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!  

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!

Inn at Glencairn recognized in TripAdvisor Hall of Fame!

We are so thrilled to be recognized in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for receiving the Certificate of Excellence award for five continuous years from 2015 to 2019. We strive to give each guest a wonderful visit, and we take our reviews seriously! Thank you to the nearly 400 guests who took the time to sit down and give us feedback on their stay. Luckily, we hit the mark more often than not with 98% of our reviews in the Excellent to Good category! Kudos to our past Innkeepers who have laid the groundwork and to our current Innkeeper, Lydia, who has elevated our breakfasts and customer outreach to an exciting new level. Looking forward to another great year at the Inn at Glencairn!

Airbnb versus a "real" Bed and Breakfast or aka my Airbnb Rant

When it comes to Airbnb, I have issues. Maybe it’s because I own a “real” Bed and Breakfast, and I find most Airbnbs to be cheap copycats that skirt around the edges of what’s legal and ethical. An Airbnb is not a business, it’s an under-regulated, over-hyped, step above couch surfing. But I digress.

When I opened the Inn at Glencairn, it was after a long, arduous year of renovations, planning board meetings, township approvals, and numerous fire and health inspections. Had I opened an Airbnb, I could have skipped the time and money that went into the renovations, meetings and approvals and simply cobbled together a page on the Airbnb site and opened up for business. It definitely would have been the easier route. And cheaper. And less risky. And probably more profitable.

Until quite recently, Airbnb sales were “under the table” and exempt from paying state and local occupancy and sales taxes. A “real” Bed and Breakfast is a full-fledged lodging business and is required to pay occupancy and sales taxes, like a hotel. In our municipality, that equates to 16.625%, which is quite a chunk of cash and figures prominently into our pricing model.

Did you know that an Airbnb might be illegal in the city or town you are visiting? Roughly 70% of the Airbnb reservations taken in NYC were illegal in 2014. The influx of Airbnb accommodations in some cities are driving up the prices of affordable housing for residents. Sure Airbnb is a lower cost alternative to other lodging options, but maybe the lower price is a result of an illegal sublet or an owner skirting the law when it comes to paying taxes.

Each year, the Inn at Glencairn is inspected by our local fire inspector. The inspector spends about two hours going from room to room and making sure our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date. The inspection can be unnerving because we take our responsibilities very seriously. Our smoke and carbon detectors are hard-wired to a central station that is notified immediately and automatically dispatches the local Fire Department if an alarm is triggered.

Does your Airbnb have working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors? If it does, are they the most up-to-date and recently inspected? If an alarm is triggered, who responds? Is it up to the occupants to determine what to do in case of an emergency? Our fire inspector also requires us to have fire extinguishers on every level and tag our rooms with directions to evacuate in the event of an emergency. Does your Airbnb have emergency evacuation instructions or fire extinguishers? Maybe not.

Also once a year, the Health Inspector comes in and inspects our kitchen to make sure our appliances are in working order. She makes sure that our dishwasher reaches the proper temperature to disinfect our plates and cutlery and that our refrigerator maintains the proper temperature to keep our food fresh and free from bacteria. Also, she inspects for pests to make sure we are maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. Does your Airbnb provide documentation that it is inspected and is pest free? Maybe not.

It is much easier to “game” a review on Airbnb than it is on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google, Expedia and Booking.com. In fact, misrepresentation runs rampant on Airbnb. Reviews for a “real” Bed and Breakfast are vetted by the aforementioned sites and guests must provide proof that they stayed at the lodging establishment for a review to be considered valid.

Running a “real” Bed and Breakfast means you have a staff on hand to assist with any issue that may arise during your stay. At an Airbnb you are literally on your own unless the owner lives nearby and is responsive to your requests. Have an issue with the thermostat, good luck! Unless the owner is a quick call away, you may be sitting in the extreme heat or cold waiting for assistance. What about the lack of amenities in an Airbnb? Maybe it has enough towels, maybe it has enough toilet paper, maybe it has shampoo, maybe it has a hair dryer. Then again, maybe it doesn’t have any of these things, and maybe you have to spend your hard earned vacation time purchasing them.

So, next time you consider an Airbnb over a “real” Bed and Breakfast or even a hotel, consider the time, energy and expense that goes into providing an authentic local lodging experience. Consider the inspections, the taxes, and the staffing. Then make an informed decision on how you want to spend your vacation dollars.

Weekend Escape to Princeton Region

“Lazy and good-looking and aristocratic, you know, like a spring day” is how F. Scott Fitzgerald once described Princeton. He might have been describing the University, but he could easily have been describing the town as well. Although a lot has changed since Fitzgerald lived in the area, it is still “the loveliest riot of Gothic architecture in America … no feeling that it was all built yesterday at the whim of last week’s millionaire.”

Although one might point out the ultra-modern examples of architecture and the shiny, new neighborhoods on the outskirts of town, by and large the area continues to retain the classic ambience of years past, making it the perfect weekend escape. Here is our favorite weekend itinerary. It’s a mix of culture and art, outdoor pursuits, shopping, and just plain fun!

