We visited the Kent-Cornwall Bridge area to walk the Appalachian Trail where it follows the Housatonic River for 4 or 5 miles. Checking before our trip, I could find nothing but country inns and B&Bs that were astronomically beyond our budget, so we were facing the prospect of an 9 or 10-mile hike, followed by a drive to lodging we could afford.

As we drove through Cornwall Bridge after our hike, there sat the Hitching Post--a well-kept motel right out of the 60's. The owners were helpful and very friendly--real contact with real people, not just customer-oriented service.

We arrived just before 7 PM, and Mrs. Patel advised us that the general store was closing in 10 minutes. It was an expensive mistake not to heed her advice and head directly to the store, as we could have bought sandwiches there. Other meal options include upscale dining and overpriced bistros in communities several miles away.

The room was small and showing signs of age... more