Cromwell Manor Inn

Heatwave in the Hudson Valley

2011-07-12T16:30:00.003-04:00

What is there to do to get out of the heat? Why not visit the Hudson Valley and get some culture at Dia:Beacon in their 300,000 square feet of Art & Air Conditioning. Take a look at their new exhibition Blinky Palermo.

Art isn't your thing how about a boat ride on the Hudson? From the Newburgh landing you can catch a ride on the Pride of the Hudson or the River Rose - both will take you thru the beautiful mountains and West Point.

Don't have your sea legs? At Newburgh Landing you will find a choice of excellent restaurants and outdoor dining with entertainment ranging from Rock & Roll with ribs at Billy Joe's Ribworks or Martinis and romance at the River Grill.

Hudson Valley Fourth of July, Cornwall New York

2011-06-20T13:54:00.008-04:00

Are you looking for the quintessential Fouth of July Independence Day celebration? Look no further than Cornwall, New York. The Cornwall Independance Day committee has put together an agenda that will satisy everyone's needs. You can start the day with a Fireman's breakfast (unless you stay at Cromwell Manor Inn and partake in one of New York's best breakfasts http://www.cromwellmanor.com/) followed by visiting vendor booths where you can buy almost anything! Enjoy live music all day long and visit the Lion's booth for a lobster feast. Do you think you are a pretty good pie eater? Find out how you stack up against Cornwall's best at a noontime pie eating contest. Are you a runner? The Cornwall Mile starts at 4:30 pm. This year's Grand Marshall is Ailsing Cuffe from Cornwall, a scholastic national champion runner and she is running in the race. The only question is, how far behind her will you finish? The Cornwall parade starts at 5 pm and you won't want to miss it. It will make you proud to be an American and have you laughing at the same time. The evening culminates with a fantastic fireworks celebration. Make your plans now to visit Cornwall, New York in the Historic Hudson Valley for a great fourth of July!

Hudson Valley Hiking

2011-04-07T12:50:00.015-04:00

The Hudson Valley offers wonderful hiking opportunities for the avid hiker to the occasional hiker longing for a nice walk in the woods. When you get the desire to become one with nature while visiting the Hudson Valley, it can be difficult to know which hike would be best for you. I have put together several options with varying levels of difficulty that are close in proximity to Cromwell Manor Inn. Before you begin any hike make sure you wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress in layers and carry water, a light snack for energy, cell phone, insect repellent and sunscreen, as well as a trail map/directions.

Storm King State Park

With 9.7 miles of moderate to strenuous trails, the views one receives at the top of Storm King Mountain are the hiker's reward!

Black Rock Mountain and Sphagnum Pond Loop

This 5-mile moderate hike leads you to the top of Black Rock Mountain with panoramic views of the area. The trail begins just one mile from the inn!

Highlands Quest Trail This easy 1.8 mile trail is part of the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum located directly across the road from Cromwell Manor Inn. You might see Great Blue Heron or wood ducks fishing in the Muskrat Pond. A great trail for the occasional hiker.

Schunnemunk Mountain The highest mountain in Orange County and just a 10 minute drive from the Inn, this 25 mile trail system contains many geologic features from the rocks you will walk on to the interesting megaliths you can investigate.

Arden Point and Glenclyffe Trail

Across the river in Putnam County, this is an easy 3.7 mile hike in the Hudson Highlands State Park, a 25 minute drive from Cromwell Manor. The trail offers views of the Hudson River and West Point Military Academy. It follows an historic road used by Benedict Arnold in the Revolutionary War.

Breakneck Ridge Loop

This is a very strenuous hike across the river in Cold Spring, about a 20 minute drive from the inn. The 2.8 mile trail contains very steep climbs and offers several panoramic views up and down the river!

These 6 trails are a great way to begin discovering the beauty that the Hudson Valley offers for hikers. For more trails go to the New York New Jersey Trail Conference website.

Happy Hiking!

