Ten Properties in 20 Days

It is always fun to be on the other side of the hospitality equation. We recently had an opportunity to sample ten different properties during a 20 day road trip throughout the Eastern and Southeastern US. By design, we stayed at a mix of five star properties and smaller boutique inns.

My favorite part of planning a trip is agonizing over the lodging, and then driving up to the property and seeing where your hours of research landed - either a fantastic find or a big miss. Sometimes the most gorgeous luxury properties are the most disappointing once you walk through the door and are greeted by a pretentious staff member. Sometimes the properties with less impressive curb appeal have the most helpful front desk staff that you can overlook a few little snags in the carpet, literally. 

These are the top takeaways from our travels:

1. Hospitality matters. From the front desk to the housekeeping staff to the manager, everyone matters and when someone is unhappy with their job, it is apparent. A smile and friendly greeting go a long way toward making a guest comfortable and valued. 

2. Basics are important. A clean room, a modern bathroom, a comfortable bed and nice linens are the bedrock of any positive overnight stay. Top notch amenities are nice touch, but if you do not have the basics down, it does not make the difference. 

3. Knowledgeable staff is key. Asking for directions, wanting to know the best place for tacos, looking for a local flea market- the staff should know these things and not shrug their shoulders and say they are new to the area. Inexcusable! 

4. Breakfast is a wildcard. A lot of properties are now serving complementary breakfast, and in my opinion, many should not. I would rather pay extra for a delicious homemade breakfast than settle for some boxed eggs and stale bagels. Also, I am a sucker for a full on, no holds barred, first class breakfast buffet- think silver chafing dishes and an omelet station. 

5. Tipping should not be expected. This may be an unpopular opinion, but tipping is out of hand. Hopefully the staff is paid a living wage and is not reliant on tips for income. When on vacation, I do not want to constantly have to worry about carrying cash to hand out in case someone helps me lift a suitcase or brings me an extra coffee pod or calls me a shuttle. 

6. Ask questions before you arrive. If you want a quiet room, ask for it. If you want a room that has a fan, ask for it. If you want twenty pillows on your bed, ask for it. Once these requests are in your reservation, the front desk can adequately plan for your visit and has time to accommodate your requests. Also, it is a good idea to follow up on requests a couple days before your arrival to ensure a smooth check in. 

We love sampling different properties: It gives us a chance to come back to the Inn and recognize what we get right and what we could improve upon. It also gave us a chance to appreciate and recognize our amazing staff, who always put on a smile each day and provide our guests with top notch service!

CN Travelers Readers Choice Awards: Please VOTE for us!

We are thrilled to announce that the Inn at Glencairn has once again been nominated for the Conde Nast Travelers Readers Choice Awards! This is a very exciting honor for us, and we are humbled to be in the running for four years in a row. We placed third last year in the Mid-Atlantic Region, ninth in 2021 in the Northeast Region and seventh in 2020 in the Mid-Atlantic Region! 

Please vote for us! We would be forever grateful if you spent a minute or two to cast a vote for us. Just click on this LINK and then click on "Hotels" and type in "Inn at Glencairn." You will be asked to sign up for the newsletter but you can unsubscribe if you would prefer not be receive future emails. Voting ends June 30th! 

Thank you for your support! 

Discover Central New Jersey this Summer!

Our Friends at Discover Central NJ have done a fabulous job bragging about the richness of our surrounding areas including some great ideas for day trips from New York City and Philadelphia. Read on!

New Jersey is home to the historic Delaware & Raritan Canal that is 70 miles long and follows V-shaped route that carried goods and produce between Pennsylvania and New York City. Today, the D&R Canal offers walking, biking, and paddling in a state park popular with locals. Throughout the area you can also find some fabulous, world-class wineries, distilleries, breweries, and farms - an easy 60- to 90-minute trip from New York or Philadelphia.

Central Jersey boasts a location that is midway between two of our largest cities has been a key pre-Revolutionary War asset. An officer fighting in the American Revolution in 1781 described the area as the “Garden of America,” a reputation that eventually inspired New Jersey’s “Garden State” nickname.

Central Jersey Craft Beer Scene

In 2022, the fast growing reputation of Central Jersey craft beer attracted a Canal Region visit from beer connoisseur Jimmy Carbone, who recorded a Beer Sessions podcast from Carriage Farm, home to Flounder Brewing and Bellemara Distillery.  They talked about the Somerset County Sip & See Trail that also features a cidery, another brewery, and a Brew Pub in trendy Downtown Somerville.

