4th ANNIVERSARY AND HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION IN 1 WEEKEND!!

We had family from Chile who visited us last week, and I had the great pleasure of welcoming them to Frenchtown, NJ.  It was such a treat to be able to show them my little hidden gem of a town--from the natural beauty of the Delaware River, walking paths, and scenic country routes, to the splendor of the town's businesses all ablaze with fall colors and decorations.  I was inspired by the shops' variety of merchandise, but moreover, by the shop owners themselves.  The owners of each unique gallery, shop, and boutique, invited us into their space with warmth and genuine interest in learning about my family.  "Where did they come from?"  "How long will they be in town?"  "Is this their first visit to Frenchtown?"  "Have they already been here or there?"

There truly aren't too many places where one can be made to feel so special by complete strangers.  These inquiries were genuine and their interest in making sure that my relatives enjoy their visit, was authentic.  This was an unplanned acknowledgement of everything I had shared with my family all these years about Frenchtown and the joy it brought us after Pete and I took ownership of The National Hotel and became part of the community.

This coming Sunday, November 3rd, will mark FOUR years since we opened our doors in 2009.  With no advertising, just word of mouth, we quietly opened this grand old building and our first guest wandered into The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. The Rat).  With a look of true happiness, he had a drink and exclaimed, "Running across the street to vote.  I'll be back."  And when he came back, others had joined him...and others...and others...Today, we still enjoy the patronage of that very first guest, and so many of you.  Thank you for making the last four years an absolute adventure, that allowed Pete and me to build a new life among you.

Halloween 2012

I'm particularly pleased with the way the calendar worked out this year.  Our annual Halloween party landed on Saturday, November 2nd.  That means, we'll be celebrating our fourth anniversary that night right after midnight--costumes and all! Having booked Rainbow Fresh for the Halloween party, we are all sure to be in a festive mood all night, and I cannot wait to see what our patrons will wear this year!  Remember, prizes will be given out for best costumes (individual and couples).  Come early for a great time hosted by our bartender extraordinaire, Donna Jane Sampler.
Last year, she had a terrific mix of music that everyone enjoyed leading up to the live music performance by Rainbow Fresh.  Guests ordered micro brews and beers on tap, as well as other drinks.  I wonder what specialty shots Donna will create this year?

We'll need to keep up the good spirits on Sunday, because we'll be enjoying the first Additions to the Menu selections since launching our new Fall Menu last week.  Thank you to all of you who have already left us feedback on our facebook page or told us in person how much you enjoyed your dining experience.  We're so glad that you liked the new choices, like the Arugula & Pancetta Salad and the Lamb Shank.

Arugula Salad (Arugula, Pancetta Crisps, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Strawberry Honey Vinaigrette) 

16 oz. Lamb Shank (Slow-Roasted with Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic and Mediterranean Spices, Couscous with Currants and Dates) 

We also heard you loud and clear, and made sure to keep the favorites untouched (e.g., The National Burger, Fish and Chips, Spicy Tuna with Lotus Chips, and more).  You'll have a chance to try these dishes all week, and/or choose something from our Additions to the Menu all weekend.

There's a lot planned for November, so do check our music pages frequently for our calendar of musicians and special events.  We'll keep this tradition of music at The National Hotel going throughout the upcoming months, with our weekly Thursday Open Mic Night, our Saturday Night Live Music series, our Sunday Musical Afternoons, our Bi-Weekly Tuesday Trivia (next installment:  November 5th), and some special Wednesday events coming up next month and into the new year.

It's a privilege to be able to write this blog and know that the commitment we made four years ago, is part of the fabric of The National Hotel, with music and special events making it a community center of sorts, an inter-generational meeting spot, with something for everyone.  I just love that!

Please do email me with any feedback or questions, or leave a comment on this blog.  You can also reach us at 908.996.3200, or fill out our guest inquiry page on our website.  Stay up-to-date with all of the activities and programs we have planned for the fall:

      

Thank you.

THE AIR IS CRISP, THE SUN IS BRIGHT, AND THERE'S NO BETTER TIME TO VISIT FRENCHTOWN

Fall in Hunterdon County, NJ is an absolute joy!  From the hot air balloons that fly overhead and add blazing colors to the skyline, to the beautiful colors that nature provides us wherever we look  And, as we get ready to welcome in the month of October, Frenchtown itself has numerous activities that are sure to please everyone, regardless of age.  

