West Point Creates Leaders

This past weekend I had the good pleasure of hosting a whole inn full of West Point cadets and their dates for 500th night. They are all Cows (Juniors) at the the United States Military Academy and were celebrating 500 nights until graduation. Many of the group that stayed at Cromwell Manor Inn were members of the football team.

Cadets can let their hair down( although they don't have much of that) when they get to spend some time with their peers away from the academy. They stay up late and party hard, but they never lose respect for others. I was fast asleep when I was awakened by very loud laughter coming from the back veranda of the Manor House at 3 am. I walked over to quiet things down a bit (one of us had to make breakfast in the morning) and when they saw me coming, they apologized and went back into the Manor House. I did not hear another thing from them after that episode. Additionally, all the cadets took care of their cans, bottles, food, etc. so I was not faced with a mess in the morning. When I went into the Manor House in the morning to make breakfast, I checked the parlor and was surprised to see three cadets sleeping in chairs and on a couch. Later at breakfast, I asked one of the cadets why he was sleeping on the couch when he had a room with a bed in it. His response - "Too many stairs!"

There was one incident in one of the rooms where too many people were sitting on a bed and the bed broke. Rather than letting me find it after they checked out, they reported it to me and offered to pay whatever it cost to fix or replace. I was impressed by their integrity.

I have been host to many cadets over my years of ownership of Cromwell Manor Inn and really feel that our country is in good hands! The cadets are trained to be leaders and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, is doing a great job developing these young adults if this past weekend is any indication.

Romance Awaits You!

What can be more romantic in the cold winter months than cuddling in front of a woodburning fireplace, enjoying a fine bottle of wine? How about a side by side massage in your room with soft, relaxing music playing? Would a dozen roses, aromatherapy gift basket and a double Jacuzzi help create the right ambiance? Bed and breakfasts offer all of this and more, plus you get a personal concierge to help you customize your stay.

A romantic bed and breakfast is also the perfect place for a proposal. There have been many proposals at Cromwell Manor Inn over the years, many weddings, and many anniversaries.

I often am asked to help guys create the right atmosphere for a proposal and have done so many times. One of the most amazing creations was from a guy who called and said he wanted to order a dozen roses in the room when he proposed. The next day, he called asking me to make it special and have three dozen roses. The next day, he called again and said "Jack, I have known this woman for 525 days. Could you put 525 roses in the room after we leave for dinner and before we come back." That's almost 44 dozen roses! We got it done and the room smelled like a florist shop when they returned from dinner. It must have worked because she said YES!

A couple of days later, I was recanting the story to some of my guests during breakfast. There were a couple of women who commented "What is she nuts, that's another carat!" Somehow, I think these women would have reacted differently if they were on the receiving end of the roses.

Thinking of proposing? Consider a romantic bed and breakfast for the perfect setting.

A Great B&BS!

Cromwell Manor Inn, a Top 10 Inn located in Cornwall, New York has come up with a new classification for B&B's - B&BS. No it's not what you may think, although there may be some BS at the inn. B&BS stands for a Bed and Breakfast with a Song.

The owner of the inn, Jack Trowell, loves to play guitar but has a voice that will make small children cry. Fortunately Jack hired Pamela Rini, a local recording artist, to help with the cooking and serving. After serving breakfast to 25 people and cleaning up the kitchen, they would take a break and play some songs in the parlor. Jack spent several weeks trying to convince Pamela to sing a song at breakfast, with little success. Finally, when some guests asked her to sing (an undercover sting set up by Jack) she agreed. The rest is history! Guests have commented that Pamela's voice was so beautiful, it gave them goosebumps and Jack loves it because Pamela even makes his guitar playing sound good. A song or two is now part of each weekend breakfast.

Next time you hear someone talking about BS, they are probably referring to Cromwell Manor Inn and the Bed and Breakfast with a Song! You can experience the B&BS yourself by booking at www.cromwellmanor.com or by calling 845-534-7136. Cromwell Manor Inn is "highly recommended" by USA Today and was called "A fantastic B&B" on the CBS Early Show.

Staycation in the Hudson Valley

In today's difficult economic times, many are planning staycations instead of vacations for their respite this summer. What is a staycation? A staycation is when a couple or family plan to visit local or close to home attractions instead of traveling a great distance for a vacation.

