Happy Weekend!

Have a magical one!

image from here

The Way We Were

This is an historic photo, taken from the roof of the Hawthorne Hotel. The building with the bad roof in the lower left corner was the Crowninshield-Bentley House which is now located across the street from the Hawthorne Hotel, and the church that you see is no longer in existence. The house that is on the center, left side is the guest house that we run as part of the Hawthorne Hotel. Right now it is called the Suzannah Flint House, but we will be changing the name of it to something more historically accurate later this year.

The street running through the photo is Essex Street, which used to have a streetcar running on it.

I hope you enjoy this look back in time, thanks to Nelson Dionne, who provided us with the image.

Juli

Salem Museum in Salem

Today I went to the official opening of the new Salem Museum located in Old Town Hall in downtown Salem.





Meet Mary-Ellen Smiley the Curator of the museum, and David Goss of the history department at Gordon College, the creator of the museum.













The panels in the museum help us know more about the real history of Salem, a story that had not really been available in one place like this before.

The museum is open noon to 5 daily. Thursdays until 7 pm. May through October.



















Admission to the museum is free although a suggested donation can be left for them.

Their website is www.salemoldtownhall.com

I hope to see you here or there

Juli

The Things I Do For the Hawthorne Hotel

So it is official -- we are now the downtown hub for Salem Spins.  This is the City of Salem's program, paid for by an energy grant, and supported by the Hawthorne Hotel.  We are the issuing site in downtown.

Here I am, proving that once you can ride a bike, you can always get back on and ride again!

Juli Lederhaus, GM of the Hawthorne Hotel and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, City of Salem

Mayor Kim can also ride!


The ribbon cutting!

If you want to borrow one of these bikes, here are some key points you will need to know:

You must be 18 or older, with proper photo ID.
You must present a valid credit card (not debit card).
You will need to fill out some paperwork at the hotel front desk.
Hours the bikes are available are 8 am to 4:30 pm.  All bikes must be back in the rack by 4:30 pm each day -- no overnight rentals are allowed.
There is no charge!  How great is that -- FREE!!

I hope to see you here.  Or out on one of our Salem Spins bicycles.

Juli

Bittersweet Beginnings.

This evening begins the holiest days of the year for the Jewish people-- the start of the Jewish New Year. It's a beautiful holiday; a period of reflection and introspection. It's a time to look back at the past year and seek forgiveness from those you have wronged.

I am certain that most struggle with their first holiday without a loved one. This is the first holiday I'll be celebrating without my mom. Mom always arrived at the synagogue hours early to sit in solitude, and of course, get a good seat. She loved listening to the beautiful music and chanting of the Cantor. When I was young I used to get angry having to go to temple that early, but now I think I understand.

It's surreal thinking back on the memories of our entire family sitting around the table reigning in the New Year with the traditional foods such as apples and honey, symbolizing a sweet year. One by one, they've all passed on, and now the holiday will never feel quite the same. So on this bittersweet Rosh Hashanah I will reflect on the past, holding its memories near and dear, looking to the future with hope.

So my friends, to all who celebrate, wishing you and your families a sweet year full of health, happiness, and peace. Shana Tova!

New Events for Families

New Events for Families at Salem Haunted Happenings

Kids of all ages will find tricks and treats!

Here is a news release from Destination Salem regarding Haunted Happenings here in Salem:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Salem, MA. . . The 30th Annual Haunted Happenings celebration in Salem, Massachusetts promises extra tricks and treats for kids of all ages. New and returning events will entertain with magic, games, rides, and costumed fun throughout the month of October.  

Family favorites including the Grand Parade on October 6, Salem Halloween Children's Day on October 15, and the Stop by for a Spell Children's Costume Brunch at the Hawthorne Hotel on October 23 are all returning, providing family-fun for every budget.  The carnival on Derby Street is also returning, providing chills, thrills, and games for all ages.

Get your snuggly blanket ready for the return of the Haunted Movie Series, presented by Radio 92.9, on Salem Common.  Four family-friendly features will be shown under the stars: Monsters, Inc. (Oct. 8), Casper (Oct. 15), Hocus Pocus (Oct. 22), and Beetlejuice (Oct. 29).  There is no better place to watch Hocus Pocus than on Salem Common, where segments of the movie were filmed.  

Family Fun Days will come to Salem Common on October 22-23 and 29-30, featuring games, contests and entertainment.  A portion of the proceeds from Family Fun Days will benefit local non-profit organizations, including Salem Main Streets and the Salem Common Association.

Children with magical tendencies will want to check out Wizardly Wonders at the Witches Cottage, where a friendly wizard will lead the audience in the basics of magic. 
Each child who attends the Wizardly Wonders show receives a free glow ring.  If your child has additional magical needs, visit Remember Salem for a complete selection of Harry Potter memorabilia and magical supplies.

Salem also features several haunted houses, attractions, and tours that are perfect entertainment for tweens and teens.  Visit HauntedHappenings.org for program, attraction and event information.