Additional breweries worth a visit include Descendant’s Brewing and restaurant in the quaint Delaware River town of Milford, where they’ve been brewing beer since Prohibition Days, and at Old Hights Brewing in Hightstown, where a group of friends have created a community gathering place.

Central Jersey Wine & Spirits

The reputation of New Jersey for winemaking has been rising since the 2012 “Judgement of Princeton,” when several New Jersey wines were judged comparable to fine French wines. One Central Jersey wine, from Unionville Vineyards, came in second among ten white wines. Unionville and neighboring Old York Cellars are in Ringoes, on the northern side of the Sourland Mountain, where visitors are treated to stunning sunsets. Many wineries host local talent on Summer evenings: Check out the performance schedule at award-winning Hopewell Valley Vineyards.

The Sourland Mountain conservation area is the largest forest in Central Jersey and the pure water of its aquifer may just be the most important ingredient in the gin, vodka, and whiskeys produced by Sourland Mountain Spirits, located on a farm in Hopewell, NJ. While you are there, be sure to visit the nearby Brick Farm Market and Tavern, for lunch or dinner.

Central Jersey Farms

Families will especially enjoy Central Jersey’s farms, where you can visit farm animals such as goats, alpacas, cows, pigs, sheep, and more. You’ll also find on-farm stores to pack up your trunk with Jersey Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, and jams.  You can find it all Terhune Orchards, including farm-made wines.  The pick-your-own berry season begins with strawberries in late May!

Your visit to Central Jersey should also include a visit to one of its historic downtowns for shopping and a meal. Princeton is one of the best known towns in Central Jersey, home to the famous Princeton University, as well as a vibrant shopping district, and a dynamic farm-to-table restaurant scene.

Another historic downtown worth visiting is Flemington, made famous by the Lindbergh baby “trail of the century.” Lone Eagle Brewing in Flemington has become a popular community hub, with high-quality brews and a variety of special events.

Stay Overnight!

There’s so much to do in Central Jersey’s Canal Region, that you really should stay overnight. Overnight accommodations are widely available, whether you are on a budget or looking for a bit of luxury. In the Princeton area, consider the Inn at Glencairn if you are looking for a cozy historic inn.

For more information about everything to see and do in Central Jersey, visit discovercentralnj.com.  This article is supported in part by a grant from New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

When did Authentic become Trendy?

The word authentic gets thrown around a LOT. It seems to be a favorite among travel bloggers and influencers who are encouraging their readers to travel authentically. What does that even mean? When did it become trendy to be authentic? 

If you consider constantly examining what matters most to our guests as being authentic, then count us in! When you pull back the curtain and take a deep dive, what truly matters most is a comfortable bed in a clean room that is aesthetically pleasing. If it's that easy, then why do so many properties get it wrong? Mostly because they over promise and under deliver.

Here at the Inn we try to be brutally honest. The structure dates back to 1736 which means the floorboards are wonky and angles don't always meet at 90 degrees. Ceilings and doorways are low in certain areas and doors tend to creak occasionally. We call that charm, and besides demolishing the place, there is little we can do about it. 

What we can control, we do. We make sure our beds are comfortable and our bathrooms are spotless. We make sure our greetings and interactions are warm and friendly without being overbearing. We make sure that we offer several options for breakfast and that our guests dietary requirements are met. We make sure our furniture throughout is well maintained and cozy. We make sure our guests are safe by carefully maintaining the structures and strictly adhering to the latest health and fire codes.

So, when you come to the Inn, you can expect us to give you our best effort to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We aren't sure if that makes us authentic or trendy, but hopefully it makes you want to come back! 

Top Five reasons to visit Central NJ in the Spring!

Ok, so we say this every season, but we really mean it this time! Did you know that the BEST season to visit the Princeton area is Springtime? The blooms are blooming and everyone is in such a good mood because Winter is finally over!

Here are our TOP FIVE reasons to visit Central New Jersey in early Spring: 

Punk Rock Flea Market 
Named "One of the Best Flea Markets in America" by Huffington Post, the legendary Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market embraces a life-long love of "punk rock and the arts, tattoos, copious amounts of coffee, the occasional Gin and Tonic, a well-timed beer and a solid, well-styled quiff."

