Steeped in history, Kent County retains its colonial charm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Enter through Queen Anne's County by turning from 301 or Rt. 50 north across the new over pass to Rt. 313. It offers a serene retreat far from the hustle bustle on a peninsula. Its rolling farmland and many creeks afford a pleasant oasis. The sweeping panorama of the Chesapeake Bay is on the West, the Sassafras River on the North and the Chester River on the South.

Chestertown, founded in 1706 as a port of entry, beckons the visitor with its brick sidewalks, Georgian, Federal and Victorian homes and unique shops. The quaint town is home to Washington College, the 10th oldest Liberal Arts College in the United States and the only one to which Washington gave official permission to use his name. He often dined at Worell's Tavern and its building still stands today.

Rock Hall, "Pearl of the Chesapeake," is a working watermen's town, a popular destination for pleasure boaters and has spectacular views of the Bay. Twenty miles from Chestertown on Rt. 20, it was originally known as Rock Hall Crossroads, established in 1707. Many believe that this collection of homes dates further back in history. East Neck Island and New Yarmouth were the locations of the earliest settlement in Kent County. The courthouse was located at New Yarmouth and later moved to what is now Chestertown in 1697. Washington, Madison and Jefferson traveled through Rock Hall often. It was an important port for packets bringing people from the South and Western Shore to inland routes headed north to Philadelphia and New York. Water routes were often the safest. For over 300 years locals have earned their living from the water, which is still pleasurable for fishermen and boaters also. The town Museum in the Municipal building and the Waterman's Museum offer a closer historical view.

Nature lovers enjoy the abundance of wild life on East Neck Island. Another refuge, Remington Farms, draws naturalists. Remington Day in September is an event featuring wildlife. Rock Hall's "Ferry Park" affords some of the most splendid sunsets in the area. Historic inns can be found throughout the county as well as opportunities to enjoy local cuisine from casual watefront dining to elegant restaurants. Antique shops can be discovered in small country towns such as Galena and Georgetown as well as in Chestertown. The natural landscape and wildlife refuges provide excellent opportunities for ecotouring and there are well equipped charter and guide services available. Come and enjoy the gracious hospitality of Kent County.
 

Lauretum Inn

The Lauretum Inn, circa 1881, perches splendidly atop a tree graced knoll on six acres near Chestertown on Rt. 20 at 954 High Street. A long winding lane invites you to the tall inn. The complex form and massing of the cheerful, cream-hued house reflect the eclecticism of the late Victorian period.

The original owner, Harrison W. Vickers (1845 – 1911), commissioned the international renowned architect, Edmond George Lind to design a country estate, named “Lauretum Place”. The name Lauretum or “Laurel Grove”, is the name of a place on the Aventine Hill in ancient Rome. Edmund Lind was one of Baltimore’s most influential architects of the period. He was among the cofounders of the American Institute of Architects. Lauretum is Lind’s only work on the upper Eastern Shore.

Harrison Vickers was a prominent lawyer who served two terms as States Attorney (1875 – 1883) and was the son of US Senator George S. Vickers, born in Chestertown, who during the Civil War was appointed Major General of the Maryland Militia by the governor. In 1868, he became a U.S. Senator and subsequently voted for the acquittal of President Andrew Johnson on impeachment charges. Legend has it that the Johnson impeachment vote was deadlocked and a messenger was sent to Senator Vicker’s home, because he was ill. His hand-written vote was the decisive one, overturning the impeachment.

The stately inn maintains its high degree of original integrity with the majority of its character-defining features intact on the exterior and interior. Fine intricate moldings crown the walls of the azure hallway, leading past the parlor and the elegant dining room to the cheerful living room beyond. Newly enhanced in cream tones, it is graced by a fireplace with a crest motif and tiffany lamps and looks out on the long front verandah. Here guests will frequently enjoy breakfast or refreshments in warm weather or just relax and enjoy the scenery and wildlife: deer, redfox, rabbits, and various birds. An eloquent staircase rises three stories behind the parlor to three rooms on the second floor with private baths and two suites on the third with private baths. Stained glass windows cast picturesque gleams in the sunlight and add splendor to your evenings at this elegant inn.

