VALENTINE'S DAY EXTENDED TO THE PRE-VALENTINE'S WEEKEND!!

Before I could even acknowledge the New Year, I see March already ready to run away with the end of February. The pages on our calendars turn much too fast these days. I suppose the older I get the more I will find myself trying to hold onto just a few more minutes from the present. Living in the present, securely embracing the moment--each moment--is my goal for 2017. There are so many wonderful neighbors that Pete and I have had the privilege of getting to know in Frenchtown; so many new faces that have already become frequent guests this month; so many things for which to be grateful.

It's in this spirit that Pete and I are pleased to announce our 4th annual Valentine's Day Contest, with three (3) great prizes to be awarded:

1. one overnight stay at The National Hotel for two;
2. dinner for two in The National Hotel's Restaurant and Bar;
3. dessert and after-dinner drinks for two in The National Hotel's Restaurant and Bar.

So what do YOU have to do? Simple. Send us a 250-word minimum/400-word maximum essay about the most meaningfully romantic moment of your relationship, and why you think your particular story is relevant to Frenchtown, NJ or any of the surrounding Hunterdon County, NJ or Bucks County, PA areas. Deadline for submission is Monday, February 13th, and winners will be announced on February 14th on our facebook page.

Historic photo of original backyard of
The National Hotel, provided by a
descendant of the Apgar family.

There is so much history and natural beauty in our little corner of the world, with the Delaware River providing countless poems and art renderings, to the sheer romance of establishments such as The National Hotel, that has provided comfort to so many throughout its long history. And to us, Valentine's Day provides us with the opportunity to showcase the exquisite labor of love by our executive chef, Geoffrey Thomas. Our Valentine's Day menu that is available all weekend starting tonight, is a testament to his passion:

Of course, between the live music this weekend featuring Jimmy Garabo on Saturday (9-11pm) and Gary Reed on Sunday (5-7pm), you just can't go wrong with making Frenchtown your Valentine's Day/Valentine's Weekend destination!

Don't forget to make your reservations NOW so you can properly plan that special person in your life. Better yet, contact us via email or at 908.996.3200 and make it a getaway or a staycation, with our Valentine's Day exclusive overnight packages. You will not be disappointed. Our knowledgeable General Manager, Marlon Aranha, will take care of every detail. With enough lead time, he could even schedule an appointment for massage sessions at Euphoria Studio, designed exclusively for our overnight guests, just a short stroll from The National Hotel.

Our programs don't stop there, because we will have a post-Valentine's Day special Karaoke celebration on the 15th of February. FUN, all in caps!! Remember to join us for our weekly Thursday Open Mic Night in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. The Rat), and every other Tuesday, catch our Bi-Weekly Trivia, but not February 21st, because we will be closed for our annual building re-fresh. This is when we close our doors for one week and do all the work that needs to happen to continue our high standards to better serve you when we reopen on February 28th. 

Frenchtown provides so many choices, all unique, all sure to be memories you will long treasure. We hope to welcome you to The National Hotel in the very near future. And if you agree with us and have a little bit of time, please take a minute to vote for us in this year's Hunterdon Happenings List--just vote one time per email address in any (or all) of the categories listed below--and THANK YOU in advance for your help in sharing how much you care about The National Hotel:

• Best Hotel
• Best Specialty Cocktails
• Best French Fries
• Best Happy Hour
• Best Kept Secret

Please continue to send me your comments via email or on this blog. I look forward to seeing you soon at The National Hotel. Thank you for your continued patronage.

        

2nd Annual Valentine's Day Essay Contest

It's such a difficult thing to have to choose just 3 winners from all of the submissions we received at The National Hotel this year, and yet, we made a commitment to our participants and we are sticking with it.  So tonight, we announce that we have our top 3 writers who have shared stories from the heart.  They are meaningful, they are truthful, and they help de-commercialize this annual celebration of love and family.

