Combining The Old And The New

At The Inn At Newtown

The Inn at Newtown, long a fixture on Main Street, is gearing up for a busy fall and holiday season. Halloween décor will be in evidence as October draws neigh, and on October 31, when hundreds of ghosts and goblins will be wandering Main Street, there will be tricks and treats for children and adults alike.

Since the landmark white clapboard building with green shutters and green awning began its life at the home of town benefactress Mary Hawley, it retains many homey qualities, including a welcoming waiting area with seating around a gas fireplace. The main floor rooms have been configured to offer different dining environments while serving the same menu, under the direction of Chef Justin Frazcek.

Immediately off the entry to the left, is the Tap Room with its half-height window and burgundy walls, and dark wood accents. A bar with about 15 chair stools fills one wall of the room.

Moving beyond the host area, a hallway leads to the Fairchild Room (the private function room) and the main dining room. The main dining room, which can seat about 100, is open and airy, but half walls create private nooks as well.

The Fairchild Room, which has been recently updated, provides a space for private parties up to 70 guests. French doors open onto a large deck that can accommodate another 50. The room is popular for company functions as well intimate, relaxed events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, graduation or birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, and even small weddings. The deck is also accessible from the main dining room and is a popular place to take meals in the warm weather.

On the lower level, with its entrance off of the large parking lot, Proud Mary’s tavern boasts both a large bar area and a living room-type seating area adjacent to a large, stonewall fireplace highlighted by a bell that hangs from the ceiling. The living room-like setting with its stained glass decorative windows and large French lithographs is proving to be a popular place for adults to have birthday parties, generally around a cocktail party theme, or to enjoy a full buffet.

The Inn at Newtown offers its full menu on a takeout basis. In a response to customer’s who wish to entertain at home, many items are available in half and full-tray quantities. In-home catering is a growing part of the Inn’s business, and drop-off catering for a charge of $35 is also now available to customers within a 15-mile radius. The Inn can provide banquet managers, servers, and can supply a chef for parties in the home, with advance notice.

The Inn is currently transitioning into its fall menu, offering moderately priced American fair with ethnic flairs that appeals to a variety of palates, as well as weekly specials. On Mondays, kids eat for free. “Burger Bust” is the theme for Tuesday evenings, with all burgers on the menu half-price with the purchase of one full-priced burger. Those who enjoy wine with their meals are certain to enjoy Wine Wednesdays, when most bottles of wine are offered at a 50 percent discount. As the week winds down, two can enjoy a full dinner for a total cost of just $29.99 every Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday evenings, fill up on the Surf & Turf special — then head downstairs for some live music at Proud Mary’s to end the evening.

More information about The Inn, its menus, and special event can be found on its website, www.theinnatnewtown.com.

The Inn at Newtown, 19 Main Street, is open seven days a week year-round; closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Lunch is served from 11:30 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, dinner from 4 to 9:30 pm, and until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Sunday brunch buffet is served from 11 am to 2 pm, dinner from 2 to 9 pm. For information or reservations, call 270-1876.