MAY ISN'T OVER YET...THERE'S TOO MUCH TO BUNDLE INTO JUST 1 MONTH!

As usual, I was rushing to get from Point A to Point B.  I'll never learn my lesson to slow down a little bit in order to finish things in a timely manner; seems counter-intuitive, but I know from experience the truth in this statement.  But when I took a little shortcut through the winding roads of Frenchtown and Kingwood, NJ, I found a totally different kind of rush hour:

 No choice but to sit back and let the large tractor in front of me drive as slow as need be in order to be safe.  I was definitely impressed by the maneuverability of the farm vehicle, scooting to the right to let oncoming cars pass by.  And yes, I was late, but I was not pulling my hair out, surprisingly.  It felt like a Zen moment, surrendering, and finally enjoying the lovely winding country roads that are so abundant in Hunterdon County, NJ.

So although I was a little late, I managed to make it for the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony in Frenchtown, NJ, where the town had the opportunity to thank the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission for funding the road work improvements in town.  We were even fortunate to have good weather to boot, which made the day's ceremony an absolute joy.

It seems as though every weekend in May has brought its own reason to celebrate.  Even this past weekend, Frenchtown was in the newspapers yet again, because a brand new and lovely bocce pavilion was built and dedicated in memory of Antonio "Tony" De Sapio.

May has truly been full of exciting activities in Frenchtown, from celebrating Mother's Day with so many friends and patrons, to kicking off the town's monthly Second Saturday event sponsored by the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association (FBPA) that runs into September and which features local shops and galleries closing later while musicians perform throughout the town from 6 - 8 p.m.  It was also the month when the entire town got together to support the book launch of Home on the Range,  by one of its most famous residents, Elizabeth Gilbert--but moreover, it was truly an honor for the town to have been included in this book launch celebration, invited to participate, in fact, by the author herself.  It was a great opportunity to showcase the lovely recipes included in her newest book that weaves stories about her great-grandmother while sharing the recipes that she created decades ago.  Throughout Frenchtown, shops took on a recipe (or more) from the book, and had these goodies as a focal point for the entire weekend, while Liz Gilbert signed copies of her book on Saturday and Sunday, at the lovely and unique shop she and her husband, José Nunes own, Two Buttons.  They arranged for special parking spots, had a limousine driving guests from those spots right into town, and everyone had a wonderful time.  At The National Hotel, we planned our entire Additions to the Menu for the weekend based on recipes from her book.  These included:

DRINK SPECIAL

FISH HOUSE PUNCH

Jamaican Rum, Cognac, Peach Brandy “So keep a watchful eye on any rich unsophisticated maiden aunt’s trips to the source of supply” 

GREENS

GARDEN GREENS & MARGARET’S VINAIGRETTE

Frenchtown’s own garden greens, fresh radish, spring onions, sliced tomatoes & cucumbers, with Margaret’s tangy tarragon vinaigrette 

POT ROAST A LA MODE SENTIMENTALE & OTHER LESS CORNY MEATS

CREAMY COUNTRY STEWED CHICKEN

Slow stewed country chicken served with corn fritter & basil buttered asparagus 

...and many other dishes exclusively available the weekend of May 18th.

Thank you, Liz Gilbert, for sharing your new book with Frenchtown, and for allowing The National Hotel to feature so many of the recipes in your book.  Our Executive Chef, Lisa Frederick, had a wonderful time reading the book, playing with the recipe choices, and ultimately crafting a menu that we feel paid homage to the spirit of Liz Gilbert's great-grandmother, Margaret Yardley Potter.




Just like this though, every weekend The National Hotel features an exclusive Additions to the Menu selection that make it a favorite of the area.  Our Executive Chef makes it a point to support local and sustainable farmers, and has also started her own garden right on our premises.  Can you say "FRESH"!!

May was also the month that we learned about a resident artist who has quietly built a following that makes him one of the most sought-after tattoo artists on the East Coast.  So much so, that filmmaker Jon Reino created a film documenting Rich Cahill's work.  Whether you like tattoos or not, the fact that Frenchtown is consistently producing such talented, creative, and influential artists is very telling.  Those of us fortunate to be around these individuals know that they are passionate about their craft, that they have true talent and even a calling to continue to produce a work product that stands out and is a snapshot of their inner soul.  What's even more telling about the type of individuals they are, is the humility with which they accept and embrace their status, always caring about their town, always demonstrating that it's about community first and their own personal glory second.

