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!

How to Get a Good Deal at a B&B or Inn

Do you need to get away from the stress of your everyday life but have limited resources? Here are some strategies that may help you satisfy your needs and keep you within your budget:

1) Plan your escape during off-season or midweek. Many innkeepers are willing to negotiate a price during the slower times of year or week. Some offer published reduced rates during the slower season.

2) Look for package prices. Often times, B&B's work with local businesses to offer packages that are very attractive from a pricing perspective. For example, Cromwell Manor Inn in Cornwall, New York developed a "Hudson River Elegance" package with the River Grill restaurant and Hudson River Adventures. The guest receives dinner for two including choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert along with a cruise on the Hudson River including choice of beverage, all for $100. Jack Trowell, owner of Cromwell Manor Inn, says that his objective is to put "heads in the beds" and that he prices packages at his cost to offer an additional incentive for guests to choose his inn over another.

3) Utilize promotional programs. For example, American Historic Inns, Inc. has a program that offers a free night certificate good at over 1450 inns throughout the United States. By purchasing the "Bed & Breakfast and Country Inns" book for around $20, one will receive a Free Night Certificate which may be used with one night at regular price. You get two nights for the price of one, a very substantial savings! There may be restrictions on when the certificate may be used. Visit American Historic Inns website at http://www.iloveinns.com/ to see how you may get the book.

4) Look for last minute specials. Just like the airline industry, many B&B's offer last minute specials to entice guests to their bed and breakfast if they have unbooked rooms. If you are able to plan a getaway close to home, you may be able to find an inn or B&B willing to work with you on price for a stay of that evening or the next. You don't have to travel a long distance to enjoy a romantic or peaceful, rejuvenating retreat.

By being flexible with your schedule and by looking for pricing opportunities, you may be able to enjoy a stay at a great bed and breakfast or inn and save money at the same time.

Five "Must Sees" in the Hudson Valley of New York

Are you planning a trip to New York's Hudson Valley? Well if you are, here are five attractions that you must see:

West Point - Take a tour of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The one hour tour makes stops at the Main Cadet Chapel which houses the largest pipe organ in North America, Trophy Point, the Battle Monument, and the Parade Field. ESPN called Michie Stadium one of the best college football venues in the United States! The two hour tour makes all the stops of the one hour tour and also stops at the Old Cadet Chapel and the West Point Cemetery with an extended tour of the gourgeous Trophy Point. After the tour, visit the West Point museum to see 200 years of military history.

Woodbury Common Premium Shopping Outlet - Spend a day (or more) at the largest premium shopping outlet in the world! A little villagelike mall of 220 stores attracts customers from all over the world to take advantage of fantastic savings on name brand items. The stores include Coach, Ralph Lauren, Dior, Gucci, Versace, and many, many more.

FDR's Home and Library - Visit the home and library of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. Enjoy a tour of the furnished Home of FDR ("Springwood"), Rose Garden and Gravesite, Ice House, and Stables, maintained and operated by the National Park Service followed by the FDR Presidential Museum (and Library), maintained and operated by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Storm King Art Center - Storm 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. At Storm King, the exhibition space is defined by sky and land. Unencumbered by walls, the subtly created flow of space is punctuated by modern sculpture. The grounds are surrounded by the undulating profiles of the Hudson Highlands, a dramatic panorama integral to the viewing experience. The sculptures are affected by changes in light and weather, so no two visits are the same.

Brotherhood Winery - Take a tour of the oldest winery of the U.S. with the largest underground wine cellar. Enjoy a wine tasting after the tour.

To more fully enjoy your stay in the Hudson Valley, why not experience the ambience of a bed and breakfast? The knowledgeable and friendly innkeeper will assist you in planning your itinerary and assure that your every need is fullfilled.