Romantic weekend iideas in Chesapeake area?
 

I'll be visiting a friend in the Washington DC area this August and we'd like to spend a romantic weekend somewhere within a 3 hour drive of DC. We have no interest in sports activities or shopping but have a shared desire to spend the time in a quaint "non-touristy" area, abundant in natural beauty, hopefully with an eclectic selection of restaurants, galleries, etc. nearby. Ideally, the accomodations should be in a reasonable price range ($80-120 night without meals). Any suggestions? <BR>

Not in your price range, but it depends on how romantic you want to be--you've got to pay for romance, you know. The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael's on the Maryland Eastern Shore is about as romantic as I can imagine. Operated by Laura Ashley's husband (she's now dead) and beautifully decorated. Includes breakfast and afternoon high tea, but it is very expensive. You might also try the Robert Morris Inn also on the Eastern Shore and less expensive. If you reserve well ahead, you might be able to get on of the lodge rooms with screened in porches on the rive. It's in Oxford, a very quiet town that time forgot. There are good restaurants on the Eastern Shore for crab. The other place to go would be Hunt country--Middleburg. If the Inn at Little Washington is out of your price range, try the Red Fox Inn in Middleburg---four poster beds and 18th C. furnishings. <BR>

Unfortunately, $80-120 a night is the going rate for a Red Roof Inn in the Washington area in August, and espcially on a weekend. Kam's suggestions above are excellent, especially the Inn at Perry Cabin, which sounds like what you'tre looking for (lots of galleries and shops in St. Michaels). But the last time my wife and I were there, the tarriff was $335 per night for a weekend. <BR> <BR> I can think of two places that might be near your price range. The first is the Bleu Rock Inn in Washington, VA (540) 987-3190. The other is L'Auberge Provencale in White Post, VA (540) 837-1375. Both are country inns, small, with well-regarded dining rooms and oodles of romance. You can find accurate reviews of both at Microsoft's "Washington Sidewalk" under restaurants. <BR> <BR>If you're serious about either one, call now; the likelihood that there's still a weekend room available is small, and shrinks by the hour.

To the top. <BR> <BR>This info is from 1998-99. Updates, anyone? Looks interesting!

Bleu Rock has changed owners. It is a lovely and, yes, romantic place. Prices probably not too far out of desired range. L'Auberge Provencale definately is a much more desirable place, but much more expensive. Last time we had dinner there, Dec.2000, I think it was $88.- per person. Drinks extra. But it is a special treat. I understand with room one gets a lovely breakfast.The owner/chef has a great reputation.

Definately,St. Michaels. You can find this off of Route 40 near Easton. You will love it. Lots of antique shops, B&B's. It is a waterfront community too. Horse drawn carriage rides, great restaurants, and historic. Inn at Perry Cabin is the best but very English, decorated in Laura Ashley. It is not within close walking distance either. The best bet would be St. Michael's Harbourtown Inn. It runs about $250/night and not only a waterfront hotel, but within walking distance to everything. They even have bike rentals. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need more help.

Never heard of St. Michael's - anymore info - sounds real interesting..

St. Michael's claim to fame is that during the War of 1812, a British ship came upon the town at night. All the residents blew out their lights but one which was put in the highest tree, I believe. The Brits fired cannon at the light, thus overshooting the town. Today, St. Michael's is the closest thing the Shore has to a yuppie town with Chestertown coming in a close second. Tilghman Island is a more genuine waterman town. It is located 14 miles southwest of St. Michael's.

Definitely 'non-touristy' and abundant in natural beauty, but with no eclectic restaurants or galleries and void of shoppping--Smith Island which is accessible only by boat from southern Maryland or from Maryland's eastern shore.

Actually, you can stay in great B&B's on MD's Eastern Shore for pretty much what you want to spend. My wife and I spent this weekend at the Brampton Inn in Chestertown; had a great room in the main house, ca. 1860, for $165. Accomodations start at $125, I think. The house and grounds are magnificent. You can find it and others on the Web. We took a charter cruise on the Chesapeake on Kathryn, a 42' foot boat out of Rock Hall, and visited the Mainstay, an art gallery in the town. Chestertown and Rock Hall are far less touristy than other parts of the Eastern Shore. Good luck, Joe