Screening of "The Price of Silence" at Princeton Garden Theatre
The film offers an overview of the state’s history of enslaved people and shares the poignant family stories of its earliest freed slaves. Also explored is the Lost Souls Project, which is working to remember and identify African-Americans who were forcibly removed from New Jersey, the lasting impact of slavery in the state.

Princeton University Eating Clubs Tour
Join author Clifford Zink on a walking tour outside Princeton University’s majestic eating clubs. Learn about the architecture, origins, and development of the sixteen Classical and Gothic-style clubhouses, which date from 1895 to 1928. 

Preservation Hall Jazz Band at McCarter Theater
New Orleans comes to McCarter Theater in the form of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The world renowned band has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 50 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history.

Princeton PorchFest
Porchfest is a walkable music festival where neighbors offer up their front porches as DIY concert venues. Talented local performers play rotating sets throughout the neighborhood during this day-long celebration of music, art, and our wonderful community. Stroll from porch to porch to enjoy live, local talent! 

And, if that is not enough, you can also check out Holland Ridge Farms Tulip fields, Grounds for Sculpture, and Biking the D&R Canal or LHT.

The Princeton Area has so much to offer during Spring. Take advantage of our EARLY SPRING DEAL (Book one night and receive 50% off the second night for stays from today until the end of April) and plan your getaway now. Give us a call at 609.497.1737 or CLICK HERE to visit us online! 

Spring Break: Eggs Benedict "Gone Wild"

It all started with Eggs Glencairn: Poached eggs, arugula, and crispy prosciutto atop a croissant, drizzled with Hollandaise sauce.

That version of Eggs Benedict (pictured here) placed in the top 10 for B&B breakfasts! 

As Spring approaches, Lydia is excited to shake things up again with a few of her latest versions of this classic breakfast dish. 

Here are five that she has lined up to try this Spring. Call ahead if you are interested in trying one and I am sure she will work it into the schedule!  

Italian Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs, grilled bell peppers, fresh spinach, fried Pancetta over a Polenta slice, topped with Marinara sauce.

Greek Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs, chopped fresh onion and pepper, Feta cheese, lamb sausage over a toasted pita, topped with Tzatziki sauce. 

Eggs Bollywood: Poached eggs, fried Paneer cheese, cooked spinach over toasted Naan, topped with Tikka Masala hollandaise.

California Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs, goat cheese, asparagus over toasted Sourdough bread, topped with avocado hollandaise.

PacNW Benedict: Poached eggs, cream cheese with chives and onions, salmon over Dave's Killer Bread, topped with Hollandaise sauce.

Inn at Glencairn #3 in CN Traveler Readers' Choice Awards for Mid-Atlantic Region!

We are so excited to be a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award! Being ranked in the top 10 for properties in the Mid-Atlantic is such an honor. We are beyond grateful to our past and present guests who recognized us by voting.

Lydia, our amazing Innkeeper, and our housekeeping crew deserve the accolades. They are constantly striving to improve the guest experience and have been so resilient and dedicated over the past few years.  So, a big thank you to our guests and to our staff. We are beyond grateful to receive this award for the last three years!

Check out the list of winners for the mid-Atlantic below.

1. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

2. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh

3. Inn at Glencairn

4. Asbury Ocean Club

5. The Ivy Hotel

6. The Reeds at Shelter Haven

7. The Asbury Hotel

8. The Rittenhouse

9. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

10. Hotel du Pont

Puzzles, puzzles, and more puzzles!

You may have noticed Lydia's penchant for puzzles during your last visit to the Inn.  She is an admitted puzzle "addict" and was fully immersed into the craze during the pandemic!  Her favorite spot to piece them together was the dining room table. During the slow days of the pandemic this was ideal until the random guest would show up!

After a few too many interruptions from the brave, infrequent guest and a need for the dining room table, Lydia finally treated herself to a really cool puzzle board (holding up to 1000 pieces and large enough for a 21" x 27" puzzle) that now sits in the Office.  Guests of all ages give her a hand on these puzzles while they visit, and she completes each one.

Flash forward to today: Lydia now has about 40 puzzles that she has completed and we are running out of shelf space at the Inn. 

PLEASE help us!!!!! 

Bring Lydia a new puzzle (that you have completed) and feel free to take one (or two) home from our office shelf. Forgot your puzzle, that's OK, just remember one the next time you visit. And, if you are a serious puzzle fanatic (or know one), Lydia is happy to share information on her puzzle board!  

Summer Activities in Princeton!