Hudson Valley Scenic Drive

2011-03-21T13:38:00.004-04:00

(Originates from Cromwell Manor Inn, Cornwall, New York)

Are you looking for a very scenic drive (1 1/2 hours) in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley? Well, here it is:

Take a left from the driveway of Cromwell Manor Inn.
Continue to traffic circle.
Go halfway around circle, continuing onto Main Street.
Go through first stop light. At next light, bear right, passing the pond.
At blinking stoplight, continue straight.
Stay on Route 218 (it takes a 90 degree right in town).
Go up 218 being sure to take the first pullout for a great view of the Hudson River.
Continue up the mountain to 9W south. Be sure you get on 9W south, not north!
Go to traffic circle and continue straight on 9W south.
Take first right to Bear Mountain.
Continue until you see Perkins Memorial Drive.
Take Perkins Memorial Drive to top of Bear Mountain.
On a clear day, you can see the skyline of Manhattan if you look carefully.

When you come back down the mountain, you can return by reversing the directions above, or you can take a right when you get to the bottom of Perkins Memorial Drive and then follow the signs to Seven Lakes Drive.
Stay on Seven Lakes Drive and enjoy great views until you get to Route 6 West. Take a right on Rt. 6 West to Route 32 North, continuing until you see Woodbury Common Premium Shopping Outlet on your right.
Go past Woodbury Common by about 1 mile into Central Valley.
Take a right on Smith Clove Road at the traffic light in Central Valley (there is a Chinese restaurant on your right). Smith Clove Road eventually turns into Angola Road.
Go about 8 ½ miles and you will pass Jones Farm on your left.
Cromwell Manor Inn is on your left after Jones Farm.

Hudson Valley Wineries Tour | 2 Days

2011-03-13T13:40:00.017-04:00

Buy local, Eat Local, Drink Local. Enjoy a 2 day Hudson Valley Wineries Tour and stay local at one of NY's top 10 inns, Cromwell Manor Inn.

Conveniently located in the Hudson Valley Shawangunk Wine Trail area, Cromwell Manor Inn is a great place to call home while discovering some of the local wineries the Hudson Valley has to offer. A nice way to enjoy a day of winery hopping is to stop at the local market first to pick up some savory snacks or picnic lunch to enjoy at the wineries as the views are spectacular and worthy of lingering. Here is a sample of a Hudson Valley Winery Tour for your next weekend visit. All the wineries listed on this tour are open year round on weekends.

Day 1

Benmarl Winery

Located on 37 scenic acres overlooking the Hudson River and Berkshire Mountains beyond, their wines are artisan-made, aged carefully in oak or held in stainless steel until ready. They offer 15 different varieties for purchase and several for tasting. Benmarl Winery is known as America's oldest vineyard.

Stoutridge Vineyard

Stoutridge Vineyard is a half mile from the beautiful Hudson River on the south-east facing slopes of a ridge of land on which grapevines and fruit trees have been continuously planted for 200 years. They are a gravity winery meaning that they don't use pumps or filters in their winemaking. All of their wines are sold exclusively at the winery.

Whitecliff Vineyards

This vineyard's 70-acre property surrounds a tasting room that includes a large deck with spectacular views of the white cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge. Their tasting includes a minimum of 6 wines.

Brimstone Hill Vineyard

The vineyard is over 13 acres and the small winery building houses a cozy tasting room overlooking the vines. Following the French tradition, Brimstone Hill grows 4 varieties of grapes including Chardonnay, Reisling, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. All of their wines are made on premises.

On your way back to the inn for the evening, you may wish to stop for dinner first at one of the area's restaurants.

Day 2

Brotherhood Winery

Brotherhood, the oldest winery in the U.S., has the largest underground wine cellars in the country. Brotherhood's award winning wines include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Riesling.

Palaia Vineyards & Winery

Palaia Vineyards is located in a 200 year old barn on land once owned by Aaron Burr. Nestled in the clove of two mountains, the view of the vineyard is perfect from either their enclosed deck off the tasting room in the winter, or the main stage tent out on the lawn in the summer. They process all their award- winning wines right in the barn, and many are made from grapes grown at their Sweet Clover Farm.

While these wineries are open all year on weekends with longer hours during the summer and fall, there are a few other wineries along this trail that are open for part of the year. You may wish to add these wineries to your tour therefore extending your stay in the beautiful Hudson Valley!