We even had the good fortune to have two of our very own Frenchtown local poets, Warren Cooper (journalist, adjunct professor...oh, and yes, Mayor of Frenchtown to boot!) and Ray Brown, participate in Bill's Figs poetry festival last weekend in Raritan Township:

"The three featured poets are Adrian ThePen Bautista of Philadelphia and Warren Cooper and Ray Brown of Frenchtown. The readings will be followed by an open mic during which other poets, Spoken Word Artists and members of the audience will read their own poems."--as seen in http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2012/05/poets_to_read_at_bills_figs_po.html

Looking ahead to June and July, these months promise to bring all of us many opportunities to reconnect and to renew our promises to stay in touch.  There's a dedication for the Lenni Lenape Wall Mural that was lovingly painted by Adrienne Crombie and Don Dalen.  Those of us who are in Frenchtown day in and day out, know how painstakingly they've worked on the details, on putting meaning to every creature they painted on that wall.  It's truly a work of art, and if you can stop by to see it, dwell a while, and think about the wolf, the turtle, the turkey--all representatives of clans.  On Saturday, June 2nd, there will be a special ceremony in the Frenchtown Park at 11 a.m. off Kingwood Avenue (at the end of Route 12 in Frenchtown), where there will be a Lenape story teller, a drumming circle hosted by the Mankind Project, and healthy snacks donated by ShopRite.  Definitely a day that promises to be full of memories to be made.

The warm weather months always invite people to stay out a little later, to prolong conversations, to take longer walks, and in our case, having the Delaware River as one of the center pieces of our town, to congregate together just having FUN!  There are so many activities to do in Frenchtown and the surrounding areas.  We try to update our website frequently to record Things to Do on our Concierge page.  Please continue to let us know if we should add another activity that you've tried or another event that we should feature.  And don't forget to check our Music pages to get the latest line-up of artists who will be at The National Hotel to entertain you, as well as to make plans to attend our Monthly Music Themed Nights--always the first Saturday of the month.  We've done the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Holiday Music, and even Country--all with our patrons coming in era-inspired outfits, music requests, and cameras in hand...what will Mike Pfeiffer think of next?

As always, please continue to email us with your feedback, leave a comment on this blog, and stay up-to-date with everything being planned, by checking our website, calling us at 908.996.3200 or: 

      

 Thank you again.

New Menu to be Launched on March 20th, Celebrating 100 Nights of Open Mic Night, and Much More!

I saw her running down the street, and said to myself, "She's going to fall..."  No sooner said than done.  And I remember those days in New York City, seeing people running and rushing.  Don't get me wrong, I love that New York City is just about an hour and a half away from Frenchtown, NJ and The National Hotel.  It's a treat knowing that we're withing driving distance of New York City,NY,  Philadelphia,PA and Princeton, NJ.  But as I saw that woman getting out of a New York City taxi, frustrated at the garbage truck blocking the street, I knew that in her panic to not be late, something awful was about to happen.  She took off running, and I could predict what would happen--what with her numerous bags, designer boots, and unsure sprint down the street dodging dogs being walked, people looking down and clicking away on their smartphones...and then it happened:  She fell.  Typical New Yorker that she was, she just dusted herself off, put her bags on her shoulders and walked on--but she didn't run any more...

This whole episode came to mind as I walked down Race Street in Frenchtown, NJ, accompanying one of our overnight guests to the Delaware River Tow Path --our beautiful 70 mile-long walking and jogging path running parallel to the Delaware River, and running the length of the covered old train tracks--when I realized how fortunate I am to be able to share this beautiful little corner of the world with The National Hotel overnight guests and friends.

Courtesy of NJ Skylands Magazine

I was struck by the difference in the pace of our walk, actually able to greet passersby, to look at the beautiful shops' windows and see what was on display, and to take in the fact that the flowers have begun to bloom ever so early this year.  It is, after all, still winter.  But moreover, the fact that no one was running, no one was rushing.  Frenchtown defines tranquility.