Summer is upon us here in Princeton! If you have plans to visit Princeton this summer, here are some activities you might consider making time for in your schedule.

Music and Entertainment:

Palmer Square in Princeton has activities all summer long with dueling pianos entertainment, free movies, and discounted shopping experiences.

Mercer County Park has Festivals that have become a MUST DO while here on the weekends with amazing performances including Earth Wind & Fire Tribute band, Epic Soul, Kombo Latino, Morris Day, Rock Night, Soul Night, movie nights, Funk Salsa Urban, Best of the Eagles and more!

Princeton Shopping Center has music on Thursday nights in their large green space with restaurants and shopping so you can enjoy free music with dinner in an outdoor setting.

Lawrenceville Main Street offers free music outdoor in their Weeden Park Thursdays through August 18 starting at 6 PM. with local restaurants close by.

Wine-centric activities:

Hopewell Valley Vineyards has music and food every Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9 PM and Sunday afternoon from 3-6 PM.

Crossing Vineyard has music and food every Friday night at 7 PM rain or shine; Sunday picnics July 17 and grill and chill July 24; Thursday night wine, cheese, and charcuterie August 4 and September 15; Wine and bundt cakes Thursday August 11. Crossing Vineyard offers wine classes, sangria Sundays, cocktail camp, yoga and mimosas, tarot card reading, and wine pairing with chocolate.

Wine on the Waterfront at Washington Crossing Historic Park is Saturday, July 30th 3-7 PM.

Sip and Savor has small plates and locally grown wines Sundays, August 7 and 14 12-5 PM. sponsored by the Bucks County Wine Trail and Visit Bucks County.

These are just a sampling of the fun you can have (mostly for free) while you’re here. Give Lydia a call or email for details and date-specific activities that might interest you. And, while you are staying with us, you can always check out our three-ring binder full of activities in the Parlor!

Vote! Inn at Glencairn is nominated for a CN Traveler Readers Choice Award!

We are so excited to be nominated again this year for the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards! We placed ninth last year for the Northeast Region and seventh in 2020 for the Mid-Atlantic Region. We are so appreciative to be nominated again among such fine lodging establishments!

We would be thrilled to place again this year. To vote, just go to: https://www.cntraveler.com/rca/vote and search for the Inn at Glencairn under Hotels & Resorts. (You will be asked to sign up for a newsletter but you can always unsubscribe.) And, please take a moment to recognize your other favorites. The travel industry continues to fluctuate with the whims of the pandemic and everyone could benefit from a little positive recognition! Thanks for your support!

Summer History Tour

After 20+ years of owning a property that dates back to the early 1700s, I tend to overlook and take for granted the rich history that surrounds us here in Mercer County. The fact that the Revolutionary War was fought literally in our front and back yard is mind blowing and often forgotten. Not only that, but according to a pretty well-documented account, the structure that is now the Inn was commandeered by the Hessians as a hospital during the Revolutionary War. And, legend has it, there was a young Lord Ralston who was bayoneted on the property by an angry mob when accused of "wenching" a local girl. That legend is less well-documented, and we had a guest historian poke many holes in the account, but we still like to share the story because it makes for good small talk and it’s pretty spicy!

Every once in a while, I consult google to see if any historians (who are far more knowledgeable about these things than I) have documented new evidence that George Washington actually took a break, had a snack, consulted a colonel or perhaps relieved himself in our front yard so many years ago. Thus far we have no solid evidence that George had indeed been on the property, but recently I was surprised to see that a few local historians have been busy during the pandemic unearthing and researching many local sites. Some of these sources have been around for a number of years, and a couple are brand new!

Check out these websites for a bevy of maps, tours, and information that should not be missed when visiting the area:

• Ten Crucial Days

• Princeton Battlefield Society

• Revolutionary War New Jersey

History buff or not, taking in some of these local sites is well worth a visit. And, better yet, spend a night or two at the Inn while you do it. What better way to connect with the past than staying the night at an Inn that dates back to 1736. And you can tell your friends that George "might" have slept here as well!

The Slow Tourism Movement at the Inn at Glencairn

The pandemic has forced us to reevaluate our priorities. We were all forced to take a moment (maybe a year or two) of introspection and take stock of our existence. Some of us enjoyed having an excuse to work from home, or spend nightly dinners with our children and spouses, or put the brakes on our hectic lives. Travel and hospitality has followed suit. Travelers are wanting each and every experience to count because, you never know when you might be in lock down again. Guests are looking for an enriching experience, not just a mediocre bed and a run of the mill hotel to pass through. The buzzword is "slow tourism." Remember the slow food movement? Welcome to the slow tourism movement.

