Posted by Abby Rose on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 @ 09:24 AM
Many people visit the Eastern Shore to enjoy the quieter side of life. A walk by the water, ice cream at the pier, a nice dinner followed by a relaxing restful sleep at Combsberry Inn. What many people aren't aware of is the fact that Oxford has it's very own talented theatre troupe! As quoted on the TAPS website http://www.tredavonplayers.org/:
"The Tred Avon Players, Inc. (“TAP”) is a non-profit Maryland corporation, organized in 1982 to present plays and musicals in the then newly-renovated Oxford Community Center (“OCC”), an abandoned school building which was saved from the wrecking ball by a group of public spirited citizens. Since the first sold-out melodramas in August of 1982, TAP has grown in community stature and artistic merit to present four (sometimes five) plays and musicals each year for ever-growing numbers of residents on and visitors to the most livable town on the Eastern Shore.
TAP’s mission statement is simple: To motivate and train local volunteers in all the theatrical arts and to present the best possible production of a wide variety of enjoyable shows.
Although a surprising number of our on-stage volunteers have professional training and experience, each one is a true amateur – a lover of the stage!"
Today is the final TAPS Summer Performance of "Leading Ladies" directed by Pat Murphy Sheehy. "Another backstage farce by America’s master of laugh-a-second comedy. A potent mixture of Charly’s Aunt and The Importance of Being Earnest with lots of romantic nonsense and hilarious identity switching that is guaranteed to have you weeping with laughter. If you loved Moon Over Buffalo (and who didn’t?), you’ll die for Leading Ladies."
For the Fall Season, TAPS will be presenting the show "Lives Interrupted", "a World War II Musical Revue, created and produced by Robyn Mendelsohn & Steve Clyburn, directed and book by Betty Dorbin, musical direction by Marcia Gilliam.
All the favorite songs from WW II woven together in a family story that mirrors the experiences all Americans shared. A must for veterans and their families, students (of all ages) and everyone who wants to re-live the moments and hear the music of the Greatest Generation. Friday and Saturday October 22, 23, 29, 30 November 5 & 6 at 8 pm; Sunday October 24, 31 & November 7 at 2 pm; Thursday November 4 at 7 pm."
Who can think of a better way to spend the evening than live theatre, a walk on Oxfords very own Strand Beach, followed by a night in a lovely 1730 Manor House? Not me! Come visit the Eastern Shore and see what all the fuss is all about...
Posted by Ann Shariff on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 @ 05:13 PM
As the long, hot summer draws to an end, I look forward to the arrival of the Canadian geese, as they make their annual journey to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Guests at Combsberry's Inn in Oxford love to gently swing in the hammock or sip a glass of wine at the end of the pier as they enjoy the geese landing in perfect formation on Bringman's Cove. No need for an alarm clock at Combsberry's B & B. Guests are awakened to the haunting cry of the geese, as well as the tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee brewing.
We also welcomed the reopening of the historic Robert Morris Inn's restaurant. Two well known chefs left the renowned Inn @ Perry Cabin and branched out on their own. The ambiance is of an historic English pub, in keeping with the long history of the Inn and the part that Robert Morris played in financing the American Revolution. Oxford, Maryland was one of the first deep seaports in America and retains the quaint charm of a seaside village versus the hustle and bustle of St. Michaels, Md.
As the geese head towards the Chesapeake Bay area, Easton is busy planning for its annual Waterfowl Festival. This well known event draws artists and visitors from around the world, the second weekend of November. The streets are cordoned off and the town takes on the flavor of a street fair with musicians providing a lively background for visitors strolling down the streets sampling various Eastern Shore delicacies. Don't miss out on the fun and the ability to purchase world class art pieces right here in Talbot County, known as The Hamptons of Maryland.
Combsberry Inn is located on 30 acres of secluded waterfront property and specializes in personal service, delicious food, luxurious rooms and cozy fireplaces. Book your room now!
Ann
Posted by Abby Rose on Thu, Aug 05, 2010 @ 02:23 PM
It is very common for our guests to leave here saying they feel rested, rejuvenated and that they have gone on a luxurious vacation to a different country - yet are just an hour and a half from their home. The Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast is just a hop, skip and a jump away from DC, Baltimore, Annapolis and Philadelphia. However as you drive down our lane, you will find a serene paradise waiting for you at the end of the drive.
We are dedicated to providing our guests with the highest level of customer service, without being intrusive. If you are looking for peace and quiet - we have that. If you are looking for a sort of charm that Norman Rockefeller would envy - we have that too. Read on to hear what our most recent weekend guests, Bill and Peggy, had to say about their stay. We hope their words will inspire you to come and experience this hidden retreat for yourselves.
