cornwall Woman’s Society rummage sale. Renowned for its quality and variety, the annual (with the exception of the past two years — thanks for nothing, COVID) sale supports a scholarship fund and honors the New England adage to reduce, reuse and recycle. Even if that occasionally means suffering the humiliation of a regifted donation. It’s for charity!
6, The Cornwall Public Library
The Cornwall Library
"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life." — Sidney Sheldon How true. During the pandemic lockdown especially, The Cornwall Library adapted in support of its community, keeping residents engaged, informed and connected. Together, we strolled through Eliot’s masterpiece, Middlemarch, and then in summer marveled at the splendor of Books and Blooms. Thoughtful programming has proven so well received that many talks will continue as hybrid online and in-person happenings, with folks from near and far joining. Kids are crafting, Cornwallians are stretching — the library is such a gift, a true haven.
7. Arts & Crafts
Quite a few wordsmiths have been drawn to and inspired by Cornwall; the same goes for artists and craftsmen. There must be something in the clear, cold water besides the trout! In mid October, several talented local ceramicists participate in the Litchfield countywide Clay Way tour, preceded in September by a day of Open Studios. For a satisfying sampler of all the incredible works made here in town, consider the Rose Algrant Art Show, now in its 63rd year. The exhibit and sale runs the spectrum between weekend watercolorists and well-known names.
8. Cornwall Historical Society
Cornwall Historical Society
Serving the town and Northwest corner of Connecticut through its exhibitions, research library, and Norman Dorsen lectures, CHS reflects the tales of our community, bringing its past to life. Housed in a Victorian carriage barn and preserving an ever-growing collection of documents, objects and photographs, the Society's mission is to be an essential educational resource and contributor to life here: “Public knowledge of Cornwall’s past is fundamental to its future.” Grab a walking tour pamphlet and discover the area by foot or spend a pleasant afternoon or three puzzling over a Ruth Gannett vignette.
9. Shop Small
Entrepreneurial opportunities, jobs for neighbors, and gathering places for communities are all provided by indie businesses. Purchasing goods locally is a completely different experience than shopping at a chain or big box store. Here, boutiques such as The Wish House provide a genuine connection while introducing customers to local artisans. Established in 1975 out of a one-room workshop, Ian Ingersoll has evolved into a contemporary guild of craftsmen and Michael Trapp sort of unofficially opens the summer season with his treasure chest of a shop. Seriously, it’s like a weird but wonderful museum in there, not to mention the view. And a quick whip around Cornwall Bridge will have you swimming in plants, pinot and potatoes of the tots variety.
10. The Little Guild
If all else fails, bring out the heart tuggers. Although really, why aren’t you here yet? While remedying by entering Cornwall’s coordinates into GPS, please allow me to direct you to an exceptional organization. Dedicated to saving the lives and finding families for dogs and cats since 1960, the Little Guild also supports the animals once they’re home. Through education and enrichment for both animals and their adopters, they provide invaluable programs such as reduced-cost spay/neuter, vaccination clinics, and a free pet food pantry. Run and Wag 5k is a premier annual event for canines and their owners while the Great Country Mutt show is simply ridiculous in its cuteness. Such joy for the two and four footers in your life!
And with that, this discreetly enthusiastic cheerleader of Cornwall leaves you with a few mysteries and quirks yet to be discovered, like the ATM that dispenses in $5 increments. Our town retains its rural farming heritage while also being home to artists, craftspeople, entrepreneurs, and writers. And many newly settled residents have jumped right into the spirit of volunteerism the town is known for. A bridge as it were of culture — agri and arts. Come on over!
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