We at the Inn have been practicing slow tourism since we opened back in 2004. Walking through our doors transports guests back to a simpler time. As soon as you step in you realize this is not a cookie cutter hotel. Not everyone comes to us with their eyes wide open. Our favorite guests are the ones who walk through the door and have a skeptical look on their face. Maybe they were there because a spouse made the reservation, maybe a well-meaning travel agent assumed we were the Ritz because of our high ratings on TripAdvisor and Expedia, maybe a relative purchased a gift certificate as a gift. Not everyone walks in expecting a B&B in an 18th century farmhouse.

We recently had a guest who was "put up" at the Inn while giving a talk at a local institution. She was somewhat taken aback by the skeleton key. We know because she posted about it on facebook! What followed in the comments are priceless, ranging from, "18th century dungeon door key" to "do they require payment in schillings" to (my personal favorite) "is Narnia on the other side?" Well, on the other side was a well appointed four poster bed with a fluffy down comforter and silky softs sheets, a comfortable sitting area overlooking our back gardens, and a modern spotless bathroom with fluffy towels and handmade soaps. After one night, we had a convert and perhaps our biggest fan to date. She posted about the fabulous homemade breakfast featuring eggs benedict over baked prosciutto and arugula served with fresh jams, granola and a chocolate truffle along with a grapefruit dish that was so good "I wanted to cry!" When she left, she had a bagful of homemade granola and jams and our homemade laundry detergent.

When you walk into the Inn, you might be taken aback that it does not look like a hotel, it might have a few bumps and bruises because it is nearly 300 years old. We work tirelessly to keep everything maintained impeccably and our recent renovation brought the structure into the 21st century, but at its heart, the Inn is quite simply "an old farmhouse" and we celebrate it as such. So, make a reservation and come see what "slow tourism" is all about. You will not be disappointed.

Inn at Glencairn Laundry Soap

We have heard many times that people LOVE the feel and smell of our linens. Lydia makes our laundry soap in house and shares our recipe with anyone who asks. Now you can purchase a container and enjoy it at home! And, when you are ready for more, here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (3 lbs 7 oz)

• 1 box Baking soda (4 lbs)

• 1 box Borax (4 lbs 12 oz)

• 4 bars Fels Naptha (20 oz)

• 1 box OxyClean (7 lbs)

Directions:

• Grate the Fels Naptha.

• Mix all ingredients into a large container.

• When you use it, you may only need 2 Tablespoons per normal load.

(We do not add any fragrances to our detergent.)

Princeton Hot Chocolate Crawl

The frenzy of the winter holiday season has screeched to a halt and many of us are looking for an excuse to get out again now that Omicron appears to be waning.

In an attempt to liven up a pretty quiet weekend, my ever-creative daughters suggested a Hot Chocolate crawl around town! Our day consisted of five stops at a variety of local establishments (no chains were allowed) and all stops were within easy walking distance of each other.

Looking for something new to do? Follow our Hot Chocolate crawl around Princeton or create your own crawl. We would love to help you brainstorm a day of adventure! Need ideas? Check out these stops on our crawl:

• Sakrid Coffee

• Bent Spoon

• Halo Pub

• Small World

• PJs Pancake House

After your day of exploring come back to the Inn and enjoy a chat and a complimentary glass of wine in our cozy Parlor or Great Room.

The Princeton area has so much to offer during the winter months and local businesses need your help! Take advantage of our winter rates and plan your getaway now by giving us a call at visiting us online! Click HERE for reservations!

Not Your Grandmother's Bed and Breakfast

I had the recent experience of visiting a college campus with my teen daughter. We stayed in a bed and breakfast near the campus. Sound familiar? The campus visit was a success, the B&B not so much.

After we checked in and looked around, my daughter said, “Is this what you’re implying when you say your B&B is “not your grandmother’s bed and breakfast?” Maybe the stuffed peacock in the corner, or the extensive collection of glass figurines gave her that idea.

Listen, there’s a B&B out there for everybody, and some people LOVE the stuffed peacocks and glass figurines, but when we opened our doors, we wanted to be different. The best compliment we can receive, is, “We hate B&Bs but we LOVE your place!”

