Essex Street Inn

Today is Sunday, June 20th 2010, the third Sunday in June, otherwise known in America as Father’s Day 2010.
Here are some facts about Father’s Day you may have not known:
The concept of Father’s Day was first proposed in 1909 by Washington native Mrs. John B. Dodd. Her inspiration for this holiday was to honor her own father, William Smart. Mr. Smart was a civil war veteran and single dad. He became a widow when his wife died giving birth to the families sixth child. Mrs. Dodd’s vision did not become a reality until 63 years later. In 1966,When President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation the declared the 3rd Sunday in June as Father’s Day?Since then 44 years later the United States is not the only country to recognize Father’s Day. It is now celebrated in over 50 other countries around the world.
I never even knew this until now when I came across this article on www.holidays.net/father/did_you_know.htm.
So in conclusion all of here at the Essex Street Inn wish all dad’s and dad’s to be a very happy father’s day. Even if your dad is no longer with us may you think of a very special memory you shared and smile.
Of course on a personal I need to recognize and send a very special Father’s Day to my dear dad and #1 grampa to my kids, Richard Harrigan. Not only has he been and continues a great influence in my life, I am grateful to have him as an influence in my kids lives as well.
We hope to see you soon!

With the beginning of summer 2010 right around the corner, why not put Newburyport and the Essex Street Inn on the list of places to visit this summer?  During the day you can go on a whale watch or a deep sea fishing tour and relax at Plum Island Beach the next.  At night you can have dinner at one of our many highly recommended area restaurants and stroll the city or our board walk that connects the Merrimack River to the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. I have never heard anyone say they have stayed in Newburyport or with us and found nothing to do. We have a large variety of brochures featuring shops, museums and local events in our lobby or you can also check for ideas on Newburyport’s chamber of commerce website.

In closing all of us here at the Essex Street Inn wish you a safe and happy summer and  hope to see you soon.

Best Wishes,

Kathy Ross

 Hello again! Hope all is well and dry finally.  You know it is a “Good Friday” when the sun is shining here in Newburyport.

Today I am going to share a  story that proves in my mind how small the world really is….

Last week I went on vacation to Arizona with a friend. We  planned this trip in  January as I thought it would be fun to go see Wrestlemania XXVI live.  Everything was great.. the views, the weather and sight seeing in a beautiful blue  2010 Ford Mustang convertible was just one of the many highlights.

Heading home on Monday March 29th, we were bumped from 3 flights going from Phoenix, AZ to Houston, TX where we were to connect to Boston.  When we finally got on our flight to Houston, we were unable to have seats together. I politely asked the women who was assigned next to me if she would mind switching with my friend. She happily obliged.  A few minutes later while the plane was still boarding, I was  only to find out I was on the wrong side of the aisle when a couple approached us. Sadly I had to move leaving my friend across the aisle.  Being upset that I could not sit next to my friend, frustrated by the chaos of bumped flights and overall fatigue I had begun to cry.  The couple next to me and I began to talk.  We first discovered that I had gone to High School in New Hampshire with there son who was a year ahead of me.  Then in further discussion  and mentioning that I am the current manager here at the Essex Street Inn in Newburyport , I could not believe it when I heard the women proclaim that She and her husband LOVED Newburyport and our Inn.  They had stayed here 20+ years ago on there wedding night. She proceeded to tell me a brief story about how a few years back they returned for there anniversary and her son had surprised them with golf clubs. She talked about how great the inn and staff are. Again I could not believe this. I was shocked.. come to find out I WAS employed here at the time they stayed for their anniversary and I WAS the employee on duty who helped her son put the golf clubs into their room. 

They were flying from one of their homes in Phoenix to another one of their homes in Louisiana to get ready for a vacation tour of Turkey. I gave her the address of the Inn and asked her if she would mind sending  us a postcard  from Turkey. She replied that she would certainly do her best.

Thank you Al and Wilda Schommer for all your support, not only to me personally on this day, but support for the Essex Street Inn.

So always keep in mind my blog fans; next time you are on an airplane you just might be surprised what you find out about the person in the next seat.

Happy Spring!!

Kathy

Top o’ the morning to ye! Hard to believe it is March already! If there is one thing that sticks out in my head when I think of the month of March besides Spring, it would be St. Patrick’s Day.  Why not come see Newburyport transform in Spring and celebrate?

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the who and why’s of this unique holiday and it’s traditions here is some brief history….

Saint Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Saint Patrick described himself as a ‘most humble-minded man”.

