Inside: Discover Extraordinary Living
The quintessential New England lifestyle is alive and well in Cornwall, a town brimming with history and natural beauty. Best known for its historic covered bridge, you’ll find a sophisticated country lifestyle and a close-knit community. Cornwall offers diverse living options, encompassing the villages of West Cornwall and Cornwall Bridge as well as more rural areas within its 46 square miles. Outdoor attractions abound including fly fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in the Housatonic River; swimming at Cream Hill Lake; and hiking the Appalachian and Mohawk Trails. Town residents come together for seasonal events, farmers’ markets, and cultural activities throughout the year.
Here are some of the best things to eat, see, and do in Cornwall.
Dining
Cornwall Market
25 Kent Rd South, Cornwall Bridge
Visit this adorable market for everything from coffee, baked goods, artisanal chocolates (made from beans sourced directly from farmers in Colombia), gourmet prepared foods, and even groceries. You’ll also find a full breakfast and lunch menu, with standouts like granola parfait, pulled pork sandwiches, falafel, and salads. Recently reopened under new owners, the market has been in the same spot since 1935. Its new look retains the original charm while upgrading the vibe.
RSVP Restaurant
8 Railroad St, West Cornwall
This celebrated French BYOB is a unique experience—more like dining at a friend’s cozy home than a traditional restaurant. Chef Guy Birster operates from an open kitchen, carefully selecting a five-course meal featuring locally sourced ingredients, served to a small set of diners each evening. The experience typically includes a soup, a poultry course, followed by fish or seafood, a meat dish, and dessert. RSVP operates by reservation only, with limited seating, limited hours, and a cash-only policy.
Historic
Cornwall Covered Bridge
Housatonic River, West Cornwall
A fixture since the 19th century, the Cornwall Covered Bridge (also known as the West Cornwall Covered Bridge) is a picturesque landmark that crosses the Housatonic River. Spanning 172 feet long and 15 feet wide, it carries vehicle traffic over the river on Route 128. The iconic spot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a source of town pride. Built in the 1860s of sturdy red spruce, it is held together using treenails—wooden pegs wedged into place—and features a distinctive lattice truss design.
Enjoy the bridge year-round, with amenities like bathrooms, local shops, river access, and hiking trails available nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Mohawk Mountain State Park
79 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike, West Cornwall
Views, views, views! On clear days, from the 1,683-foot Mohawk Mountain, vistas stretch to the Catskill, Taconic, and Berkshire ranges. The 4,000-acre park offers year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, picnicking, skiing, and snowboarding. You’ll find dense forests, a wildlife sanctuary, and the unique Black Spruce Bog—a glacial sinkhole about 40 feet deep, home to Black Spruce and Larch trees. A trail and boardwalk allow visitors to explore the bog while minimizing environmental impact.
Cornwall’s outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Housatonic River—a natural gem perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Flowing from Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Long Island Sound, the Housatonic is one of Connecticut’s most popular rivers, providing beautiful views as it meanders north to south across the entire state. The river is also well-known for its abundance of trout and other fish.
Shopping
Jane Herold Pottery
54 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, West Cornwall
Acclaimed potter Jane Herold has been a leader in the region’s pottery scene for more than 30 years, and her welcoming studio provides an intimate opportunity to meet the artist and purchase her wares. Known for earthy, muted colors and elegantly simple designs, Herold frequently collaborates with chefs to create wood-fired dinnerware for their restaurants. Shop her showroom for dinnerware, pitchers, urns, vases, and other creations. She also hosts three annual home sales and maintains an online shop, filled with her unique pieces.