INNKEEPERS: Martha Shane and Walter Schaefer. ADDRESS: 954 High Street PHONE: 410) 778-3236 ROOMS: 3 rooms, all with private baths and 2 suites with two rooms each, TV monitor with VCR and a large video library. MEALS: Gourmet Continental breakfast with fruit, cereals, baked goods, coffee, juice and tea. NEARBY : Walking tours of historic Chestertown, the waterman’s town of Rock Hall, wildlife refuges, beaches and swimming, hunting and fishing, bicycling and horseback riding, fine restaurants and marinas.

Bay Breeze Inn

The Bay Breeze Inn, a refreshing change from many B & Bs, offers an open patterned first floor plan. One can see the lovely back gardens through the dining room window. An attractive living area with chaise lounge and sofa is on the right of the front door beside comfortable chairs near a fireplace. An antique table with claw and ball feet stands by the door, where twin grey- hounds often greet guests. A pen for your pet is in the rear English garden. Decks on each floor overlook its gold fish pond near patio tables for sunlit breakfasts or evening libations.

The owner, a professor, bakes fat-free muffins for the breakfasts which also include include fresh fruit, juice, coffee and tea.

A third floor suite for families and couples has a private entrance and deck. Crowned by skylights, it contains a double bed and two singles with artistic quilts. Five of these enhance beds throughout the inn and the baths boast antique tubs with gold claw and ball feet and gold fixtures. One guest room features the free-hand garland artistry of inn keeper, Liese Marshall. It has twin beds, while other rooms offer queen size beds.

The Bay Breeze Inn offers kayaks to rent.

INNKEEPERS: James Gillin and Liese Marshall. Well behaved pets and children are allowed. ROOMS: 5. MEALS Gourmet breakfasts and snacks. NEAR boating, fishing birding biking, America's Cup Cafe, Talula Bankheads home town, 5 restaurants. Phone: (410) 639-2061

Bay Breeze Inn

Hynson-Ringgold House

The Hynson-Ringgold House at 106 Water Street is named for Nathaniel Hynson, Jr., early owner of the lot and Thomas Ringgold, Jr., a wealthy merchant and lawyer. Ringgold purchased the house from Dr. William Murray, who had constructed the front portion in the early 1740s. The Ringgolds built the remainder of the structure in the late 1760s, tripling the original size and had the magnificent mahogany antler stair built as the northeast side was remodeled. One of the remodeled rooms is installed in the Baltimore Museum of Art. The cipher, "WB1770," found on the back of the paneling was attributed then to William Buckland. Greek Revival details were added in the ante-bellum period by U.S. Senator James Alfred Pearce. The portraits of family members who have lived there decorate the walls.

The house is on the National Register and has been the home of the presidents of Washington College since the late 1940s. Several years ago, the brick-walled yard and garden were refurbished through efforts of Mrs. Karl Miller and the late Mr. Miller with help from local citizens. President and Mrs. John S. Toll now reside in this private home.
 

Rhinelander House

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Frederic W.T. Rhinelander is near River House at 103 N. Water Street. Mr. Rhinelander's great grandfather was one of the founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Some of the furniture pieces such as a splendid walnut table were made by Mr. Rhinelander and many antiques are from the family. The present house is particularly interesting because of the changes which it underwent as it passed through the hands of subsequent owners.

Thomas Anderson, a merchant, bought water lots 15, 14 and part of 13 in 1795 on which he built a one-room deep, 2-1/2 story brick house laid in Flemish bond with an "A" roof. In 1876, John Aldridge altered the original roof line to incorporate a full third floor. He added a two story kitchen wing and replaced the original porch with a two-story porch, typical of Chestertown, on the river side. The Water Street windows were enhanced by decorative cornices and the entrance portico and two story, oriole bow window on the south side (which once housed an elevator) were added.

The lovely garden wall features sculpture of cherubs embracing and overlooks a fine view of the Chester River. This is a private home.
 

Wickes House

The nearby Wickes House at 102 High Street is named for a family associated with the Eastern Shore since before the Revolution. The five bays, gabled roof main house was built circa 1767 for the Wallis family. The Wickes family owned this large Georgian house from 1831 until 1943. Ezekial F. Chambers, U.S. Senator, resided here in the early 19th century. The 15 fireplaces, most mantels, moldings and floors are original. The molded water table is set in Flemish bond. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hall Johnstone now own the house, which they lovingly restored.. Mrs. Johnstone was from St. Mary's County and her family owned the Porto Bella Mansion. She has furnished the house with treasured family pieces, such as the corner chairs in the parlor left of the foyer. These were made to accommodate men wearing swords. One large painting is of a Spanish artist in his atelier and was the lead piece in an exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The gardens and house are private.
 

