Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

The Most Awesome Peony Farm…right here in Central New Jersey!!! 17 May 2012, 7:22 pm

One of the cool things about owning a B&B is that you can actually justify a ‘field trip’ (better known as a day-off!)  to explore amazing places to send our guests.  THIS amazing place is one that I heard about awhile ago and have wanted to get to for several years…and this week, I finally did! Now some may think it strange that such a fleeting thing is the cause for so much excitement…but if you are as posessed by plants as I am, than you won’t think this is strange at all!  I am talking about one of the most unbelieviable creations in nature…the peony! …and in particular, this unbelievable farm called (of all things!)  Peony’s Envy.  

In short, this unbelievable farm is the brainchild of Kathleen Gagan, lady farmer and total peony virtuoso.  Peony’s Envy Flower Farm is a nursery and display garden in Bernardsville, New Jersey and the gardens feature over 50,000 peony plants with over two hundred and fifty distinct cultivars.  (She sells the treasures too in the sweetest little gift-shoppe!)  The farm itself is surrounded by trees which makes you feel like you are strolling through a very private, yet immense secret place….sort of like in a storybook! 

 
Lady farmer Kathleen tells me that the peony bloom in the display garden lasts for about 6-8 weeks every year.  When I visited, the coral and early herbaceous peonies were in bloom along with many of the iris, so my timing was great…it was at the beginning of the PEAK herbaceous peony bloom. (and the ‘Coral Charm’ Peony was totally peaked and just delicious!!!)  

Peony bloom ‘peak’ is expected to last until the beginning of June, weather pending.  At this point the coming weekend weather is looking fabulous and we are invited back to see the progression of bloom.  On Sunday (May 20), there’s a ‘Peak-Bloom Celebration’ from 3-6pm, with wine included…so if you can, do come and visit!   (Kathleen told me she has had visitors from as far away as Iceland to see her Peony Farm!!!) 

Words cannot descride the beauty and care I found here at this magical place, so let’s just allow the photos to speak for themselves…!  I’ll be back later with more info…for now, enjoy the pics I took!

Kathleen and I talked for quite awhile about our businesses, about New Jersey and of course we talked about peonies…  We are planning on combining our talents and doing some classes at the inn on peonies come late fall or early winter…so stay tuned!   (And speaking of staying tuned, Kathleen was recently on the ’Martha’ Stewart Show …so if you love your peonies and want total information on planting, growing, etc, check out the show!)

I strolled for about 2 hours and totally enjoyed my time here…completely immersed in the lovliness and peace that surrounded me…what a remarkable day…what a complete treat!

 So of course I had to go home with SOMETHING…!!! I have never, EVER seen a red peony…so I absolutely HAD TO take one home!…SO this is the grown-up version of what I purchased in that sweet little Gift Shoppe!

 So…before I close this blog post, a few things to know:  Peony’s Envy is Open 11-5,  daily during the bloom season. Admission is $5.00.  If you are a guest of the inn, we SOOOOOO want you to go, that we will pay your admission!  Peony’s Envy’s potted herbaceous peonies are available for sale at their nursery and it is suggested that you come early for the best selection! …and do visit the website if there’s ANYTHING you need to know about caring for your peony plants…there is so much fabulous information there and lots of pictures!  Do treat yourself to a field trip to this heavenly place…even if you’re not a innkeeper…your spirit will thank you!  

A May Day Walk in our Garden 1 May 2012, 5:45 pm

It’s been quite awhile since I last gave a tour of the inns grounds and with a few days some back-breaking work and dipping temperatures, much has changed.  It always amazes me how quickly plants can grow from day to day and so far, I am happy with what I see.  Thank goodness for the recent last few days of rain…it has helped us tremendously, especially because of the dozens of plants that were relocated!  

This little Wedding Garden has really taken shape this year!  The boxwood has so much amazing new growth and the roses are blooming already.  The lavender and astilbe really got a jump-start with the warm weather we had in March.  We can’t wait for our May brides to see the garden when it blooms in its full glory!

