Recently, we found ourselves sitting in a meeting of local businesses with the goal of highlighting agritourism in Central New Jersey. We walked away even more in love with this special region we call home. Years back, when we were city dwellers, we would make day trips to Central New Jersey along with other more popular areas upstate. Time and again, we returned to this area and eventually put down roots here. During the past 20 years, we have seen remarkable changes: The restaurant scene has exploded, thanks to the farm-to-table movement, the art scene has grown, and yet, the countryside remains largely untouched and the charming towns retain their small town appeal. (Spoiler: This is not the New Jersey of malls and exits.)
When we first opened the Inn at Glencairn, our guests were coming to the Princeton area for a reason. They were visiting schools, traveling for business, or simply coming to see relatives. Our favorite review came from someone who said, “if you can make my mother happy, you are a miracle!” We clearly filled a need for people looking to avoid the cookie cutter hotels dotting the major highways, but most our guests were just passing through.
Now, we are starting to see more and more guests who are visiting the area as a destination. Finally, people are beginning to see what we fell in love with 20 years ago. Central New Jersey does exist and it has a lot to offer. Guests can easily spend several days visiting the local farms, romantic vineyards, craft breweries and distilleries, and fascinating historic sites. The Garden State is alive and well in Central New Jersey!
Did you know:
Central New Jersey is where the War of American Independence was saved, thanks to George Washington’s daring decision in 1776 to cross the Delaware River to win battles at Trenton and Princeton.
Central New Jersey provided the nation’s first Capitol building, as the Continental Congress met at Nassau Hall, now the most famous ivy-draped building on the campus of Princeton University.
Central New Jersey was the first “breadbasket” of America’s greatest city, New York, producing corn and wheat, tomatoes, and other crops critical to feeding the “Big Apple.”
Central New Jersey is home to the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, one of the most stunning historic and recreation assets you’ll find anywhere—though we’ve sort of kept it a secret. The canal was once vital to bringing the bounty of the Garden State to New York. Today, it is a highly accessible recreation area for New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia.
These are just a few reasons to come for a visit. The bit above is “borrowed” from the Discover Central New Jersey website. Take a moment to visit their website and start to plan your next retreat from the city. Be sure to make the Inn at Glencairn your home base as you explore the area. You cannot get more authentic than staying in an 18th century farmhouse that was overtaken by Hessians during the Revolutionary War. And, while we cannot say for certain that George Washington ever stepped foot on the property, we are pretty sure he marched past on his way to Princeton!