Friday

4pm: Arrive at the Inn at Glencairn

Leave work a little early, and treat yourself to an early arrival to the Inn. Once settled in, you can wander the nearly three acres of park like grounds, peek into the 19th century barn and admire the hand-hewn beams, then grab a complimentary glass of wine and a cookie to enjoy on the back patio or in the peaceful ambience of the Great Room.

6pm: Dinner at Cargot Brasserie

Drive ten minutes to Princeton University’s newly monikered “arts and transit” neighborhood to dine at a new favorite of ours: Cargot Brasserie, a French inspired bistro that welcomes locals, students, and theater-goers in a convivial atmosphere.

8pm: Grab a show at McCarter Theatre

McCarter Theatre is recognized as one of the country’s leading theaters, both a professional producing theater and a major presenter of the performing arts. Grab a play or a concert and you will understand why this theater is constantly receiving rave reviews.

Saturday

9am: Breakfast at the Inn

Wake up to the smell of freshly ground coffee wafting up to your room. You may have a difficult time getting out of bed, but the promise of a fantastic breakfast urges you on. Today it is Eggs Glencairn, a new take on Eggs Benedict, with a poached egg served over a toasted croissant, broiled tomato slice, fresh sautéed asparagus and local greens topped with a lite Hollandaise sauce. Don’t forget to finish off your breakfast with a little chocolate decadence: Lydia’s homemade java truffle.

11am: Soak in some art at Grounds for Sculpture

The vision of J. Seward Johnson, Grounds for Sculpture was conceived as a place where audiences could experience sculpture in a familiar, accessible, and informal setting. The sculpture park is built on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds and now exhibits over 270 works on 42 acres. Spend an hour or spend a day here wandering the grounds and marveling at the truly awe-inspiring art and sculpture.

1pm: Wander over to Rat’s Restaurant for lunch

Rat’s Restaurant was conceptually designed by Seward Johnson with a Claude Monet styled atmosphere. The restaurant scenery features impressionist-inspired sculptures as well as a lily pond and bridge and is aptly named after the character “Ratty” from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Ratty, as you might recall, threw the best parties with the best wine, and Rat’s is no different.

3pm: Shop ‘til you drop at Palmer Square

Head back to the Princeton area and take a stroll on Palmer Square. Originally built in the 1930s, the Square was created as the town’s complement to Princeton University. In order to build the Square, Baker Street was removed and its houses, which were the center of the original African American neighborhood were moved to Birch Avenue. Today Palmer Square is unique mix of local and well-known apparel and home goods boutiques and world class restaurants all centered around the Nassau Inn. Although we truly enjoy perusing all of the shops along Palmer Square, we never miss a stop at the Bent Spoon, Labyrinth Books, Homestead or jazams. Meander a little further afield to check out the Princeton Record Exchange.

Saturday Evening Option I:

5pm: By now you need to sit down so catch a flick at the Princeton Garden Theatre

Built originally to accommodate Princeton University’s Triangle Club in 1920, The Garden took on a new life as a movie theater when Triangle moved to McCarter Theatre later that decade. The Garden changed hands several times in the next few decades until its latest renovation in 2014 and now shows independent, foreign, and classic films for local movie lovers. In 2017, NJ.com named the Garden, The Best Movie Theater in New Jersey.

8pm: Dinner at Agricola

Using fresh local ingredients from their own Great Road Farm as well as from other neighboring providers, Agricola serves food that brings people together to laugh, share and celebrate. Agricola is one of our favorites along with Witherspoon Grill, Mistral and Blue Point Grill.

Saturday Evening Option II:

5pm: Drive through the countryside to Hopewell and dine at the Brick Farm Tavern

A truly authentic farm-to-table dining experience in an 1800s Hopewell farm house. The bar features local craft beers, artisanal cocktails & wine tastings – guided by an experienced sommelier.

8pm: Enjoy a show or concert at Hopewell Theater

Hopewell Theater is a 180-seat theater that is equal parts indie arts venue and meeting place – a place where patrons can meet friends, and get inspired by an eclectic mix of entertainment by emerging and established talent in a setting that is welcoming, casual, intimate, and fun.

Sunday

9am: After sleeping like a baby, wake up to some more fabulous scents from the kitchen

Today, indulge in some Glencairn French Toast. French Toast made with “Craque”lin (a Belgian brioche) topped with real maple syrup and fresh berries and served with our yogurt granola parfait. This will fill you up for your day’s adventure.

11am: Check out of the Inn

After checking out of the Inn, take a drive around the area and visit the local farms to take home some local goods and produce. Pop into Cherry Grove for some organic cheese, Blue Moon Acres for some organic greens and herbs, and Terhune Orchards for some apples. On your drive, stop at the Gingered Peach for a special baked treat to enjoy later.

1pm: Take the Princeton Tour Company’s “Name Dropping” Tour

Dubbed the best tour in town, the name-dropping tour visits the homes and hangouts of Albert Einstein, F Scott Fitzgerald, TS Eliot, Woodrow Wilson, Grover Cleveland, Robert Wood Johnson and even ‘80’s icon, Brooke Shields, just to name a few.

