I'm going to a wedding in a town called Laurel, DE in late August - does anyone know of a place to stay nearby? We'd like to avoid Holiday/Hampton Inn-type places and don't mind driving 20 miles or so after the reception to end up at a charming b&b or hotel...many thanks!

I don't know of any specific places (we stay at the Hampton Inn types when we go to Salisbury) but look at the towns of Snow Hill, Md and Berlin, MD. There used to be lovely-looking B&B on Rt. 113 outside of Berlin. An Italianate house. Does anyone know the house I'm thinking of? If you have any extra time while near Salisbury, stop at the decoy museum. They have some gorgeous bird carvings.

Berlin, MD is cute with an "old-fashioned" town center. Its not far from the Assateague Seashore - state and federal oceanside parks - a barrier island with wild horses. The town is the setting in the Julia Roberts movie Runaway Bride. The Atlantic Hotel in Berlin is the original hotel in town which has been renovated, it gets very good reviews. I've not stayed, only eaten lunch - which was quite nice.

Another suggestion is Lewes, Delaware -a beach town on the Delaware Bay/Atlantic Ocean. The Inn at Canal Square is a good spot. Keep in mind that August is likely to be pretty crowded at the beach.

Cambridge, MD on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay is also nearby. Hyatt has just opened a new "resort" hotel in town, I've heard good things, but have not seen it myself.

Thanks so much for the suggestions - they renewed my enthusiasm for this upcoming weekend!

If your want to try a genuine Eastern Shore watermen's town, try Secretary, MD. It's a big oystering and crabbing town with working watermen. There's no motel in town but there may be a Bed & Breakfast nearby. A mile out of town, the Suicide Bridge Restaurant is quite good.

And here I thought that the Suicide Bridge restaurant was a "little known" treasure.

We've been known to eat a crab or two there AND at their crab feasts. Good recommendation Shane!