Inn at Glencairn: What Sets us Apart from our Hotel Friends?

Bucolic Setting!

Since we are the only Bed & Breakfast in the Princeton area, we do not have to constantly compare ourselves to other Bed & Breakfasts. So we often compare ourselves to nearby hotels. When we first opened, we thought we could never compete based on location with the in-town places, but after hearing our guests comments and reading countless reviews, we have grown to realize that our setting provides something that an in-town location cannot: peace and quiet. Driving onto the property and viewing the barns and outbuildings immediately takes you back to another time - a welcome respite after a day of touring or hours of endless meetings.

Eggs Glencairn: Our version of Eggs Benedict

Being the only B&B in the area also gives us an opportunity to truly showcase how we are different. Have you seen the breakfasts that Lydia dreams up daily? If not, check out some of the pictures HERE! I would challenge you to find something comparable anywhere in town. Homemade granola AND homemade yogurt? Farm fresh produce and microgreens? Three choices daily to please just about any palate and appetite? Plus, we cater to any and all dietary restrictions!

You know something else you will not see in town? FREE PARKING!!! Chances are you have a car, and chances are you might not want to deal with a valet or endless loops around a parking garage. I LOVE Princeton, but have you seen some of these parking garages? Um, barely enough room to shimmy in and out without a scratch! Plus, overnight parking expenses can add up easily - even just for one night!

Our Great Room dates back to the early 1700s!

And, of course, we have history! Lots and lots of history. Our Inn dates back to the early 1700s. We have oodles of history. Our Great Room has a huge fireplace that you can literally walk into. This is the stuff you see in historical sites and museums - but when you stay at the Inn you are literally surrounded by it as long as you like. This is not a Disney-fied reproduction, this is the real deal and you can explore all the corners and quirky aspects of it.

Finally, we offer comfort and personalized service. We only have five rooms. Lydia is an expert when it comes to reading guests. Want to chat, she will chat. Want to wander around ALONE, she will leave you ALONE! Want to sit alone at breakfast, we can make that happen. Have allergies or sensitivities? We will cater to your requirements. Our rooms, beds, and bathrooms have all received rave reviews from our guests. We want you to be comfortable and we will go out of our way to make that happen. Call ahead if you have truly quirky needs and we will work with you!

So, go ahead and compare us to the hotels around. We offer things that no other property can. Book for visit now and see what thousands of our happy guests are talking about!

Outdoor Pursuits in Central New Jersey

If you’re looking for a safe place to visit while awaiting your vaccine, celebrating having been vaccinated (our innkeeper, Lydia, is fully immune now), or just needing a different set of four walls, consider a stay at the Inn at Glencairn. We have nearly three acres of beauty to explore including our 200-year-old barn, stone stables, and old smokehouse. Take your complimentary wine out to the barn to enjoy intimate conversation at sunset or get your coffee in the morning, do some yoga or meditate while listening to the birds chirp. It’s finally Spring so it’s time to GET OUT!

If you’re into bicycling or hiking, consider any of these wonderful locations (bring your own or rent in Princeton):

Duke Farms

D&R Canal bike path

At Duke Farms, you’ll find over one thousand acres of land to explore native species, sustainability efforts, and the area’s natural beauty. Walk, bike, or take a class to learn more about conservation efforts and how you can fight climate change. Eat at the farm-sourced, award-winning café or support local farmers at the seasonal farm market. (At the time of this writing, Saturday visitors need to reserve a free entry pass per car. Register online for the pass.)

D&R Canal Trail (Lydia’s favorite)

Enjoy the nearly 80 miles of flat trail that follow the D&R Canal. This is a quiet ride that takes you through beautiful meadows, quaint towns with wonderful coffee shops and cafes, and offers incredible views. The trail starts in New Brunswick and ends in Frenchtown, but you can get on and off in any of about 30 spots along the trail. Consider the four mile ride into Princeton for lunch or dinner so you can work off Lydia’s deliciously filling breakfast.

Lawrenceville Hopewell Trail

There is a nearly-finished 22-mile ride in and around Lawrenceville and Hopewell if you like a more challenging, not-always-flat-and-a-bit-urban ride around those two delightful towns. Stopping off for coffee, tea, or an amazing pastry in Lawrenceville or perhaps lunch in Hopewell should be on your list. Accessing the trail can be done a short one mile ride from the Inn’s driveway (Please use caution on Lawrenceville Road.)

TrailLink System

We are surrounded by dozens of excellent hiking and biking trails through the Rails-To-Trails system. One of Lydia’s current favorites is the Columbia Trail which starts at High Bridge (an easy one hour drive) and rides for about 15 miles. You pass charming towns, a Clydesdale horse farm, coffee shops, and quiet beauty through Central NJ.

Mercer Meadows

This little gem is only a short five minute drive from our parking lot and will keep you walking or biking for miles. It’s an old pole farm and a favorite with bird watchers and naturalists.

Lawrenceville Village Park

For a quick, close walk in a beautiful little town park, head into Lawrenceville and turn on Gordon. In about two miles you’ll drive right into this little charmer. The park actually connects up to Mercer Meadows if you haven’t had enough exercise. Bikes and hikes welcome, or take a book and enjoy reading in the sun.

Institute Woods

If you want to do some forest bathing, try the Institute Woods. A short drive into Princeton, Institute Woods is a beautiful, quiet place to walk, contemplate, and enjoy being alive. The paths are not paved so it’s best for walking, and you will likely encounter all kinds of happy wildlife.

Mercer County Park

This large park has a paved 3.5 mile (one way) bike ride that is pure delight; it has curves, straight shots, and a few rolling hills. Over the lake you can see any of the four pairs of nesting Bald Eagle couples fishing and feeding their chicks, which are hatching now. Juveniles can be seen flying, too. Bring your binoculars and a snack. Mercer Park has lots to offer besides bikes and walking paths. There is an amazing exercise station, new since the pandemic to help people get out while gyms have been closed.

Walking in the Footsteps of History

History abounds in Princeton since this is where the Revolutionary War took a turn toward our side. Princeton is home to several signers of the Declaration of Independence, a place for Washington and his troops during the battle of Princeton, field headquarters for Washington during the War, a five month meeting place for Congress, the final resting place for Aaron Burr, Jr (famous for killing Hamilton), and more.

Princeton University

Walking the campus of Princeton University is not to be missed. The beauty of the Gothic architecture is something to behold. You will need your camera handy to capture and enjoy the beauty of the buildings, archways, and gardens.

Need more reasons to visit Princeton? Let’s talk about the Culinary Presence: Dozens of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are serving up top notch food that have locals and tourists returning time and again. We have indoor and outdoor dining for your comfort. We have artisan pizza, steaks, chops, generations old bread baking, farm-to-table, and James Beard winning chefs at work. French, Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese, and American, among others.