What better place for New York City residents to visit than the Historic Hudson Valley? Tourists from all over the world find New York's Hudson Valley to be a great destination because of all the art, shopping, historic homes, outdoor adventure, wineries, etc. that it has to offer. Here is a small sampling of places to visit less than 1 1/2 hours from New York City:

Historic West PointThe United States Military Academy at West Point celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2002. Enjoy a football game, an outdoor concert, the cadets on parade, or the stunning views. Visitor's center, Museum, and tours available year-round.

Storm King Art CenterStorm King Art Center is a museum that celebrates the relationship between sculpture and nature. Five hundred acres of landscaped lawns, fields and woodlands provide the site for postwar sculptures by internationally renowned artists. The grounds are surrounded by the undulating profiles of the Hudson Highlands, a dramatic panorama integral to the viewing experience.

Dia:Beacon
Dia Art Foundation, one of the world’s preeminent contemporary art institutions, opened a new museum on May 18, 2003, housing its renowned but rarely seen permanent collection, comprising major works of art from the 1960s to the present. Located on the Hudson River in Beacon, New York, Dia:Beacon occupies a nearly 300,000-square-foot historic printing factory.

Storm King Adventure Tours
Experience a three hour guided educational hike including your choice of a dendrology hike, a history of Storm King Mountain hike, a history of paper-making hike, or an airplane crash site hike. Various degrees of difficulty ($25 per person). Also for three hours, try kayaking with a guide to Bannerman's Island, the Moodna Creek Marsh, a sunset paddle, or a full moon paddle ($60 per person). Mountain bike in Black Rock Forest Preserve (bike rentals - $40 per day or $9 per hour, two hour min.) by yourself or with a guide for three hours ($25 per person for the guide plus bike rental). Call for details (845-534-7136).

The "Castles" of the Hudson. Some of the wealthiest families in the nation chose to live in the Hudson Valley. With breathtaking views of the river, the mansions of the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers (Kykuit), and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt are the crown jewels of area homes. Boscobel, Sleepy Hollow, and many other mansions are also open for you to enjoy the buildings and grounds.

Woodbury Common Premium OutletsThe largest outlet shopping center in the United States, Woodbury Common offers incredible designer shoes and clothing, electronics, housewares, and jewelry in more than 220 stores in a setting like a charming small town. People come from around the world for the bargains.

Vineyards and Wineries. Both the oldest vineyard in the U.S.(Benmarl) and the oldest continuously-operating winery Brotherhood Winery in the country are nearby. Follow the Shawangunk Wine Trail, with tours and tastings at more than a dozen wineries, many of which have underground cellars, or cross the river for the Dutchess Wine Trail. Enjoy at six course dinner, wine, music and dancing at Magnanini Winery. Five minutes for Cromwell Manor Inn is Palaia Vineyards Winery with live music and wine tastings Thursday thru Sunday!

Hudson Valley Shakespeare FestivalThe Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is a critically-acclaimed regional theater, attracting audiences from the tri-state area and beyond. Shakespeare scholars, critics and enthusiastic fans laud its spare, clear and compelling productions. Set on the beautiful property of Boscobel Restoration, plays are offered all summer. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn before the show.

Orange County Choppers
As seen on the TLC Channel's American Choppers series, Orange County Choppers world headquarters is only one hour from NYC. The showroom is open every day.

National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
Located in New Windsor, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is only a short five minute drive from Cromwell Manor Inn.
The mission of the Hall of Honor is to collect and preserve the stories of Purple Heart recipients from all branches of service and across generations in an attempt to ensure that all recipients are represented. Their stories will be preserved and shared through a series of exhibits, live and videotaped interviews with veterans themselves, and the Roll of Honor, an interactive computer program detailing the stories of each individual.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Enjoy live entertainment in this state-of-the art amphitheater at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts presents some of the country's leading classical, rock, pop, jazz, and country entertainers. Click the link for a calendar of performances.

New York Renaissance FaireLeave the modern world behind for the Faire, where pleasure is the order of the day and entertainment is everywhere! Eleven main stages offer continuous performances by jugglers, jesters, minstrels and magicians. Witness a daring joust of armored knights on charging steeds. Watch fascinating demonstrations in age-old crafting traditions. Tantalizing aromas tempt you at every turn to feast, or quench your summer thirst with fine ales, sweet mead or refreshing soft drinks.

