Historical Boutique Hotel with Victorian Furnishings and Fine-Dining Restaurant

Housed in a Colonial Revival mansion built in 1874, the Inn at 202 Dover underwent a restoration in 2006 that was overseen by local historical societies, the state of Maryland, and the United States Department of the Interior. A designee on the Historic Hotels of America registry, the building still has many of its original features, including tiled transom floors and sweeping staircases. The AAA Four Diamond–rated inn also received praise from Travel + Leisure, and more recently was named one of the top 10 most romantic inns in America by iLoveInns.com. The inn’s Victorian furnishings, complimentary glasses of sherry before bed, and landscaped gardens have all won rave reviews.

The same goes for the dining experience. Helmed by chef Douglas Potts, Peacock Restaurant & Lounge serves fine American cuisine such as apple glazed duck breast and sea scallops with a shiitake consommé. (One of the options for this getaway includes a 20% discount on dinner.) The wine list features more than 70 bottles hand-picked by innkeeper Ron Mitchell, who includes a variety of reserve wines served in hand-blown glasses. Mitchell has a role in other culinary offerings as well—every morning he prepares gourmet breakfasts such as orange-croissant french toast or vegetable quiche, and his homemade chocolate-chip cookies are delivered to guest rooms throughout the day. Weekly events include a three-course afternoon tea and a six-flight vodka tasting (at an additional fee).

The hotel offers four suites with individually themed decor and one Victorian-style bedroom. At 1,000 square feet, the English suite includes a private foyer entrance and large bay windows, making it a favorite for honeymooners. Toile drapes and cherub bath fixtures give the French suite an elegant look, and the Asian suite features an antique canopy bed made from bamboo. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and air-jet tubs, where you can enjoy the complimentary bottle of French champagne that’s included in some options.

Easton, Maryland: Genteel Town with Thriving Arts Culture near Chesapeake Bay

Easton is a well-preserved colonial town situated on Maryland’s eastern shore, about an hour and a half from Baltimore and Washington, DC. The leafy downtown center is home to art galleries, upscale antique shops, and gourmet restaurants serving unbeatable crab cakes. Beautiful buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries are interspersed with redbrick storefronts, creating a charming mix of old and new.

One of the most distinguished arts centers on the Eastern Shore is The Avalon Theatre, which draws talented musicians such as Joan Baez, the Temptations, and Dionne Warwick to town. You can also catch plays or standup comedy shows at this historic art-deco theater. Easton and surrounding Talbot County have more than 600 miles of shoreline, so there’s plenty of outdoor recreation available as well, including sailing, kayaking, and bird watching.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.