Our winners are Skye, Ann, and Lauren.  We cannot thank them enough, and all our other participants, for taking the time to put pen to paper and share their stories.  Pete and I don't need to write another word on this month's blog, because their words say it all:

• Skye (Frenchtown, NJ):  

"My mom married at 18 in the middle of World War II. They rushed, before my dad who joined the Army Air Corps before Pearl Harbor, was shipped out again. After the wedding, my dad had to take a troop train to Florida and snuck my mom on board. Two weeks later he was overseas and didn't see my mom again until she was 20. He always joked he heard the first year of marriage was the hardest so he thought he'd stay away.

"Five years ago last November, my parents were moving to Frenchtown ahead of the movers so they became the second guests at the D’Costa’s newly renovated National Hotel. Almost exactly three years later, they drove to a routine appointment in Flemington. They sat down side by side in the outer waiting room and he, as usual, dropped his head and fell asleep. My mom watched the clock and nudged him when it was time. There was no response. She rushed into the cardiologist’s office and they all came running, working on him for an hour, but he never woke up. He was 94. My mom was 87. That day was the first in 68 years that she was alone.

"A year and a half later, at lunch at Homestead General Store, Bucks County, PA, we spotted a very tall man wearing an Air Force Veteran baseball cap across the room. My mom bumped into him at the lottery machine and asked about his cap. Soon the conversation got to their both being widowed. A few days later they got together and I don't think there’s been a day since that they haven't been.

"John, a former bomber pilot and 35-year airline pilot, is two years younger than my mom who delights in calling herself a cougar. They hold hands, she rides in his pickup, he calls her last thing at night and first thing in the morning, and when it snows, he stays over.

"Their most meaningful romantic moment is a daily occurrence because they don’t take any for granted. Even more special is the joy they bring to everyone else, the smiles as “the lovebirds” walk through town. The fact an almost ninety-year-old woman and eighty eight year old man can serendipitously find each other is the very symbol of love – and that it’s never too late to find it."

• Ann (Bucks County, PA):

"This year George and I will be sharing our 22nd Valentine’s Day together.  Sometimes I think it is a miracle we met at all.  He lived in Pennsylvania and I lived in NJ.   We met in March 1993 thanks to a winter storm with a foot of snow that forced the rescheduling of many St. Patrick’s Day Parties including the one we both ended up attending the following weekend.  The delay of the festivities meant that I was now free to drive across the Delaware River and attend the party I would have missed.  That night I met the kind, handsome man I would someday marry.  I’m still amazed that this wonderful person I admired from the other side of the room chose me.   

"Our first date was a disaster.   Open mic night at John and Peter’s in New Hope where a friend of his hogged the conversation.  George was never going to call again but when he dropped me off I, accidently and unknowingly (I swear), left my wallet in his car.  He HAD to call me the next day and we decided to try again.  Despite me leaving on two long trips and moving back in with my parents, we made it out on a real dinner date where I impressed him by not only eating my own dinner but some of his as well.  Surprisingly, he asked me out again. 

"We were engaged in December 1994.  His family lived in Pennsylvania and mine in NJ so we had to find an in-between place to first have our parents meet and eventually to be married.    We treated our parents to dinner in Lambertville at a place which was probably the fanciest restaurant I had ever been in.   Ever since then, I love to go walk along the Delaware and stop for drinks and dessert.  We were married at St. John’s in Lambertville with a reception at Peddler’s Village.   Now, 20 years later, we live in Bucks County.  This past Mother’s Day my husband and kids told me they would do anything I wanted.  My choice was Frenchtown and we spent a beautiful spring day walking around the shops.  Even though there were six of us, it was memorable and romantic.   Choosing to spending time with someone you love is romantic even if you are not alone and when you have four kids you never seem to be alone."

