Settlers Hospitality Announces New Talent Settlers Hospitality recently announced the hiring of personnel for two key roles. James Kelly came on board as Corporate Executive Chef and Hannah Stachlewitz will serve as Executive Pastry Chef. Since he launched his culinary career 15 years ago at The Settlers Inn, James Kelly’s position as Corporate Executive Chef is a homecoming of sorts. He credits the experience with not only developing a passion for creating and executing high quality meals, but also for teaching and mentoring young cooks. He honed his skills in State College and Pittsburgh before taking a position at the acclaimed New York City restaurant, Babbo. There he helped the team reclaim their reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in the country, even earning a Michelin Star. Kelly’s love for Italian cuisine grew with chef positions at In Vino and Danny Meyer’s Maialino. That work laid the foundation for his success as Executive Chef at Babbo’s sister restaurant, Lupa Osteria Romana. Under his tenure, Lupa became a mainstay for pasta-focused Roman food, and was recognized by the New York Post and Eater. His renown even gained the attention of the Food Network, which provided the opportunity for Kelly to compete on the popular series, “Chopped.” In his role as Corporate Executive Chef, Kelly will lead a team of executive chefs to craft menus and oversee operations at all Settlers Hospitality restaurants and special events. Hannah Stachlewitz joins the Settlers Hospitality team after working in some of the finest restaurants and bakeries in the Pacific Northwest. Most recently she served as Pastry Chef for Kingtide Fish and Shell in Portland. Stachlewitz hails from Ann Arbor Michigan and earned a Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts from Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. As Executive Pastry Chef, Hannah will create desserts, pastries, and breads for all the restaurants within the collection of Settlers Hospitality properties as well as custom order celebration and wedding cakes. “We are thrilled to add this depth and breadth of talent to our team at Settlers Hospitality,” explained CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “In their respective roles James and Hannah will carry on the tradition of high quality and elevated cuisine people expect from us, while adding their own unique flavor. We’re excited about what they’ll bring to the table.”
Settlers Hospitality Open House Offers a Flavor of What’s Available Take the grand tour of the properties of Settlers Hospitality during the first-ever Open House on Sunday, March 27. The inaugural event from noon-4 p.m. features guided tours of five sites in Hawley, PA, food and drink tastings, music, prizes and more. “For those planning a special occasion, meeting or wedding, this is really a must-attend event,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality. “It’s the first time we’re throwing open the doors to all of our Hawley properties to showcase the wide-range of opportunities available. We’re also thrilled to provide an avenue to highlight so many fellow small-business owners as vendors.” Guests may check-in at The Waterfront at Silver Birches to begin the journey of checking out all the offerings. A shuttle bus will transport passengers between properties including The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, The Boiler Room at the Hawley Silk Mill and Gorgeous Floral. Event planners, staff and preferred vendors will be available at each venue to greet visitors, give tours, provide consultations, and answer questions. Food and drink samplings give attendees a taste of the culinary options the chefs of Settlers Hospitality can craft. During the Open House, Settlers Hospitality will debut newly renovated spaces including The Waterfront at Silver Birches and Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel. It may also serve as an introduction to the recently opened Gorgeous Floral. The retail shop and floral design business launched late last year. “We’re excited to meet everyone and help them envision all that their event can be, whether it’s a lavish wedding, intimate party or dynamic conference,” says Nancy Harvey, Settlers Hospitality Director of Sales. “I think people will discover each venue has its own personality, from the lakeside setting of Silver Birches to the Arts and Crafts style charm of The Settlers Inn and dramatic backdrop of Ledges Hotel. Plus, there’s the cool, industrial feel of The Boiler Room and lush greenery of Gorgeous Floral.” Tickets are $20. Each person who attends will receive a swag bag. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com
Settlers Hospitality to Host Wally Wine Fest One of the most anticipated rites of spring in the Pocono Mountains returns to Lake Wallenpaupack, April 8-10. Wally Wine Fest spotlights a multitude of domestic and international brands from wine regions around the world. Festivities kick off on Friday, April 8 as The Settlers Inn hosts a Tuscan Dinner featuring Banfi Wines. On Saturday and Sunday, Silver Birches overflows with wine tastings, food pairings, seminars and a marketplace. Purchase tickets for one of three seated wine tastings on Saturday and Sunday. During the two-hour sessions, attendees will be seated at communal tables to enjoy four small plate tasting courses accompanied by three wine samples per tasting. Ticket holders will select their top three sampling choices from eight different wines for each course. Settlers Hospitality Sommelier, Claude Briere personally chose the featured wines, which include domestic and international labels. Tastings are scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. each day. A Bubbly Brunch at The Settlers Inn on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. adds a bit of sparkle to the festival. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Wine seminars all weekend let attendees delve into pours from across the globe. The schedule includes sessions such as Explore High Altitude Wines with Argentina’s Capeta Zapata, Debate the King of Italian Reds: Brunello vs Super Tuscans and Australia vs California Challenge. Seminars are scheduled for Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. as well as Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sessions range from $35- $50 per person. “We pour our hearts and souls into Wally Wine Fest each year to make it dynamic and engaging for visitors,” states Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “It’s gratifying to see the way people have embraced the event and anticipate its arrival every spring. We are thrilled to present such high caliber wineries and make these fabulous vintages accessible to both the novice wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.” Bottles of every wine featured will be available for sale. Prices range from $10-$100. Fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers overflow at The Marketplace. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. The Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s fireworks display and features overnight stays at area accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Live entertainment rounds out the weekend-long festivities. Everyone who attends the festival at Silver Birches receives a commemorative wine glass. General admission is $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Designated drivers may attend for $30. A $200 platinum ticket includes the Tuscan Dinner featuring Banfi Wines at The Settlers Inn on April 8. For $125, guests may attend the Tuscan Dinner only. Visit wallywinefest.com to purchase tickets. Visitors may opt to stay over and take advantage of a $199 Sunday Night Lodging Special offered at the Hawley properties of Settlers Hospitality. Special thanks to Champagne Level event sponsors Silver Birches Resort, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, E. & J. Gallo Winery and Bold Gold Media Group, as well as Cabernet Level sponsors, AM Skier Insurance. Organizers also acknowledge the participation of Rose Level sponsorsThe Dime Bank, Wayne Bank, Chant Realtors and Lighthouse Harbor Marina. Settlers Hospitality would also like to thank local sponsors Moka Origins, Lake Region IGA and Adams Outdoor.
Settlers Hospitality Open House Offers a Flavor of What’s Available Take the grand tour of the properties of Settlers Hospitality during the first-ever Open House on Sunday, March 27. The inaugural event from noon-4 p.m. features guided tours of five sites in Hawley, PA, food and drink tastings, music, prizes and more. “For those planning a special occasion, meeting or wedding, this is really a must-attend event,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality. “It’s the first time we’re throwing open the doors to all of our Hawley properties to showcase the wide-range of opportunities available. We’re also thrilled to provide an avenue to highlight so many fellow small-business owners as vendors.” Guests may check-in at The Waterfront at Silver Birches to begin the journey of checking out all the offerings. A shuttle bus will transport passengers between properties including The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, The Boiler Room at the Hawley Silk Mill and Gorgeous Floral. Event planners, staff and preferred vendors will be available at each venue to greet visitors, give tours, provide consultations, and answer questions. Food and drink samplings give attendees a taste of the culinary options the chefs of Settlers Hospitality can craft. During the Open House, Settlers Hospitality will debut newly renovated spaces including The Waterfront at Silver Birches and Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel. It may also serve as an introduction to the recently opened Gorgeous Floral. The retail shop and floral design business launched late last year. “We’re excited to meet everyone and help them envision all that their event can be, whether it’s a lavish wedding, intimate party or dynamic conference,” says Nancy Harvey, Settlers Hospitality Director of Sales. “I think people will discover each venue has its own personality, from the lakeside setting of Silver Birches to the Arts and Crafts style charm of The Settlers Inn and dramatic backdrop of Ledges Hotel. Plus, there’s the cool, industrial feel of The Boiler Room and lush greenery of Gorgeous Floral.” Tickets are $20. Each person who attends will receive a swag bag. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com
The Holiday Season Shines at Settlers Hospitality Settlers Hospitality helps light up the holidays with a host of festivities that capture the magic of the season. Celebrations at The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches, the Hawley Silk Mill and Hotel Anthracite deliver the quintessential traditions, flavors and entertainment of Christmastime in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Candlelight Christmas, December 3 through 5, at The Settlers Inn ushers in the most wonderful time of the year. The annual event is a signature celebration and an eagerly anticipated festivity in the Pocono Mountains Lake Region. Guests are greeted with live music and décor that features natural greens, artisanal and handcrafted decorations and an offering of mulled wine or syllabub. Horse and carriage rides plus an oversized gingerbread replica of The Settlers Inn enhance the festive atmosphere. A lavish holiday meal features entree such as sirloin au poivre and garlic and thyme braised lamb shank among other delectable options. Indulgent dessert choices include peppermint pillow baked Alaska, chocolate yule log and English toffee pudding. There are two weekends to enjoy the festivities and fineries of Winterfest Brunch at The Settlers Inn. The event December 4-5 and 11-12 features live music by Julie Eschler and harpist Kristy Chmura accompanied by a prix fixe menu of holiday inspired fare. Guests may enjoy the celebration from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day. Shoppers to the Winterfest Artisan Fair on December 11 and 12 can wrap up their gift list with the purchase of distinctive finds. Vendors fill the Hawley Silk Mill offering fine artisanal goods and unique gifts. The marketplace operates from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. An outdoor ice bar at Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery will help get visitors in