The perfect romantic escape is closer than you think. Imagine mouth-watering chocolate and a crackling fire waiting for you in the luxurious room of a former monastery. How about a bath for two in an Italian-tiled whirlpool accented by 24K gold faucets. Picture high tea at a Scottish-style Gothic Revival castle. Or a leisurely canoe ride on the Savage River with a picnic lunch prepared for you by your hosts, and a massage waiting for you on your return. Maryland offers it all, whether you want to be surrounded by mountains, look out over a waterfront view, or just want to stay put in your room in the height of luxury, it will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Oakland
Carmel Cove Inn

Carmel Cove Inn

Who would think that a former monastery could be so romantic, so luxurious and so much fun? Imagine finding two glasses of sherry and delectable after-dinner chocolates waiting for you in the evening as you step out of your whirlpool bath and get ready to curl up in front of your private fireplace. There is also a private flat screen TV with DVD player to tempt you. And most of every DVD that’s come out is down below in the common room. You will have pleasant dreams enveloped in the finest linens and will probably fall fast asleep having spent most of the day out in the fresh air. If its winter, you’ve likely tried out the snowshoes or cross-country skis provided for you or you’ve spent some time on the slopes of the Wisp Ski Resort just 10 minute away. Maybe you arrived in the warmer months and took the canoe out on Deep Creek Lake for a little relaxation and sun. The Carmelite friars, who chose the site in 1945, knew what they were doing. Mere steps from the majestic Deep Creek Lake, the alpine beauty and serenity of the grounds surrounding the inn is unforgettable, whatever the season. And don’t miss the sumptuous breakfast. When the weather is warm you can open your French doors and take breakfast out on the private deck while you watch wild turkeys running by as well as the occasional deer.
Rates: $120 – $180
Address: Glendale Rd., Oakland
Tel: 301-387-0067
Rooms: 10 luxury rooms, many w/fpl, flat panel LCD TV’s with DVD players, whirlpool baths, large private decks.
Amenities: Gift shop; sundeck; tennis courts; hot tub; dock; swimming & hiking trails; complimentary use of canoes, tubes, paddleboat, bikes, cross country skis, snowshoes, and tennis and fishing equipment; full sumptuous breakfast; complimentary beverage bar; complimentary snacks and hors d’oeuvres; extensive DVD movie library; and billiards.

Baltimore
Gramercy Mansion

Gramercy Mansion

The stately Tudor-style Gramercy Mansion, just 20 minutes from the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable romantic weekend. Elegance and warmth greet you as you walk into the entrance accented by a stunning grand staircase and an exquisite chandelier. For pure romance, reserve the Tower Room and imagine that you are royalty as you bathe in an Italian-tiled whirlpool bath complete with 24K gold faucets. The experience only gets better as you luxuriate in surroundings that include Bokara carpets, a magnificent hand-carved four poster bed, and a marble fireplace. Attractive period windows give you a sweeping view of the gardens and valley, breathtaking during sunset. A gourmet breakfast will delight your palate with ingredients straight from Gramercy Mansion’s working certified organic farm. The house omelet is a favorite.
Rates: $125 – $375
Address: 1400 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson, MD 21153
Tel: 410-486-2405
Rooms: 7 luxury suites w/private baths/fpl/private porch, 2 suites w/shared bath.
Amenities: Down comforters; whirlpool/spa; TV/VCR; filled guest refrigerator; babysitter services; croquet; Olympic-size swimming pool; therapeutic massage; bike/hiking trails; gardens/arboretum; full gourmet breakfast.

