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Pillow Talk
Comments and Poems from
Umpleby's Guest Room Diary

Comments
Great Anniversary Weekend
Hi
there!
We just got home after celebrating our 2nd anniversary together this weekend
at the Umpleby House. We had a wonderful time! We've also stayed at
the Aaron Burr House in the past - everytime we stay we just love it! The
rooms are perfect, breakfast is delicious, and the hospitality is always so
nice! Thank you so much for making our weekend special!
All the best,
Angie & Max S., Westfield, NJ
NOTE: an area film
production company that is producing a series of "Healthy Lifestyle"
videos has been flying-in guest chefs from around the country and they have been
staying at Wedgwood Inns during the filming process.
Good Morning Carl,
I just wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful
stay at Wedgwood. I told your wife that I had one of the best night sleep,
I have had in a while. Thank you for your hospitality and delicious (and
healthful!) homebaked goods. I look forward to staying at Wedgwood (with my
wife next) in the future.
Have a fantastic day!
Sincerely,
Ricky Moore, chefpreneur
Wedgewood Inn of New Hope;
early Spring wedding ceremony
(April 2011)
   
Dear Carl and Nadine,
Adam and I would like to thank you
for helping to make our wedding day so special. Our
stay at The Wedgewood surpassed our expectations. Our
room was perfect, clean, quiet, quaint and private.
The hot tub was fantastic following such a hectic day!
Thank you especially for your
patience and understanding with the starting time being
almost an hour later than we had agreed upon with you.
Best Wishes,
Adam and Amanda D.
A recent guest wrote:
Independent
filmmaker Candis from Calgary (Canada), whom recently stayed over a week on
business at our Inn while attending the New Hope International Film Festival,
commented on
TripAdvisor.com
"Have never met
so many interesting people in one place in my life." She also rated
the Inn
"Excellent."

To view images from a recent 10th
wedding anniversary getaway
complete with a horse-drawn Pennsylvania surrey,
Click Here
Carl & Dinie,
Just a quick note to thank you for another
wonderful stay!! Everything was perfect, as usual, and the strawberries were to
die for. We bumped into Olga and her husband in Peddlers Village on Sunday
and had a chance to say good-bye to them, which was nice. We can't wait to
get back to our fav perch at Wedgwood's Umpleby House (Room 9) - hopefully we'll
see you sooner rather than later!
Until then,
have a safe and happy holiday and give our best to all!
Thanks, again, for your hospitality.
Teri & Franko, NY, NY
We’ve been visiting the Wedgewood Inn for over
10 years (at least 30 visits!). I guess you could call the Inn our home away
from home. It’s our first choice destination when we need an escape from the
stresses of the city and the work world (we’re from D.C.) -- we cannot think of
any other place we’d rather go. One of the best things about the Inn is that it
allows dogs. Dogs love the Inn and the town of New Hope. Everything a dog needs
is at its doorstop -- walks on the canal and a doggie gourmet shop on Main
Street. For humans, there are great restaurants, galleries, and shops. A local
artist has painted portraits of both our dogs. If you love gardening, you
couldn’t be better situated -- garden centers abound (one within walking
distance of the Inn). Last but not least, we love the Inn because of the warm
welcome we always receive from Dinie and Carl and their staff. There’s a lot to
be said about a place “where everyone knows your name.”
Val and Ed, Washington, DC
Dear Nadine and
Carl,
We were married in New Hope 4 years ago, and my whole family stayed at your inn,
in all the rooms at Umpleby House. You all made it a truly memorable occasion -
it was just terrific. That was back in March, 2001.
Mom loved it so much, as did all of us, that we have sent her and her best
friend back several times since, via your "Gift Certificates". We just
celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with you and your inn was as gracious and
memorable as we remembered. The addition of double jacuzzi tubs and WIFI access
were much appreciated too!
Quite frankly, we were a bit hesitant at first to return: afraid we may "spoil"
our sweet memories. But as we were warmly greeted as old friends by Janet, and
remembered by Olga too, that slight reluctance quickly disappeared. And your
then 6 year old child has grown into a beautiful and well-mannered young adult.
We hope to see you again before our next anniversary. I've already hinted to Tom
that i'd like a Gift Certificate to Umpleby House for my birthday in July!
J. Stonybrook, N.Y.
Dear
Carl and Dinie,
Hope all is well. My husband Shawn and I have stayed at your
Inn's Canopy room (A) several times and always enjoyed our stay.
I need to ask you for a special favor. Back on 5/9/2008, Shawn and I
took my parents to New Hope to celebrate Mothers Day and we stayed
at the Inn on the night of 5/9/2008 ( or perhaps it was 5/10/2008)
My parents stayed at the room with a sitting room, a balcony, and a
Jacuzzi on the second floor. I remember my dad wrote a beautiful
message in Chinese Mandarin on the notebook provided at the room
describing how much he and my mom enjoyed their stay at New Hope and
your Inn.