The Hunt Room

Our decor is eclectic. The antiques we do have are mostly sideboards, end tables, and accent pieces. Our artwork is a mix of modern and traditional. Any surface you sit on is new. Don’t worry about encountering a wobbly 100-year old chair or a creaky bed and springy mattress. OK, full disclosure, our floors are random width pine, and crooked, and you can see through the cracks. But, we call that character!

You will never see doilies, stuffed animals, dingy wall to wall carpeting, or drab wallpaper at the Inn at Glencairn. You will see comfortable rooms that complement the era of the building and enhance the ambience. And, rest assured, our electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are all up to date and working properly! Sure, they didn’t have central air conditioning in the 18th century or flat screen TVs, but wouldn’t it have been nice if they did?!

So, when you book at the Inn at Glencairn. Keep in mind, this is “not your grandmother’s bed and breakfast” and enjoy your stay!

Getting Ready for Jersey Fresh Tomatoes!

This simple recipe allows for the sublime combination of Jersey Fresh Tomatoes and sharp cheddar cheese to create the perfect Summer Brunch treat!

Tomato Pie

Ingredients
Par baked pie crust (homemade or store bought)
2 large tomatoes or several medium size
8-10 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh herbs of your choice
Salt & pepper

Directions
Slice your tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices, salt the tops, and place on a paper towel to drain a bit. Leave them for 20 minutes at least. Chop your herbs (our recipe uses fresh green onion and thyme). In a par baked crust, layer cheese, herbs, and tomato, twice in that order. Top with cheese and some herbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Be sure the crust is nicely browned on the bottom. Remove and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm. (NOTE: because there are no eggs, baking longer than stated is fine. Go with how it looks.) Enjoy!

Inn at Glencairn nominated for CN Traveler Readers Choice Award!

We are so excited to be nominated again this year for the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards! We placed seventh last year for the Mid-Atlantic Region and are so appreciative of the honor. It has been a challenging year to say the least, and to be nominated for this prestigious award among these top hotels and resorts means the world to us.

We would be thrilled to place again this year. To vote, just go to: https://www.cntraveler.com/rca/vote and search for the Inn at Glencairn under Hotels & Resorts. (You will be asked to sign up for a newsletter but you can always unsubscribe.) And, take a moment to recognize your other favorites. Chances are they had a rough year too and could benefit from a little positive recognition! Thanks for your support!

Outdoor Pursuits in Central New Jersey

If you’re looking for a safe place to visit while awaiting your vaccine, celebrating having been vaccinated (our innkeeper, Lydia, is fully immune now), or just needing a different set of four walls, consider a stay at the Inn at Glencairn. We have nearly three acres of beauty to explore including our 200-year-old barn, stone stables, and old smokehouse. Take your complimentary wine out to the barn to enjoy intimate conversation at sunset or get your coffee in the morning, do some yoga or meditate while listening to the birds chirp. It’s finally Spring so it’s time to GET OUT!

If you’re into bicycling or hiking, consider any of these wonderful locations (bring your own or rent in Princeton):

Duke Farms

At Duke Farms, you’ll find over one thousand acres of land to explore native species, sustainability efforts, and the area’s natural beauty. Walk, bike, or take a class to learn more about conservation efforts and how you can fight climate change. Eat at the farm-sourced, award-winning café or support local farmers at the seasonal farm market. (At the time of this writing, Saturday visitors need to reserve a free entry pass per car. Register online for the pass.)

D&R Canal Trail (Lydia’s favorite)

Enjoy the nearly 80 miles of flat trail that follow the D&R Canal. This is a quiet ride that takes you through beautiful meadows, quaint towns with wonderful coffee shops and cafes, and offers incredible views. The trail starts in New Brunswick and ends in Frenchtown, but you can get on and off in any of about 30 spots along the trail. Consider the four mile ride into Princeton for lunch or dinner so you can work off Lydia’s deliciously filling breakfast.

Lawrenceville Hopewell Trail

There is a nearly-finished 22-mile ride in and around Lawrenceville and Hopewell if you like a more challenging, not-always-flat-and-a-bit-urban ride around those two delightful towns. Stopping off for coffee, tea, or an amazing pastry in Lawrenceville or perhaps lunch in Hopewell should be on your list. Accessing the trail can be done a short one mile ride from the Inn’s driveway (Please use caution on Lawrenceville Road.)