  

Every Saturday and Sunday in October, (5-6, 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27), Frenchtown will feature numerous activities and in-store offers throughout the town, sponsored by the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association (FBPA).  The town will be decorated thanks in part to the very children of the town, who are working with their local school to create some of the beautiful displays.

There's nothing better than making plans to visit a special part of our area, and having the sights and activities surpass one's expectations.  That's what we continue to hear from our Restaurant and Bar guests, as well as our overnight guests, who take the time to share their recent experiences at The National Hotel.  I had the pleasure of reading this review recently posted on TripAdvisor ("A Delaware River Landmark") about The National Hotel, written by a Frenchtown resident, and it struck me that the warmth with which it is written is exactly what our Frenchtown neighbors share day in and day out, be it with other residents of the area, as well as with people visiting this lovely hamlet.  

We learn of the many beautiful activities that they have been able to experience--from renting a bicycle from the Cycle Corner and riding down the beautifully maintained tow path that runs parallel to the Delaware River, to seeing a polo match right across the river in Tinicum Park, PA.  It's literally a 5-minute drive from The National Hotel, and it's an exhilarating experience to be able to drive in and "tailgate" a polo match!  Or, you can also arrange seasonal spots under the white tents near the announcer by contacting them directly.  Their last match of the season is this coming weekend, the 5th of October, and they will have a British Car Show to boot!

That same night, The National Hotel will again host Mike Pfeiffer, as he turns its cellar pub, The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. The Rat), into a standing-room only music venue, starting at 9:30 p.m.  Each month, on the first Saturday of the month, Mike surprises our patrons with a new selection of the type of music that gets your feet moving and your cares disappear.  The Rat fills up earlier, because our star bartender, Donna Jane Sampler, gets everyone in the right mood with special drinks, beers on tap, her own mix of music, and great conversation.  It's one of our favorite nights of the month!

And there's a lot more music planned for October (and into November) in The Rat:

• October 12th - David Turner
• October 19th - Ray McGeehan
• October 26th - Mike for The Good/Frost Project
• November 2nd - annual HALLOWEEN @THE RAT, featuring RAINBOW FRESH THE BAND

We also have music every Sunday afternoon in our main Restaurant and Bar:

• October 6th - Scott and Paige
• October 13th - John Sonntag
• October 20th - Dennis Mascarone
• October 27th - Arnie Baird

Don't forget about our Bi-Weekly Tuesday Trivia too.  This terrific and engaging evening of fun was created by Frenchtown resident, Russ Coen, and with Marlon Aranha's cooperation, continues to be a night that draws new people as well as old friends.  It's "on" this week, Tuesday, October 1st, 8 - 10 p.m.

Best of all, you can count on an exceptional time whenever you visit Frenchtown.  The people are friendly, the shops and galleries are exquisite and unique, and there are so many activities that will fulfill everyone's desires for a special time away from the daily grind.  There are river activities, there's hiking (and thanks to the Hunterdon Land Trust, 313-acre Horseshoe Bend Park is a quick drive from The National Hotel, and offers some of the best trails and vistas of the area), there are nature trails, there are yoga studios, pilates studios, high-end spas...it's an amazing compilation of things to do, from the micro to the macro, all in this little hidden gem of a town.  We've partnered with a few of the businesses that provide some of these services, so that our overnight guests can receive special discounts for yoga sessions at Yoga Loka, pilates classes at HardCore Pilates, and even spa treatments at Euphoria Studio.  Our concierge is always ready to make arrangements for services in our rooms, or at the studios themselves.

There'll be more to share next month, but as a "sneak peak," I'll mention that we will launch our new Fall menu later in October, where we will continue to support local and sustainable farmers--we're incredibly excited about this next menu and we hope you'll agree once you try some the new items there that take advantage of the seasonal produce of the area.  We'll also feature a new wine selection for our National Wine Club members...and, mark your calendars for November 2nd, for The National Hotel's annual HALLOWEEN PARTY in The Rat!!

Pete and I are always talking about the beauty of the area, and moreover, the beauty of the people.  How can we say thank you enough, to those who come from far-away for an overnight stay to this area, as well as to those from our very own town that continue to support our historic establishment.  We are just incredibly grateful to you for all your continued support!

 

Please do email me with any feedback or questions, or leave a comment on this blog.  You can also reach us at 908.996.3200, or fill out our guest inquiry page on our website.  Stay up-to-date with all of the activities and programs we have planned for the summer:

      

LABOR DAY WEEKEND TODAY AND YEARS PAST

Leaving the rushed streets of the surrounding cities for the tranquil scenes of Hunterdon County, NJ.  I am thoroughly looking forward to this long weekend!