Airy Hill

Airy Hill near Chestertown is situated on part of a land grant made to Simon Wilmer in 1688. Wilmer was a member of the state legislature and was elected to the first vestry of Old St. Paul's Church. The original house, consisting of the present kitchen wing was built circa 1790 when John and Anna Maria Rowles owned the land. Mary Thomas, buried at Airy Hill alongside her husband, George, grew up at the famous River House in downtown Chestertown, which she inherited from her father, a professor of law at Washington College in 1801. Airy Hill was their summer house. It is also connected with the Wickes House, in downtown Chestertown. Judge Joseph A. Wickes, a prominent attorney and judge of the Circuit Court, owned both properties from 1864 to 1915. Dr. Berna, a physician, owns the house with her husband, who has written a book about it. Notable features include the old kitchen, once a blacksmith's shop with an iron fireback bearing the date 1769, the "Wall of Troy" pediment above the front door, a bathroom once used as a birthing room and a bedroom that was the "hoop skirt room." This is a private home owned by Mr. and Mrs. James Berna.
 

Geddes-Piper House

The Geddes-Piper House at 101 Church Alley is the home of the Kent County Historical Society. The 3-1/2 story brick townhouse was built in the 1770s by William Geddes, customs collector of the Port of Chestertown. He sold it to James Piper, a merchant, soon afterward. The building was enlarged and completed in the 1830s by George B. Westcott. It remained in the family until 1914. The back portion was added in the 1830s.

In the living room is a beautifully restored desk from 1770, an heirloom of the Wescotts. A portrait of Rebecca Brown Ringgold, wife of Thomas Jefferson Ringgold hangs in the back parlor. Samuel Ringgold's portrait hangs in the front parlor, and a lithograph of his death in the Mexican war is nearby. Another portrait is of Senator George Vickers, who cast the deciding vote against Andrew Johnson's impeachment. His home was at the site of the Lauretum Inn, presently on High Street. Swords in the dining room belong to George Vickers and his son.

Upstairs in one room, depicting the 1800s, is a child's riding habit, a Windsor chair from the 1700s, a Wescott family piece and a copper bracelet from Paris. In a front bedroom the wedding dress of Sophia Ringgold illustrates how petite women were in those times. She married Nathaniel Hynson and lived nearby in the Hynson-Ringgold house, described above. In the hallway is a 1907 view of Chestertown. An 1860 map of Kent County hangs in the lower hall.

The Geddes Piper House is open to the public on weekends and Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am-3pm from May - October and by appointment. The Candlelight tour of Chestertown in September always features the house. For information call 410-778-3499.
 

Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel is the epitome of a true turn of the century hostelery. Built by Wilbur W. Hubbard, a prominent Chestertown resident, it is located in the historic district, back to back with the Geddes Piper House, home of the Kent County Historical Society. The garden between the two is perfect for weddings or conferences. A conference room offers a changing art show and has a large conference table. Jazz nights are held in this garden setting on Friday evenings. The Geddes Piper House is sometimes used as a meeting space for conferences held at the hotel.

The hotel building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1908 and the house underwent a painstaking restoration just after that time. The work won an award from the Maryland Trust for Historic Preservation and multiple awards for the interior design. Easy to distinguish as one drives up the main street of town, the hotel's wide welcoming verandahs are typical of the Chestertown old homes. The verandas provide a perfect spot for guests to relax and offer a prime viewing area for special holiday events, such as the Tea Party and the Fourth of July.

Guests can walk out onto verandas from guest rooms, decorated in luxurious Victorian style, featuring bold colors and patterns. Each bedroom has its own distinctive motif. Amentities include color cable T.V., phones, wireless internet, complementary toiletries and heated twoel racks. In an upstairs parlor, guests can read, chat or play checkers. A complementary Continental breakfast is served to guests in the Front Room to the left side of the front door. On the right is a cocktail lounge. Hunters and boaters often visit the inn in their casual attire.