The extra-warm early-Spring days seems to agree with this buddliah…Look at the blooms already and also the peony buds in the background!  

Through the side, sunny garden around the back of the inn our birdhouses and bird feeders are host to many  of our feathered inn-guests!  

Our May Day Garden stroll has come to an end…for now.  We’ll do another as the month progresses along with the Garden.  Do visit us at Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast this Spring and ask one of the innkeepers for a personalized Garden Tour!  We’de love to share our love of plants and some of our knowledge with you! 

Art, ‘Vine to Wine’ and Shad Festival all in April! 4 Apr 2012, 3:18 pm

Spring has truly sprung in Hunterdon County and Main Street Manor invites you come stay and play. Folks are strolling the still quiet streets and enjoying the crisp sunny days.  Pre-season events are popping up here and there that truly shouldn’t be missed. One of the most anticipated and popular is Lambertville’s Shad Fest and several others that we are looking forward to.  Come check them out and extend your time in the Country by staying with us for the weekend!

Mixing Palettes Art and Wine Weekend ~  Saturday, April 14 & Sunday, April 15, 2012 ~  Noon to 5:00 pm
The Delaware River Valley Wine Trail wineries will be hosting special exhibitions and art programs.  At nearby Old York Cellars, 25 live “en plein air painters” creating unique views of Old York Cellars.  These works will be featured in the Mixing Palettes exhibition, April 20th – May 27th. Artist Appreciation: Bring an “Artist ID” and get buy-one-get one free wine tastings and 10% off bottle purchases. (an “Artist ID” is anything that proves you are an artist, from a business card, to pics of your latest creation, to paint covered jeans). Unionville Vineyards hosts a complimentary Art Exhibit by My Picture Perfect Art. 

The 31st Annual Shad Festival ~ April 28 & 29, 2012 ~ 12:30-5:30 pm both days – no fee for admission – rain or shine! Each year the festival highlights our region’s arts community, the City of Lambertville, the Delaware River, and of course, Lambertville’s favorite fish, the Shad!  The Shad Fest has evolved from a local art show into a nationally recognized award-winning event. The area’s finest artists and crafters are featured with great food and entertainment.  What you can expect: Artists and Crafters…80 of the region’s finest artists and crafters featuring everything – jewelry, ceramics, furniture, apparel, accessories, home décor and more!  In The Food Court… everything from taco salads to fried Calamari!  There will be tried & true favorites: shad chowder, hot dogs, fried oreos, hamburgers, fries and fresh lemonade for the traditionalists!  AND Live Musical performances both days!  The best of regional bands – listen to rock, blues, jazz fusion and more!

Vine to Wine Festival ~ Saturday, April 28th & Sunday, April 29, 2012 ~ Noon to 5:00 pm
Admission: $10/person ~ Spring is blooming at Old York Cellars and the Winery is celebrating!  Brush off the winter and come spend the day at the winery.  Along with wine tasting, there will be live music, craft and food vendors, vineyard and bee tours. Visit and enjoy!

Every Mile Is Two In Winter… 28 Feb 2012, 2:13 pm

No reason to complain about Winter this year, right???…Wrong!  I don’t know if anyone else feels somewhat swindled and teased by Mother Nature, but due to the lack of a traditional New Jersey Winter, the gardener in me is itchier than ever to get outside in the garden and play in the dirt!  When one sees snow and temps dip into the single digits, hunkering-down with a good garden book or seed catalog and wait until April, is all an innkeeper can do.  However this year, it has been especially excruciating to watch my bulbs pop their heads through piles of leaves and debris and resist beginning a garden clean-up on one of the 50 degree days we’ve been having!   