 

It's not the end of summer yet, but somehow it just feels like it.  Labor Day weekend is always bittersweet, because it's usually the last "free" weekend of the season, when many people travel, visit loved ones, spend more time outdoors, and for many parents and students, it signifies the beginning of the school year.

One thing I can always count on to buoy my spirits, is Frenchtown's annual Riverfest.  Each year, it seems to get more and more organized, have greater outreach, and even more live outdoor music throughout the town.  It's an all-day festival with fun for the whole family.  If you're coming to town, please stop by Frenchtown's weekly Sunday Farmer's Market.  This is a terrific way to support local farmers and purveyors, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  A key element of The National Hotel's vision is to support local and sustainable farmers--you can taste these locally sourced ingredients in all our dishes, especially our weekend Additions to the Menu that take advantage of the area's bountiful supply of farm-fresh items.

With The National Hotel open for nearly four years, I remember Labor Day weekend of 2009, when Pete and I, along with our General Manager, Marlon Aranha, were working at a feverish pace to make the renovations and repairs that would allow us to share this Frenchtown historic anchor business with the community.  I remember the people who walked by our front porch as we painted, weeded, planted, etc.--many stopping, genuinely excited about the prospects; many sharing their own personal stories about when they first set foot in the building; and many outside visitors strolling through the town taking it all in.

One particular memory I have is talking to one such visitor to our little town, Rich Connolly, and catching my breath from the work at hand, we struck up a conversation.  He had been friends with Claiborne Cary, former owner of The National Hotel in the 1970s, and sister of actress Cloris Leachman.  He shared stories about the days when Claiborne owned the hotel, about the Cabaret Nights she held coming down the stairs in a long evening dress and performing alongside her friends, Valerie Harper, Mary Tyler Moore, and Merv Griffin.  He posted these pictures of his friend, Claiborne, on our facebook page after Claiborne passed away in 2010.  His tribute to her time at The National Hotel was incredibly moving, and I cannot thank him enough for sharing his precious memories with us:

"THIS IS AN INVITE THAT I GOT FROM CLAIBORNE CARY WHEN I WAS 18 YRS OLD TO COME AND VISIT AT THE NATIONAL HOTEL IN FRENCHTOWN (OH AND BY THE WAY, YOU COULD DRINK AT 18 BACK THEN). SHE ALWAYS OPENED HER SHOW BY SAYING..." AND NOW LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, LIVE FROM THE NATIONAL HOTEL IN FRENCHTOWN, NJ, ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SUNOCO STATION, AND 4 MILES DOWNRIVER FROM UPPER BLACK EDDY, WOULD YOU PLEASE WELCOME".....WHOEVER HER GUEST OR GUESTS MIGHT BE....CLASSIC CLAIBORNE CARY....SHE WAS A BALL OF FIRE!!!"

Music filled the building during those years.  I promised him that our goal was to continue this tradition of music and support of the arts at The National Hotel, albeit hardly at that former scale.  And these many years later, I am so glad that our commitment continues with the support, encouragement, and initiative of our Frenchtown and area neighbors.  This Saturday night, we'll feature the return of a favorite duo,
Dennis Mascarpone and Sue Hladik, part of our weekly Saturday Night Live Music series in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a., The Rat).

Dennis and Sue

Dennis, Sue, Pete, and I were invited a couple of years ago to WDVR's Friday Bleeker Street Cafe session hosted by Chris Poh and Ed Petersen, and it was such a treat to watch them perform in the studio--and it continues to be a treat every time they perform at The National Hotel.  Our schedule of music (from weekly Thursday Open Mic Night--started by Frenchtown's own Alex Wolfson, to weekly Sunday Musical Afternoons, and special Wednesday Hump Day Music) are always posted on our website.  Tuesday Trivia Night continues to have a solid following by patrons from both sides of the Delaware River--and it's truly a special night, hosted and organized completely by one of Frenchtown's favorite residents, Russ Coen, and our General Manager, Marlon Aranha.

I feel like I've come full circle this weekend, remembering all the wonderful people who helped us along the way, who continue to be a part of our lives.  From friends volunteering to help us paint, help us clean, help us change the building from years of neglect to what it is now, I continue to be amazed at the absolute love and devotion that the community has for this historic establishment.  Come on out this weekend and enjoy this lovely part of our country.  There's a lot to do, if that's what you choose, but this area is also fantastic for just enjoying nature, the outdoors, the scenic vistas of the river, and taking in "life."