3pm: Grab a quick lunch at Jammin’ Crepes

Oh so good, Jammin’ Crepes is the perfect spot for a quick lunch before heading out of area. Imagine a fresh, made-from-scratch crepe filled with the best local ingredients at their peak of freshness. Either eat in the charming café or take it on the road for the drive home.

Stay tuned for more weekend getaways including: Girlfriends Getaway, Foodies Weekend, Culture Club and Outdoor Pursuits!

Business Travel Reimagined

What do you think of when you hear “business travel?” If you are most business travelers, you think of nondescript hotels, often located on busy interstates with generic furnishings and rubbery mass produced “eggs” for breakfast. The Inn at Glencairn has changed that image of business travel for the lucky professionals who have walked through our doors.

At the Inn, you will enjoy a stay that is anything BUT generic and our eggs are certainly NOT mass produced. We offer all the creature comforts and amenities that you would expect in a first class boutique hotel.

We have reliable WIFI, comfortable working surfaces, good lighting, quiet rooms and ultra-comfortable beds. And, to get your day started right, we offer a breakfast that is unmatched by any of the hotels in the area, served at the time of your choice.

Maybe a bed and breakfast isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of business travel, but our repeat business guests know different. So, instead of imagining a generic, nondescript hotel for your next business trip, imagine meeting your colleagues over a gourmet farm-to-table breakfast in our dining room, or casually meeting in our 18th century Great Room over a cup of tea or coffee. Check out our reviews and see why our business guests keep coming back to the Inn at Glencairn!

The Microwedding Trend

Some couples dream of a large wedding, complete with ice sculptures and an over-sized guest list. Other couples dream of an intimate wedding, with only their closest confidants in attendance. Elopements, while seemingly spontaneous and romantic, can fall short of expectations, especially when you often have to settle for a stranger as your witness. Many couples crave the intimacy of an elopement, yet would prefer having a handful of their close family and friends present to share in their celebration. That’s where we come in!

The Inn at Glencairn specializes in microweddings. We define microweddings as a wedding ceremony with fewer than 25 guests, including the bride and groom. A microwedding can have all the trappings of a larger event, but the size, and therefore the expense, is much less. You can wear your fancy threads, carry a luscious bouquet, stand under a stunning arbor, and have that expensive cake. The only thing missing will be the over-sized guest list, and if you think about it, you might only want to talk to the people at the first three tables at that megawedding anyway!

Give us a call today at 609.497.1737 or visit us online at www.innatglencairn.com and let us customize a microwedding package for you!

Princeton Area Highlight: Grounds for Sculpture (GFS) in Hamilton, NJ

Nestled in the heart of central New Jersey lies Grounds For Sculpture, a magical place where art and nature are always at play. At its core are more than 270 sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists, each thoughtfully positioned on meticulously landscaped parkland full of thousands of exotic trees and flowers. It is a feast for the senses.

Grounds For Sculpture’s largest exhibition to date, Seward Johnson: The Retrospective, will be extended into July 2015 due to its overwhelming popularity.  Seward Johnson: The Retrospective presents an overview of the popular sculptor’s 50-year career through a lifetime collection of his works, including Forever Marilyn, the 26-foot tall, 36,000-pound Marilyn Monroe sculpture from his Icons Revisited series.

The permanent collection at Grounds For Sculpture includes works from such distinguished artists as Clement Meadmore, Anthony Caro, Beverly Pepper, Kiki Smith, George Segal, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and Isaac Witkin. They join the enchanting works of the visionary founder Seward Johnson as well as many others by the finest up and coming artists of our time.

Grounds For Sculpture was established in 1992 to promote an understanding of and appreciation for contemporary sculpture by:

• maintaining a 42-acre sculpture park composed of works by well-known and emerging American and International artists in Hamilton, NJ,

• organizing accessible exhibitions, and

• interpreting these exhibitions through publications, lectures, workshops and other educational programs.

Join countless visitors and discover the beauty, charm, whimsy, and inspiration that Grounds for Sculpture holds.

Grounds for Sculpture is located at:
18 Fairgrounds Road
Hamilton, NJ 08619

www.groundsforsculpture.org

During your visit, dine in one of their restaurants:

• Rat's Restaurant

• The Peacock Café

• Van Gogh Café

• Picnic-in-the-Park

• The Gazebo

Inn at Glencairn: Certificate of Excellence Recipients!

For nearly 10 years, we have been proclaiming that the Inn at Glencairn Bed and Breakfast in Princeton, New Jersey, is the premier lodging destination in Mercer County.  Now, we can proudly say that our guests feel the same way!  We were recently awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2015.  This Award is given to the top 10% of Hotels, B&Bs and lodging providers who offer exemplary customer service to their guests.

Travelers come to TripAdvisor to plan and book their perfect trip.  The Certificate of Excellence celebrates the accommodations, attractions and eateries that make these perfect trips possible.  Now in its fifth year, the prestigious Certificate of Excellence award recognizes establishments that consistently earn great TripAdvisor reviews from travelers.  As president of TripAdvisor for Business, Marc Charron knows how important the Certificate of Excellence is: "By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive an improvement to hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition."

From everyone at the Inn at Glencairn, we thank you, our loyal customers!!