With that said and deeply felt, I had to do something to expedite Spring a bit this year so what better than to plan some garden-classes right here at the inn with my new BFF, Eve Minson, owner of JustOneSeed in Bucks County, Pa.  One of my sweet helpers and I attended a class given by Eve at Duke Farms, in nearby Hillsborough last Fall.  Eve spoke on Herbs in the Garden that evening and her contagious excitement, prompted me to give her a call.  I asked if she would be willing to do a series of garden-related classes here at the inn and together we came up with an awesome lineup starting  on March 14 with class #1,  ’Seed Starting & Saving’.   We’ll be sowing some early lettuce  and other goodies so I am thrilled that very soon we’ll be in the dirt again, no matter what the temperature!  Students of Eve’s class will sow their seeds and take home their treasures for planting in the early-Spring garden, container or otherwise.

As long as I can remember, gardening, art, and cooking have been my passions.  They have interwoven in different ways throughout my life.  For almost 20 years I have been committed to organic gardening and the ‘whole’ natural foods movement, “Slow Food” before it ever had a name.  Over the years I have cooked for and hosted family, friends and guests with herbs and foods we have grown ourselves or harvested from our nearby organic CSA and have loved every minute of it!  There’s nothing like plucking something fresh from the garden either to cook, bake with or fresh flowers from the garden to adorn the table!

I feel blessed to have Main Street Manor B&B, where what I love and find interesting are integrated into my home,  work and life.  Our guests say this gives them a rich and really authentic experience when escaping to our inn.  If you’re as crazy about playing in the dirt and growing and caring for plants as I am,…or looking to discover  something new this Spring, visit us for a class (or all six!).   We’ll also provide you a respite if you find you need to take some time to rediscover yourself and what you’re passionate about.

For a listing and descriptions of classes we are offering, visit our ‘Noteworthy Happenings’ page on our website.  Come get your hands dirty with us!

Holiday Gift Ideas from a Locavore! 16 Dec 2011, 4:06 pm

Looking for local gifts this Holiday?  In a season that grows increasingly materialistic every year, why not support the local economy while showering your loved ones with presents?  Hunterdon County’s   and Central New Jersey local artists, assortment of farms, independent businesses, amazing restaurants,  all make for endless gift options. Our suggestions below lists nearby sources for holiday gifts that fit every price range and taste. Lets say ‘Goodbye Wal-Mart and Hello Hunterdon’ !

Dancing On Air Balloon Adventures - Town: Flemington – For: The Adventurer ~ An unforgettable gift and the ride of a lifetime in a hot air balloon!

Old Broad; aka:Broad Street Antiques - Town: Flemington – 110 Broad Street – For: The Collector ~  This shop has been opened for years and they have the best selection of antiques and collectibles in all of Hunterdon County!  One could spend a hefty sum on antique jewlery or any number of artsy pieces, but great gift options also exist for smaller budgets.  The extensive collection of ornaments, some antique and some “good replicas”  include great stocking stuffers. 

Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse - Town: Milford – 369 Stamets Road - For: The Baker  ~ Treat the baker in your life to a bread-baking class with master-bread-baker Nina White at Bobolink Dairy Farm.  Nina’s skills and old world style of bread baking make this class such fun and oh-so informative!  ( Not to mention the many loaves of bread you’ll have to savour all winter, long after class is over!) OR just stop in at the farm for some of their bread and farm made cheese to enjoy together through the holidays!

Main Street Massage - Town: Flemington – 4 Walter Foran Blvd – For:  The Stressed  ~ Invigorating or relaxing, massage is sure to re-balance that someone in your life who needs some ’just me’ time!    

Teaberry’s Carriage House Boutique - Town: Flemington – 2 Main Street – For:  The Tea Lover ~  The tea aficionado in your life will appreciate most anything in this lavish emporium of  tea-related gifts and items of finery for ‘ladies who lunch’.   Teaberry’s Tea Room also offers gift certificates for a proper English High Tea or lunch Wednesdays-Saturdays.  

Kissimmee River Pottery - Town: Flemington – 12 Mine Street - For:  The Artsy Person ~ Choose from John Fulwood’s one-of-a-kind pottery creations or give the gift of pottery classes to that wanna-be OR artist in your life!  