 

But tonight, I think Frenchtown will put on its best Irish hat and celebrate St. Patrick's Day...after all, we're all a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day.  The National Hotel is pleased to welcome the Celtic Rebels Band who will entertain our patrons starting at 9 p.m. tonight, downstairs in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. The Rat).  We have our outdoor lights all set to shine brightly in green all night, while the music puts us all into our best "Irish state of mind."

Just before sitting down to click away and write this blogpost, I walked past our front porch this afternoon and had the opportunity to chat with a few of our guests who were enjoying some dishes from of our weekend Additions to the Menu on the porch.  It's been such a delightfully warm day, that it was a treat to see others enjoying the sun and warm temperatures while also relaxing on our beautiful front porch--the perfect spot to hold an enjoyable conversation with a friend, share a slow-paced afternoon with a friend or loved one.  And to my surprise, one table of friends had seen the article in dTown Magazine that featured The National Hotel as being voted for having the Best Burger in Frenchtown.  They were so kind and complimentary in how much they also loved the way that our burgers are prepared, and especially the ingredients used, from the Ground Black Angus Sirloin, to the maple-candied applewood bacon, to the sharp cheddar cheese, and even to the type of fresh-baked bun we feature.  What a joy to know that people really do care about how much effort our kitchen staff, led by Executive Chef Lisa Frederick, puts into supporting local and sustainable farmers, while bringing to the table each and every day the very best of the best.  And just wait until next week, when we launch our NEW spring menu!  It's going to be a new savory way to enjoy dish after dish.  Go to our website starting next Tuesday, to see what we've done, and drop by The National Hotel to see this first hand beginning Tuesday, March 20th.

Speaking of the best of the best, we saw this just last week, on the 8th of March too, when it was our weekly Open Mic Night friends who showed us what The National Hotel means to them--they brought the best of the best talent in our area to our door, and helped us celebrate the 100th night of our weekly Open Mic Night program.  And what a night of fun it was.  We've uploaded quite a few videos from that night and hope you'll visit our YouTube channel to take a look at some of the stellar performances.  We had one patron, Kevin Gilson, who together with Chris O'Sullivan, treated us to his rendition of an homage to The Rathskeller Pub, thanking Alex Wolfson for bringing this program to The National Hotel, and letting us know how much this program means to our community.



The night was a wonderful way to let off some steam, to enjoy the creative energy of our local artists--some who traveled over an hour and a half to participate in that night's special program--and all of us in attendance, to share in an absolutely sizzling night, escaping the fast pace of the work week, and putting the joy back in our lives.  Frenchtown can do this.  Frenchtown offers a release of energy, an avenue for creative pursuits, while also the opportunity to find serenity and tranquility.

And that is often what so many of us crave.  How many times have our lives sailed past us where we are just "along for the ride?"  I could be wrong, but it feels as though given half the chance, many of us would choose tranquility, space, and beautiful surroundings over the fast-paced life.  Of course, work "gets in the way" of so much that we want to accomplish--or it is the means by which we will be able to accomplish our goals.  We can all aspire to at the very least, enjoy the work we do.  But when it comes to spending a day or more in Frenchtown, NJ, you'll see how many people who work there also find absolute fulfillment in their lives, while balancing their lives with the joy of what this pristine area offers.  From new preserved land for the outdoor enthusiast, to the beauty of the Delaware River--be it kayaking, canoeing, or tubing--to cycling winding country roads, to visiting the unique shops and galleries that line the small town's main downtown streets, to enjoying the day and being greeted by people walking down the street, there's something for everyone in Frenchtown.

We feel an absolute pride knowing that our guests to this little area can put their worries aside, forget the pressures that suffocate their daily lives, and help rejuvenate them during their visit, carrying over to their return trip back home.  We hope you will make the time to visit us in the near future, so you too can experience all that Frenchtown, NJ and the surrounding towns have to offer.  Call us with any questions at 908.996.3220, or email me directly.  Both Pete and I always enjoy hearing from so many of you, and having the opportunity to meet you when you have the time to stop by The National Hotel.

As always, please continue to stay up-to-date with everything being planned, by checking our website, calling us at 908.996.3200 or: 

      

 Thank you again.

FEBRUARY IS A GREAT WINTER MONTH WITH VALENTINE'S DAY, FAT TUESDAY, & MORE!