Taneytown
Antrim 1844

Antrim 1844

Breakfast will never be quite the same again. Served on crystal and china, you can choose the Breakfast Napoleon where you will be served cornbread topped with smoked turkey, scrambled eggs, and a Brie sauce served with crumb-topped zucchini rounds and homemade carrot bread or apricot scones. Fresh flowers and a delicious evening treat will be waiting for you in your room, which is tastefully decorated with art and antiques. Whether you choose a room with French doors opening out to a private porch overlooking the exquisite New Orleans-style courtyard or a cozy room with a fireplace, you won’t be disappointed. But try not to get too comfortable. You are located in the heart of the downtown historic district just blocks away from the City Dock, and you really must venture out if only for a little while. The stucco Italianate dwelling was built originally as a grocery store and dwelling in 1864 for Charles H. Russell.
Rates: $165-$410.
Address: 55 East Street, Annapolis
Tel: 410-295-0202
Rooms: 3 rooms, two w/fpl, private porch and all w/body spray showers.
Amenities: Porches; enclosed fountain courtyard; full concierge services; full gourmet breakfast served on fine china.

Tilghman Island
Lazyjack Inn Bed & Breakfast

The Lazyjack Inn

A romantic evening doesn’t need much more than watching the sun set over a spectacular water view. But then add in a luxurious Jacuzzi, a crackling fireplace, complimentary sherry, and, well, you get the idea. Nothing is skimped on at the 1855 Colonial clapboard house, furnished tastefully, and with a breakfast that will delight even the most discerning tastes. On top of freshly baked blueberry muffins and enticingly displayed seasonal fresh fruit, there is your choice of savory entrée such as a seafood crepe (highly recommended) or a specialty omelet. Tilghman Island is home to the last working sailing fleet in the country so there is plenty to see, and all within walking distance of the inn. First on your list should be exploring the fascinating collection of 100-year old sailing ships. You can also wander through the antique shops or try out a restaurant or two. You may of course prefer to enjoy the tranquil breezes of the Chesapeake Bay from the comfort of your own room.
Rates: $130-$230 (Winter Rate: $129 to $199 with discount for consecutive nights)
Address: 5907 Tilghman Island Rd., Tilghman Island
Tel: 410-886-2215 or 800-690-5080
Rooms: 2 rooms and 2 suites w/waterviews and/or private porch including two w/fpl and double Jacuzzis.
Amenities: Porch w/rockers; deck overlooking the water and gardens; charter boat available; complimentary Sherry.

Baltimore
Mr. Mole Bed and Breakfast

Mr.Mole B & B

A far cry from his home below ground, you’ll find Mr. Mole’s new dwelling right in the heart of historic and serene Bolton Hill, about five minutes drive from the Inner Harbor. The five-story grand 1860s house, named after the character in The Wind in the Willows, features 18th and 19th Century antiques, marble fireplaces, 14 ft. ceilings and exquisite objects d’art. It is stately and elegant to be sure, but it still manages to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. The only problem is you will have a hard time leaving your suite, one of which features a plant-filled sunroom. For an experience slightly less elaborate, visit Mr. Mole’s friend the Badger on 58 W. Biddle Street. The Abacrombie Badger Bed & Breakfast features 12 uniquely decorated rooms, the most popular being the Green Garden Room. Rates range from $88 – $155.
Rates: $119 to $175.
Address: 1601 Bolton Street, Baltimore
Tel: 410-728-1179
Rooms: 2 rooms and 3 suites, all with private baths, some w/canopy beds.
Amenities: Restaurant; sunporch w/wicker furniture; private garage; Dutch-style continental breakfast.

Middletown
Stone Manor B&B

The Gardenia Room

This is elegance at its finest. Together with 114 acres worth of formal gardens, lawns, forest, and working farmland, the 1970s fieldstone manor features six unforgettable luxury suites, each with its own unique flair. The Gardenia Room, for instance, features a large formal sitting room, a queen-size rice carved bed, two fireplaces, a two-person whirlpool, an antique English armoire and a view of the formal garden and wooded lawn. The suites continue the fine floral theme, with rooms such as the Hibiscus Room and the Laurel Room. You will be greeted by a welcoming plate from the Chef and can enjoy one of three dining areas that occupy the first floor, from the formal to the intimate. You can also enjoy afternoon tea from your own private porch overlooking one of the gardens.
Rates: $150 – $275
Address: 5820 Carroll Boyer Rd., Middletown
Tel: 301-473-5454
Rooms: 6 luxurious suites, all w/whirlpool baths, most w/poster or canopy beds and some w/fpl or private porches.
Amenities: Gourmet restaurant; stone terrace; landscaped lawns and formal gardens; pond; stream; hiking trails; bikes and lawn games.

