Searching for peaceful countryside, historic charm, and artistic heritage? Head to Cornish, New Hampshire! Nestled along the Connecticut River, Cornish is a quiet town known for covered bridges, scenic beauty, and its connection to sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It’s the perfect rural escape with rich New England character.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Cornish is in the spring through fall (May–October). Summer brings green landscapes and historic site access, while fall showcases vibrant foliage and scenic drives. Winter offers peaceful snow-covered charm but limited attractions.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Cornish is located along NH Route 12A, about 30 minutes from Hanover, NH, and 2.5 hours from Boston.
- By Plane: The nearest airports are Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB, 30 min) and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT, 1.5 hrs).
- By Bus: Limited regional bus service is available to nearby Claremont or Lebanon; a car is recommended for exploring Cornish.
Where I like to stay
- Squag City Bed & Breakfast – Peaceful countryside B&B with views of Mount Ascutney and local charm.
- The Chase House Inn (Nearby in Claremont) – Elegant and historic inn offering cozy accommodations and easy access to Cornish sites.
- Hanover Hotels – A variety of options are available in nearby Hanover for those seeking additional amenities.
Top Attractions
1. Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
The Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site is made up of the garden, artwork, studio, and home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, an American sculptor. The site also includes nature trails that help visitors explore the grounds. The galleries display more than one hundred works of art created by Saint-Gaudens, ranging expressive portrait reliefs to heroic public monuments. His work also changed the look of the coinage of America. In addition to viewing the numerous pieces of artwork, the beautiful garden, and the historic home, guests can also attend a number of different art workshops and concert during the summer months.
139 St Gaudens Rd, Cornish, NH 03745, Phone: 603-675-2175
2. Cornish-Windsor Bridge
The Cornish-Windsor Bridge spans across the Connecticut River, connecting the states of New Hampshire and Vermont. At approximately 449 feet in length, the bridge is the country’s longest wooden covered bridge, as well as the longest single-covered span carrying automobile traffic and the world’s longest two-span covered bridge. The current lattice truss bridge was constructed in 1866, but three previous bridges were once located on this site, with the earliest built back in 1796. These other bridges were destroyed by floods. Found on Bridge Street, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge connects the towns of Cornish, New Hampshire and Windsor in Vermont.
Bridge St, Cornish, NH 03745
For Photographers
3. Blow-Me-Down Bridge
The Blow-Me-Down Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge in the charming town of Cornish that carries Lang Road over the Blow-me-down Brook near the border of Plainfield, New Hampshire. Built back in 1877, the bridge features a kingpost truss structure and is one of the few surviving nineteenth-century covered bridges in the state of New Hampshire, leading to the bridge being added in 1978 to the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built in 1877, the Blow-Me-Down Bridge was restored in 1980 and also in 2002. There is a single lane of the bridge open to automobile traffic.
Cornish, NH
If you are a first time visitor
- Blow-Me-Down Farm – Cultural site and performance space operated by the Saint-Gaudens Memorial and the National Park Service.
- Cornish Art Colony Historic Sites – Discover the remains and homes of the artists, writers, and thinkers who gathered here in the late 19th century.
- Connecticut River Byway – Enjoy scenic drives along the river with stops for hiking, photography, and picnicking.
Where I Like to Eat
- Windsor Station Restaurant & Barroom (Windsor, VT) – Historic train station turned cozy restaurant with seasonal menus and live music.
- The Common Man Claremont – Popular New Hampshire chain serving hearty American dishes in a rustic mill setting.
- Harpoon Brewery Beer Hall (Windsor, VT) – Great for craft brews, pub fare, and a casual atmosphere across the bridge.
My favorite local events
- Saint-Gaudens Summer Concert Series (Sundays, June–August) – Free outdoor classical and jazz concerts at the national park.
- Old Home Day (August) – Traditional small-town celebration with parades, games, and community spirit.
- Windsor VT Farmers Market (Summer Saturdays) – A quick trip across the bridge for local produce, baked goods, and crafts.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Cornish, New Hampshire
- Hanover (30 min) – Visit Dartmouth College, walk the Green, and enjoy shops and museums downtown.
- Claremont (20 min) – Discover historic mills, local dining, and riverside trails in this revitalized industrial town.
- Windsor, Vermont (5–10 min) – Visit the American Precision Museum, Path of Life Garden, or the Harpoon Brewery.
- Ascutney Trails (30 min) – Hike or mountain bike in scenic woods on the Vermont side of Mount Ascutney.
- Plainfield (15 min) – Explore rural beauty, historic homes, and stop by Mac’s Maple for fresh syrup in season.
Plan Your Trip