Saint Patrick is most known for driving snakes out of Ireland. It is true however there are no snakes in Ireland, and probably never have been since the island was separated from the rest of the continent.

So, why is Saint Patrick’s Day celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that this was the day Saint Patrick died in 460AD. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish immigrated around, they took with them their history and Celebrations. Saint Patrick’s day has become associated with everything from green and gold, to shamrocks and luck.

In American cities with a large Irish population, St. Patrick’s day is a very big deal. Celebrations consist  of wearing something green, parades, music and songs, Irish food and drink. Some communities even go as far as to dye rivers green. ( to read more go to http://www.st-patricks-day.com/about_saintpatrick.asp).

As an Irish American I am always one for showing my pride by wearing something green. A quick fun fact about me is my maiden name is “Harrigan”, If anyone is familiar with the famous “Harrigan Song” that’s me. Some other ways I like to celebrate is having the traditional boiled dinner, or playing the lottery just to see how lucky I really can be.

In my research for this blog I came across a great website if you are one of those who truly enjoy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. (http://www.theholidayspot.com/

Tell us some of your traditions!   After all everybody is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day!

As always may peace and joy surround you…….

Hello our dear friends,

I would like to thank each and everyone of you who took the time to submit your love story into our contest. They are all joyful and inspiring stories. Each unique like your relationships.   To choose the winner I asked all my staff to vote for the one they liked.  Please believe me when I tell you choosing the winner was a tough decision. However we all here at the Essex Street Inn would like to congratulate Karen Oesteicher from New York.

Karen has won a 20% voucher to use toward a stay with us between March 1st and May 31st, 2010. Along with a $50.00 Gift Certificate to the Black Cow Tap and Grill when she arrives. Here is her story;

I met my husband in Barbados on the beach. I asked him if he was going to be there for long. He said he was just about to leave. We had one drink together. This was over the Christmas/New Years holiday. He asked me to come back early from vacation and go out with him on New Year’s Eve. I said, “I can’t make it this New Years, but how about next?” He surprised me and picked me up from the airport at 3 a.m. in the morning and drove me home in a blizzard. He proposed two weeks later and we were married 5 months later. I guess you can really call that “love at first sight”.

Thank you Karen for sharing your story and again congratulations. We look forward to seeing you soon.

So until next time.. Best wishes to you all for good health and happiness,

Your friends at the Essex Street Inn

Hello again our dear friends. We hope you have been enjoying 2010 so far. 

February is here and I have always thought of it as the month for romance.I have to say that  love is definitely in the air here in Newburyport. 

Speaking of Love!   We want to hear from you….

Tell us your love story and enter to win 20% off any room type for one night at the Essex Street Inn between March 1st and May 31st, 2010, along with $50.00 gift certificate to Black Cow Tap and Grill. **

Just send us a few paragraphs along with your name, e-mail and phone number,  ideas for entries could be describing how you met your significant other, your first date, something special about the proposal,or even your secret to happiness.  Anything you would like to share to inspire those other couples who have been together for a while or just starting out. 

 Submit all stories in the comments section below.  All entries must be received no later than Feb.14,2010. The winner will be chosen and notified by February 22, 2010. The winning entry will be published in our March newsletter. So if you have not signed up for our newsletter, now might be a good time. ** Prize for this contest can not be combined with any other offer or promotion** 

With that  I feel compled to share with you a story…

I went to the Grocery Store as normal on my way home from work and I spotted this elderly couple holding hands as they crossed the parking lot to enter the store. I thought to my self how sweet this was. I coincidentally ended up in the same check out line behind them. I watched and listened as they discussed paper or plastic.   On the way out I met up them and just had to know there story.  I told them what I had seen  in regards to them  holding hands before entering the store and that I just need to know how long they have been together and what was their secret. The nice elderly gentleman said “61 years” and when I asked the secret his wife chuckled and said;” Well.. it is not so much we were holding hands to be romantic.. it was more for practicality. You see after two knee replacements I use him to hold me up”. I could not help but laugh.

 As a single mom for 10 years, who recently found love again, this couple has become my inspiration. I  have always told my 16 year old daughter that she will need to kiss a lot of frogs before she finds her true prince.

By the way. We are getting reservations for room blocks in regards wedding events being held in the area between now and the end of the year.  So if you are planning a wedding or special event the area why not give us a call if you are looking for a place for out of town guests to stay.. or for yourself.  We would be happy to help you find resources in planning your event.  

Continue reading February is the month for romance