A Holiday Castle

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

As the gentle chill announcing the Winter Holiday Season filled the air of the little town of Delaware Water Gap, PA, the borough's Historic Castle Inn celebrated the holidays on Saturday December 10^th. This was done through special sales in their many fine shops, an Artists' Reception at The Castle Inn Gallery, and a Tree Lighting Ceremony held outdoors. A large number of people attended the events and partook of all the Inn offered in the spirit of love.

The Castle Inn Gallery held an Artists' Reception for their Winter Holiday Exhibition. The artists included Tricia Lowery Lippert, Taylor Amoroso, and Jill Swersie who reside in the Monroe County, PA Area along the work of Lisa Hannick, Lori Gearhart, and Lauren De Leeuw who live beyond the county's borders. The work of those artists from the immediate area provided a familiar gentleness to the souls who peered within their frames while the work of those artists from other areas enticed the gathering of viewers through their previously unseen renderings reflecting their considerable talents. Together, the entire body of work portrayed a beauty that travels not only across the divides of geographical boundaries but those pertaining to the spiritual and intellectual ones as well.

In addition to exploring the wonders held within the Castle Inn Gallery, the shops that align the Inn's halls were filled with seasonal items and shoppers who sought to take advantage of the discounts that were offered. Reasonably priced merchandise ranging from toys to clothing were available and will be until the holiday shopping period ends. The unique nature of many of the items are well worth a visit to the shopping complex as the best gift one can receive may be found there.

For those who braved the cold in order to venture outside the warmth of the Castle Inn, a tree lighting ceremony took place in front of the Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Festival's Rick Chamberlain stage. The silence of a tree being lit to summon the gentle spirits of the upcoming holiday were met by the loving voices of the gathering who were led by a chorus of singers from the town's Presbyterian Church of the Mountain www.churchofthemountain.org. The ceremony concluded as Frank Paccione (co owner of the Castle Inn) invited the gathering into the Inn's Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium to partake of some complimentary Hot Chocolate. The beverage proved to be as delicious as it was warming to the body.

The evening continued as those present gathered with well acquainted friends as well as those they met that night. Cookies and other holiday treats were on hand to enhance the flavor of the conversations that ensued. The event proved to be a fun and relaxed way to partake of the often frazzled holiday shopping experience with refreshingly little emphasis on obtaining funds from those who visited the Castle Inn. This was nice. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Castle Inn's Holiday Celebration in The A Holiday Castle Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155567664178761.1073742043.91146283760&type=3.

The Castle Inn Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA is curated by Jose and Maggie Santamaria who seeks to showcase local artists in an intimate setting conducive to allowing individuals who visit the venue to explore the work in a relaxed manner. The artists featured in the gallery’s next exhibit are yet to be announced. Please Explore The Castle Inn Gallery Facebook Page for more information at www.facebook.com/pages/Castle-Inn-Gallery/159174520808670.

The Castle Inn Gallery is found within The Castle Inn located in Delaware Water Gap, PA. It was built in 1906 and was the last of the great hotels to be built in area. This all came to an abrupt end when fire touched the Inn during the 1970s and it laid dormant until 2005 when it was purchased by Theresa Veltri and Frank Paccione. The Inn now houses several business which include JS Advanced Skincare and Spa www.jsadvancedskincare.com, JS Boutique and Scarlet Ice Jewels www.facebook.com/wwwScarletIceJewelsnet, DM Studios www.facebook.com/DM-Studios-Framing-and-Art-Studio, Fancy Pants, The Auction House www.opsauctionhouse.com, Orion's Toyworks, The Castle Cafe', Angels of Light, Memory Lane, Sherri's Bags and Baubles, Jewels of the Heart, Eileen Noelle Photography www.eileennoelle.com, and The Live Inspired Gallery www.facebook.com/LiveInspiredGallery. You’ll be able to learn more about The Shoppes at The Castle Inn and all they have to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/historiccastleinn?ref=ts&fref=ts or their Website at www.castleinnpa.com.