The inn has repeatedly been judged highly in the Zagat Survay and in the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine, which has given it the award of excellence. Under the new ownership, a superb executive chef, Tom Pizzica, formerly with Wofgang Puck at the famous Postrio Restaurant, offers eclectic contemporary cuisine utilizing fresh, regional focuses in exquisite dishes.

INNKEEPER: Joseph Dolce. ADDRESS: 208 High Street, Chestertown 21620. PHONE: 410 778-5000. FAX 410 778-9662. www.imperialchestertown.com. MEALS: Continental breakfast free with room, also serving lunch and dinner. ROOMS: 11 with private baths. PAYMENT: major credit cards, cash. Children fine. BANQUET ROOMS & Conference rooms. NEARBY: hunting, fishing shopping, festivals, galleries.

Stepne Manor

Oldest of the four whole house rental properties of the historic Brittland Estates, Stepne Manor, circa 1658, is a historic treasure. Simon Wilmer was probably responsible for the construction of the original back portion of Stepney, at one point called White House. He was one of the most prominent men at the time in the county. He was the County Surveyor who laid out the land for the courthouse in 1695. After marrying Rebecca Tilghman, the daughter of Dr. Richard Tilghman of the Hermitage. Wilmer received several tracts amounting to more than 2000 acres near present day Chestertown. Memorials to him and Rebecca were moved near to the house by the Historical Society. An 18th century painting of the original house is on display at Washington College. The exterior is still in Flemish bond brick with black shutters.

Interior rooms showcase unique architectural details as well as the original molding and pine floors. The kitchen has been completely remodeled to accommodate guests and caterers with state-of-the-art appliances, while the dining room maintains gracious furnishings of the period. The original basement contains the old coal shoot and a walled up tunnel possibly used by abolitionists to free slaves.

The newer portion of the house contains a sun room with the white brick of the old wall accented by striped and floral chairs and sofas, looking out on redesigned walkways, which lead to extensive lawns. A cozy den and sitting room in gold and russet tones leads into the foyer with its lovely curving stairway.

There are a total of five bedrooms and three and a half baths. Rooms with queen beds adjoin a master suite with king bed and bath with Jacuzzi. Mirrors and tasteful art in gold frames complement embroidered quilts and Persian rugs, while armoires augment the original closets.

Stepne Manor is an ideal location for small retreats, meetings and weddings with village charm.

INNKEEPER: Natalie Turner. ADDRESS: 800 High St, Chestertown, Maryland, 21620. PHONE: 410-810-7591. ROOMS: 5 Bedrooms/sleeps 15 with 1 king, 2 fulls, 4 queens and 1 chair bed. BATHS: 3.5, kitchen, dining room, sun room, living room, den and laundry room. APPLIANCES: irons, hairdryers, central AC, satelite TV and wireless internet. NEARBY: walking distance to downtown Chestertown's art galleries, shops and Fountain Park, a venue for Farmer's Market and heritage events.

Stepne Manor Web Site

Running Fox

Running Fox, circa 1857, is a handsome 213 acre estate, surrounded by picturesque fields, woodlands and a quiet pond attracting native wildlife The simple and stately mansion with its old smoke house, widow's walk and barn offers serenity and the integrity of Federal design. Benjamin F. Beck, Sr. purchased the Middle Plantation from John Claypoole in 1846. Local tradition states that the house was built for Benjamin, Jr. by his father upon his marriage,

The house is three bays long and two rooms deep, covered with a low pitched hip roof with chimneys on the side walls and a windowless modillion cornice on the roof. Inside are double parlors and a dining room with secondary passage behind the pantry to the kitchen which has been newly remodeled with modern appliances. It looks into a family style dining room with an enchanting country motif. The inscription: "Rachel Lusby" is carved into one window sill, as was the custom in those times. A den with curving sofas, wood stove, bolted closet, original beams and paneling is a few steep steps down from the hallway where a splendid hunt board stands.

Upstairs, a boy's room with striped wallpaper and rustic striped quilt is complemented by a girl's room with satin comforter and pillows in spring green and soft pink. These rooms share a bath and both look out on spectacular views down to the water. Three more rooms, originally servants' quarters, have twin and queen beds and also share a bath. A back staircase and elevator add convenience here. In the knotty pine attic, extending the length of the house is space and peace with a king bed, desk and plenty of room for families.