Now that 2012 is in full swing, we are inspired by some wonderful write-ups in the press, including articles in the Star-Ledger, Bucks County Herald, and the Hunterdon Democrat.  Not only are they complimentary about the town of Frenchtown, but they really covered the exquisite charm and unique “feel” of the town itself, as well as the historic quality of The National Hotel and how it is central to so much that happens in Frenchtown, NJ.

The entire area of Hunterdon County, NJ is filled with history—and we’re fortunate that Frenchtown is one of the towns that exemplifies life near the Delaware River.  I saw an article in The New York Times today that showcased an event that had the whole nation riveted in 1935, when the Lindbergh Baby Trial was the “news of the day”—and the court handling the case was in our own backyard, in Flemington, NJ.

And just like we honor these historic events, today there is a rebirth in our area of and an appreciation for old-world craftsmanship, attention to detail, and hand-made goods.  I can honestly say that Frenchtown is by far one of the most progressive towns in our area, and perhaps even in the tri-state area.  With shops that provide that sparkle of wonderment that visitors crave, galleries that allow one to peruse artwork and artisan crafts without pressure, and restaurants and cafés that offer myriad visitors and residents a chance to unwind, enjoy great food, and partake in honest discussions about current events, Frenchtown is an absolute gem.  And now there’s an even easier way to get to town, by following the new sign that was placed last month in Pittstown, to make sure travelers know where to turn and find the fastest route to Frenchtown. 

Even on a rainy day the sign stands out!

As our colorful neighbors like to say, “All roads lead to Frenchtown.”  And that’s not conceit or grandiose thoughts about the town, but rather a wishful statement that everyone should have the opportunity to visit Frenchtown at least once in their lives, because the community that resides in town, as well as the business owners that are residents and those who have become “adopted” residents of the town, are sure to make an impression.  Between the welcoming smiles, the energy that abounds, the calming sounds that the Delaware River delivers, and the majestic views of the area from preserved park land and the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, Frenchtown is well-positioned to be an area destination.

It goes without saying that Pete and I are proud that our little establishment is an integral part of a traveler’s visit to town.  With ten guest suites, each different and unique, a Restaurant & Bar on premises, as well as a community favorite, The Rathskeller (a.k.a., The Rat) where so many programs entertain and provide a respite from daily life, The National Hotel is the area “late night destination” and a culinary treat for our dining guests.  Our Executive Chef, Lisa Frederick, has created a Valentine’s Day menu that is just out of this world.  From lobster to filet mignon, and everything in between, the Valentine’s Day menu (a la carte instead of the prix fixe many restaurants feature, giving you the freedom to choose and mix as you please), is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes, especially when you pair your lunch or dinner choices on the 14^th of February with incredible wine selections, or our Valentine’s Day cocktail, the “Smooch” (Chambord Vodka, Domain De Canton Liqueur, Champagne & Lime juice). 

And of course, we’ve planned a great musical night for you tomorrow!  The Wallace Brothers will be the featured entertainment.  They're a folk country group that appeal to a wide audience, including those who enjoy bluegrass, jazz, comedy, rock, R&B, and everything in between.  Join us tomorrow from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. in The Rat, where you can cozy up to the wood-burning fireplace and listen to some wonderful music.

Photo courtesy of Minette Reading (w/Mike Pfeiffer)

February is a month chock-a-block with music.  We still can’t get over how many people turned out on Saturday, February 4^th for our monthly theme music night, when Mike Pfeiffer played 70s music late into the night—over three and a half hours straight without taking a break!!—and where several of our patrons took the “stage” with Mike, played the tambourine and sang so many of the songs we all remember.  We’re already making lots of plans for our March program, when we’ll feature a night filled with the sounds from the 80s.  Now that’s going to be a fantastic night—especially if our record of having our patrons don period clothes continues.  Do you remember the clothes and make-up of the 80s?  We do!!

But that’s not all…we have Fat Tuesday on the horizon first.  We’ll be celebrating Mardi Gras that night with Rainbow Fresh—oh yes, Rainbow Fresh!!!—one of our most requested bands every year.  And we’ll follow that with a Cajun-inspired Additions to the Menu weekend at the end of next week, because it can’t be Fat Tuesday without thinking about the Big Easy and all the fun that happens in New Orleans.  Bring your beads on Tuesday and come out to party at The National Hotel.  We’ll have a table waiting and great food and drinks to make the work day melt away, followed by Rainbow Fresh.  Now that’s something to get excited about!

