Issue link: http://janet.uberflip.com/i/1527574
2024 | HOOK MAGAZINE 35 200 people!" Given the extraordinary outcome of last year's ceremony, Arek describes how he wants to add more ac-vi-es and events to the already impressive show. Special eggnog and cookie cocktails are in the works for the already incredible signature drinks menu. The dinner menu will also feature classic Polish Christmas-me dishes including Borscht, that hearty beet soup. Arek explained about the tree, "That was the idea from the first moment…but how to get there. So, last year I said 'Okay let's see. We got a crane, I took one of my guys from my con- struc-on company in the city. I'm not afraid of heights, he's not afraid of heights,' so we just spent three days hanging 24,000 lights on it—that's it!" The restaurant owner makes it seem a lot easier than it is. On an Instagram post in Novem- ber of 2023 promo-ng the tree-ligh-ng ceremony, the Inn writes, "A lot of -me, effort, and fun. And what's most important this tree will grow and grow." In just three years, the couple has grown the business into a successful and communal place for people to enjoy not only the restaurant, but its rich history. The home was originally owned and built in 1773 by John Hathorn, patriots and his wife Elizabeth Welling. The house and land changed ownership a few -mes, with the Raynor fam- ily owning it for 85 years. In 2001, the land joined the Na-onal Register of Historic Places. However by 2016, the space was deteriora-ng; that was un-l current owners Arek and Sylwia swooped in and saved the historic landmark that year. Over the next five years, with signifi- cant expense and effort, the couple repaired and revitalized the space, eventually becoming the Old Stone House Restaurant in 2021. Arek explained about the tree, "That was the idea from the first moment…but how to get there. So, last year I said to one of my guys from my construc- tion company in the city. 'Okay let's see. We got a crane, I'm not afraid of heights, you're not afraid of heights', so we just spent three days hanging 24,000 lights on it—that's it!"