the holiday spirit. From December 10 through 12 order specialty cocktails served on a High Noon ice bar handcrafted by Sculpted Ice Works. Set a course for The Waterfront at Silver Birches on December 12 to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. Savor a bountiful meal, take photos with Santa Claus and soak in the merriment. Purchase a gingerbread house and spend some time creating your masterpiece. The Jolly Old Elf also makes a special appearance at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale on December 12. Families are invited to Brunch with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a festive meal and an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus. New Year’s Eve celebrations run the gamut from elegant and intimate to laid-back and lively. There are two ways to send off 2021 at The Settlers Inn. The Undercroft provides a cozy setting for a Masquerade Ball from 8-11:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy an elaborate farm to table meal and live music. Upstairs in the dining room, guests may linger over a special holiday menu while listening to live piano music by Dan Bradley. Ring in 2022 in the Pioneer City. New Year’s Eve Dinner at Kōl Steakhouse features a delectable prix fixe menu from 5-10 p.m. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a Bash at The Waterfront at Silver Birches. A buffet meal, DJ music and dancing lead up to a balloon drop at midnight and champagne to toast the start of 2022. New Year’s Eve at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen is cool and casual. Festivities include live music by Eric Rudy, hors d’oeuvres, champagne and a special tasting menu. Enjoy early seating until 7 p.m. and late seatings after 8 p.m. Welcome the first day of 2022 with a New Year’s Day Brunch at The Settlers Inn. The holiday meal features a prix fixe menu, live piano music and bottomless mimosas. Beloved traditions and time-honored tastes ensure the merry making goes on this holiday season. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com
Settlers Hospitality Receives Local, State and National Honors Leadership. Excellence. Heritage. Settlers Hospitality is honored to receive a number or recent recognitions from industry peers and community organizations. These distinctions were bestowed on multiple businesses in a variety of categories demonstrating Settlers Hospitality’s strong commitment to its core values across all of its holdings. Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger was named Business Person of the Year by The Chamber of the Northern Poconos in its 2021 Community Awards. Each year The Chamber salutes outstanding business leaders in appreciation for their enhancement of the region as a great place to live and work. “I’m honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” says Justin Genzlinger. “After an unprecedented year of challenges, it’s especially meaningful to me to be named Business Person of the Year. Weathering the uncertainties of COVID-19 was no easy task, but I think we’ve come out of it stronger as a company and even more connected as a community.” Historic preservation was a founding principle of Settlers Hospitality. That commitment remains steadfast today with four heritage properties among its collection of hotels. Therefore, it was a privilege to be selected as a finalist in the 2021 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence in seven categories! The program recognizes and celebrates the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from across the United States and around the world. To be chosen as a finalist among hundreds of nominees represents the pinnacle of this very select group. Historic Hotels of America (HHA) bestowed its highest honor on Founders Jeanne and Grant Genzlinger. During the recent awards ceremony and gala in Kohler, WI the couple was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Each year HHA recognizes individuals whose lifelong passion has resulted in the preservation and celebration of the history and stories of a legendary historic hotel. The Genzlingers were honored for their 40-plus year career in the hospitality industry and an enduring legacy of historic preservation that has transformed the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains. Settlers Hospitality was also chosen as a finalist in multiple categories including a nod for Best Social Media for The Settlers Inn, Sustainability Champion for Ledges Hotel, Best Small Historic Inn for The Sayre Mansion and Best Historic Resort for Silver Birches. Additionally, CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger was nominated for Historic Hotelier of the Year and Founders Jeanne and Grant Genzlinger were also nominees for Steward of History and Historic Preservation. Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale, PA was recently honored with the 2020 Heritage Tourism Award from the PA Route 6 Alliance. Each year the organization honors one group, organization or project from the 11-county PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor that promotes economic development and stimulates tourism while still respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the corridor. Nominees hail from throughout the Keystone State, from Pike County in the east to Erie County in the West. Hotel Anthracite celebrates Carbondale’s rich coal mining past in its name, décor and historical exhibits. When the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced its list of 2021 SAGE Award nominees, The Settlers Inn was delighted to be included. The annual event recognizes the outstanding efforts, talent, creativity and innovation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Settlers Inn was singled out as a finalist for the 2021 Impact Award- People and Culture. The category acknowledges a business or organization that has gone above and beyond in response to the COVID-19 crisis to ensure the well-being of its employees. “We are truly honored by each and every recognition,” states Genzlinger. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole staff. The awards are an excellent opportunity to showcase the efforts of everyone at Settlers Hospitality.”