• Lauren (Phillipsburg, NJ):

"My name is Lauren , this is just one of those moments that made me realize how lucky and in love I am with my husband.  Back in 2009, last week of September my husband and I had an argument over god knows what. His way of fixing it, a delivery of flowers my way was a card, a greeting card.  About a week later, I found out I was pregnant so I was so excited and couldn't figure out how to tell him. Our thing has always been cards, greeting cards for everything. I found the perfect card, it stated how he didn't have to be nervous I knew he would be a great father even if he couldn't get the crib together on his first try. He would have Nine months to figure it out. Well I had to run out and FORGOT the card on the kitchen table, he got home and saw it was for him. Assuming he was in trouble for something else he hesitated to open it, but did. Unfortunately I was not there to see his reaction. When I returned he was just standing in the kitchen so excited smile ear to ear and then he tried to ask me a question but just started to cry and held up the card. Eventually got the word "really" out. I nodded yes."

To all of our contestants, THANK YOU!! You made this day truly special for all of us.  Pete and I hope that you will continue to participate in this annual contest, and continue to enjoy our beautiful little corner of the world.  There just isn't anywhere else we'd rather be.  

I'd like to close with a simple reminder about our annual "cleansing," when we close The National Hotel for a week (Monday, February 16 - Monday, February 23, reopening on Tuesday the 24th), in order to necessary maintenance work that will sustain this historic establishment for the rest of the year.  We hope that you understand, and that you will return on 24th and thereafter to continue to make memories in Frenchtown.  

Please continue to send us your comments via email or on this blog.  Happy Valentine's Day weekend!!

          

MAKING PLANS FOR A GREAT VALENTINE'S DAY

The New Year arrived with new convictions and an invigorated spirit. This year marks the 165th anniversary since The National Hotel broke ground and transformed itself from a 'Rooms for Rent' small inn, the Sign of the Dove (built by blacksmith Samuel Powers), to the beautiful edifice that still makes Frenchtown proud.  165 YEARS!  Now that's a celebration woth having!!  Check back monthly to see what we have in store for you to commemorate this special day.

2015 brings new updates too, like our newly revamped homepage based on feedback from friends like you.  It's a "work-in-progress," b/c we're updating the photos and improving the interactivity.  It's pretty neat to be able to upload new content and new special offers right onto the homepage, so we look forward to announcing when it's fully operational.  We're also excited to do some maintenance and sprucing up of The National Hotel the week of February 16th.  Although that means we'll be closed on February 16th for the week and reopen on Monday the 23rd, it is our annual commitment to the very community we serve.  It provides us with the opportunity to refurbish, paint, and do the necessary touch-ups that sustain us for the entire year.

This "cleansing" of The National Hotel's heart and soul will follow on the heels of our annual Valentine's Day celebration, from a special menu to a Lovers' Essay contest.  Just like last year, the contest is open to Hunterdon and Bucks County area residents with the #1 prize being a complimentary overnight stay at The National Hotel.  The rules are very simple:

• Submit your story--at least 250 words, no more than 400 words via email
• Story/essay must be about you and your loved one, sharing your most romantic moment as it relates to Frenchtown, or any of the surrounding Hunterdon County, NJ or Buck's County, PA areas

Three prizes will be awarded: 

1. One overnight stay at The National Hotel for two
2. Dinner for two in The National Hotel’s Restaurant and Bar
3. Dessert and after-dinner drinks for two in The National Hotel’s Restaurant and Bar

Last year's entries had such beautiful stories, we wish we could have featured all of them.  So, if you weren't a finalist, or simply forgot to submit your essay, please send it in now.  Check our facebook page for more information and for the announcement of the winning essay.  Best of luck to all of you who might participate!

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13th.

Don't forget to plan your Valentine's Day with us, and make your reservation early.  We're finishing up our special Valentine's Day menu with you in mind--check back this week on our webpage.  Stay up to date by liking us on facebook, regarding Valentine's Day and also our upcoming music programming (and other special weekly events), so you don't miss anything.  Here's just a glimpse:

• Monday weekly Happy Hour, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Wednesday weekly Happy Hour, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday weekly Karaoke Night, 8 p.m. - midnight
• Thursday weekly Open Mic Night, 9 p.m. - closing
• Weekly Saturday Night Live Music Series, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.--The Good-Frost Project performs 1/31/15
• Weekly Sunday Musical Afternoon Series, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Join us every week for these special programs. There's just never a dull night at The National Hotel!