Runnning Fox is ideal for romantic getaways, retreats or country weddings.

INNKEEPER: Natalie Turner. ADDRESS: 800 High Street, Chestertown, MD. 21620. PHONE: 410 810-7591. ROOMS 4/sleeps 9 with 3 queen and 3 twin beds. BATHS:2.5. Linens provided. Newly remodeled kitchen, dining room, sitting room, den. laundry closet. Hairdryers, irons, central A/C, Satellite TV: NEARBY: Walking, hunting, fishing, drives into Chestertown for shopping, dining and historic events.

Running Fox

Claddaugh Farm Bed and Breakfast

Claddaugh Farm is a Victorian farm house, nearly a hundred years old, located near the entrance to historic Chestertown. It takes its name from a town in Ireland and its romantic aura from a legend of the famous author, James Joyce's ancestor, who was sold into slavery. During that time, he trained to be a goldsmith of great artistry and imagination. He created a crest with two hands symbolizing friendship. The hands hold a heart (love) beneath a crown (loyalty).

The goldsmith, Richard Joyce, a 16th century fisherman, was captured by Algerian pirates, the very week he was to be married. During his captivity, he fashioned a ring with these symbols for the finance who awaited him. After years of waiting, Richard was released and journeyed home to find that the love he thought would surely be gone was still longing for his return.

The pillars at the entrance to the inn bear this romantic emblem. A short landing will take you to the lovely old house where you will be received warmly. A spacious dining room is on one side of the foyer with a long table for breakfast. On the left side is a drawing room for playing games, reading or watching television. fireplaces in both rooms make for a cozy atmosphere.

Spacious guest rooms are named after counties in Ireland, and guests wake to a full breakfast. The country inn offers 4 guest room and one suite. They are bright and beautifully decorated. Many high windows keep them full of light. The top floor dormer rooms share a bath, and the others have private baths.

This is a conveniently located, enchanting inn with cordial hosts.

INNKEEPERS, Misy and Michael Hollis, ADDRESS, 160 Claddaugh Farm Rd. Chestertown, Md. ROOMS 4 and 1 suite, 3 with private baths, MEALS Full Breakfast. NEARBY, hunting, fishing, boating, historic Chestertown's restaurant, galleries, shops. PHONE: (410) 778-4894

Claddaugh Farm B&B Web Site

Spring Cove Manor

Far from the hustle bustle of towns and cities in Kent County is a new inn, restored from a historic home circa 1890. On eight acres by the waterside not far from the fishing village of Rock Hall, this manor house is picture perfect and a real adventure get away. Feel like kayaking? It's owned by the proprietor of Chesapeake Kayaking Adventures, who can introduce you to hundreds of miles of Kayaking on the Chester River.

Sit back, afterward, and relax in a wicker rocker on the porch and enjoy afternoon tea before retiring to one of the five renovated rooms. Miss Eleanor's Room, for example, is graced by a cozy fireplace and French doors, leading to the porch. The Orchard Suite in the Cove Cottage offers a queen bed and day bed for families.

In the main house, polished dark panelling sets off the sunny, spacious common rooms, and all is centrally air conditioned.

Wedding party packages are available with reservations, made well in advance, for up to six rooms with use of the grounds for rehearsal, ceremony and reception.

Innkeepers: Jim and Liese. Address:12060 Cove Spring Rd. Rock Hall, Md. Phone: 410 639 2061. Rooms: 5 in the house and a suite in Cove Cottage. Meals: Country breakfast. Pets: yes. Nearby: Kayaking, fishing, hunting shopping, restaurants.

Spring Cove Manor Website Water accessable

 
  Great Oak Manor

Great Oak Manor, eight miles south of Chestertown, was part of a land grant from Lord Baltimore in the 1600's. The current manor house was built in 1938 by an heir to the W.R. Grace shipping fortune named Russell D'Oenche. He had the house created as his family's private residence. Two years into its building, the architect, Douglas Braik, was awarded an Excellence in Architecture Award for creating Great Oak Manor's 18th century Georgian detail. Russell D'oench sold the manor to Frank Russell in 1946, who made it into a resort for the power elite of Washington, D.C. Thus, the original residence with 26 rooms, nine fireplaces and eight baths became a sporting club with 12 guest rooms, all with original fire- places. The spectacular Foyer, graced by an elegant curving staircase, two large parlors and luxurious dining room makes this a perfect wedding venue. A spacious art gallery-conservatory lends itself to dancing, where a sparkling pool looks out upon the sumptuous waterview.