As always, please continue to email me with your comments, or post a comment below.  Stay up-to-date with everything being planned, by checking our website, calling us at 908.996.3200 or: 

      

 Thank you again.

STARTING 2012 BEAUTIFULLY & PLANNING AHEAD FOR FEBRUARY 2012

I'm happy to share that we now have an easier way for you to find us on facebook!!  We've created an easy username:  www.facebook.com/thenationalhotelnj.  And voila!  That's it.  You can stay up-to-date on everything we do!!

As we near the end of the first month of the new year, Pete and I have had numerous conversations about how grateful we are to have such tremendous support from our patrons.  Last month I wrote on this blog about so much that happened in 2011, locally and around the world.  As we start 2012, I'm confident that our little establishment, The National Hotel, will continue to show our old friends and the new friends we'll make this year, that Frenchtown, NJ is a wonderful and quaint Delaware River town.  Wonderful, because it is the perfect little hidden gem, offering unique shops, many with attention to every detail and offering hand-made items.  Quaint, because you'd be hard pressed to find another small town that honors tradition, embraces change, and elevates everyone associated with it, while keeping its finger on the pulse of residents, businesses, and visitors alike.  But don't take my word for it, read about it yourself in an article that appeared in the Hunterdon Democrat earlier this month.

At The National Hotel, we have a lot planned already for 2012.  Let's start with our upcoming monthly music theme night, where on Saturday, February 4th, Mike Pfeiffer will help us get into a dy-no-mite mood filled with 70s music.  Prizes will be given all night, including one for the best 70s-inspired threads.  Special drinks will be mixed by our talented bartender, Donna Jane Sampler starting at 8 p.m. in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a., The Rat), followed by live music, 9:30 p.m. onward.

And that's just the beginning.  We have a month of February filled with special programs--some that you've asked for, and others that we just couldn't wait to bring back:

• February 14th -- VALENTINE'S DAY, featuring the Wallace Brothers Band in the Rat (7 - 11 p.m.)
• February 21st -- RAINBOW FRESH - Fat Tuesday (8 p.m. onward).
• February 23rd -- Cajun Food Weekend (in honor of Fat Tuesday, February 21st)

Our regular weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly programs are still on the calendar for 2012, including our Tuesday Bi-Weekly Trivia night, our weekly Thursday Open Mic Night, our weekly Saturday Live Music series, and our weekly Sunday Musical Afternoon series.

If you've had our burgers, you know how good they are.  Help us spread the word by voting for The National Hotel that is participating in "the Big Cheese" search for NJ's Best Burger contest.  It's been extended until the end of the month, but don't wait, please...we thank you in advance!

We're also well on our way with planning our weekly Additions to the Menu.  This weekend we have so many wonderful dishes that there's something for everyone.  From the Pheasant Stew (Beer-braised Pheasant, winter vegetables in a stew with a butter pastry dough), to our Grilled Steak & Crab Fritters (10 oz. Skirt Steak grilled to your liking with 2 crab fritters over a sweet potato hash), to Panner & Lotus Root Fritters (Paneer Cheese, crunchy lotus root with Indian spices over a creamy cashew saffron sauce), to so much more.  Keep checking every Thursday night to see the weekend Additions to the Menu.

We've received some wonderful compliments from our hotel guests (as well as our frequent--and even our new--Restaurant and Bar dining guests).  One recent review  from a New York resident who stayed with us was so candid and filled with high praise, that I wanted to share it with you:

"I took my husband here for his birthday and we had a great time. We took the Loft suite and I told the General Manager Marlon the room looked better in person than on the website. What I love about our room [is that] we had a separate entrance so it seems more personal...We ate in the dining area and the bar and the food was delicious. If you need a place to stay where the area is quiet this is the place." 