"Wanted to write a quick note to say how very much Peggy and I enjoyed our stay with you at the Combsberry Inn this past weekend. The room we had was perfect for us and the care you put into keeping it and the house that way was greatly appreciated. The breakfasts were fantastic; in fact I'd love to get your recipes for the Colorado Egg Souffle and your Peach French Toast if you are willing to share them and have the time to write. Again, many thanks for your warm hospitality and sunny disposition."
Posted by Abby Rose on Mon, Aug 02, 2010 @ 03:53 PM
A huge thank you to Alice and Reagan for the wonderful words they posted about the Combsberry Inn, Maryland on Tripadvisor.com. Best of luck in the future, and be sure to come visit us on the Eastern Shore once your little one is born.
"My husband and I were looking for a peaceful retreat for our babymoon - we're expecting our first child in September. Combsberry Inn was an idyllic getaway spot that provided a perfect romantic stay for us during a hot weekend. Ann and Abby were incredibly welcoming and made us feel at home without being intrusive at all. We stayed at the Carriage House which was beautiful, gave us additional privacy and was very comfortable/well-equipped. Breakfasts were delicious and I also got pampered by Natalie (a massage therapist) who came to the Inn to give me a prenatal massage. The grounds are beautiful and will probably be even more so in the fall (with the leaves changing color) and spring (with the blooming magnolias). We enjoyed time on the hammock with breeze coming off the water and would also have liked to canoe/kayak on the estuary if the weather had been a little cooler. Can't say enough also about the town of Oxford - charming, not crowded, with great restaurants (especially Salter's Tavern at Robert Morris Inn and Pope's Tavern at Oxford Inn; also Scottish Ice Creamery, Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, painted picket fences, and Bella Luna restaurant in Royal Oak were also highlights)."
Posted by Abby Rose on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 @ 03:41 PM
Your mother always told you that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. The staff at the Combsberry Inn believes this is true as well! To beat the summer heat, we have been serving delicious and nutritious smoothies to our beloved guests. They are a hit and we thought we would share this cool treat with you!
- 2 fresh peaches, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 banana
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Vanilla Yogurt
- 4 cups Orange Juice
Add fruit to the blender. Top with yogurt, honey and vanilla extract. Cover with juice. Blend until smooth, serve and enjoy!
Posted by Abby Rose on Thu, Jul 15, 2010 @ 11:09 AM
The City of Easton, Maryland will be hosting their 6th Annual Plein Arts Competition and Festival July 19-25, 2010. Painting en plein air (French for 'in the open air") simply means painting outdoors and in the moment, depicting images taken directly from life. This form of art was founded in Europe during the 19th Century and was inspired by Impressionist greats such as
There is simply no finer place to paint, en plein air, than the grounds of Combsberry. With 35 sprawling waterfront acres one can find a picture perfect view in any direction. Whether it be farmland from behind our historic bank barn; heron and osprey enjoying their home on Brighmans Cove; or the nearly 300 year old Manor House - Combsberry would surely tempt any artists pallette.
Combsberry Inn islocated just 8 miles from the City of Easton, down a secluded lane... We have all the modern amenities of a luxury hotel yet offer the peace and serenity that you have been looking for. We are the retreat you have dreamt of - whether to paint your next masterpiece, en plein air, or simply to enjoy life en plein air on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.... Channel your inner Monet and book today.
"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." ~Kahlil Gibran
Posted by Abby Rose on Mon, Jun 14, 2010 @ 03:16 PM
This past weekend the city of Cambridge, Maryland hosted the Eagleman Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. It involved 1.2 miles of swimming, 13.1 miles of running and a 56 mile bike ride. Combsberry was the perfect place to get a little R&R for two such competitors.
Melissa and her husband came to us from Fairfax Station, Virginia. Meanwhile, John and his lovely wife were our guests from the rocky coasts of Maine. Both John and Melissa were ready and revved up to go by the time Sunday morning arrived. Both returned a little tired, a little hungry and thirsty - but with a great sense of accomplishment! The course was long, it was hot, and humidity was at a high in Talbot County yesterday yet they both made it through the gruelling course. John, a true inspiration to all, received a medal as he came in fourth in his age group. That age range is 70-74 years young!
We at the Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast have been very proud to host these two exceptional athletes. We are even happier that today they are using today as a place of respite before they return home. Needless to say, both are being pampered by our own Innkeeper today - and anything they wish, they receive. Both are extremely gracious and the largest request so far has been simply an extra piece of leftover Crab Quiche.
John very kindly remarked this afternoon that he has traveled the world, has stayed at countless fine Inns and Bed and Breakfasts and Combsberry tops his list! He stated he feels at peace here, as comfortable as if he was in his own home, and also loves the fact that he practically has a wildlife preserve in his very own backyard.
Thank you John and Melissa for choosing Combsberry as your resting place before the big race... We are impressed by your strength, endurance and determination! You are welcome back next year, we will make sure to have plenty of carbohydrate loaded meals for you!
