CLASSIC BIKES, BLUEGRASS, AND MOTHER'S DAY...SOMEHOW, THEY ALL GO TOGETHER SO WELL!

OK. Breakfast set-up, hot scones, croissants, muffins and biscuits, coffee, tea, juice...check...double checked...finished. Overnight guests are coming downstairs to our private breakfast area to enjoy some yummy treats.

Now, gotta run and move to the next big thing this weekend. I'm just about getting ready to leave The National Hotel to go set up a stand down the road where we'll be participating in today's Classic Bikes and Bluegrass Festival that Art of the Bike has brought to Frenchtown today. It's going to be an exciting day, even though, as I look at our huge windows, I can see that it is overcast and has started to rain. Need to check the weather report...again...

I'm back! Looks like it's a quick moving storm, so it should be out of our area (I hope!!) by noon. Even if it still drizzles a little, it's not going to dampen our spirits, what with the beautiful classic bikes that are going to be gracing our little Delaware River community. And music! Let's not forget about the music. There'll be musicians throughout the town, lifting everyone's spirits, and putting us all in the right frame of mind.

The National Hotel will have some musicians playing from our porch, welcoming all new and old visitors, neighbors, and tourists alike to Frenchtown. Situated at the crossroads of County Rt. 513, Rt. 29, and the terminus of Rt. 12, The National Hotel is often the first "main" building they see entering (or leaving) the town.

And then there's tomorrow, of course! Mother's Day. What a great way to celebrate, thank, and honor this important person in your life. I am of course biased, owning The National Hotel with my husband, Pete, and I am happy that so many people have already chosen to make reservations for lunch and dinner tomorrow. But the beauty about Frenchtown, is its diversity, the fine shops, galleries, and eateries that you'll find around town.

Definitely make a point of coming out today...hey, it's already brighter outside. I think the sun is trying to make a comeback. Do come out and spend a glorious afternoon with us in Frenchtown. Take a stroll down Race Street, around "the bend" and visit all the great vendors on this street and on Bridge Street. And don't forget to go down the other side streets; you've got Harrison Street and Trenton Avenue (also called Rt. 29) too, where you'll find shops such as Beasley's Bookbindery and Two Buttons. Great places to visit. Great time to take it slow, enjoy and immerse yourself in the beauty of Frenchtown.

And always feel free to email me at marie@thenationalhotelnj.com with your comments, or just post it here. Hope to see you around town!

MAY IS GOING TO BE AMAZING!!! KENTUCKY DERBY, FRENCHTOWN FIRST FRIDAYS, CLASSIC BIKES AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

I don't know why I'm so excited that tomorrow is the day this nation celebrates one of its most famous equine events, the Kentucky Derby. Maybe it's because Pete and I have been avid fans for years. Maybe it's because we have friends who religiously watch this event with excitement and with intention. Or maybe it's because it's just such a glorious celebration.

If you don't already know, in addition to owning The National Hotel, Pete and I own Freedom Farm in Hunterdon County, NJ, an equestrian facility that caters to the demanding equestrian, hosting Olympians, Grand Prix riders, and international equestrian celebrities. So there's the connection to the equestrian industry. But truly, our passion for this event pre-dates Freedom Farm.

It's just such a joyful and exciting event. The beautiful hats...the wonderful bios and interviews before the race... the mint juleps...what's not to love?!

So tomorrow we celebrate The Kentucky Derby. Any idea who will win? Any thoughts as to which horse might make it a Triple Crown after so many years? I'm definitely going to be watching, but in between going to an Outsider Art Gallery opening on May 1st and 2nd, in Frenchtown, as well as an art reception hosted at Room, also in Frenchtown. We have such a vibrant town!

Frenchtown is full of artists--and the more I scratch just the surface, the more I discover even more depth to this community. I just adore every moment I spend in this town. Have you visited the town yet? Don't miss this weekend--between the art show openings, our Sunday Music in the Afternoon series, featuring Teri Rambo, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at our upstairs Restaurant and Bar. She wowed the audience last time she performed and this Sunday will be no different for sure.

But wait...come back on the Friday, May 7th, and be a part of Frenchtown's first ever First Fridays, where every shop will be open a little later, put on their "Sunday best" and showcase the town's unique artistic flair for all to see. Why not stay through the weekend? On the 8th, you'll have the pleasure of being a part of a 2-day Classic Bikes and Bluegrass Festival featuring live music too. There will be music out in the street--throughout the town--and be able to see beautiful classic motorcycles.

It's going to be a great spring. I can just feel it. Can't you? Do you have suggestions as to what we could do make your visit better? Let us know: marie@thenationalhotelnj.com. I love getting your emails and your comments. Don't stop!