Pete and I have thoroughly enjoyed our wonderful new friends that we've made at The National Hotel, as well as the old friendships we've been fortunate enough to reinforce, in great part because of the easy and elegant--yet inviting--atmosphere at The National Hotel (not to mention the casual atmosphere of The Rat with our woodburning fireplace to keep the winter blues outside & the fun inside).  Having these friends join us at The National Hotel lends itself to enjoy in-depth conversations, feeling free to share opinions, dreams, aspirations, and even the challenges being faced at any particular time.  It's a wonderful little Delaware River town, filled with some of the most creative people we've had the pleasure to meet, and The National Hotel itself is a wonderful old historic establishment that welcomes all who step through its doors.  Our patrons are incredibly supportive and wonderfully active in our music and arts programs.

But as 2012 establishes its pace in all our lives, I feel compelled to once again share how absolutely wonderfully blessed we are to have such wonderful and talented people working at The National Hotel.  Each one brings his or her own flair to add to the chemistry of the establishment, and it is thanks to each and every one of them, from the wait staff to our kitchen staff, to our talented executive chef, Lisa Frederick, and to our wonderful "unofficial mayor" of Frenchtown, our very own general manager, Marlon Aranha, that we are able to bring to the table the fabulous dishes, serve delectable cocktails and wine and liquor choices, as well as provide exceptional service on the hotel side, with guest suites that have our overnight guests leaving beautiful hand-written notes to us as to the fantastic service, and restful night's sleep.  I truly walk into this historic building each and every time feeling like I'm home.  I know Pete echoes this sentiment, and with the hours he keeps there, it really is his home away from home.  Thank you for all you've done to help us get to this point.  Here's to an even better 2012!

Please continue to email me with your comments, or post a comment below.  Stay up-to-date with everything being planned, by checking our website, calling us at 908.996.3200 or:

      

 Thank you again.

SECOND SATURDAYS & SO MUCH MORE IS HAPPENING IN FRENCHTOWN, NJ

What a wonderful town!  We just celebrated Bastille Day, and our little corner of the world was JUMPING!  Local residents and tourists alike meandered through the town, shopped, strolled, enjoyed the outdoor music and entertainers, as well as shared conversations and enjoyed some wonderful food and drinks offered at some of the Frenchtown establishments.

For us, at The National Hotel, it was a day to have our "peacock feathers" fully on display, proud to have the opportunity to share our love affair with this historic building and the warmth our patrons bring to all the guests who set foot for the first time in this building.  And it was wonderful to have new visitors to Frenchtown experience the fantastic culinary choices our executive chef, Lisa Frederick, has created.  From our wonderful classic dishes, such as Black Angus Strip Steak and The National Burger, to our more exotic and ethnic-inspired dishes, such as the Chicken Seekh Wrap (with Indian paratha bread) and Black Bean & Shrimp Empanadas (with lime-poached shrimp), our patrons continue to come back to The National Hotel because of the quality and the care that the kitchen staff puts into every plate--not to mention the creativity they express by incorporating international ingredients into the dishes on the menu, adding a twist to traditional fare, while introducing new favorites to our area clientele.

Sea food stew with clams, mussels, shrimp, lobster, and chunks of sea bass all stewed to perfection with tomato, white wine and fennel with grilled bread
Photo courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt

Chicken and Raita salad. Chicken seekh kabab (with Indian spices) over a mixed salad with a Indian yogurt dressing
Photo courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt

Homemade pizza with fresh mozzarella, asiago cheese, roasted garlic and fresh spring onions
Photo courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt

House made ravioli, filled with bacon, sweet peas and goat cheese, topped with three U-10 scallops, seared in bacon jus
Photo courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt

And those who visit Frenchtown, NJ this summer are treated to additional activities from the Frenchtown Business Association's (FBPA) Second Saturdays--a huge success and so much fun!!  Musicians entertain visitors and residents alike, performing throughout the town, outdoors.

You'll find more videos of Rainbow Fresh and other artists who have performed at The National Hotel on our youtube channel.  This flows so smoothly from The National Hotel's own arts and music programming:

• Bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia night, 8 - 9:30 p.m.--ON TONIGHT...Thank you Russ Coen & Marlon Aranha!!
• Bi-weekly Wednesday Scrabble night (brand new!!), 7 - 9 p.m.
• Weekly Thursday Open Mic Night, 9 p.m. - closing
• Weekly Saturday Night Live Music night, 9 - 11 p.m.
• Weekly Sunday Musical Afternoon series, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Monthly People's Poetry on the 3rd Sunday of the month (poetry open mic), 2 - 4 p.m.