Pete and I continue to be grateful and in awe of everything our area neighbors continue to give to us, from their patronage to their words of encouragement and support.  Having the pleasure of growing our circle of friends to include the many out-of-town visitors who come spend a day near the Delaware River, or who make their visit an overnight stay in Frenchtown, is an added bonus to our involvement with The National Hotel.  Thank you again.

Please continue to email me with any feedback or questions, or leave a comment on this blog.  You can also reach us at 908.996.3200, or fill out our guest inquiry page on our website.  Stay up-to-date with all of the activities and programs we have planned for the summer:

      

SUMMER FUN IN FRENCHTOWN NJ

July is knocking at our door.  These end-of-spring and start-of-summer weeks always seem to move faster and faster as the years pass.  Between the re-awakening of some seasonal programs, outdoor community events, school graduations, etc., the days become a blur.  Yet, with this annual transformation, I also see just how much our lives are intertwined with those of our neighbors in Frenchtown.  I see first-hand how this community, filled with caring residents and devoted business people, come together to create opportune experiences for residents and visitors alike.  Take for example, the newly established weekly Sunday Farmer's Market, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. that sets up in the parking lot of Kathee's General Store.  Local vendors and micro-farmers proudly display the product of their hard work, share stories of how they continue to farm in ways that are good for the environment--and even better for the consumer--educating those who stop by and encouraging support for local farmers and businesses.  

 

At The National Hotel, we are committed to supporting local and sustainable farmers, and have even planted our own herb garden on our property, that allows us to use the freshest ingredients, as we need them, on the spot, clearly enhancing the dining experience of our Restaurant guests.

Visitors to our little town continue to return to Frenchtown, be it for the unique shopping experience, or just to take in the natural beauty of this area--and they linger.  Isn't that a beautiful word?  Linger.  To me it produces images of strolling down lovely streets, stopping to admire the wares of vendors, talk to the local artists that inspire everyone around them, or to walk leisurely down the Delaware River Tow Path (a.k.a. the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park), taking in the beauty of the Delaware River that runs parallel to the path.  Have you given yourself the "gift of time" to take in the natural beauty of this area?

Pete and I still enjoy going for walks down the path with our daughters and our dogs--almost the identical walk that brought us to The National Hotel and led us to receiving its keys on July 31st, four years ago.

It has all happened so fast, there's always so much going on in Frenchtown and at The National Hotel, that the honest truth is that four years have flown by.  From our various weekly programs, to our special events, together with Frenchtown's own chock-a-block calendar of events, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to contribute a little bit of "us" to the great legacy of The National Hotel.  Some of our upcoming highlights include:

• Sunday, June 30th:  Frenchtown's Farmer's Market, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Kathee's General Store parking lot area)
• Sunday, June 30th:  Tiffany Blues (and Tea on the Rocks) book signing and meet-the-author event, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. with special gifts for the first 25 guests, and tea and cookies served (The National Hotel)
• Sunday, June 30th:  Tiffany Blues book signing continues at Frenchtown's Book Garden, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
• Sunday, June 30th:  Sunday Musical Afternoon series featuring David Turner, 5 - 7 p.m. (The National Hotel Restaurant & Bar)
• Wednesday, July 3rd:  Annual Pre-Independence Day Celebration with live music, featuring Rainbow Fresh, starting at 9 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)
• Saturday, July 6th:  Monthly Music Themed Night, featuring live music by Mike Pfeiffer, 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)
• Sunday, July 7th:  Sunday Musical Afternoon series featuring John Sonntag, 5 - 7 p.m. (The National Hotel Restaurant & Bar)
• Tuesday, July 9th:  Bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia night, 8 - 10 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)
• Thursday, July 11th:  Weekly Thursday Open Mic Night, starting at 9 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)
• Saturday, July 13th:  Frenchtown's 15th annual Bastille Day, featuring special in-store events, outdoor activities, and live music throughout the town, starting at 12 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13th:  Frenchtown's monthly Second Saturdays featuring live outdoor music throughout the town, 4 - 8 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13th:  Weekly Saturday Night Live Music series, featuring Gary Reed, 9 - 11 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)

We're especially excited about our annual Pre-Independence Day Celebration, featuring the return of Rainbow Fresh to The National Hotel, for a night of live music that never disappoints, starting at 9 p.m. on July 3rd.  Last year's celebration helped us bring in July 4th together, with a party that just didn't want to stop:

This will be a good follow-up to last night's Tinicum Park fireworks after the annual Concert Under the Stars to benefit the Riverside Syphonia, that brought out residents from both sides of the Delaware River, with some of the best vantage points right on the Frenchtown-Uhlerstown Bridge.  What a sight!