Family-friendly events planned during this year's Salem Haunted Happenings include:

• Surreal and Absurd Festival at the Peabody Essex Museum, October 1 & 2
• Wizardly Wonders at the Griffen Theatre, Saturdays at 10am, Sundays at 11am
• Haunted Movie Series on Salem Common presented by Radio 92.9, October 8, 15, 22, 29
• The Carnival on Derby Street, October 14-31, Monday - Friday 3-10pm, Saturdays, Sundays and Halloween 12-10pm
• Pumpkin Festival, Hay Bale Maze and Food Court on Salem Common, Daily, Oct 14 - 31
• Witch City Cruise & Glow Car Show on Essex Street, October 14, 6-8:30pm
• Sea Shanties on Derby Wharf, Saturday, October 15, 11am-1pm
• Salem Halloween Children's Day, Salem Common, Saturday Oct 15, 11am - 5pm
• Sea Shanties - Derby Wharf, Saturday, Oct 15, 11am-1pm
• Salem Common Family Fun Days, Oct 22-23, 29-30, 11am-5pm
• Stop By for a Spell Children's Costume Brunch at the Hawthorne Hotel, Sunday Oct 23, 11am-2pm
• Trick or Treat at Pioneer Village, Saturday, October 29, Sunday, October 30, Halloween, 2-5pm
• Tricks, Treats & Treasures at the Phillips House, Monday October 31, 5:30pm-7:30pm

For complete information on Salem Haunted Happenings - for all ages - visit HauntedHappenings.org.  Free printed guides are available throughout Salem and the region, and they can be requested via mail by contacting Destination Salem at (978) 744-3663 or info@hauntedhappenings.org

Who Said That Poodles Aren't 'Real' Dogs?

But, of course they are! What other breed looks so regal dining with you?

When I was ten years old my parents bought me my first dog. It was a Toy Poodle, because (as Mom said) Poodles don't shed. I named him "Fluffy." From that point on, I've had a strong love for Poodles.

I've been told that Poodles "aren't real dogs" and that they're hyper and yappy. No, no, no, no. This breed is incredibly smart, playful and loving.

Originally bred as gun dogs, Poodles soon became beautiful elegant companions for the glamorous and creative community as well as the Royals.

When we bought our dog Vito (as in Vito Corleone from The Godfather--he's a fierce little guy), it was instant love. I thought it would be funny if he could dance the "Can-Can," but that didn't go over too well. Shouldn't a French Poodle be able to dance?


I'll admit, I'm not terribly fond of the "topiary" Poodle clip. There are so many cute clips, so Vito sports a "puppy cut."

Both Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette had beautiful Miniature Poodles.

Even Dame Elizabeth Taylor owned Poodles!

What breed is more fashionable than the Poodle, huh? (insert laughing out loud)

No other dog can match their uniqueness-- their prancing paws, perhaps a bit of an attitude sometimes. Poodles always remain my favorite breed. Now let's have a bit of brie, shall we?

images: Vogue Italia 2009, Vogue US March 1999, Vogue US July 2007, Vogue Italia 2002, Americana Manhasset Fall/Winter 2006, Vanity Fair September 2010, Vogue Nippon August 2008, Renee Zellweger by Ellen von Unwerth, Elizabeth Taylor photos, Creative Pro, Gherkins & Tomatoes

Are You Following Us?

Yep, Paris Hotel Boutique has a Facebook page. You may already be a "fan," or perhaps not even interested in Facebook, or just inundated with social marketing altogether, but in the event you're not...

I'd love for you to follow us here...

image from here

Salem Spins Bicycles Are Here

Salem Spins is a new program created by the City of Salem as one of our "green" initiatives, and the Hawthorne Hotel is proud to be a sponsor of this program.

The bicycles arrived today, and are ready to be checked out.  The cost is "free" which can't be beat, but you do need a few things in order to check them out.  You need to be at least 18 years old, have proper identification, and a valid credit card (not debit card.)

These are brand new bikes, and they look really easy to use.  I plan to take one out for a spin myself!

The use is limited to the hours between 8 am and 4:30 pm daily, and bikes may not be kept overnight.  They are available on a first-come basis.











In a few weeks there will be a concrete pad installed under the bicycle rack, and next year there will be a shelter for them, but the City was so enthusiastic to get this program going that they decided to launch the initiative before all the final niceties were in place.
So, if you want to check out a bike, just take a look at the rack, select the number you want based on the seat height you think would be appropriate, and come on in to the front desk of the Hawthorne Hotel.
I hope to see you here.
Juli

Do You Covet Vintage Ephemera?

Well, I have just the book for you. Taschen recently published, Menu Design in America: 1850-1985. This hardcover book explores the golden age of design and dining through 800 menus, beginning with the bills of fare for the very first restaurants that opened during the late 1800's.


