The lyrics above were bouncing around in my head – and it was the closest I could come for a song about an Inn. For those of you that need a trivia question: Name the Song title and the Artist. For those who don’t, just read and enjoy.
Sometimes, Z3 goes cross country in an RV. Sometimes, Z2 drives an hour away, in a car, for a secluded weekend. 2 weekends ago, we did just that – and it was magical. And unfortunately, from the second we got back until just about now, we’ve been nonstop crazy. So, I am going back in time to tell you about our anniversary weekend.
Rich lies very well. I mean, better than most. 99% of the time his lies are to surprise me, or keep me from losing my mind over stupid stuff. (Just be careful of that other 1%!) And so, to “throw me off the scent” of this particular surprise, he had friends of ours invite us for lunch on Saturday the 18th. (We weren’t really going to their house.) He then told me that we would be busy in the early part of the day Sunday, the 19th (our actual anniversary). And this was great – until I unknowingly invited a friend over to spend some time on that Friday the 17th. That’s when he had to expand the boundaries of the “lie” – and give me some more details. We weren’t actually just busy on the 19th – we were busy the 17th through the 19th. But, to my credit – I wanted to know just enough to know what to pack, what was happening with the dog, who was taking care of the food – and when I had to be ready. (I know that SOUNDS like a lot – but for a control freak like me, that’s huge!)
Mid afternoon on Friday, we got in the car with overnight bags and a cooler. And Rich headed…west. The trip was less than an hour – and not until we were right in front of the place did I know where we were going! The “1870 Wedgwood Inn Bed and Breakfast of New Hope, PA” is owned by a Facebook friend of mine, from my Passaic-Clifton Y Day Camp days. Carl and Dinie Glassman have owned the inn for over 40 years. I know Carl through his brother Ronny – also from Day Camp days. Rich reached out to Ronny to find out about the inn – and the rest, as they say, was a very well kept secret plan. The Inn was our weekend getaway escape.
We were welcomed by Anthony, who gave us some water and showed us around – and to our room. We were in “the Hideaway” Suite. The Hideaway is up on the 3rd floor, through a special staircase – and VERY private. It’s also up MANY steps – but for whatever reason, that did not bother me! The room was decorated to match the 1870 Wedgwood style. There was a beautiful queen sized bed, comfortable chairs, an electric Franklin Stove fireplace, and an old-fashioned desk. There’s also, just to bring you up to date, a microwave, refrigerator and color cable TV. The bathroom was fine, and the 2 complimentary robes were a great added touch. We found homemade cookies and almond brandy upon our arrival – and some chocolates for added sweetness. Rich made all arrangements for a sushi dinner that he packed – and our friends Ronny and Meryl provided a celebratory bottle of champagne. Friday evening was quiet, romantic, relaxing and lovely.
Saturday morning we headed downstairs for breakfast. Fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, muffins, croissants, quiche, eggs – and never ending coffee or tea greeted us. Rich gave Carl and Dinie some guidelines for dietary restrictions – and they were very accommodating. Everything was perfect. After a delicious breakfast, we headed out to explore. We walked up and down the main streets of New Hope – window shopping, checking out local art studios, people watching (so fun!) and just enjoying the day. It was a cold, brisk, late fall morning – but the sun was shining and the views were so pretty. We headed back, explored the grounds a bit, and the sitting rooms inside – and then headed upstairs to take a much needed nap.
Saturday evening we grabbed a bite to eat and headed out for the last surprise of the weekend – a Comedy Show with my favorite NJ funny mother, Dena Blizzard! The show was great – and memorable – when the drunk ladies around us disrupted the show. They were so over the top; I was getting ready for a fist fight. Some people can NOT hold their liquor! The comics were great sports – and I had a blast.
Sunday morning we sat down for another excellent breakfast. It was almost healthy, too! (Almost!) We spoke with Carl for a little while, and then went outside to take a couple of pictures. Check out was easy. it was a 5 star experience – and I would LOVE to return! We spent about an hour in Lambertville after we left – and found a great metal sculpture for our garden for the springtime. Less than an hour from home, the 1870 Wedgwood Inn is a great weekend escape for anyone in Central Jersey. Quaint is an understatement. Romantic Hideaway is much better.
Celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary at the Wedgwood Inn was a ten out of ten. If anyone is reading this and wants a special place to get away – this is it.
Thanks, Rich – and Happy Anniversary. Enjoy some shots of the Inn – and us.