Ten Properties in 20 Days

It is always fun to be on the other side of the hospitality equation. We recently had an opportunity to sample ten different properties during a 20 day road trip throughout the Eastern and Southeastern US. By design, we stayed at a mix of five star properties and smaller boutique inns.

My favorite part of planning a trip is agonizing over the lodging, and then driving up to the property and seeing where your hours of research landed - either a fantastic find or a big miss. Sometimes the most gorgeous luxury properties are the most disappointing once you walk through the door and are greeted by a pretentious staff member. Sometimes the properties with less impressive curb appeal have the most helpful front desk staff that you can overlook a few little snags in the carpet, literally. 

These are the top takeaways from our travels:

1. Hospitality matters. From the front desk to the housekeeping staff to the manager, everyone matters and when someone is unhappy with their job, it is apparent. A smile and friendly greeting go a long way toward making a guest comfortable and valued. 

2. Basics are important. A clean room, a modern bathroom, a comfortable bed and nice linens are the bedrock of any positive overnight stay. Top notch amenities are nice touch, but if you do not have the basics down, it does not make the difference. 

3. Knowledgeable staff is key. Asking for directions, wanting to know the best place for tacos, looking for a local flea market- the staff should know these things and not shrug their shoulders and say they are new to the area. Inexcusable! 

4. Breakfast is a wildcard. A lot of properties are now serving complementary breakfast, and in my opinion, many should not. I would rather pay extra for a delicious homemade breakfast than settle for some boxed eggs and stale bagels. Also, I am a sucker for a full on, no holds barred, first class breakfast buffet- think silver chafing dishes and an omelet station. 

5. Tipping should not be expected. This may be an unpopular opinion, but tipping is out of hand. Hopefully the staff is paid a living wage and is not reliant on tips for income. When on vacation, I do not want to constantly have to worry about carrying cash to hand out in case someone helps me lift a suitcase or brings me an extra coffee pod or calls me a shuttle. 

6. Ask questions before you arrive. If you want a quiet room, ask for it. If you want a room that has a fan, ask for it. If you want twenty pillows on your bed, ask for it. Once these requests are in your reservation, the front desk can adequately plan for your visit and has time to accommodate your requests. Also, it is a good idea to follow up on requests a couple days before your arrival to ensure a smooth check in. 

We love sampling different properties: It gives us a chance to come back to the Inn and recognize what we get right and what we could improve upon. It also gave us a chance to appreciate and recognize our amazing staff, who always put on a smile each day and provide our guests with top notch service!

Central New Jersey DOES Exist!

Recently, we found ourselves sitting in a meeting of local businesses with the goal of highlighting agritourism in Central New Jersey.  We walked away even more in love with this special region we call home.  Years back, when we were city dwellers, we would make day trips to Central New Jersey along with other more popular areas upstate.  Time and again, we returned to this area and eventually put down roots here.  During the past 20 years, we have seen remarkable changes: The restaurant scene has exploded, thanks to the farm-to-table movement, the art scene has grown, and yet, the countryside remains largely untouched and the charming towns retain their small town appeal. (Spoiler: This is not the New Jersey of malls and exits.)

When we first opened the Inn at Glencairn, our guests were coming to the Princeton area for a reason.  They were visiting schools, traveling for business, or simply coming to see relatives.  Our favorite review came from someone who said, “if you can make my mother happy, you are a miracle!”  We clearly filled a need for people looking to avoid the cookie cutter hotels dotting the major highways, but most our guests were just passing through.

Now, we are starting to see more and more guests who are visiting the area as a destination.  Finally, people are beginning to see what we fell in love with 20 years ago.  Central New Jersey does exist and it has a lot to offer.  Guests can easily spend several days visiting the local farms, romantic vineyards, craft breweries and distilleries, and fascinating historic sites. The Garden State is alive and well in Central New Jersey!

Did you know:

• Central New Jersey is where the War of American Independence was saved, thanks to George Washington’s daring decision in 1776 to cross the Delaware River to win battles at Trenton and Princeton.

• Central New Jersey provided the nation’s first Capitol building, as the Continental Congress met at Nassau Hall, now the most famous ivy-draped building on the campus of Princeton University.

• Central New Jersey was the first “breadbasket” of America’s greatest city, New York, producing corn and wheat, tomatoes, and other crops critical to feeding the “Big Apple.”

• Central New Jersey is home to the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, one of the most stunning historic and recreation assets you’ll find anywhere—though we’ve sort of kept it a secret. The canal was once vital to bringing the bounty of the Garden State to New York. Today, it is a highly accessible recreation area for New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia.

These are just a few reasons to come for a visit.  The bit above is “borrowed” from the Discover Central New Jersey website.  Take a moment to visit their website and start to plan your next retreat from the city.  Be sure to make the Inn at Glencairn your home base as you explore the area.  You cannot get more authentic than staying in an 18th century farmhouse that was overtaken by Hessians during the Revolutionary War.  And, while we cannot say for certain that George Washington ever stepped foot on the property, we are pretty sure he marched past on his way to Princeton!

Weekend Escape to Princeton Region

“Lazy and good-looking and aristocratic, you know, like a spring day” is how F. Scott Fitzgerald once described Princeton. He might have been describing the University, but he could easily have been describing the town as well. Although a lot has changed since Fitzgerald lived in the area, it is still “the loveliest riot of Gothic architecture in America … no feeling that it was all built yesterday at the whim of last week’s millionaire.”

Although one might point out the ultra-modern examples of architecture and the shiny, new neighborhoods on the outskirts of town, by and large the area continues to retain the classic ambience of years past, making it the perfect weekend escape. Here is our favorite weekend itinerary. It’s a mix of culture and art, outdoor pursuits, shopping, and just plain fun!