I can say this with complete confidence, because many of these programs are in place because of friends like YOU, friends who have taken the time and interest to work on the programs, create the content, and implement their vision.  Pete and I are so grateful to all of you for your support.  We hope that 2015 is already off to a great start for you, and we look forward to chatting more with you in person, via email, or through the comments you leave on this blog.  Here's to a great year together!!

          

COULD IT GET ANY COLDER?

January always signifies a fresh start to me--even with these sub-zero wind chill temps.  I'm looking forward to listening to Rob Lanter's music this afternoon, to help me take the chill off the day and reconcile so much that's happened!  Each new year is an opportunity to assess goals and plans.  Interestingly, reflecting back is also a part of the process, and one thing that sticks with me is the topic of a meeting I attended last year while wearing my other hat as a fundraiser in the not-for-profit world, where we discussed the concept of "Joy" in the workplace.  Even though, I confess, I was somewhat skeptical, it made me think of my work at The National Hotel.  There isn't a moment when I'm working here that I don't experience a sense of pride, a sense of fulfillment, and the absolute joy of having the privilege of being able to work to bring this historic establishment well into the 21st century, while preserving the legacy of the original family who built it and proudly operated it back in the mid-1800s.

Joyful.  Yes, that's definitely the correct way to describe how Pete and I feel.  Joyful, when we have the opportunity to share our passion with our patrons and friends.  Joyful, when we are able to source items from local and sustainable farmers for our menu, allowing us to contribute to our local economy in a meaningful way, while providing our Restaurant patrons with the freshest ingredients, especially as we planned and worked on our Valentine's Day menu.  Here's my plug:  Reserve your table NOW!

Joyful, when our guests recount stories about The National Hotel from years gone by--this oral history is an invaluable part of The National Hotel's history.  Joyful, when our overnight guests write notes in our guest book that describe why they enjoyed their stay, whether it be the food, the hospitality, or the weekly entertainment--and often, how they can't wait to plan their next trip to Frenchtown, NJ and The National Hotel.  Just plain joyful!

Photo courtesy of Borough
of Frenchtown website

And why not?  There are so many things to do in our area, so many possibilities of how to add a true quality of life factor to one's experience in Frenchtown, that it is no wonder that guest after guest conveys their desire to return.  As a quick example, how about the free ice-skating "rink" that just opened in town, thanks to the Frenchtown Fire Department and the town government.  Last night's opening night was a huge success, a real old-fashioned small-town moment that brought young and old out, even with the cold temperatures, to enjoy a slice of Americana, with a bonfire to boot!  Truly, Frenchtown is a unique hidden gem, filled with artists, one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, activities to please the soul, body, and mind, from relaxation workshops, to a high-end spa right in town, to fitness studios offering yoga, pilates, and more--all with the personal touch and attention to detail that can only be possible by having the proprietors deeply involved in their establishments and in the community.

And speaking of community, let's take a moment to acknowledge the work the Frenchtown police department did during the storms:  They delivered prescription medications to those who couldn't drive in the inclement weather, especially the elderly Frenchtown residents and those whose health prevented them from leaving their homes.  There are so many wonderful people in town, helping each other, being "neighborly" to neighbors and visitors alike.  We are lucky, really fortunate to enjoy the benefits of being a part of this small town.

A small town, in fact, nestled in an absolutely beautiful and pristine area.  Let's not forget just how beautiful a simple walk on the Delaware Towpath can be--parallel to the Delaware River, peaceful, lovely--especially with the sun setting west of the river.  And now, with all the snow (even with the shoveling that goes along with it), the area can aptly claim its name of a "winter wonderland."  Those of us who have the privilege of calling this area our home, are blessed indeed, as are those of you who are fortunate enough to have discovered Frenchtown and the surrounding areas, with each season bringing a new dynamic and a different experience to your visit.

Pete and I hope that 2014 has started for you in a remarkable way, full of promise and renewal.  We 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.  Stay up-to-date with all of the activities and programs we have planned for this special season:

      

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.