Posted by Abby Rose on Sat, Jun 12, 2010 @ 07:27 PM
Summer is just around the corner and Talbot County is coming alive with visitors! This is especially pleasing to all of us at the Comsberry Inn, as many visitors become our beloved guests!
Within the past week, we hosted an amazing wedding for Jennifer and David. They, along with our past couples, proved that Combsberry is indeed a destination wedding. Each day, the had an event planned in a different locale on our property. Friday Night a Rehearsal Dinner was held on our grounds in front of our historic nearly 200 year old tobacco barn. The evening was low key, casusal and fun - with food catered in from a local BBQ joint.
The next day, their wedding ceremony was held right on our waterfront. Flowers were soft and subtle with pale hues of pink and lavender peonies, roses and orchids. There was a soft breeze that afternoon and sailboats floating by behind the bride and groom. A perfect setting to say "I DO".
The wedding was followed with a cocktail hour behind our Oxford Cottage, with food catered by Sasha out of Baltimore. After cocktails, guests were invited to the reception tent in front of the Manor House. It was decorated in rich tones of fuschia and orange and was deemed "whimsical" by a guest. It was spectacular indeed and felt almost magical afterdark, with fireflies fluttering about.
A lovely weekend, a lovely couple, a lovely locale. Keep the Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast in Oxford, Maryland in mind when it comes time for you to say or renew your vows.
Posted by Abby Rose on Sun, May 23, 2010 @ 06:02 PM
A wedding brunch was hosted this past weekend by a local family, ones that became dear friends in the three short nights they were here. It is always such a joy as an Innkeeper to connect, and become friends, with the guests that stay at ones establishment. Thank you Mark, Janet, Will, Jane, Ann and company for the laughs this past weekend. It was such an honor hosting your weekend and we hope you will return soon!
In addition to having such a lovely family grace our presence, we had the opportunity to meet Susan Joy and her Staff of Blue Heron Catering. The menu and professionalism of Susan and her staff was beyond amazing. Some of the items served included Breakfast Tortes, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Bacon Twirls (out of this world), Chocolate Covered Strawberries and many more goodies.
Enjoy the photos from today and think of all the possibilities of Combsberry has to offer - from a wedding brunch venue, a wedding ceremony site, a business retreat or simply a quiet, romantic weekend with the love of your life. Enjoy!
Posted by Abby Rose on Sun, May 23, 2010 @ 05:47 PM
It has been a little over one month since I made my home at the Combsberry Inn, and each day, the Eastern Shore continues to surprise and awe me. Within the past few weeks, Blue Heron have taken to lounging in our water - what spectacular birds they are! Our Magnolia Trees have begun to bloom. The air is thick with their perfume and all three houses on the property boast vases filled with their enormous, fragrant blossoms. Just two nights ago, I encountered a new specimen that I had never seen before.
We had a full house this past weekend, a family here to celebrate the wedding of their beloved niece/cousin. On Friday night, I was certain the entire party was enjoying a rehearsal dinner at the fine restaurant Scossa located in Easton. It had been a long day and I had already settled into my pajamas for the evening however needed to take the dogs out for one final walk before bedtime. Feeling confident in the fact that I wouldn't stumble upon guests while wearing my flannel pajama pants; Cosby, Sophie and I stepped outside to enjoy one last stroll around the grounds.
It was a lovely evening - warm enough that a coat wasn't necessary, yet cool enough that my polar bear printed flannel jammies were not completely out of place (just a wee bit tacky). As we were walking towards the dock, I stopped in horror as I saw a flashlight coming towards us from across the grounds. Trying to be as quick and discreet as possible, I rounded up my dogs and ran. We made a mad dash towards my house as I really didn't want guests to discover my fondness for flannel pants. After sprinting to the house, I closed the door and tried to recall if any of our guests told me that they weren't going to attend dinner at Scossa that evening. I peeked out my blinds, trying to determine who the holder of the flashlight was. Suddenly, I realized there was not just one flashlight, there were hundreds of them!!! The so called "person with a flashlight" was not a person at all, just a lovely firefly! :)
I chuckled to myself as I thought back on the mad dash that just ensued, then walked out into the fresh evening air to enjoy these little beauties as it was the first time I had ever seen one. Fireflies, known to some as lightning bugs, are absolutely beautiful and I love to watch them flicker and flash in the night sky. As I always say the Combsberry Bed and Breakfast is one of the Eastern Shores most magical places, complete with thirty five acres of fireflies and an Innkeeper who continually discovers that every day is an adventure... We hope to meet you soon on your next trip to Oxford, Maryland!
Wishing you all the best until next time,
Abby
"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of the buffalo. It is the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset." ~Crowfoot