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week and Baked Eggs

2011-02-28T11:48:00.007-05:00

It's that time of year again when the Hudson Valley celebrates Restaurant Week. From March 14 - 27, 2011, participating restaurants will offer a 3-course lunch for $20 and a 3-course dinner for $28. This year is even better than last, as many more restaurants in our area are involved! A few of our favorites , The Canterbury Brook Inn, Il' Cenacolo, and Cena 2000 are participants. They are only a short drive from Cromwell Manor.

Our coveted and secret (until now) recipe for Hudson Valley Baked Eggs

We are often asked by our guests if we have a Cromwell Manor cookbook. At this time we don't but we are happy to share recipes when asked for one. I thought we would share one of our signature dishes with you today. As we often serve breakfast to more than 20 people at a time, it's a good thing when we find a delicious recipe that is simple to prepare for that many guests. Hudson Valley Baked Eggs is one of those dishes. The recipe listed here serves 8 but it can be prepared for smaller groups also.

Cromwell Manor's Hudson Valley Baked Eggs

12 eggs

16 oz. tub of cottage cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 stick melted butter

scant 1/4 cup self rising flour

8 slices tomato

sliced green onions for garnish

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place all ingredients except melted butter and tomatoes in large mixing bowl.

Using whisk attachment, mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

Turn speed to low and slowly add butter until thoroughly mixed, about 2 minutes.

Spray an 11" by 14" glass baking dish with non stick cooking spray.

Pour egg mixture into baking dish, scraping sides of mixing bowl with a rubber spatula.

Place dish into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until eggs are set.

Add tomato slices to the top of egg dish, equally distanced apart (as placement of slices will distinguish how you'll cut the servings) and bake for another 5 minutes until eggs are fully cooked but not browned.

Take dish out of the oven, and let sit for a few minutes.

To serve, cut into 8 equal slices, topping each slice with green onions.

Enjoy!

Let us know by commenting below how your Hudson Valley Baked Eggs breakfast or brunch was enjoyed.

Girlfriends Getaway

2011-02-27T14:01:00.005-05:00

What can be more fun than escaping your busy daily life, enjoying a one hour full body massage or Jurlique signature facial, shopping at the largest premium shopping outlet in the world with your girlfriends and staying in one of New York's Top 10 Inns? Sounds like fun to me except there should be a cold bottle of sparkling white wine upon arrival!

Well if this is what you are looking for, Cromwell Manor Inn located in the heart of New York's Hudson Valley has just the ticket for you with their Girlfriends Getaway package. Here is what the package includes:

A two night stay in one of Cromwell Manor Inn's standard (non fireplace) rooms

One bottle of icy cold white sparkling wine upon arrival

Your choice of a one hour full body massage or a signature Jurlique aromatherapy facial at a great spa, Wellness Springs (10 minutes away)

A $25 gift certificate to any store at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, the largest premium outlet in the world - 220 legendary stores

A VIP voucher for additional savings at Woodbury Common

A full, world reknowned gourmet breakfast to start your day each morning

Photo taken at breakfast by one of our guests, Henry Solorzano. We always start with dessert!

$325 per person, double occupancy

Anything you'd like to see added to the package? Please post a comment below.

Winter activities in the Hudson Valley

2011-02-03T10:07:00.011-05:00

The Hudson Valley offers beautiful scenery all year long, though most visitors to the area only see the greener side. It is amazing how a light dusting of snow changes the look of the area, needless to say how 12 inches or more transforms the Valley into a Winter Wonderland. Add a little bit of ice on the trees and you will want your camera so you can capture the glistening sparkle of the branches before the sun melts it away. If you believe Punxatawny Phil's prediction that Spring weather is right around the corner, you'd best use your free days now to partake in some of Hudson Valley's winter activities before the weather gets too warm. Try one of these destinations for outdoor activities while marvelling at the beautiful Hudson Valley scenery around you!