There's something happening almost every night of the week--and every single program was started by one of our patrons.  They plan it, they initiate it, and they organize and execute the plan.  Just take a look at our brand new bi-weekly WEDNESDAY SCRABBLE NIGHT program, 7 - 9 p.m. that kicked off last Wednesday and will be on again on August 3rd--organized, sponsored, and launched by Frenchtown's own Paddle Creek--immediately following our Wednesday Ladies' Night with 1/2 off drinks (5 - 7 p.m. every week).  Only one word comes to mind:  blessed.  Yes, Pete and I are blessed.  The success of The National Hotel is owed to our patrons, and the help of our friends, family, and not least, our talented and wonderful staff.  If you've stopped by to have a drink and have had a chance to chat with Kasey Goyette, our lead bartender, or Donna Jane Sampler, our Rathskeller libation maven, you know exactly what I mean!

August will surely be another great month.  Frenchtown, NJ is just an absolutely delightful place to spend an afternoon, an evening, or for a few days.  You'll find friendly people, welcoming merchants, scenic vistas, and lots of activities to suit you, whether you're looking to relax or to have an active stay enjoying the outdoors.  Please feel free to contact our knowledgeable staff with any questions, at 908.996.3200, and do continue to email us your comments and feedback...they are truly helpful...or just leave a comment on this page.  Stay up-to-date with everything being planned, by:

INDEPENDENCE DAY & MORE

Just a few more days before we celebrate our nation's birthday!  All around Frenchtown there will be Independence Day actitivies--and we are lucky to have one of the country's most famous historic sites just a short drive down Route 29 from Frenchtown itself:  Washington Crossing State Park!!! 

"On December 25, 1776, the icy waters of the Delaware River provided the setting for one of the pivotal events of the American Revolution. The Continental Army had little to celebrate that Christmas and seemed beat by hunger and cold. After crossing the rough winter river at night, General George Washington and the Continental Army landed at Johnson’s Ferry, at the site now known as Washington Crossing State Park. At 4 am, they began their march to Trenton where they defeated the Hessian troops in an unexpected attack."

Happy July Fourth!  Happy Independence Day!

I hope you'll be able to visit our quaint little corner of the world over the weekend or make plans to come another weekend during the summer.  Frenchtown, NJ has so much to offer our visitors, from adventure sports such as cycling (the Cycle Corner) and kayaking (Paddle Creek), to relaxing activities from one of the area's best-known spas, Euphoria Studio, to family activities such as bicycling down the D&R Canal Path that runs parallel to the Delaware River and has beautiful and scenic vistas of Bucks County, PA, or renting a tube from Delaware River Tubing and float down the river for a few hours surrounded by nature, or how about some good old-fashioned family fun of going to the local roller skating rink, the Frenchtown Roller Rink!  We have included much of this information and activities on the NJ side as well as the PA side of the Delaware River listed on our website.  Just click on the Concierge tab for more listings of things to do.  But we are also fortunate to have publications such as Skylands Magazine (online and print) providing information on new events and activities that are taking place in our area.  They just did an incredibly nice write-up on The National Hotel in their print and online publication:

Lisa Frederick and Zack Rovner

It was a wonderful treat to have this publication focus on our establishment.  They always have a lot of information about area activities, and are very supportive of local businesses and events.  On our end, we also try to be supportive of our local shops, vendors, and community events.  Being part of the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association (FBPA) definitely helps all of us know what we're planning, how we can support each other, and moreover, how we can provide a wonderful experience for out-of-towners who make the time to visit Frenchtown, while always maintaining high standards of service and products available to our local residents.  On a micro level, The National Hotel also makes a point to support local sustainable farmers, and we are very lucky to reside in an area of the nation that allows us to turn these fresh ingredients into flavorful and delightful dishes.  Having Lisa Frederick leading this area of the business has brought us many accolades from our dining guests, and she continues to push herself and the kitchen staff to always exceed expectations.

