Inn at Perry Cabin.
The Inn’s 78 guest rooms and suites are spread across various buildings, many with private terraces.
The Inn at Perry Cabin was, indeed, the site of the reception in the film Wedding Crashers. It’s also one of the few veritable luxury country properties within striking distance of Washington, DC—90 miles by car, to be exact—making it an ideal overnight or weekend escape. Once you pass through the quaint town of St. Michael’s, you’ll see the entrance to the Inn on your right. You’ll instantly relax as you follow the manicured road towards the river and can’t help but smile as the picturesque all-white inn comes into view. A valet will greet you with a smile to assist with your luggage as you check in with guest services to learn about your room and activities during your stay.
Adirondack chairs dot the expansive lawn of this classic inn overlooking the Miles River.
Who’s It For: The Inn is well-suited to couples (we went here on our babymoon) as well as families (we spent July 4th weekend with my in-laws and our then seven-month-old). There’s something for everyone seeking relaxation—be it spa, boating, golf, tennis, small town window shopping, lawn games or simply hanging by the pool. You can also bring your four-legged friends (for a fee) so long as you’re staying in a first-floor room.
How to Get Here: You could drive, but if you visit during a weekend in the summer, you can’t beat skipping the bridge traffic and arriving by Hinckley, the Inn’s gorgeous 55-foot yacht. Captain Jason will greet you at Pier 7 Resort Marina in Edgewater and welcome you on board with champagne accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie board. How’s that for arriving in style?
The Rooms: Built in 1816 to serve as the home of Samuel Hambleton, a Navy veteran of the war of 1812, the since renovated property maintains its classic heritage but with a contemporary feel. Think: classic dark wood furniture, neutral fabrics and aesthetically pleasing minimalist patterns. There are 78 rooms and suites that are either on the ground level, some with a small garden patio, or on the second floor, often with a balcony. The water-facing rooms offer views and many of the suites feature a fireplace, ideal for a rainy afternoon or cozy evening. All rooms include a flat-screen TV (or two), complimentary Wi-Fi, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and daily housekeeping.
A gazebo on the lawn of the Inn facing the waterfront.
What to Do: With its prime location on the Miles River, many of the Inn’s activities revolve around the water. You can book a private or group sail, or even sign up for lessons at the Sailing Academy. If speed’s more your thing, charter either the Five Star or the Harbor Star to take a deeper dive into the Chesapeake—catered meals and full bar optional. Paddle boarding and kayaking are always available, and there are guided tours at least once daily.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the possibilities are vast. Yoga by the Miles River. Qi Gong in the garden. Bocce and Croquet on the lawn. Book a tee time at Links, designed by Pete Dye. Hit tennis balls at one of the three Har-Tru courts. Lounge by the zero-edge heated pool after a Lavender and CBD massage at the spa. Pedal into St. Michael’s on one of the Inn’s complimentary bicycles to browse the boutiques, visit the Maritime Museum or pick up a cone from one of the three ice cream shops within a half-mile radius.
Evenings are best enjoyed with a sunset cocktail on the lawn (or s’mores by the firepit, if your children are in tow) followed by dinner at STARS or in town.
The breakfast at STARS features one of the best hash browns we’ve ever tasted.
Seasonal salads for lunch at Sunflower & Greens, a cafe in Easton.
Where to Dine: On property, STARS Restaurant offers regionally inspired cuisine daily indoors or on the terrace—the High Tide Pool Bar (open seasonally) and Purser’s Pub are best suited to cocktails and casual eats only. Take your date to Bistro St. Michael’s or the Mediterranean-inspired Plates at 208, just down the street from the Inn. Or head over to Ava’s for pizza dinner with the family. Over in Easton, Sunflowers & Greens serves fresh, seasonal meals in a bright blue and white hued cafe and Scossa has the best northern Italian cuisine around.
When to Go: Spring through early fall is admittedly the best season for enjoying all that the Inn has to offer. Yet, we love it in the low season, too. The summer traffic has abated, the cool weather is perfect for s’more roasting, and the Inn offers an on-going promotion for 20% off two nights and 30% off three nights—making that one-bedroom suite with a fireplace and soaking tub all the more feasible.
