Old-Fashioned Tavern and Inn with Ties to the Revolution

Between 1781 and 1784, Declaration of Independence signer Robert Morris was considered one of the most powerful men in America. The Superintendent of Finance during the first few years of America’s independence, he was called the “Financier of the Revolution,” and George Washington was a regular visitor at his Oxford, Maryland, home. The home, built in 1710 and enlarged several times since, is now named The Robert Morris Inn, and has been housing guests for more than 300 years. It’s believed to be the oldest inn in America; walking inside is like walking into the past, as the inn has a venerable slate floor, timber beams, and a taproom and tavern complete with a gigantic fireplace.

In reference to The Robert Morris Inn, the Huffington Post asked, “Have you ever wistfully read a Hemingway novel and pined for the days of old when a tavern with strong drinks and hearty food had comfortable rooms just upstairs…?” The inn has 14 of these bedrooms, which are filled with period-appropriate decor, such as four-poster beds and maritime paintings. The Admiral rooms are original to the main house of 1710 and look out over Chesapeake Bay, and Captain rooms have views of the historic town of Oxford.

Breakfast is included with your stay, and is served in front of the fire, in Salter’s Tap Room & Tavern, surrounded by old red-brick walls. A daily afternoon tea with new-baked scones, preserves, cookies, and prosecco is also included with this deal. For dinner, renowned chef Mark Salter crafts a menu comprised of local ingredients—a particular favorite among locals and visitors alike are the crab spring rolls, which the Washington Post published a recipe for in July.

Oxford, Maryland: Charming, Quaint Town on the Chesapeake

On Maryland’s eastern shore, jutting out into the Chesapeake Bay, the village of Oxford maintains its historic charm as a former colonial port for British trade. Locals still enjoy exploring the bay by sailboats, and fishermen unload their catches—from soft-shell crab to striped bass—before hauling them off to local seafood eateries. The surrounding Talbot County encompasses more than 600 miles of shoreline, earning the area the title of “the Hamptons of the Chesapeake Bay.”

Founded in 1683, Oxford is one of the oldest towns in Maryland, and has fewer than 800 inhabitants. That doesn’t mean there’s little to do, however—Oxford’s quaint downtown is lined with art galleries, restaurants, and shops perfect for leisurely browsing. On the first Friday of each month, the town holds its First Friday Gallery Walk; shops and galleries stay open late and participants wander the historic streets. If you’re interested in Oxford’s history, head over to The Oxford Museum, which displays more than 2,500 artifacts, including paintings, furnishings, and documents spanning the town’s 300-plus years.

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