The D'Oench Room is named after the original owners who just visited after the remodeling in 2008. The wickes Room has a lovely nautical motif with a ship engraving on the fireplace and crisp Blue and white hues, complimented by a red Oriental carpet and a newly remodeled bath with modern fixtures. The Caulk Room, in verdant, spring green tones is graced by an antique armoire and rose accents, while the Tilden Room is more exotic with a mural tapestry near the handsome bed. The Marmaduke Master Suite is perfect for newly weds with its connecting sitting room. The Roese Suite is named for the owner's family and has a green and red motif with Rose panels and cushions, a waterfowl scene over the fireplace and lovely cream colored drapes in the newly remodeled bath. Downstairs is the cheerful Sterling Suite with a semi-handicap garden entrance, framed by drapes in a sunny French Pineapples print plus a newly remodeled bath and sitting room with comfortable pull out sofa. This suite is fine for hunters or families as a powder room across the hall may be employed by guests in the sitting room. All in all, Great Oak Manor is a dream come true inn for all seasons and reasons.

INNKEEPERS: Casandra and John Fedas. ADDRESS: 10568 Cliff Road, Chestertown, MD 21620, PHONE: 1-800 504-3098. ROOMS: 12, all with private baths and fireplaces. Meals: Gourmet breakfasts and special parties. Nearby: Hunting, fishing, boating, no free golf but Chester River Yacht Club golf priveleges for $30. Children: Over 13 years of age.

Link to Great Oak Manor Website
 

John Stam House

The John L. Stam House, formerly Hills Inn, near Washington College in Chestertown is named after the second President of the College. When they renovated the house recently, the owners found Mr. Sham's grandson, Colin Furguson's name and the dates 1857-1860, during which he built it, inscribed into the tower, a distinguishing feature of the inn.

Intricate hand painted moldings, floors and marble mantels are all original on the first floor. In the front parlor, portraits of Colin and his wife preside over elegant English antiques beneath a shimmering tear-drop chandelier with the Scottish thistle motif. The second parlor with hand printed wallpaper of the era, leads into a lovely dining room, which hosts splendid English teas, enhanced by the china motif that matches the needlepoint upholstery of the chairs.

This beautiful room leads back into the foyer, boasting exciting Chinese red walls and a stained glass portrait of St. Jude on the staircase landing.

At the top of the staircase is an inviting room with a four poster bed graced by a romantic chiffon canopy and drapes, while another room is in periwinkle blue with balloon curtains. Still another offers a fresh Cabbage rose motif and either a king or twin beds.

On the third floor, one room has a half-tester bed under the eves, a couch that makes into a child's bed and a bathroom with claw foot tub and Jacuzzi. A powder room in rose trim features the staircase leading to the tower where a claw foot tub gives one the view of the town in complete privacy as a unique dividend to your stay in this exemplary historic inn, where you can also avail yourself of modern internet service.

INNKEEPER: Marta Girone. ADDRESS: 113 Washington Avenue, Chestertown. PHONE: (410) 778-1926. ROOMS: 5 with King or Queen sized beds and private paths. MEALS: Full Breakfast and teas by appointment. NEARBY: Washington College, shops, restaurants, hunting, fishing, sailing, galleries.

John Stam House Website

White Swan Tavern

The White Swan Tavern at 231 High Street in Historic Chester town was built in 1730. This precisely restored inn, the epitome of a colonial tavern of Maryland, is a brick two story building with pillared front porch. The original door with authentic graining opens to a center hallway, leading to a foyer which gives out on lovely gardens and a patio for breakfast and tea. The gourmet Continental breakfast includes freshly baked pastries, hard boiled eggs, juices and a fruit basket.