Maybe these are some of the reasons that we received such a wonderful review by ICON magazine.  Robert Gordon's Restaurant Review about the very unique menu we have crafted with international touches that reflect Pete's Indian and Portuguese heritage, and my own Chilean and Spanish background, was just wonderful.  He absolutely captured the essence of our vision for our Restaurant.

The accolades keep coming...to add to this great review, we have just received TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, a prestigious award that is presented only to select establishments, based on travelers' reviews!  This award communicates to visitors and to us, truth be told, that The National Hotel's level of service and hospitality is ranked among the highest in our industry.  We cannot thank our guests enough for all they continue to do to help us receive this coveted award.

Louder than any certificate, though--and in no way to diminish this truly fantastic honor--is the feedback we receive from our Restaurant & Bar patrons, and from our overnight guests.  Having them continue to return when they visit Frenchtown is humbling.  Moreover, it is just the encouragement we need to continue to push ahead, to make improvements, to reassess procedures, and to hire the very best talent in the area.  After all, our establishment thrives today, because of the dedicated staff on board, and because of our devoted patrons.  Here are just 2 pages from our guest book that speak volumes through the pen and paper:

For this and for so much more, Pete and I are incredibly grateful.  Thank you again!

Please continue to email me with any feedback or questions, or leave a comment on this blog.  You can also reach us at 908.996.3200, or fill out our guest inquiry page on our website.  Stay up-to-date with all of the activities and programs we have planned for the summer:

      

MY THOUGHTS AFTER THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING...

I had a whole other stream of thought for this month’s blogpost—and then last week's horrible events unfolded. Like many who saw the news reports, I was brought to tears by the senseless loss of life, unimaginable suffering that so many will now face, and the absolutely devastating aftereffects to innocent bystanders that have yet to be determined. Pete and I lived through 9/11 when we called New York City home, and our thoughts and prayers were and continue to be, with the city of Boston, those who lost their lives, and those who sustained injuries and whose lives are forever changed. 

 

Image courtesy of www.10News.com

Just like during 9/11, so many first responders risked everything and ran towards the blast. And in addition to them, there were also volunteers and bystanders who put themselves at risk and did the same, helping the wounded, helping in whatever way they could. And then a few days ago, I listened. I stopped what I was doing and actually listened, as the interfaith service in Boston offered words of comfort to everyone present, and the overarching theme that no act of terrorism will deter the city of Boston from standing up and rebuilding with renewed vigor, a community united and strong.

 

Well, this weekend, we saw the end of a long 24 hours of law enforcement activity, culminating in the death of “Suspect #1” and the capture of “Suspect #2.”  There are so many questions buzzing everywhere, with the “Why?” being the most common one.  It’s just incredible.

 

It’s harder still to look out from the lobby of The National Hotel, in peaceful, idyllic Frenchtown, NJ, and imagine the horrifying events that took place this last week in Boston.  On Sunday, as I stood outside of the main Restaurant & Bar, gazing at the beautiful cars that were driving past, the lovely, sunny day that had come our way, I realized that in the end, this is the day we needed; a day of normalcy, a day to run errands, to take the kids to the park or to visit friends, a day to let our guard down and take in the beauty that surrounds us.  We are truly lucky to live in this little hidden gem of a town, that’s just an hour and a half from New York City or Philadelphia.  This is the escape that I used to long for when I lived elsewhere, and now that I live in this area, it’s still the “escape” that helps me put things into perspective.

