by Victoria Zebro

With nearly 300 years of history, Logan Inn has earned a reputation for good food and a few friendly spirits. The new owners are ready to take both to another level.

In April 2015, Landmark Hospitality – the talented team behind local destinations including Liberty House Restaurant inside Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ and The Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station, NJ – took over management of the historic 16-room inn, which is one of the oldest in the U.S. It has been a mainstay of New Hope in continuous operation since 1727.

While the new owners have an eye towards improvements, many of the most treasured aspects of the Inn will remain, such as its embrace of history and General Manager Maggie Smith, who has been with the Inn for 28 years.

The Inn’s unique character, which includes an infamous haunted history, is one of the first things guests ask about according to Smith. The Inn boasts a variety of alleged supernatural visitors. The most famous resident ghost, Emily, lived in the Inn until her death in notorious room 6, which retains her original full-size bed, armoire, and vanity.

The furniture has been restored and mattress and bedding are new, but the furniture itself remains out of respect for the room’s spirited permanent guest. Emily’s 1903 portrait resides in the lobby and spirits can occasionally be seen within the painting itself. Various other artifacts can be found in the lobby including an Inn Register from 1860. Visitors can even ask a member of staff to see some of the many photographs taken by guests of ethereal presences in their rooms.

Of course, no need to fear! Smith said they embrace the ghostly residents and she assures guests that the ghosts are friendly, peaceful, and help to look after the Inn.

Look for new specialty cocktails like the “Old York Road” | jalapeno infused tequila, pimm’s blackberry liqueur, tart cherry

While keeping Logan Inn’s colorful history intact, Landmark Hospitality has many improvements for the Inn in the works. The exterior spruce up is well under way. The Inn took advantage of the summer weather and ample outdoor seating to work on the indoor bar – The Tavern – which is particularly cozy during cold winter days.

The bar renovation for the Tavern is now almost complete, which included raising the ceiling, custom furniture, and the restoration and framing of beautiful wall paintings. Legend says the paintings were created by the playwrights of the historic Bucks County Playhouse who used to meet and write at the Logan Inn. The paintings appear to depict theatre scenes from The Playhouse and were discovered in a 1987 renovation of the room under the wall paper. They now take pride of place restored to their former glory.

The dining experience at the restaurant has been a particular focus for the new owners. They offer a constantly changing menu featuring farm-to-table seasonal produce from local farms which has been a great success. Smith explains, “The more we can pick ourselves, the better we like it.”

Some of her favorite dishes from the fall menu include the short ribs, which are a top-seller, as well as the crab cakes and the ever-popular tuna loin. She also highly recommends the cobbler for dessert, made with seasonally available fruits from local orchards and served warm with ice cream.

Seasonal signature cocktails are also available.

“I feel that each owner has contributed greatly to the Inn,” shares Smith. “But, I think that Landmark has a real outstanding passion for the building and will take it to another level.”

Logan Inn is located in the heart of New Hope at 10 West Ferry Street, across the street from the Bucks County Playhouse and a short stroll to the many shops and galleries of New Hope and Lambertville.

The famous New Hope ghost tour meets next door outside the Parry Mansion museum with many tour guests choosing room number 6 at the Logan Inn to complete their spooky experience.

For more information, visit LoganInn.com or call 215-862-2300.

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