Friday

4pm: Arrive at the Inn at Glencairn

Leave work a little early, and treat yourself to an early arrival to the Inn. Once settled in, you can wander the nearly three acres of park like grounds, peek into the 19th century barn and admire the hand-hewn beams, then grab a complimentary glass of wine and a cookie to enjoy on the back patio or in the peaceful ambience of the Great Room.

6pm: Dinner at Cargot Brasserie

Drive ten minutes to Princeton University’s newly monikered “arts and transit” neighborhood to dine at a new favorite of ours: Cargot Brasserie, a French inspired bistro that welcomes locals, students, and theater-goers in a convivial atmosphere.

8pm: Grab a show at McCarter Theatre

McCarter Theatre is recognized as one of the country’s leading theaters, both a professional producing theater and a major presenter of the performing arts. Grab a play or a concert and you will understand why this theater is constantly receiving rave reviews.

Saturday

9am: Breakfast at the Inn

Wake up to the smell of freshly ground coffee wafting up to your room. You may have a difficult time getting out of bed, but the promise of a fantastic breakfast urges you on. Today it is Eggs Glencairn, a new take on Eggs Benedict, with a poached egg served over a toasted croissant, broiled tomato slice, fresh sautéed asparagus and local greens topped with a lite Hollandaise sauce. Don’t forget to finish off your breakfast with a little chocolate decadence: Lydia’s homemade java truffle.

11am: Soak in some art at Grounds for Sculpture

The vision of J. Seward Johnson, Grounds for Sculpture was conceived as a place where audiences could experience sculpture in a familiar, accessible, and informal setting. The sculpture park is built on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds and now exhibits over 270 works on 42 acres. Spend an hour or spend a day here wandering the grounds and marveling at the truly awe-inspiring art and sculpture.

1pm: Wander over to Rat’s Restaurant for lunch

Rat’s Restaurant was conceptually designed by Seward Johnson with a Claude Monet styled atmosphere. The restaurant scenery features impressionist-inspired sculptures as well as a lily pond and bridge and is aptly named after the character “Ratty” from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Ratty, as you might recall, threw the best parties with the best wine, and Rat’s is no different.

3pm: Shop ‘til you drop at Palmer Square

Head back to the Princeton area and take a stroll on Palmer Square. Originally built in the 1930s, the Square was created as the town’s complement to Princeton University. In order to build the Square, Baker Street was removed and its houses, which were the center of the original African American neighborhood were moved to Birch Avenue. Today Palmer Square is unique mix of local and well-known apparel and home goods boutiques and world class restaurants all centered around the Nassau Inn. Although we truly enjoy perusing all of the shops along Palmer Square, we never miss a stop at the Bent Spoon, Labyrinth Books, Homestead or jazams. Meander a little further afield to check out the Princeton Record Exchange.

Saturday Evening Option I:

5pm: By now you need to sit down so catch a flick at the Princeton Garden Theatre

Built originally to accommodate Princeton University’s Triangle Club in 1920, The Garden took on a new life as a movie theater when Triangle moved to McCarter Theatre later that decade. The Garden changed hands several times in the next few decades until its latest renovation in 2014 and now shows independent, foreign, and classic films for local movie lovers. In 2017, NJ.com named the Garden, The Best Movie Theater in New Jersey.

8pm: Dinner at Agricola

Using fresh local ingredients from their own Great Road Farm as well as from other neighboring providers, Agricola serves food that brings people together to laugh, share and celebrate. Agricola is one of our favorites along with Witherspoon Grill, Mistral and Blue Point Grill.

Saturday Evening Option II:

5pm: Drive through the countryside to Hopewell and dine at the Brick Farm Tavern

A truly authentic farm-to-table dining experience in an 1800s Hopewell farm house. The bar features local craft beers, artisanal cocktails & wine tastings – guided by an experienced sommelier.

8pm: Enjoy a show or concert at Hopewell Theater

Hopewell Theater is a 180-seat theater that is equal parts indie arts venue and meeting place – a place where patrons can meet friends, and get inspired by an eclectic mix of entertainment by emerging and established talent in a setting that is welcoming, casual, intimate, and fun.

Sunday

9am: After sleeping like a baby, wake up to some more fabulous scents from the kitchen

Today, indulge in some Glencairn French Toast. French Toast made with “Craque”lin (a Belgian brioche) topped with real maple syrup and fresh berries and served with our yogurt granola parfait. This will fill you up for your day’s adventure.

11am: Check out of the Inn

After checking out of the Inn, take a drive around the area and visit the local farms to take home some local goods and produce. Pop into Cherry Grove for some organic cheese, Blue Moon Acres for some organic greens and herbs, and Terhune Orchards for some apples. On your drive, stop at the Gingered Peach for a special baked treat to enjoy later.

1pm: Take the Princeton Tour Company’s “Name Dropping” Tour

Dubbed the best tour in town, the name-dropping tour visits the homes and hangouts of Albert Einstein, F Scott Fitzgerald, TS Eliot, Woodrow Wilson, Grover Cleveland, Robert Wood Johnson and even ‘80’s icon, Brooke Shields, just to name a few.

3pm: Grab a quick lunch at Jammin’ Crepes

Oh so good, Jammin’ Crepes is the perfect spot for a quick lunch before heading out of area. Imagine a fresh, made-from-scratch crepe filled with the best local ingredients at their peak of freshness. Either eat in the charming café or take it on the road for the drive home.

Stay tuned for more weekend getaways including: Girlfriends Getaway, Foodies Weekend, Culture Club and Outdoor Pursuits!