 

And it’s not that Frenchtown is such a sleepy town; by no means.  There’s a lot happening in town every single week this spring.  For example, "Les Pluies d'Avril," or "April Showers" in Frenchtown, is designed to help local residents and visitors alike celebrate spring through numerous festivities.  For example:

• Every weekend:  A Community Garden of Frenchtown booth will be set up on Race Street with Spring Flowers available, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Donations will be accepted for the flowers to benefit the Garden.  
• Wednesday, April 23rd:  In honor of World Book Night, the Book Garden will be giving away books at different locations.
• Wednesday, April 23rd:  Ladies Night at The National Hotel with 1/2 priced drinks, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Thursday, April 24th:  A local area favorite of musicians and artists, now in its 3rd year, Open Mic Night at The National Hotel, 9 p.m. - closing.
• Saturday, April 27th:  Poetry comes to Frenchtown in honor of National Poetry Month, with poetry readings throughout the town in different shops and restaurants.
• Saturday, April 27th:  David Turner entertains The National Hotel's Rathskeller Pub patrons, 9 - 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 27th & Sunday, April 28th:  Enter to win a one-of-a-kind hand-painted Blue Fish Bag.
• Sunday, April 28th:  Chris Bauer performs at The National Hotel's Restaurant & Bar, 5 - 7 p.m.
• And much more at other shops in town, including, Designs for Tranquility, Paddle Creek Frenchtown, and Yellow Dog Pet Supply.

Perhaps this is the respite that we needed—at least, that I needed—to clear my mind and to enjoy the day.  Sunday's performance by Dennis Mascarone, at The National Hotel was a real treat.  And we got such great feedback from our guests, not just about the music, but also about our new spring menu.  Our guests have even shared on our facebook page, how thrilled they are about the different ingredients and succulent flavors our executive chef, Lisa Frederick, has woven into it.  For example:

• Ahi Tuna Sliders (Corriander Crusted Grilled Ahi Tuna, Mint-Marinated Cucumber, Spicy Pepperade, Mint Aïoli, Fresh-Baked Slider Rolls)
• Lamb Kofta Sliders (3 Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Sliders, Pickled Red Onions & Preserved Aïoli, Fresh-Baked Slider Rolls)
• Lentil Burger - Vegetarian (Ground Lentil Patty, Traditional Indian Dahl Spices & Cilantro Coconut Chutney)
• The ‘Raw’ Wrap - Vegan (Ground Walnuts, Fresh Vegetables in a Bib lettuce Wrap, Avocado, Red Onions, Cucumber, Tomato, Lemon Sumac Vinaigrette)
• Wild Boar Chops (10 oz. Pan-Roasted Wild Boar with a Cherry & Chili Gastrique, Smoked Onion Mashed Potatoes, Choice of Vegetable)
• Cardamom & Coriander Fish (Market-Fresh Fish Crusted with Cardamom & Coriander over Ginger-Coconut Broth, Kaffir Lime & Summer Squash, topped with Grilled Scallions)
• And much more--check it out online, or just come by and have a taste for yourself!

Equally exciting are the activities that recently took place, including the celebration of the 150^th Open Mic Night, a terrific fundraising night by the Frenchtown Lions Club (that helps the community in our very own area), as well as other events and programs.  Every week there is something to do in Frenchtown and the surrounding Hunterdon County and Bucks County areas—and every week, there’s something fun planned at TheNational Hotel.

 

Ringing Rocks Park

From hiking in the recently preserved Horseshoe Bend Park right outside of Frenchtown, to enjoying other natural attractions across the Delaware River (e.g., Ringing Rocks Park), to simply taking a leisurely walk down the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park (or towpath running parallel to the Delaware River), Frenchtown is central to a host of ideas and activities that will help any visitor unwind and relax—or invigorate and recharge “the batteries.” 

Photo Courtesy of www.frenchtownboro.com 

Stay tuned for more ways to enjoy spring, because there's a lot that the community is planning, including the start of Frenchtown's Second Saturdays in May, filled with music.  And beginning in June, Frenchtown will launch a weekly Farmer's Market at the 4 Kingwood Avenue parking lot.

Photo Courtesy of Bob Mulcahy

Pete and I continue to be in awe of the area’s natural beauty; we don’t tire of it.  And that’s nothing in comparison to the lovely people of Frenchtown, who go out of their way to be helpful and welcoming.  It is these individuals that make the town what it is.  Some, are still working to help those devastated by the aftereffects of Superstorm Sandy, oh so many months ago.  I loved reading the article about local Frenchtown resident, Bob Mulcahy, and seeing the webclip as to how he and his fishing buddies are continuing to help those in need.  

We hope that you will continue to visit this little corner of the world and make a point to stop by The NationalHotel to join us for dinner, drinks, special events, become a member of our monthly National Wine Club, sign up for our e-newsletter, and/or even prolong your visit to Frenchtown by making it an overnight or multi-night stay with us.  For information, please continue to leave comments here, email me, visit our website, call us at 908.996.3200, or:

      

 

Thank you for your continued support and patronage.