And then there's the Second Saturdays planned (thanks again to our FBPA) with live outdoor music filling the streets of Frenchtown throughout the summer months, as well as Frenchtown's own 13th Annual Bastille Day Fete, July 16th, noon to 6 p.m., featuring street performers, clowns, a puppet show, live music, and more.  Mark your calendars for this special day!

What an extraordinary month July is going to be.  If you're planning to make a day trip, there's plenty to do in Frenchtown and in the surrounding scenic areas, on the NJ side, and the PA side.  If you're making plans to stay a little longer, then feel free to contact our General Manager, Marlon Aranha, who will help you make your stay memorable and customized to your needs.  Ask him about our Summer Celebration special, where you'll receive a special discount to be used in the Restaurant during your weekend stay.  But there are other special packages too, that you'll find on our Hotel page of our website.  Just scroll down to find one that will enhance your stay in Frenchtown, or speak with Marlon and he'll create a special program for you.

And after our 2nd annual National Palooza II, we feel completely energized to continue to provide community programming that is fun for everyone, whether you are a local resident or coming to our little town from far away.  From our weekly Thursday Open Mic Night, to our Saturday Night Live Music series, to our Sunday Musical Afternoons, to our bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia, and our monthly 3rd Sunday People's Poetry (poetry open mic), we have activities the whole family (or just the adults) will enjoy.  And we've just added a bi-weekly Wednesday Scrabble Night to our menu of activities, so there's now another night of easy and relaxing fun to enjoy in Frenchtown.  We wrote about much of this on our last e-newsletter.  Did you catch our very own bartender EXTRAORDINAIRE, Donna Jane Sampler, doing a fire-breathing act?  OMG!!!  Fantastic!  And then she went right back downstairs to our wonderful cellar pub, The Rathskeller (a.k.a. The Rat), and continued to chat up clients and get to know newcomers to our town.  Donna is a fantastic bartender, always caring, always attentive, and always making everyone feel welcome.  I see her, and I feel the need to hug her!  She's just one of my absolute faves.

Lisa Frederick, left & Kasey Goyette, right

But I'm just echoing what our patrons tell us time and again.  And they compliment Donna just as they compliment the other members of The National Hotel family.  You know I've written about Lisa before (and today--because she absolutely deserves praise in so many ways--from choosing a fabulous menu, to how she interacts with her staff and everyone who enters The National Hotel--just gracious, welcoming, always warm!!), and about Kasey Goyette too...but I just wanted to share just a few extra kudos for Kasey just now...SHE IS A FANTASTIC WOMAN!!!  She not only served up some fabulous libations during The National Palooza II, as she always does every night of the week she works, but she also helped in so many ways--went out of her way, in fact, during our June 4th event--that she deserves a medal.  And of course, we are grateful to our wonderful friend, Kristine Marinelli and Jodi McGill, for volunteering and stepping in to be our fun cheeleaders, all-around guest welcomers, and "fun girls."  Thank you!!! 

Kristine Marinelli & Lisa Frederick

And if you want a few glimpses at what happened, visit our youtube channel for some of the webclips, such as:



As we approach the day that honors the birth of this great country, Pete and I feel its significance more than ever this year.  Yes, it's a time when families get together, picnic blankets hit the ground, and people light up their grills to have some summer fun.  Yes, it's a time when people get in their cars and take a little vacation taking advantage of the three-day weekend.  Yes, it's a time when many towns put on their Fourth of July "best" and some even feature fireworks, parades, or concerts.  But for us, having delved deep into the history of The National Hotel, studied the area's revolutionary past that predates even the creation of Frenchtown, NJ itself, it is a date that grants us the opportunity to remember the conviction and determination of those who came before us and took a stand to create a nation that would give new life to so many generations that followed, and invite people from all over the world to set roots in this wonderful land.  We honor this country's birthday, a unique place in the world, where one can truly become a citizen of the nation, equal in every way to his/her fellow citizens.  We are blessed to be here, to be citizens, to be a part of this great nation, contributing to its growth--even in our own miniscule way--but creating our own legacy for our daughters just the same.

I invite you to leave a comment here (or as you seem to prefer, to email me directly at marie@thenationalhotelnj.com), visit our facebook fan page, follow us on twitter, visit our youtube page, or continue to read our blog.  Thank you for your patronage, and here's to a fantastic summer ahead for all of us!!!