To the right as one enters is a dining room with tables for games or teas served from 3-5pm daily. It has a Celia series of colonial cartoon prints and Windsor chairs. A powder horn and Flintlock pistol hang over the mantel. To the left of the entrance is a parlor with a secretary desk which is a reproduction by Evans of one in Colonial Williamsburg. The grandfather clock on the front wall, made in 1740 by Joseph Medley, bears that information inside an ornately carved and painted door with an Oriental design. This room is often used for private parties and its window seats lend themselves to such functions.

Walking down the central hallway further, we find a gracious sitting room on the left in vivid hues of aqua and yellow. This makes a cheerful motif for reading, chatting or watching T.V. The bright aqua molding and mantel are original to the building. Guests often sip complementary wine in this parlor before dining out. Working fireplaces in these rooms provide a cozy atmosphere in inclement weather and highlights of an archeological dig on the property are displayed in glass cases.

Four elegant guest rooms upstairs and two suites all have private baths.and an ample parking lot is behind this impeccable AAA 3 diamond inn which is on the Select Registry.

INNKEEPER: Mary Susan Maisel. ADDRESS 231 High St., Chestertown. PHONE: 410 778-2300.FAX 110 778-4543. MEALS Gourmet Continental breakfast and dessert teas. NEARBY:Galleries, bird watching, fishing, hunting, restaurants, shops.
www.WhiteSwanTavern.com

Old Gratitude House

Old Gratitude House, a new B&B in beautiful Rockhall, has experienced innkeepers, Sandy and Hank Mayer at the helm. B&B devotes may remember them fondly from the Georgian House in Annapolis.

They went to Rockhall for the breathtaking view and relaxing atmosphere and so might you. Three of the sumptuously designed rooms have private decks with enticing lounge chairs. Sandy was a fashion designer for years in New York and has incorporated her love for luxurious fabrics into each gorgeous room. Witness the Tuscany Suite with its rose and beige motif, mahogany queen size sleigh bed and fireplace or the Orientale in burgundy and gold with original Oriental altar dressing table, antique carved headbord from Shanghai and hand-painted wall hanging of the Great Wall from a temple in Xian. On a lighter note, you might select The Parisianne an elegant mix of white mahogany poster bed and elaborate accents such as a hand-painted vanity or the private Tropical Retreat with a spacious deck for viewing Baltimore Harbor and the Bay Bridge.

The village of Gratitude was named for the SS Gratitude steamer which traversed the Bay and regularly docked in Gratitude between 1890 and 1910. The previous owner purchase the house for his mother because it reminded her of her home in France and a French proverb states that "Gratitude is the heart's memory". The lovely front door, foyer and dining room fire- place are all original to the early home, built circa 1890, expanded in 1999 and modernized in 2005 by the current gracious owners.

INNKEEPERS: Sandy and Hank Mayer and their Westy Mickey. ADDRESS: 5944 Lawton Ave. Rock Hall 21661. PHONE 1-800-846-0724 or 410-639-7448 email innkeeper@oldgratitudehouse.com. ROOMS: 5 with private baths, air conditioning and TVs with DVD players, Internet access available. MEALS: Full gourmet breakfast. Amenities:free kayaks,canoes and bikes plus ticket for one day on the Green Trolley to Chestertown and Rockhall. NEARBY: Tolchester Beach, restaurants and shops. No young children or pets.
Website: Old Gratitude House

Swan Haven Bed and Breakfast

Swan Haven Bed and breakfast on Rock Hall Avenue is easy to find as one drives straight into Rock Hall and affords exquisite water views. The inn is near several marinas and also offers ten of its own slips for power boats. Two moorings are available for sailboats as well.

Dating from 1898, the inn has a cozy charm with five tables for breakfast which is a healthy continental one with two fruits, cereals and bagels. Five guest rooms are part of the original house, each with its own private bath. Afer Hurricane Isabel struck the inn with water up to the cabinets, the innkeeper built five new waterfront rooms. Five of the ten have private porches and two share a porch to give you a feeling of oneness with nature. Each room is named after a splendid bird. Many nature lovers visit and enjoy the boating and biking in the area, and children over ten are welcomed. The living romm, looking out over the spectacular view through three sets of French doors gives out upon a terrace with comfortable seating.

Enjoy this lovely inn located in a true waterman's village away from the commercial hustle and bustle, where you can completely relax.

