Cornish

This safe, quiet community along the VT border, with the CT River in its backyard, was a summer resort destination for people getting away from the city’s summer heat. Once known as “Mast Camp” because it was the shipping point for the tall pine trees used for masts for the Royal Navy’s ships, Cornish was also a haven for artists, sculptors, writers and designers to work on their craft during the summer. The Cornish Art Colony was started by Sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to attract such artisans. Open to the public is Saint-Gaudens National Park, with beautiful gardens, sculptures and studios. Four covered bridges make their home in Cornish. Best known is the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge which is the longest wooden two-span covered bridge in the world that allows vehicle traffic. Three other bridges — Blow-Me-Down, Dingleton Hill and Keyon (also known as Blacksmith Shop Bridge) await your viewing and your camera. Bordering the CT River, there is plenty of swimming, rafting, canoeing, wildlife sightseeing (moose, deer, etc.) and many things to do here. Restaurants are in nearby towns and only a few minutes away.