On the cusp of July 4th, I look out the window of our lobby and take it all in: The passersby; the vintage cars that take their time to savor every moment of being on Race Street in Frenchtown, NJ; the visitors carrying shopping bags from our local and unique stores; the families walking with strollers and children being held by their hands. It's so serene, so beautiful, that it reminds me of the very significance of our great nation's Independence Day and all that we have at our fingertips today having built upon that foundation.
I think about the decisive battle on Christmas, fought just a little bit south of where we are, and imagine George Washington crossing the Delaware River--the same river that brings locals and tourists great joy and an escape from "life." When I walk on the Delware and Raritan Canal Trail (or simply the "Towpath" too) that was designed so beautifully to run parallel to this gift of nature, I love seeing the cyclists who ride their bicycles past me, the kayakers enjoying the river, and the families who trek to this little corner of our world, to have a family fun day tubing on the Delaware River. Of course, given the weather yesterday and today, the river was devoid of this activity, with the major tubing company on our side of the river, Delaware River Tubing, always putting people's safety ahead of profits and closing during these bad weather days.
As the storm unleashed it's rapid fury late this afternoon, I looked out the window and was in awe of the majesty of the storm, the calm that followed, and the rapid pace of the night afterwards in our Restaurant and Bar, when guests started arriving quickly, all trying to find a respite from the deluge.
As the evening winds down on our main floor and activity increases in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. the Rat), I steal a moment to write this. It is during these "quiet" moments, that often allow me to think, to reflect, and to be thankful. I am especially grateful for our staff, who are so genuine, so dedicated, and so conscientious. I watch them talking with our patrons, serving them, and doing all they can to make their day a little better than before they entered The National Hotel. It makes such a difference knowing that they have internalized our vision for this historic establishment. Again, thankful. Simply and honestly, grateful.
To all of you, Pete and I wish you a wonderful July 4th. Those of you who braved the rain storm and came, we hope you enjoyed the Brinley Shipwreck Rum Tasting event with Zack Brinley this evening. And, if you're still here enjoying our Pre-Independence Day celebration featuring a live music performance by Midtown Direct, thank you for your continued patronage.
Thank you again. Here's to a wonderful July 4th!!!
I think about the decisive battle on Christmas, fought just a little bit south of where we are, and imagine George Washington crossing the Delaware River--the same river that brings locals and tourists great joy and an escape from "life." When I walk on the Delware and Raritan Canal Trail (or simply the "Towpath" too) that was designed so beautifully to run parallel to this gift of nature, I love seeing the cyclists who ride their bicycles past me, the kayakers enjoying the river, and the families who trek to this little corner of our world, to have a family fun day tubing on the Delaware River. Of course, given the weather yesterday and today, the river was devoid of this activity, with the major tubing company on our side of the river, Delaware River Tubing, always putting people's safety ahead of profits and closing during these bad weather days. As the storm unleashed it's rapid fury late this afternoon, I looked out the window and was in awe of the majesty of the storm, the calm that followed, and the rapid pace of the night afterwards in our Restaurant and Bar, when guests started arriving quickly, all trying to find a respite from the deluge.
As the evening winds down on our main floor and activity increases in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. the Rat), I steal a moment to write this. It is during these "quiet" moments, that often allow me to think, to reflect, and to be thankful. I am especially grateful for our staff, who are so genuine, so dedicated, and so conscientious. I watch them talking with our patrons, serving them, and doing all they can to make their day a little better than before they entered The National Hotel. It makes such a difference knowing that they have internalized our vision for this historic establishment. Again, thankful. Simply and honestly, grateful.
Pete and I hope to see you in Frenchtown and at The National Hotel in the near future. 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. We have a lot coming up this month, from this Saturday's live music featuring Mike Pfeiffer, to live music with Arnie Baird on Sunday, and much more. Stay up-to-date with all of the activities and programs we have planned for this special season:
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