My parents live in Taiwan and I only get to see them twice a year.
My parents are getting older and every moment I spend with them is
sacred to me, including the trip to New Hope two years ago. I miss
them every much and am wondering if you can send me the page with my
dad’s message on.
I hope this is not too much trouble to ask. Please email me back and
let me know if my request could be granted.
I hope to hear from you soon and hope Shawn and I will visit New
Hope and stay at your Inn again this year. Thank you very much.
Karin C. , (New York, NY)
Dear Karin, I am happy to inform you that we
found the Guest Room Diary from '08...Carl
Dear
Carl and Dinie,
The
following is the Room Diary translation from Mandarin 9Chinese):
We
are visiting from Taiwan . Today is Mother’s Day.
Through our daughter and son-in-laws’ thoughtful arrangement, we
came to visit this beautiful and artistic town (New Hope). We
enjoyed plenty of gourmet foods and had the privilege to spend the
night at your gracious and welcoming Inn. The classic, warm,
and exquisite environment of the inn brought me sweet dreams in this
mid-spring night.
We experienced the goodness of this
world through the affection and care shown to us by our loving
children. We thank the Master for his blessings.
Mr. and Mrs. C. (Taiwan)
Another Satisfied
Guest
I just returned from spending the night at your inn (The Loft Suite). I
wanted to let you know how much my girlfriend and I loved it. When we
arrived your innkeeper made reservations for us at Marsha Brown's and gave us a
tour. We neglected to tell him we wanted breakfast delivered to the room
(though he offered) and when we checked out we assumed that we would need to
find somewhere to park and find breakfast as we had missed the one at the inn.
Much to our delight, when we checked out (mind you after we were technically no
longer guests) we were offered breakfast since we had missed it!! I
couldn't believe it...and not just leftovers, warm croissants, muffins, just
wonderful. We were then told to go ahead and stay parked if we liked, come
back and use the bathroom if necessary and that we were welcome to come for tea
at 4 if we were around (unfortunately we didn't make it for tea). I was
and am still amazed.
I can tell you
that I will be back whenever I stay in New Hope and will certainly recommend
your inn. A great place, and a great bunch of people. I can't thank
you enough for making the trip (a birthday celebration for me) and fantastic
experience. Everyone there should be commended.
Thanks again.
Michael
P.
Couples Getaway
All my crazy out of state relatives LOVED your inn. Those procrastinators who
wound up at hotels out on the highway were sooo jealous! Thanks for making my
surprise party for Ed's 40th birthday a complete success. We'll come back in
February to use the Gift Certificate I bought him...
Jane and Ed (Boston)
A Couple on
a Budget
Wonderful stay. The Victorian porch off our bedroom was a delight; breakfast and
lunch in the southern sun made the chilly October nights that much more crisp.
The firepace (and tv to watch the Yankees win game # 3 over the Red Sox) at the
foot of the king-sized bed was the best. This "Loft Suite" is our hands down #1
room here.
The Steam Train ride was fun, the eclectic set of boutiques and galleries was a
shoppers delight, and Marsh Brown restaurant is our new favorite steak and
seafood place in New Hope. It was fun for us city folk to pick our own apples
and spend time in the Pumpkin Patch at Manoff's too. We'll be back to pick
strawberries in May!
Kay and Louisa (Washington, DC)
This inn is the best! Less than 30 minutes - but 30 million miles away, from
Princeton, both New Hope - Lambertville and Umpleby House are friendly, cheery
places. Pizza and Mexican restaurants were good and in our budget. Most nite
spots had no cover charge for live music midweek. The River and the canal
towpath were scenic and quiet places to walk. The Gazebo right here was a nice
spot too. We're hooked on Tuesday morning at Rices' Market.
Clio and Charles (Princeton, NJ)
Thank you very much for providing us an unforgettable setting to celebrate our 1
year anniversary. The whole Inn was spectacular and our room was
absolutely gorgeous with its historic decor. We have many special memories
of the Umpleby House, such as the welcoming hospitality of Diana and Olga,
Carl's delicious homemade Almond Liqueur and the perfect Breakfast-in-Bed (OK,
on our porch!)...we will highly recommend your inns to anyone visiting New
Hope with that special someone.
M. and M. (Chicago)
Thank
you for the 'inn-sider tip' to visit the Wildflower Preserve in Washington
Crossing State Park and the Woodworking Studio of George Nakashima too: both
places were not only extraordinary attractions just a mile from the Inn, but
were also ablaze with color from Cherry Blossom trees, Pear trees and Magnolia
trees. Of course I expected the April standards of tulips and daffodil
plants....which did not disappoint me either.
