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 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 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 Tue, May 18, 2010 @ 01:06 PM
A few weeks ago one of our guests noted as she and I were walking outside "There are so many stars here"! This statement took me by surprise at first, as I have always been used to seeing the stars. It is something that I take for granted... I can look into the sky most every evening and point out Cassiopeia, Perseus and of course both the Ursas. However, I know that many people in the city rarely see the stars and if they do - they certainly aren't able to see the glitters and sparkles that blanket our night skies at the Combsberry Bed and Breakfast.
From the sprawling deck of the Magnolia Suite; the porch on either the Carriage House or Oxford Cottage; or simply walking across our thirty five acres - one can gaze up at the nights sky and become acquainted with these legends of Greek Mythology. Book a room at the Combsberry Inn now and you too may spend the night under the stars on Maryland's Eastern Shore... What a fabulous way to spend a romantic weekend getaway! No telescope necessary.
"We had the sky up there, all speckled with stars, and we used to lay on our backs and look up at them, and discuss whether they was made or just happened." ~Mark Twain
Posted by Abby Rose on Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 07:22 PM
Every year, the town of Oxford asks local businesses and residents to paint picket fences to promote tourism. The idea is that the fences will be placed randomly throughout town, giving tourists and visitors a glimpse of all that Oxford has to offer. As Oxford is a charming small town, the eighteen fences this year will give people a pretty broad tour of all the charm our village has to offer. One can hop on a bike and cruise past the fences, or simply take the hand of their loved one and go for a leisurely stroll. Either way, the picket fences are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. Once the summer season is over, the picket fences are auctioned off and the money earned goes to the charity of the artists choice. Just another way that Oxford Gives Back!
Our very owner, Ann; neighbor, Donnie; and dear friend Jacque painted The Combsberry Inn's entry this year. It is lovely and represents the Eastern Shore region well - complete with a lighthouse, cattails, water, clouds, sand, oyster shells and a skipjack by the name of Abby Rose! Great work, you three! The Combsberry picket fence is surely a winner and proceeds from its sale will go towards the Oxford Fire Department.
We are looking forward to your visit to The Combsberry Inn and will be sure to have a map of the picket fence tour readily available for you. And maybe, just maybe, we'll send you on your way with some homemade lemon bars! ;)
Posted by Abby Rose on Fri, May 07, 2010 @ 10:05 AM
As promised, here is the sequel to the history of the Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast. It has been confirmed that Jeanne did compile this information. Great work, Jeanne, I am very impressed at the time and effort that went into this! Thank you!
"John Oldham was in Oxford as early as 1700 when he bought two lots from Nicholas Lowe. He was described as a whitesmith, or one who worked in the light metals such as silver, tin or pewter. After his move to his Manor House, he was elected as a delegate from Talbot County to the House of Burgess. During this time he was chosen by the Assembly as one of seven "visitors" to purchase 100 acres for the use of a public school. It is interesting that the thought of a public school was being considered or even as being needed so early in the development of this pioneer settlement.
In 1729, death claimed John Oldham. He devised all his property to his only son, Edward, who took on the management of the plantation. Like his father, he too made his name in the public sector. He served in the House of Burgess and as a Justice for Talbot County. His first wife was Mary, a daughter of the Nicholas Lowes who lived at nearly Anderton. There were four children of this marriage, only one of whom survived after her mother's death in 1745. It would be another ten years before he took a second wife, Ann Goldsborough, the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah who lived in Otwell.
As the years went by the domestic scene began to deteriorate. Perhaps it was the pressure of public life or the fact that all of his children has been daughters. In any case, in 1773, his wife finally took him to Court and him declared "lunatic by reason of his sotted condition" as the language of the day described. He was put in custody under the guardianship of his two sons-in-laws. Poor old Edward no longer had control of his property or person. He died the following year.
Ann Oldham, Edward's widow, continued to live on at Combsbury until her death in 1792. The plantation then went to their third daughter, Hannah, who had married Nicholas Martin and was living a bit further up the Choptank at a Martin home, "The Wilderness". Hannah and Nicholas immediately turned the entire property over to their eldest son, Nicholas Jr. This young man is listed as the owner and occupant of Combsbury in the 1798 Tax Assessment. However, he was on a trip to the Caribbean when he succumbed to a fatal disease and the plantation reverted back to his father. When Nicholas Sr. died in 1808 he divided his holdings amongst his various children and his eldest daughter, Harriot, inherited Combsbury. She immediately moved here with her mother, as her brother Daniel has possession of "The Wilderness".
Harriot made this her home for the rest of her life. She ran the plantation and cared for her mother until the latters' death in 1828. The news of her brother Daniel's sudden death while serving as Governor of Maryland must have staggered her. She never married. She lived here alone for the next fifty years in spite of a declining economy. It was a remarkable achievement in an era so dominated by men. However, the clouds were gathering. The work force was restless and Harriot finally faced the reality, though it must have saddened her, when she wrote in her will that her real estate be sold. Thus, the Oldham/Martin ownership came to an end.
Nathaniel Leonard was the buyer. There have been many owners since. The kitchen wing to the east was added by the Wingard family in 1877. They probably added the bank-type barn so reminiscent of the Pennsylvania country where they had come from. The library wing to the west was built by the Stanley Coxes in 1927, but it was the Oldham/Martin families who have left their enduring legacy."
Thus, we are wrapping up another week at the Combsberry Inn. It was a productive and fun filled week with events that still have Megan and myself giggling. I am still in the process of planning new Spring/Summer menus and will be posting them soon. Also, I met a wonderful boat Captain yesterday who will be able to offer guests rides from our very own dock to the destination of their choosing... More details to follow, and stay tuned for our exciting summer specials! Come visit soon, you definitely need a vacation and there is no better place to enjoy some R&R than on the hammock of the Combsberry Inn.