Cumberland
The Castle Bed & Breakfast

The Castle

How about spending an intimate evening in a romantic Scottish castle? Right in Cumberland you can enjoy a luxurious stay in one of six rooms, each with a slightly different character. You will feel quite blue blooded luxuriating among period antiques, step-up canopy beds and such comforts as crisp linens, fluffy bathrobes, soft towels and a decanter of sherry. Make sure you also take time to enjoy high tea and take a stroll through the exquisite gardens. At the turn of the century, Scottish entrepreneur Andrew Ramsay bought and converted what was originally a simple stone house to replicate a castle near his home in the Scottish Highlands, The Craig Castle. A large carriage house, formal gardens, a tennis court and 16-foot stone wall were added to the two-acre grounds. After the Great Depression, however, the castle fell from Ramsay’s hands and took various forms such as a dance hall, brothel, casino and apartment house. In 1984 the deteriorating 1840 National Historic Landmark underwent an exhausting renovation until it finally opened its gates as a Bed & Breakfast in 1986.
Rates: $105 – $140
Address: 15925 Mt. Savage Rd., Mt. Savage
Tel: 301-264-4645
Rooms: 6 rooms w/four poster, canopy or sleigh beds and some w/fpl. Most with private baths. No telephones.
Amenities: Large tiled verandas; patio; terrace; landscaped gardens; hiking; biking; sightseeing; steam train rides; crisp linens; soft towels; fluffy bathrobes; a decanter of sherry.

Kent Island
Kent Manor Inn

Kent Manor Inn

What could be more memorable than taking a French cooking lesson from a renowned French cuisine-trained chef? It’s as easy as staying overnight at the idyllic Kent Manor Inn in one of 24 guest rooms and suites, each with its own charm and unique view of the grounds. The inn, with its period furnishings, marble fireplaces, porches and private baths, dates back to 1651 when its 226 acres were offered to the second Lord Baltimore in exchange for his loyalty to England. In 1820, the landowners built a farmhouse, now the left wing of the current building. In 1843 the Inn was given to Alexander Thompson by his parents. He lived there for about 30 years with his three wives. During his “reign” the “good-natured” Thompson built the middle section of the Inn, which is where his bedroom used to be and where some mysterious activities are reported to take place such as banging pipes, flickering lights and doors that open after being shut and locked. Executive Chef Dennis Shakan does more than lessons. Every meal is unforgettable with exceptional service, a fine wine list, and such creative entrees as Herb Crusted Ostrich Tenderloin or Twin Buffalo Medallions.
Rates: $130 – $235
500 Kent Manor Dr., Stevensville, MD
Tel: 410-643-5757 or 800-820-4511
Rooms: 24 rooms and suites, some w/fpl, poster or canopy beds and/or terraces.
Amenities: Gourmet restaurant; lounge; verandas; pier w/slips; swimming pool; tennis courts; formal gardens; nature trails; bikes and boats available; romance packages available.

Frostburg
Savage River Lodge

Savage River Lodge

When you think of a rustic lodge, you normally don’t imagine champagne and delectable chocolate-dipped strawberries waiting for you in your room. A massage? A picnic lunch provided for you by your hosts? Flowers waiting for you on your return? Who would think you would be able to get this kind of service at one of 18 log cabins surrounded by 700 acres of Savage River Forest. Picture a down-clad queen bed and fluffy chairs. The generous bath offers an oversized soaking tub and beautifully thick towels. In warmer weather, you can sit out on the porch and enjoy coffee and the fresh juice and warm muffins that were delivered to your door. Make sure you try the bison filet and ask for extra bread, freshly baked, in the Lodge’s gourmet restaurant.
Rates: $180
Address: 1600 Mt. Aetna Rd., Grantsville
Tel: 301-689-3200
Rooms: 18 log cabins built in 1998 consisting of one room w/loft, porch, gas fpl, refrigerator, coffee maker and modern furnishings.
Amenities: