June 17th, 2015
A few weeks ago two of my usual suspects and I took a day trip to Oxford, St. Michaels, and Easton….Maryland’s Eastern Shore!! Today’s weather reminded me of that trip. At times it is better not to plan. Our trip was unexpected and we had the most fun. These women are interesting, exciting, and always ready for a road trip.
We had lunch at the Robert Morris Inn, ice cream at the Highland Creamery and then stopped at a very cute shop called The Treasure Chest, located at 214 N. Morris St. Tel. 410-924-8817 They are on Facebook.
The shop opens Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Skipper Bags, Stained Glass, Pottery, Tervis, Joan’s Gems, Port of Oxford merchandise and much more is what Joan Nubie-Miscall offers to her customers, along with plenty of friendly conversation.
The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is America’s oldest privately owned ferry. It was established in 1683. The 2 Debbies and I were taking it, crossing the Tred Avon River. The ferry runs 7 days a week. Please note that in November, it only runs Saturday and Sunday. There are continuous crossings every 15-20 minutes. It closes at sunset. Tel. 410-745-9023. Website? http://www.oxfordbellevueferry.com. On Facebook find it as Oxford Bellevue Ferry. Fares are subject to change. You can take your bikes, motorcycle, car or just be a walk-on passenger.
It takes no time to cross the Tred Avon River. The ferry is very small….on that day only my car and two other passengers with their bikes were on board.
The mail to St. Michaels was coming with us, as well. Oxford is a small town.
Meet my two friends. Debbie and Debbie.
Arriving at Bellevue Landing….The scenic route between Oxford and St. Michaels is one of the top 25 bicycle routes in the U.S.A.
We went directly to The Inn at Perry Cabin. This Manor Home Resort & Spa is owned by the Belmond Group. It is located at 308 Watkins Lane in St. Michaels, MD 21663. Tel. 410-745-2200. Website? http://www.belmond.com/innatperrycabin It is pet friendly.
Manicured gardens and cozy corners to take a seat and relax.
The Inn at Perry Cabin is a destination for weddings, sailing, spa relaxing treatments, and other celebrations. We decided to make ourselves at home. So much so, that we did not even take a walk in downtown St. Michaels.
Sipping Cucumber Water, we sat for the longest time enjoying one beautiful scenery and the best company.
Our day was not over….our next destination? Easton, Maryland…Stay tuned.
“Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs.” susan sontag……Guilty!!
June 1st, 2015
I scream for Ice Cream!! I love ice cream. It is my donwfall. I really don’t keep it in the freezer, no way!! My problem is that I usually do not discriminate. I can have a Frosty or I can have the best homemade ice cream in the world. Which is why I am writing this post today….and passing the info. to you.
A couple of posts back I wrote about the Robert Morris Inn in Oxford, Maryland. No dessert was needed after our fab. lunch….we were walking towards the Scottish Highland Creamery located at 314 Tilghman St., Tel. 410-924-6298. Website? http://www.scottishhighlandcreamery.com. If you are on Facebook, check them out there, as well.
Oxford is usually pretty quiet in the middle of the week. The Creamery always has a line. I have to admit it; this is the best ice cream ever!! It is so good. Fresh ingredients with flavorings imported from Italy. They also have sugar free and gluten free ice cream. Note: They do cater parties!!
My usual suspects, the 2 Debbies and I had the following….Please do remember that only cash or checks are accepted. From left to right….2 scoops each. Italian Lemon Cookie with Coffee Hazelnut Crunch on the bottom. Both had very distinct flavors with bits and pieces of cookie and hazelnut crunch. Next was strawberry on top of vanilla. And last was Coffee Hazelnut Crunch on top of Pomegranate!! And, you know how ice cream prices take you to the poor house? The Creamery is very affordable!! Voted “Best of the Eastern Shore.”
We sat down to enjoy our delish sweet ending, overlooking one beautiful scenic town.
Oxford’s Picket Fences are Up!!
This is a fundraising event…Since 2009 picket fences have been painted by local artists. The fences are displayed around the town of Oxford; smaller ones are usually inside businesses and the larger ones are outdoors scattered through downtown. You can vote for them, but you will have to wait until the end of the summer when they will be auctioned off. Residents that have bought them in the past display them with pride.
Artists paint them and offer proceeds to a charity chosen by them. Please visit http://www.portofoxford.com, then click on Special Events. You will be able to see the picket fences for 2015. Here a few of them:
No Dogs Allowed – By Maggii Sarfati. Charity: Talbot Humane Society. You can find this fence at the Scottish Highland Creamery.
The next one is Forward and AFT by Sean Wells. Charity: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. You can find this beautiful one at the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry Dock.
Land of Pleasant Living is a smaller picket fence painted by Bible Praire and Prayers Painters. Charity: Character Counts Mid Shore, Inc. You will find this one inside Benson & Mangold’s Window.
Have a great day!!
May 28th, 2015
Oxford is one of Maryland’s oldest towns. It was the first and only port-of-entry on the Eastern Shore mandated by the Maryland legislation back in 1694.
Oxford is such a charming town. Sailors, cyclists, kayakers enjoy the scenery and the peace emanating from this quaint town. It is picture perfect and streets are lined with beautifully manicured, elegant and historic homes, framing the banks of the Tred Avon River.
On the road for the day with my friends, the two Debbies, it only took us about an hour and a half from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Our destination was the historic Robert Morris Inn. It is 300 years old!! Located at 314 North Morris Street (Main St.). Tel. 410-226-5111. Websiste? http://www.robertmorrisinn.com. The Inn serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas (by reservation) and dinner. It is open year-round.
There are 14 historic bedrooms located on the second and third floors. Adjacent to the Inn they have the Bottle Cottage…..two modern, waterfront rooms.
On this day the temperatures were a little warm but the cool breezes kept us very comfortable. Oxford is very walkable. Park your car, cycles and just walk and enjoy the beautiful town.
 
Robert Morris was known as the “Financier of The Revolution”. He arrived in Oxford in 1738. President George Washington was a friend. A part of Robert Morris’ residence is incorporated in the Robert Morris Inn.
A little trivia? James Michener outlined his famous novel, Chesapeake, at the Inn.
The Robert Morris Inn has been enlarged several times since its time as a private home. The murals in the dining room were made from wallpaper samples used by manufacturers salesmen, 140 years ago.
The Tavern has a slate floor that came from Vermont. Timber beams, panelled walls and open fires.
This fireplace is from the 1800s and the spot for many to have their photos taken.
It was great to see my friend, Susan Campbell. She joined our small group for an outdoor lunch. Her family owns Campbell Boatyards with 3 locations in Oxford. They are a full service, high quality marine and boat building facility. Please visit http://www.campbellsboatyards.com.
We were looking forward to the offerings of Celebrity Chef, Mark Salter, of Scottish descent.
 
Spring Pea & Mint Soup with Crispy Shallots was served warm. It had the perfect consistency. The peas paired with mint…a pretty good combination of flavors. I think this soup could also be served chilled in the heat of summer.
The Grilled Asparagus Salad with Panko Crusted Goat Cheese, organic greens, toasted walnuts, dried fig chutney and a blackberry balsamic vinaigrette was a signature salad dish. Perfect for summer and for those trying hard to keep their girlie figures.
Chef Salter is Scottish…so, Fish n’ Chips is another signature dish offered at this time of the year. Battered Cod, buttered peas, remoulade and shoestring fries. It was awesome!! Not in the least greasy!! Light and perfectly seasoned.
An order of the Chicken Salad Sandwich….except no bread, so it became a Chicken Salad entree with lettuce, tomato, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. Homemade chips!!
Thanks for such great service and suggestions!!
Friends are the best, and sharing a meal with them is always priceless!! No dessert…..heading towards the Scottish Highland Creamery on Tilghman St.
Note: Some info. was taken from the Robert Morris Inn’s brochure.
June 18th, 2014
 
I called this post day tripping because that’s exactly what it was. Driving to Easton from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, takes a little bit over an hour. I take the back roads. Easton is the jewel of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is a very sophisticated town with much history.
My first stop was to have lunch with Louise and Powell at The Hunters’ Tavern inside the Tidewater Inn, located at 101 East Dover St., Easton, MD 21601. This is a beautiful historic hotel; very centrally located. Tel. 410-822-1300 Website? http://www.tidewaterinn.com.
The Hunters’ Tavern has indoor and outdoor seatings. Tel. 410-822-1300 Website? http://www.tidewaterinn.com/dine/hunters-tavern. The restaurant is well aware of customers with a gluten allergy. Check the website.
We started with the Snappy Turtle Soup. This soup is tomato based. It is totally delicious. I have had it before, I have written about it before….and now I am doing it again. Don’t forget to add plenty of Sherry. And if you want to take some home, they have it to go, as well. Just tell them how much you want.
We had 2 salads: Nuts & Berries with mixed greens, strawberries, candied walnuts and Chapel Bay Bleu Cheese. Light and refreshing.
The Bibb Salad had a champagne terragon vinegar dressing, and Chapel Bay Bleu Cheese. It was accompanied by Blackened Ahi Tuna. This was my salad and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
No dessert….time to hit the town.
SHOPPING:
Some time ago I saw a boutique called Marc Randall. I wanted to check it out. Easton has so many stores, but this particular one is different. Women’s fun and fine apparel. Unique handbags and jewelry. The location is 3 Dover St. Tel. 410-820-4077. Website? http://www.marcrandall.com. The shop is shophisticated with cutting edge appeal. Everything is different from the rest of the shops in Easton.
The Ket Sao collection of jewelry caught my attention….These pieces of jewelry are beautiful accents to your wardrobe for Summer 2014. I loved the mixed metal and beaded jewelry.
You can read more about this jewelry by visiting http://www.chickboss.com. This company is helping young Guatemalans and when you purchase a piece of jewelry, you are helping too. The metals are sealed to retard the natural oxidation process. You can clean it with a polishing cloth if needed. Store it in a dry place. That’s all the care you need.
Next time in Easton stop by and meet Marc. He is very friendly.
PLEIN AIR EASTON ART FESTIVAL
This Art Festival is held every year in July. It is the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the U.S. Instead of producing art in a studio, Plein Air Painters produce art from life. There is representation from all over the U.S. and beyond.
Last year’s art sales totaled $325,000 with 313 paintings sold in two and a half days. Approximately, 6,000 to 8,000 people participate in the festival throughout the week.
You have ambition and $10…then you are in Plein Air Easton’s Quick Draw. Plen Air Easton is at the center of the modern plein air movement.
More info? Please visit http://www.pleinaireaston.com
Have a great day!!
January 1st, 2014
My sister in law, Susie, and I decided to do something different on this first day of 2014….To meet in Easton, Maryland at the corner of Harrison St. and East Dover. This is where the beautiful and historic Tidewater Inn is located. The actual address is 101 East Dover St. Tel. 410-822-1300. Website? http://www.tidewaterinn.com. I drove from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, going through the backroads; leaving Sussex County behind and entering Caroline County and finally Talbot County. It took about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The Tidewater Inn is a landmark in Easton. It was designated a Historic Hotel of America by The National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2006. It has been owned by the Carl M. Freeman Companies. The hotel is elegant.
At this time of the year we decided that eating indoors would be a must, but if the weather turns a little milder then outdoor seating is also available.
 
At the Hunters’ Tavern we got comfortable and we both had their amazing Snapper Soup. It is awesome and it is served with Sherry. Put as much or as little as you want. It is so delicious I decided that there was no way I would be starting my diet on January 1st.
It was followed by a Caesar Salad with their signature crabcake. And, rock fish fingers!! Rock fish is local.
 
A sweet ending with Smith Island Cake…ready to walk the town, but not before I thank our server. She was very friendly and attentive.
Easton has beautiful tree line streets, porches and old houses…Colonial and Victorian architecture.
It also has plenty of art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and gift shops. The attraction to this town is also fishing, hunting, golfing and sailboat racing.
 
The Avalon Theatre offers entertainment…opera, blue grass, comedy. It is located at 40 East Dover St. For more information, please visit http://www.avalontheatre.com.
Easton is “the 8th Best Small Town in America”. Maryland’s Eastern Shore is so scenic, so get in your car and spend the day or a few hours like we did. For more information, please visit http://www.eastonmd.org.
 
Leaving Easton…going home, I passed the town of Bethlehem…
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