This is just a small sampling of what the Historic Hudson Valley of New York has to offer. Why not make a reservation at a Hudson Valley Bed and Breakfast and spend a few days exploring New York City's back yard?

Beat the High Price of a Wedding

Cromwell Manor Inn in Cornwall, New York www.cromwellmanor.com

Let's face it, weddings are expensive! A couple (or parents) will spend an exorbitant amount of money for a one day party, money that could be used as a down payment on a house or as a starter college fund for their children or grandchildren. What can be done to celebrate a very special time, economically?


Cromwell Manor Inn (http://www.cromwellmanor.com/), one of New York's Top 10 Inns, offers an elopement and vow renewal package that is both special and economical:

Special Elopement and Vow Renewal Package
What could be more romantic than eloping at an historic 1820 home with stunning grounds? We take all of the work out of the wedding so that you can really enjoy your special day. Here's what is included:
A wedding Officiant; bridal bouquet; boutonniere; photographer and cd of pictures; professional wedding cake; live guitar music and singer; dinner for two including appetizer, entree, dessert and a bottle of champagne or wine ($30 max. for the alcohol); witness; two nights in the best available room at the time of the booking; two gourmet breakfasts; all taxes and tips!
Total cost - $1500
All legal documents must be complete before the marriage ceremony can be performed.

Have a very intimate wedding and save money by getting married at a

Bed and Breakfast!

Hudson River Elegance

Cromwell Manor Inn built in 1820 by a descendant of Oliver Cromwell

The Chimneys Cottage built in 1764

Cromwell Manor Inn, one of New York's Top 10 Inns, offers a fantastic package (working with other small business owners) called Hudson River Elegance. The package includes dinner for two at The River Grill on the Hudson River and a cruise for two with complimentary beverages aboard The Pride of the Hudson. Recent guests Kevin and Amy Lynn Cutright, had this to say about their experience at Cromwell Manor Inn and the Hudson Valley Elegance package:

"As a thank-you gift, some friends gave us a weekend getaway at Cromwell Manor Inn. We loved it! The Hambleton room in the Chimneys Cottage was excellent, Jack was a great host, and the breakfasts were wonderful. The gift included the Elegance package that Jack dreamed up, which included dinner at the River Grill and a two-hour cruise on the Hudson River. The River Grill was a great experience – Jack called ahead with our reservation, the food was exquisite, and the restaurant staff were great. We took advantage of the beautiful weather on Saturday, enjoying the cruise that included sights we had never seen, despite living in the area for three years. Later that sunny day, we explored Black Rock Forest, a state reserve near the Cromwell that offered stunning views of the Hudson Valley spring. The weekend was rejuvenating."

The Hudson River Elegance package runs through the end of October, 2009 when the Pride of the Hudson stops running for the winter. Cost of the package is $100 and can be booked when making a reservation online at Cromwell Manor Inn www.cromwellmanor.com.

No April Fools!

Local Attractions Open



It's April 1, 2009, and that means many of the area attractions that had been closed for the winter are now open!



Storm King Art Center - A fabulous 500 acre sculpture gardern located 5 minutes from Cromwell Manor Inn, opened its gates for the season. The opening of Storm King Wavefield is accompanied by a special exhibition, Maya Lin: Bodies of Water, on view in Storm King’s museum building through November 15, 2009. The exhibition features roughly a dozen works that reflect the artist’s interest in water in its various states. The works include installation, sculpture, photographs, models, and drawings, among them examples related to the development of Storm King Wavefield. Several works also draw attention to the plight of sites around the world that suffer from human encroachment and industrial pollution.



Boscobel - Considered one of the finest restorations in the United States, Boscobel sits high above the Hudson River directly across from the beautiful West Point Military Academy. Boscobel is home of the nationally acclaimed Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.



Mills Mansion - Located in Staatsburg, just north of Hyde Park, the Staatsburg Mansion is a site that must not be missed. Staatsburgh, is a New York State Historic Site located within the boundaries of Mills-Norrie State Park. It is an elegant example of the great estates built by America's financial and industrial leaders during the Gilded Age.



Sunnyside, Philipsburg Manor, Union Church - All located in Sleepy Hollow territory about 45 minutes from Cromwell Manor Inn. Experience fantastic American History at its best!



Spring is here so make plans now to take advantage of all it has to offer!