TrailLink System

We are surrounded by dozens of excellent hiking and biking trails through the Rails-To-Trails system. One of Lydia’s current favorites is the Columbia Trail which starts at High Bridge (an easy one hour drive) and rides for about 15 miles. You pass charming towns, a Clydesdale horse farm, coffee shops, and quiet beauty through Central NJ.

Mercer Meadows

This little gem is only a short five minute drive from our parking lot and will keep you walking or biking for miles. It’s an old pole farm and a favorite with bird watchers and naturalists.

Lawrenceville Village Park

For a quick, close walk in a beautiful little town park, head into Lawrenceville and turn on Gordon. In about two miles you’ll drive right into this little charmer. The park actually connects up to Mercer Meadows if you haven’t had enough exercise. Bikes and hikes welcome, or take a book and enjoy reading in the sun.

Institute Woods

If you want to do some forest bathing, try the Institute Woods. A short drive into Princeton, Institute Woods is a beautiful, quiet place to walk, contemplate, and enjoy being alive. The paths are not paved so it’s best for walking, and you will likely encounter all kinds of happy wildlife.

Mercer County Park

This large park has a paved 3.5 mile (one way) bike ride that is pure delight; it has curves, straight shots, and a few rolling hills. Over the lake you can see any of the four pairs of nesting Bald Eagle couples fishing and feeding their chicks, which are hatching now. Juveniles can be seen flying, too. Bring your binoculars and a snack. Mercer Park has lots to offer besides bikes and walking paths. There is an amazing exercise station, new since the pandemic to help people get out while gyms have been closed.

Walking in the Footsteps of History

History abounds in Princeton since this is where the Revolutionary War took a turn toward our side. Princeton is home to several signers of the Declaration of Independence, a place for Washington and his troops during the battle of Princeton, field headquarters for Washington during the War, a five month meeting place for Congress, the final resting place for Aaron Burr, Jr (famous for killing Hamilton), and more.

Princeton University

Walking the campus of Princeton University is not to be missed. The beauty of the Gothic architecture is something to behold. You will need your camera handy to capture and enjoy the beauty of the buildings, archways, and gardens.

Need more reasons to visit Princeton? Let’s talk about the Culinary Presence: Dozens of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are serving up top notch food that have locals and tourists returning time and again. We have indoor and outdoor dining for your comfort. We have artisan pizza, steaks, chops, generations old bread baking, farm-to-table, and James Beard winning chefs at work. French, Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese, and American, among others.

"Best Quiche Ever"

When your Chef and Innkeeper says she just made the best quiche ever, you take note, especially when guests tell you that they nearly proposed to her after having her scrambled eggs! Travel is still slow these days, but Lydia continues to try new recipes and perfect old ones. Here is her latest. Or as she calls it “one of the best quiches ever … really!”

Sausage and Spinach Quiche:

8 ounces of your favorite ground sausage

4 ounces of cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

5 eggs

1 1/4 cup heavy cream

Handful of spinach

Directions: Brown the ground sausage. Add cream cheese and mix so sausage is covered. Remove from heat and pour into pie plate. Add a little water to the pan used for sausage and wilt the handful of spinach. Layer the wilted spinach on top of the sausage mixture. Cover with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Blend the eggs with the heavy cream and pour over the mixture in the pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Microweddings are Here to Stay!

Fabulous florals by Blue Jasmine Floral were one of the highlights of this Microwedding.

In 2020, many brides and grooms were forced to cancel their large weddings because of Covid related lockdowns and travel restrictions.  Just thinking of planning an event where guests would be coming from afar or where older family members might be at increased risk, had many couples reevaluating their special day and opting for a much smaller event. What seemed like a 2020 trend is now looking like a longer term shift.

The many microweddings and elopements we have witnessed this past year have varied greatly. Some are simple affairs that involve the couple, an officiant and a photographer.  Some are more elaborate, full blown celebrations, where the couple has decided to splurge on things that matter most to them.  Sometimes that means gorgeous floral design and gourmet catering.  Sometimes it is a celebrity wedding photographer. Sometimes it is a big city stylist and a couture wedding gown. Sometimes it is all of these things and no expense is spared for the lucky handful of invited guests. However the event unfolds, it is as special and unique as the couple involved.

At some point, the pandemic will be a distant memory, and time will tell if the shift toward microweddings is long lasting. Until then, we will continue to provide a blank canvas for our couples to design their perfect wedding day. We wish all of our couples a lifetime of happiness and will look forward to seeing them back at the Inn to celebrate their anniversaries!