Fall Events at Settlers Hospitality When fall comes calling to the Pocono Mountains, Settlers Hospitality responds with a host of special events that capture the essence of the season. The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches and Hotel Anthracite deliver the flavors and festivities that make autumn a treasured time in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Shrimp will be featured in a big way at The Dock on Wallenpaupack. From October 24 to November 24 enjoy a variety of appetizers and entrees starring the crustacean. Dishes include Bang-Bang Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Asian Glaze, Shrimp Toast with Ginger Ponzu, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Steak and Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp and Shrimp Carbonara. Solve crime while you dine! Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale will host an evening of intrigue with a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on October 29. The drama begins at 7 p.m. Gather clues as you savor a delectable three course meal. The cost is $49 per person. The Settlers Inn will once again have guests spellbound with its Storytelling Dinner. On October 29 and 30 New York Times writer Neil Genzlinger will enthrall audiences with tantalizing tales. Genzlinger is an accomplished writer and storyteller with three wins at Moth StorySlam Open Competitions. He’ll be joined by Michaela Murphy the host of “Word of Mouth Live!” at the Bucks County Playhouse where she is the director of education. The highly regarded speech and performance coach has appeared at many storytelling events including the Moth Mainstage, Harmony in the Woods and TEDxBarnardCollegeWomen. The events unfold in The Undercroft set aglow by over 100 pumpkins hand carved especially for the occasion. Live music and a delectable farm-to-table meal round out the evening. Reservations are required for The Storytelling Dinner, which costs $65 per person. The restaurants of Settlers Hospitality will dig deep into the truffle scene. During the month of November, The Settlers Inn, The Dock on Wallenpaupack and Glass-wine.bar.kitchen will offer dishes featuring the delicacy. The culinary occasion culminates with a Truffle Italian Wine Dinner on November 12 at The Settlers Inn. A guest chef will create an elegant menu of items spotlighting truffles and paired with Italian wines. The decadent evening will include presentations by Urbani Truffles and Pio Cesare Vineyards. Reservations are required. Settlers Hospitality will salute members of the armed forces with complimentary overnight accommodations on Veterans Day, November 11. Veterans may stay at The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches or Hotel Anthracite free of charge. The Settlers Inn will also host a fireside welcome wine on Thursday evening especially for service members. Reservations are required for overnight accommodations. Before the big feast, gather for a Friendsgiving at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. The casual celebration on Thanksgiving Eve, November 24 features live music by John Curtin plus food specials. Celebrate Thanksgiving with Settlers Hospitality. For a traditional Thanksgiving meal of farm-to-table favorites, make a reservation for Thanksgiving Dinner at The Settlers Inn on November 25. Seatings will be available in from noon-6:30 p.m. in the dining room and the Undercroft. There are two options for lakeside holiday dining at Silver Birches on November 25. Enjoy a fuss-free, family-style meal at The Dock on Wallenpaupack while the popular Thanksgiving Buffet returns to The Waterfront. Large parties may reserve private dining space in The Helm or Starboard Room. Stay home and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with none of the cooking. Both The Settlers Inn and The Dock on Wallenpaupack will offer Thanksgiving Dinner to Go featuring turkey and all the trimmings. Orders must be placed by November 23. Meals will be ready for pick up on November 25 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Whether it’s a relaxing getaway, memorable meal or unique special event, Settlers Hospitality crafts the finest offerings of the season into exceptional experiences.