Chef-Owned & Operated Restaurants - Towns: Flemington, Milford, Frenchtown – For: Anyone who appreciates a dining ‘experience’ ~ Our faves: Matt’s Red Rooster Grill, 55Main, The Milford Oyster House, The Race Street Cafe.  Eclectic, exciting, unique and creative…thats how we describe all these nearby dining spots.

Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn - Town: Flemington – 194 Main Street – For :  Those in need of a respite.  Fireplaces, featherbeds and comfortable elegance are just a few of the things you’ll love about our inn.  We source all our produce and foodstuffs locally and do all our own baking right here on premises. Local wine tastings are complimentary with a stay @ the inn and our gift shoppe features locally produced gift items.  Gift certificates are available in all denominations…Stop by this Holiday Season for a tour of the inn all dressed up for Christmas!  Merry Christmas and Holiday Blessings to you & Yours! 

Stangl Factory Opening! 17 Nov 2011, 3:59 pm

We are thrilled that Flemington’s Stangl factory building is bringing the art of pottery back to town.  Now known as Stangl Factory Artists and Artisans, the historic pottery factory building is being beautifully restored and updated.  The ‘new’ Stangl Factory will provide artisan workshops, art galleries, shops and food venues. 

The first resident to occupy the space is Kissimmee River Pottery who will be hosting an opening reception this Friday evening from 6-9pm.  In addition to the opening reception, Kissimmee River Pottery will hold its Student Pottery Sale all this weekend at the Factory.  We are planning on making a visit to see their work and to support the artists and this new project!    

Kissimmee River Pottery offers adult classes in the day and evening in 8-week sessions; parent and child programs are also available.  The studio hosts two student sales a year, one in Spring, the other in the Fall.  The sale this weekend will be the first at the new location, 12 Mine Street in Flemington, NJ from Friday, November 18 – Sunday, November 20th and the sale is open to the public.

Kissimmee River Pottery was opened by owner and master potter John Fulwood in Southwest Florida in 1989. The studio and school has been operating in nearby Frenchtown since 2003, but has now relocated to The Stangl Factory on Mine Street.  John’s classes feature a loose structure and relaxed environment where a community atmosphere allows students to learn from talented instructors as well as each other.  Classes attract beginners as well as experienced potters who continue to learn and share their craft. 

Founder, John Fulwood’s work is sold is in galleries across the country.  He has received a BA from Mercer University, Macon Georgia in 1976 and an MFA from the University of North Texas, Denton Texas in 1981.  John has been making functional pottery for over thirty years and still finds himself fascinated by what he calls  “the ever-changing characteristics of clay.  Although I have specific ideas about function, I believe that you have to allow the clay to have some control, some freedom of movement within the form, if you want your pots to have life”. 

We look forward to John and the rest of the artists bringing new ‘life’ to Flemington’s Stangl Factory…  We’ll keep you posted on the goings-on there as they occur.  For now, visit Stangl this weekend and get to know our local artists!  

Wonder-Fall…So Much To Do! 19 Oct 2011, 2:08 pm

As long as we have owned the inn, fall has always been the busiest season for us here at Main Street Manor B&B, especially mid October leading to Thanksgiving time.  The colorful leaves, the crisp, cool weather, our award-winning rustic apple cake or pumpkin-spiced pancakes…all of these could be reasons for the steady stream of visitors.  Or maybe its that there is soooo much going on nearby, through Thanksgiving and even into December!  Here’s a sample of some FUN to-do’s for Fall just minutes from us:

Old York Cellars  ’Wine Under the Stars’ & 1st Anniversary Weekend! 

Clinton’s ‘Haunted‘ Red Mill!

Flemington ‘Fairgrounds’ renowned Artisanal Craft Faire

Thanksgiving In The Country House Tour

Covered Bridges Artisans Tour

Thanksgiving ‘Wine Trail Weekend’

Check this link out for specific dates on tours & festivals and even more seasonal goings-on right here at the inn!  (Even Thanksgiving Dinner, right here in our Dining Room!)  We’de love to have you be our guests and are happy to help you plan an  itinerary to maximize your time with us.  We wish you a Wonder-Fall Fall!