I adore vintage menus. Collecting menus is a little pastime of mine. I have some favorites framed in my kitchen and little breakfast nook. Their beautiful graphics, history and content just thrill me. It's always fun to look at the prices back in the day.

Ooh, love this one from Bimbo's 365 Club, which still exists in San Francisco. I actually own this menu...

So, if you love old menus and restaurant history, pick up a copy of Menu Design in America here.

Oh, and Happy Monday!

images from here

Hawthorne Hotel Flags of the Week ~~ September 26 through October 2, 2011

Monday , September 26 Nauru and Indiana
Tuesday , September 27 Nepal and Iowa
Wednesday , September 28 Netherlands and Kansas
Thursday , September 29 New Zealand and Rainbow*
Friday , September 30 Nicaragua and Kentucky
Saturday , October 1 Niger and Louisiana
Sunday , October 2 ~~ Nigeria and Maine

The Rainbow Flag is being flown by special request this week.  All other flags are being flown in alphabetical order -- the flags of the UN and the flags of the USA's states, territories and protectorates.

If you have a special request, just give us a call at 978-825-4444 or 978-825-4322.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Chocolate Candy Corn Cocktail

Meet Caroline Forrester who won the contest on our FaceBook page when we introduced our current Cocktail of the Week, the Chocolate Candy Corn Cocktail.  Her prize was an invitation to have one of these cocktails with the General Manager of the historic Hawthorne Hotel in our Tavern.  She is a big fan of candy corn, so this was an especially appealing contest to her.  When we met in the Tavern last night she said that she never wins anything so she was especially excited to be selected in this one!




I enjoyed getting to know Caroline who I learned is the editor of Northshore Life Magazine.  We had an enjoyable meeting over a yummy drink.

The Chocolate Candy Corn Cocktail:  Chocolate liqueur, cinnamon schnapps and Bailey's Irish Cream.


If you are not already a "fan" of the Hawthorne Hotel on our FaceBook fan page, we would love to have you add us.  In this way you will be able to join in the fun and games that we do for our friends and followers there.

I hope to see you here, or there.

Juli

"Shower"-ing Us With Thanks

Earlier this week we received this lovely thank you email, which we thought you might enjoy reading too:

Hello Christine, Just wanted to tell you how pleased I was with the outcome of the baby shower. Your staff was outstanding, from the minute we arrived loaded down with gifts and cake, they were super. The food was excellent and displayed nicely. Everything went smooth and we were able to enjoy our friends and family in the celebration. Peter Barter's flower were beautiful. A good time was enjoyed by all. Now, we just wait for "Chloe Ann" to arrive.  Many thanks, Phyllis B.

Happy Fall!

Ahh...cozy sweaters, leaves changing colors, apple cider, pumpkins...enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend too!


image: Eylul Aslan

Historic Hotels of America and the Hawthorne Hotel

This week our Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing, Thomas MacDonald, attended an Historic Hotels of America trade show on behalf of the Hawthorne Hotel out in San Francisco.  Here is a video of an interview that he was part of out there.

The video helps to explain a little bit more about Historic Hotels of America, as well as some of the unique things about four of the member properties, including the Hawthorne Hotel.  You should note that the tour of the Salem Marine Society that Thomas speaks of  is very limited in availability, to only the guests who buy our "History and the Hawthorne" package through the HHA website, and is not available for booking directly through the Hawthorne Hotel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fw2V98fIic&feature=youtube

Here is a link to our page of the HHA website:  http://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/hawthorne-hotel/

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Halloween Is Just Around the Corner

So when our Halloween Ball Tickets arrived, I decided to get out my Halloween office decor to take a photo with the tickets.  Saturday Fright Fever, here we come!

Now, if you want to buy tickets from us directly, rather than over the Internet through http://www.ticketweb.com/ you can call us or come on in to get them. They are $90 each, and you must be 21+ with proper ID at the door in order to come to our annual Halloween Ball.  If you wish to purchase them by phone, or want more information, call us at 978-744-4080. 

If you have never been to a Hawthorne Hotel Halloween Ball, you need to come at least once -- this is something that should be on everyone's "bucket list" to do.

I hope to see you here, in #SalemMa, on Saturday October 29, 2011!

Juli

Obsessing Over...

I must confess... I've been coveting bejeweled shoes. Perhaps it's the 1980s in me still craving a little glitz, but these Vera Wang shoes just send me.

Eye-balling the ballet flats. The pale hues with peep toes are divine...


They almost have a vintage feel to them, don't they? Love the faded pink snakeskin with sparking jewel clusters...

So, do I go with the peep toe or the closed toe?

This white is lovely, but not practical for San Francisco weather...

I couldn't decide which colors...they're all so beautiful. So I splurged a bit and ended up with the closed toe (above) in black. Just received them in the mail today and they're comfy as can be. Worth every costly penny. They match with everything and add that little bit of sparkle to a boring outfit!

Had to treat myself! Is there anything you're obsessing over?

images from Vera Wang Lavender Line via Nordstrom & Neiman Marcus