And
Meuller's Display Farm for Bulbs (a mile in the other direction) was outstanding
too. Its great to see hundreds and hundreds of the plants in bloom prior to
ordering.
I can
see the many varieties of Lilac Bushes budding in your beautiful back yard:
we'll be back in early May to smell them!
B. and B. from Elmwood Park (NJ)
The Spring White Water Release on the
Tohicon Creek was a blast. Thanks for letting us store our kayaks in your barn.
Tomorrow we'll try the wing dam on the Delaware River just below Oddette's
Restaurant....but we always seem to savor our Sunday morning routine of
Breakfast in Bed and never kayak the second day at your Inn...
M. and A. (Paterson, NJ)
We visit both England and New Hope once a
year, and it is our pleasure to once again re-fill your Inn's wonderful
selection of teas with our own quirky favorite English brand: PG Tips.
Unavailable in the States, it is oh so good for a strong breakfast tea. Ta ta
for now.
Chas. and L. (Wilm., DE)
I had a wonderful time at your Inn and in
all of New Hope. I especially enjoyed my visit to Rice's Market with Dinie.
Looking forward to visiting the Mercer Museums on my next overnight stay with
you. That's thanks to Carl actually showing me how easy it is to get there
from New Hope.....as you know I'm 'directionally impaired'. See all of you
in the Fall, including Tootsie - the perfect greeter for your Inn.
Adelle (Rochester, NY)
My husband and I
stayed at the Umpleby House in August and loved your bed and
breakfast. I am
writing to inquire about buying a gift certificate for a couple that is getting
married. I would like to purchase a gift certificate for a room with a fireplace
and Jacuzzi. Please let me know how to go about doing this. The wedding is in
the middle of October. Thanks
Click Here to Order a Gift Certificate
This past Fall I proposed to my
fiancée while sitting under a shade tree in the fields across from the
Umpleby House. It was our first time to your wonderful town of New Hope
and romantic enough to change the rest of our lives. Now I would like to
surprise her with an overnight stay at your Inn. Can I purchase a Gift
Certificate as a Christmas present and use it later in the year?
Doug (Boston)
For
Gift Certificate information for Umpleby House
as well as Aaron Burr and the Wedgwood House,
click here
I received my Certificate for taking
your ‘How-To’ seminar for aspiring innkeepers last week. Thank you again
for sharing your insights into the B&B business. You provided invaluable
information and an eye-opening 'back-of-the-house' look at the daily operations
of an inn. You also expressed that personal philosophy I have not come
across in the many books I had read. I still have innkeeping as my dream.
E. Mendez (NYC)
Aspiring innkeepers can view information online by
clicking here
This year we included our 10 yr. old
daughter in our annual vacation in New Hope. Your Carriage House was
perfect. Our stay was more than enjoyable. It was so comfortable and
relaxful too. The food, the accommodations, the scenery, the conversations
were more than one could ask for. Now we'll be coming twice a year:
next visit will be for just the two of us again. Thank you again for your
hospitality. Tess sends kisses to Tootsie as well as the enclosed Doggie
Biscuit!
P.S. Did you happen to find Tessie's pink retainer that might have been
left there?
The Meyerson's (Baltimore)
Did I forget something last week?
I think so --- a hearty thank you for the bottle of ‘private label’ wine to add
to our 50th Wedding celebration. Staying at Umpleby House was a delightful
experience -- the friendly and knowledgeable staff, delicious breakfasts, and an
interesting town. The Carriage House was the perfect accommodation for us
too: the fireplace was lovely and the kitchenette was handy
too. We shall do it again soon; in March to coincide with the
Philadelphia Flower Show. With pleasant thoughts,
Miriam and Ben (Pittsburgh)
Poems
As written in Room 4
Diary by E. S., Fishkill, NY
Umpleby, oh, Umpleby
A house high up on the hill
Winter, spring, summer, fall
You have stood there through it all
Over many years,
You have witnessed many changes.
You have known many residents.
You have watched over many passers-by
And stood silent, watchful as all went by
With their toils, troubles and their woes.
Through the many countless seasons
And through all kinds of weather,
You have stood sentinel on this hill.
This might be the reason
For your creaking boards
And squeaking stairs,
And the ghostly shadows, unawares.
But, if you could, the stories you would tell
Of people big and tall, short and small;
Of all the history in your halls;
And the mysteries in (and on) your walls.
Umpleby, oh, Umpleby!
You have maintained your appointed station
Since well before our country was a nation
Through many summers' warm
And many winters' chill
And may you continue to delight
As you stand watchful on this hill
High above the Delaware, the bridge and the mills.
Keep well, sleep well.
As your history continues into the next century.
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