A passion for Peaches! 2 Aug 2011, 6:37 am

I’m passionate about peaches this time of year…and if you’ve ever had a real, grown- in- New- Jersey-peach in July or early August (especially those grown by Sweet Valley Farms), you’de be passionate about peaches too!  Thats why when we were visiting friends last weekend for dinner, I decided to make Peach Ice Cream my dessert contribution. 

Its not that difficult to make…you just need an ice cream maker (I have a Cuisinart), about 8 ripe peaches and some ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

So here’s my simple recipe for peach ice cream…!  Make sure you use the ripest, local peaches you can find…that makes ALL the difference!

Ingredients:  4 cups of sliced and peeled peaches, 1 cup half and half,  1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 +1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract…

Then: place the peaches in a blender or food processor; process until finely chopped. Combine peaches and remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir a little.  Pour peach mixture into the freezer container of an ice cream maker and allow it to mix/process for about 30 minutes (thats how long mine takes!)  After the mixing process, spoon into a freezer-safe container; cover and freeze for about 3 hours until firm.  Then when its frozen…Enjoy! 

Outdoor Weddings are Inn! 8 Jun 2011, 7:25 am

Wedding season is upon us here at Main Street Manor…and in full array!  Our new outdoor space for weddings is blooming with roses, and lots of  perennials and has already hosted two happy couples this past month.  

Ali & Bob were our first couple to be married outside this year…and although there were a few drops of rain…no spirits were dampened!   

Sometimes the weather doesn’t ALWAYS cooperate…so we did have to bring one wedding onto the front veranda due to a torrential downpour 5 minutes before the ceremony…We are thrilled to have such a charming spot outside, but protected for our secret couple’s very intimate wedding!

Over Memorial weekend another outdoor garden wedding took place at Main Street Manor with out-of-town guests taking the inn and enjoying the weekend to the fullest!

The day was hot, hot, hot…but with the help of iced teas, lemonade and come icy cold champagne…the couple and all their guests had a great day!

We provide a formal sit-down dinner or casual buffet luncheons for our New Jersey wedding couples. Each couple can choose what they prefer - either casual or formal inside the inn or on the breezy front veranda.  

We love hosting intimate weddings at the inn and look forward to a Summer-ful of more to come.  Check back from time to time for more Wedding & Bridal Shower photos we’ll be sharing.  If you’re planning an intimate wedding or a romantic, private elopement in Central New Jersey, give us a call.  We would love to have you come and tour the inn and the property and we still have a few fall and winter wedding dates available…(including 11-11-11)! 

The Perfect Spring Salad! 23 May 2011, 5:45 pm

 Just a quick post…this springy-clean-bright salad is soooo excellent, we just had to share!  First farm picking & pick-up day was last Thursday and I was thrilled to pick a quart of amazing strawberries, a big bag of arugula & 2 bunches of radishes.  After the harshness of  winter it was wonderful to get out in the sun and back to the land for picking…and the colors and taste sensation…just miraculous! 

Anyway…here’s our recipe for the most refreshing Spring Salad with arugula & fresh-picked strawberries…you’ll just have to make the poppy-seed dressing! (or buy your fave at the grocery store).  The flavor combo may seem weird to salad-purists but trust me on this one…it is out of this world flavor! 

Poppy Seed Dressing
1/2 c honey or 1/8 c white sugar
1 t dijon mustard
1 t salt
1/4 c apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp minced shallott
1 c canola oil
2 T poppy seeds

Measure the honey, mustard, salt, shallot & vinegar into a blender or food processer. Mix until smooth. Start your mixer of choice & gradually add the oil in a slow stream. Process until thoroughly blended. Stop the blender and sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top. Mix gently and transfer to a bottle.  Will hold for about 5 days refrigerated.