Gorgeous Floral Grand Opening Set for October 9 A new retail and floral service has taken root in Hawley. Settlers Hospitality will hold a grand opening for Gorgeous Floral at 210 Welwood Avenue on Saturday, October 9 with a ribbon cutting set for 10 a.m. An extensive renovation breathed new life into a vacant storefront along Route 6 to create a stunning showcase for this venture. Katharine Brown, of Fox Hill Farm, will serve as director of floral design. The building dates to 1897 when it served as the Paupack Electric Company plant. Energy from Paupack High Falls was harnessed in turbines just below the structure and used to power the town including the adjacent Bellemonte Silk Mill, known as the Hawley Silk Mill today. The revitalization of the property is the latest example of Settlers Hospitality’s commitment to historic preservation. Previous projects have included the restoration of The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel and Silver Birches all of which earned membership in Historic Hotels of America. The prestigious program recognizes properties that have faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. “The addition of this location is another chapter in the story of Hawley’s manufacturing past as told through the preservation of the Hawley Silk Mill and Ledges Hotel,” explains Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. Transformation of the property enabled expansive views of the Wallenpaupack Creek river gorge below. Outside, artist Jeff George refreshed the exterior with a beautiful floral mural that wraps around the building. Sekula Signs created oversized signage with a retro flair. Customers may stop in to choose from the selection of pre-made bouquets or order a custom arrangement for any occasion. Visitors to the shop will also find a curated mix of houseplants, unique vessels, potted plants, terrariums and elegant living and dried centerpieces available for purchase. Merchandise will include floral and garden inspired home décor. The shop offers a central location for Gorgeous Floral’s already burgeoning wedding and events services, which launched in 2021. “Celebrating life’s chapters with flowers is an honor. I’m excited to share my passion for floral design and education through Gorgeous Floral,” states Katharine Brown. “I’m looking forward to greeting customers in the shop and assisting them in expressing the meaning of the occasion through flowers.” Katharine has spent nearly a decade styling weddings at Fox Hill Farm. She’s a highly sought-after floral designer in the tri-state area and beyond. Many of the flowers used in her arrangements are grown on the family farm in Honesdale. Using as much local, Pennsylvania and American grown products as possible is a priority for Katharine. That dedication to locally sourced goods aligns with the values and mission of Settlers Hospitality to support community farms. Gorgeous Floral will also provide in-house floral design for all the properties of Settlers Hospitality. The custom creations will adorn hotel lobbies and grace on-site special events. Guests may also order a seasonal arrangement from Gorgeous Floral for their room as an add-on to any stay. In the future, the shop will host classes and private events. “We’re thrilled to add Gorgeous Floral to the collection of experiences offered at Settlers Hospitality,” says Genzlinger. “It’s one more investment in the community that provides a valuable service to residents and visitors alike and we’re excited about all the opportunities this will bring.” Gorgeous Floral will be open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (570) 576-0490 or visit www.gorgeous-floral.com for more information.
Settlers Hospitality Makes an Investment in its Workforce At the start of what promises to be a busy summer season, Settlers Hospitality announced an ambitious program to benefit its 300 plus strong workforce. The plan calls for an increased starting wage of $15 an hour company wide. The base living wage will be extended to current employees as well as new hires. The investment in its team is also an acknowledgment of the rising cost of living throughout Northeast PA. Additionally, salaried staff will see a cost of living increase and the company is also planning to expand its employee benefits package. “We want all our employees to be able to live and play in the community where we work,” explained CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “Our team is undoubtedly our greatest asset. This is our way of expressing how much we value everyone at Settlers Hospitality and want to help them secure their future.” Guests may notice new initiatives that will enable the program by directly benefitting employees, which will enhance the quality of the visitor experience overall. Settlers Hospitality has multiple openings for full and part-time positions at all of its locations. Potential candidates can begin a career in the hospitality industry with a role that matches their interests and availability. Applicants may find employment as waitstaff, bartenders, chefs, bakers, housekeepers, personal trainers, baristas, dishwashers, front desk staff, maintenance workers, event planners and more. “We’re proud to lead the way among the hospitality industry in the Pocono Mountains with this investment in our team,” said Genzlinger. “Not only is this a well-deserved boost for our staff, it’s a sign of confidence in the return of tourism, and business in general, after an unprecedented year of challenges.” For more information about job openings, visit settlershospitality.com.