INNKEEPER: Ron Mansfield. ADDRESS: 20950 Rock Hall Avenue, Rock Hall, MD 21661. PHONE: 410 639-2527. ROOMS: Ten with private baths. Some with screened porches and spa tubs. Beautiful view of Swan Creek from common rooms. Ten slips and 2 moorings. MEALS: Healthy breakfast. CHILDREN: over ten. NEARBY: Marinas, restaurants, shops, kayaking, boating bird watching, fishing, hunting. Canoes, Kayaks and bikes complimentary to guests.

Swan Haven

Inn at Mitchell House

The Inn at Mitchell House, rated among the top ten of ten thousand by America's Historic Inns, Inc., has an interesting history. During the War of 1812, the Kent Co. militia under the command of Lt. Col. Philip A. Reed marched on Belle Air, now Fairlee, near Rock Hall. On August 31, 1814, the British were repulsed. Their commander, Sir Peter Parker was mortally wounded and brought to the Mitchell House. after he died there, his body was shipped back to his native England, preserved in a barrel of rum.

Some of the rooms are named after the battle's important commanders. The Col. Phillip Reed room has a fireplace, Queen bed and private bath, while the Sir Peter Parker room boasts both a Queen bed, Queen sofa and fireplace and has a black and white motif. The Joseph T. Mitchell Room also has a queen size sleeper sofa and lovely lace canopy. It can be combined with the Martha Hynson small room which has a double bed. The Doctor William Ringold Suite offers a bedroom with sitting area, queen bed and fireplace, while the Alton Marshall third floor room has a king bed and private bath.

In 1907, the owners, Jim and Tracy Stone, built a quest cottage, called the Stone's Throw just that close to the house. A one bath cottage, it affords a full kitchen, great room, gas fireplace, private deck and pull out couch for families. The Stone's throw is also perfect for honeymooners who enjoy weddings on the sweeping lawns, overlooking Stoneybrook pond, woods and luxuriant fields surrounding this most gracious inn.

INNKEEPERS: Tracy and Jim Stone. ADDRESS: 8796 Maryland Parkway, Chestertown, Md. 21620. PHONE: 410 778-6500. ROOMS: six plus private cottage. MEALS: Full country breakfast. CHILDREN: well mannered and quiet ones. PETS: no. NEARBY: Eastern Wildlife Refuge, Adkins Arboretum, boat charters, kayaking, sporting clays, hiking, fishing, hunting. 

Web page: WWW.InnatMitchellHouse.com

Moonlight Bay Inn and Marina

A visit to Moonlight Bay Inn and Marina is an opportunity to envision the past, while enjoying the comforts and amentities of an elegantly appointed luxury inn. Nestled on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the inn is reached by driving to the end of Rock Hall Avenue (Rt. 20) and turning onto tree lined Lawton Avenue. This historic waterman's town has an easygoing, relaxed atmosphere where you can totally unwind.

The original house, constructed in the mid 1800's was once used as a ferry stop for passengers and freight. Vacationers, livestock and produce were transported to Baltimore from this point. For many years it was the home of Gratitude's post office. In later years the building was used as a restaurant called the Shady Rest. When the owner passed away, the restaurant was sold, subdivided into apartments and later abandoned.

Its metamorphosis began in January of 1992, when Dorothy and Bob Santangelo purchased the property and transformed the building and grounds into the beautiful Moonlight Bay marina and Inn of today. Later, after Hurrican Isabelle, they built 5 more rooms with waterviews. Now there are ten air conditioned rooms all with private baths and each with its own ambience. The five with balconies and whirlpool tubs also have exquisite views.

When the sun greets you each morning with a spectacular view of the Bay, your hosts also greet you with a full country breakfast. The day offers many opportunities to enjoy leisure activities, such as boating walking and fine dining. Late afternoon is highlighted by the serving of English High Tea. Be sure to visit this vacation paradise and its genial innkeepers.

INNKEEPERS: Dorothy and Bob Santangelo. ADDRESS:6002 Lawton Avenue, Rock Hall, Md. 21661. PHONE: 410-639-2660.  ROOMMS: ten, 5 with balconies and whirpool tubs. MEALS: Breakfast and afternoon High Tea. NEARBY: Fine dining, galeries, antique shops, kayaking, boating, shopping.

www.MoonlightBayInn.com