Go ice skating at Bear Mountain State Park Outdoor Icerink. The rink is open through the first weekend in March. Try downhill skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Peter. In it's 75th year of operation, Mt. Peter offers over 10 ski and snowboard trails and free beginner lessons. Sterling Forest State Park offers cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Thomas Bull Memorial Park offers a myriad of choices for the winter sports enthusiast.The park hosts a free outdoor ice rink (bring your own skates) as well as 3 miles of free cross country ski trails(bring your own skis). The biggest draw at Thomas Bull Memorial Park ,though, is their snowtubing hill which has a cable tow for your return to the top of the hill. After a day of outdoor fun you may find the cozy atmosphere at Cromwell Manor Inn very appealing. Relax in the oversized jacuzzi tub for 2 in the Oliver Cromwell Suite or in one of the antique clawfoot soaking tubs in the Arcarian or Hambleton Rooms. Embrace the cold winter weather by cozying up with your loved one in front of one of 6 woodburning fireplaces in the bedrooms. Why not order a one hour side by side massage in your room? Make your plans now to enjoy the great Winter Wonderland in New York's Hudson Valley!

Late Fall Foliage in the Hudson Valley

2010-10-25T16:50:00.004-04:00

What happens when you combine warm temperatures and a dry summer? Answer - the leaves on the trees change color later in the season and the foliage season is extended. That is what is happening in New York's Hudson Valley. Tourists visiting the Hudson Highlands now are seeing a fantastic show of amazing colors on the various types of trees that the area has to offer.

Enjoy a day at Storm King Art Center and view world class sculptures in a fantastic 500 acre setting. Visit the beautiful campus of West Point or sample wine from the oldest winery in the United States, Brotherhood Winery. Take advantage of the late fall and make plans to visit the Historic Hudson Valley of New York!

Labor Day Happenings in the Hudson Valley

2010-08-31T14:07:00.005-04:00

Looking for something exciting to do this Labor Day? Take a trip to the heart of New York's Hudson Valley and enjoy all if has to offer. Here is a sampling of some of the fun happenings this Labor Day:

Storm King Art Center - A five hundred acre sculpture garden invites you to the beauty of the Hudson Valley. Walk or take a relaxing ride on the tram.

Brotherhood Winery - The oldest winery in the United States beckons you for a tour and wine tasting.

Storm King Adventure Tours - Why not experience the lovely Hudson River by taking an enjoyable kayaking trip?

United States Military Academy at West Point - Ever wonder what it was like to be a cadet at West Point? Find out by taking a one hour tour and then take in the free concert at Trophy Point on sunday evening.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets - Shop to you drop at the largest premium shopping outlet in the world!

New York Renaissance Faire - Leave the modern world behind for the Faire, where pleasure is the order of the day and entertainment is everywhere!

Orange County Choppers - You've seen them on television, come see them in person.

Dia:Beacon - Visit a 300,000 square foot modern art museum.

This is just a small sampling of exciting happenings in New York's Hudson Valley this Labor Day. All of the above mentioned events are within a short 20 minute drive from Cromwell Manor Inn, one of New York's Top 10 inns. http://www.cromwellmanor.com/.

The Pleasures of Innkeeping

2010-06-01T16:47:00.000-04:00

While innkeeping is a very difficult and demanding job, it can also be very rewarding. This past weekend, I had a great group of guests and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. A beautiful day, bubbling fountain, newly hatched Blue Jays and bottle of wine would make anyone enjoy the surroundings. As an owner dedicated to providing the best possible service, I don't often get to enjoy the ambience that Cromwell Manor Inn offers. Once in a while, it refreshes your spirit and reengergizes you when you take a step back and simply relax!

Playing guitar on the patio out back and talking to guests (or listening to them sing along) is just plain fun! Having guests take a blanket to the back yard to play cards, drink wine, and watch the beautiful sunset really puts the B&B's selection as one of NY's "Best Romatic Inns" into perspective. Listening to a guest play Billy Joel tunes on the piano in the parlor (with other guests sitting in) is very enjoyable. Hearing accolades from guests on a restaurant I suggested makes me feel like I am doing my job!

Of course at the end of the day, the realities on innkeeping come back to me as I do laundry, shopping, repairs, or whatever else the job necessitates. However, it's nice once in a while to remember why I wanted to own an Inn and to enjoy it as much as my guests do. That happened this weekend and will happen more often this summer!

