Preg Momma in St. Michaels, MD
 

I'm taking my wife (who is 33 weeks preg)to St. Michael for her 40th. Booked into the Harbour Inn for weekend with spa treatments etc. Worried about neg comments on trip advisor about the property (found afterwards). Looked into Inn at Perry Cabin but thought it was a bit far away and a lot of walking and even more expensive. Have not been down there in about 7 yrs. Worth it to switch or stay put for early May trip? Any ideas for day fun for her? Thanks, KC

TTT for KC.

33 weeks? All I can add is I sure hope St. Michael is near home!!

i can't comment on whether or not perry cabin is worth the extra money (i live in town so have never stayed at either property), but it isn't further from town than the harbour inn. perry cabin is on the north end of town and the shops start not far south of there. while the harbour inn is right on the harbor, you have to go down e. chew ave and around part of the harbor to get there. e. chew is about where the shops start on the south end of town--the old mill is there with the winery and new brewery. so if you are walking from the front door of each hotel and going to christ church which you could argue is the center of town, perry cabin is actually closer.

perry cabin definitely feels more upscale and offers top-notch service, but it is quite expensive. it's waterfront lawn is a great place to relax and enjoy some refreshments. it is next to the maritime museum which many people find has some fascinating exhibits.

the harbor inn has all waterfront rooms overlooking the harbor. each have a little outdoor balcony to enjoy the water and watch the boating activity. this weekend is the food and wine festival in town and that is usually when the boaters start arriving.

as for activities, it really depends on what she likes to do. there are a lot of cute boutiques in town if she enjoys shopping. the museum is great. there are a few boat excursions you could take. good restaurants.

if you have any other specific questions, i'd be happy to try to answer them.

I would suggest going with the Inn at Perry Cabin. My wife and I were there last May for the second time. The new pool is a nice addition. She should have the best considering she is expecting soon.

Thanks for the replies. I'm crossing fingers with the Harbour Inn as the only rooms left at PC are way more $$$ than my budget. lolfn - I read many of your old posts and they were very helpful.

You mentioned the Patriot for a boat ride in a prior post. We were looking for a Friday afternoon/ early evening boat ride of some sort just to get out on the water. Any suggestions?

Saw that you recommended Tanaki (sp) a Thai rest. Pls advise on your suggestions for Thai or Indian and whether reservations are essential prior to arrival.

Most importantly, any fine dining establishments that you would recommend - would like to book a special Sat night over the top night for her Bday in advance. She's a fish person - no meat and like Italian as well. Thank you, Kyle

for the boat ride, you have a few different options from st. michaels.

the hm krentz is an old skipjack sailboat which were the old workhorses for oystermen on the chesapeake bay. i've gone on a private charter with them and it was great. i believe they offer 2 hr trips. the downside is if the weather isn't good for sailing, you're kind of stuck. their website is www.oystercatcher.com.

the selina II is docked at the harbour inn so would be very convenient. it is an old sailboat. they offer 2 hr tours as well. their website is www.sailselina.com.

the patriot is the cheapest option and also has a climate controlled deck as well as as open deck on top. so if the weather is a bit nasty, it won't matter like it would on an open sailboat. it travels up the miles river and offers a recorded narrative of the historic homes you pass and a bit about the environment. they depart from near the crab claw/museum entrance. their website is www.patriotcruises.com.

for dining, there are only two asian restaurants in the area, both in easton. both are very good and casual. general tanukis (www.generaltanukis.com) offers sushi and some other asian inspired dishes.

thai ki (www.thai-ki.com) is a brand new thai restaurant opened by one of the top chefs in the area. it is small and they don't take reservations so it is a crapshoot as to how busy it will be. it is excellent.

for fine dining, you'll have no problem finding seafood here. the two best places in st. michaels are the bistro (www.bistrostmichaels.com) and 208 talbot (www.208talbot.com). perry cabin's restaurant has a big reputation but i just haven't found it to live up to it when i've dined there.

bella luna (www.bellalunarestaurant.net) in royal oak about 5 miles from st. michaels is an excellent italian restaurant. i wanted to lick my plate to get every drop last time i was there.

in easton, people like scossa which is similar to a new york restaurant. mason's is very good. i haven't eaten here but friends really enjoyed their meal at the inn at 202 dover.

and i assume your wife will be using the spa at the harbour inn. just wanted to let you know that new spa at perry cabin has been advertising in the local paper, the star democrat, 30% all spa services sunday thru thursday. you have to mention the ad. so if she wants to squeeze something in on sunday, she could always try going there.

hope that helps.

Dear lolfn - We're booked on the salina for a champagne cruise and are dining at Bistro St.M. Thank you for the tip on the SPA and I'll report back in on how we did...Good stuff. Kyle