A Course In Innkeeping

2010-04-05T10:43:00.008-04:00

Cromwell Manor Historic Inn

The blog below was written by Pamela Rini, my innkeeper at Cromwell Manor Inn. Although everything she said about me is true, I did not force her to say it! Jack

When you search online for courses in innkeeping there are many to choose from. It is a business I have always found interesting, having had the pleasure to stay at many and even got married at one! But I don't need to take a class, or maybe one could say that I am taking a class of sorts. I am very fortunate to be learning firsthand about the business by working as an innkeeper at one of New York State's Top 10 Inns, Cromwell Manor Inn.

I started working for Jack in February 2009 working in the kitchen making breakfast for guests on busy weekends. A busy weekend meaning anywhere from 18 to 30 meals each morning. I quickly caught on after receiving excellent training from Jack in the kitchen. I also made the observation that innkeeping entailed more than serving a beautifully plated gourmet breakfast and conversing with guests! As Jack became busier with other innkeeping duties such as networking, tending to guests, sales, tending to guests, marketing, tending to guests, reservations etc. etc., tending to guests, he entrusted me to other important duties around the inn. He introduced me to the laundry room. When you run a 13 room inn there is a lot of laundry to contend with. Two large washers and 3 dryers. And as I learned in the kitchen, there is a system for everything, including laundry! I guess I proved my worth in folding because then Jack started training me on the computer reservation system and handed the phone over to me to begin taking reservations and other guest calls. After a few months of my new duties, Jack decided he needed a break from the inn and probably from me, too. So he and his wife, Cynthia, went on a well deserved vacation leaving me in charge of the inn for 10 days. A blog will be posted about that experience soon. I will say that Cromwell Manor is still standing and better than ever! And I think Jack would say that I am a keeper, and an INNkeeper, too.

Pamela hard at work!

Hope to see you one day at the Cromwell Manor Inn.

Social Media Test

2010-02-11T16:24:00.001-05:00

I don't know if you are like me (old!), but I find social media to be a necessary evil. Every marketing friend I talk to says that I need to be on Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger to maximize my businesses exposure on the world wide web. Well, I have followed their adivce and now regularly post blogs, tweets, and facebook postings. I think it has improved my performance on Google, in fact, we have been selected as a Google "favorite place".

Recently, I learned about a site calle Postling.com that supposedly lets you manage and post all entries from one site. Does it work? As soon as I post this blog, I will find out! THIS IS A TEST!

Looking for a romantic getaway? Cromwell Manor Inn in Cornwall, New York is one of New York's Best Romantic Inns. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the bed and breakfast is only one hour from the George Washington Bridge in New York City. Book online at www.cromwellmanor.com. 845-534-7136 cmi@hvc.rr.com

A Wonderful Wedding Celebration

2010-02-10T16:12:00.011-05:00

What can be more perfect than spending your wedding weekend with a group of your closest friends and family? That is exactly what happened this past weekend at Cromwell Manor Inn. Michelle Thrush and Dick Beahm got married at West Point, had an after wedding dinner at Il' Cena Colo, and then cut a wedding cake and celebrated at the Inn.

The wedding cake, made by Pamela Rini of http://www.sweetladycakes.com/ and also an employee of Cromwell Manor Inn, was exceptional. Jack Trowell, owner of Cromwell Manor Inn plays guitar (not great but gets by!) and Pamela has the voice of angel. Over the weekend, they sang to the bride and groom singing some great songs by Van Morrison - "Someone Like You", "Have I Told You Lately", and "Crazy Love". What a nice time everyone had.

If you are looking to make your wedding celebration special and memorable, try booking an entire bed and breakfast and invite everyone important to share it with you. You will not be disappointed. Cromwell Manor Inn has 13 guest rooms and holds up to 30 people. Check them out at http://www.cromwellmanor.com/.

West Point Creates Leaders

2010-01-25T15:53:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-11-30T11:22:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-10-05T16:01:00.012-04:00

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

2009-06-30T14:42:00.006-04:00

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

2009-05-29T15:31:00.009-04:00

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

2009-05-04T08:55:00.014-04:00

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!

2009-04-01T16:53:00.004-04:00

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

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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

2009-03-04T11:27:00.000-05:00

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.