Combsberry B&B Review - Thanks to Alice & Reagan!

     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)."

 

Beat the Maryland Heat with this Eastern Shore Fave!

     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! 

 

Combsberry Inns Wedding Brunch Photos

     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!   

Picket Fences to Promote Oxford, Maryland Tourism

     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!  ;) 

The History of the Combsberry Inn, Oxford Maryland, Part 2

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.

 

History Of Combsberry Inn located on Marylands Eastern Shore

     Often times I walk around Combsberry Inn and wonder what these walls would say if they could talk.  The home is nearly 300 years old - it was erected during the early settlement of our country, it had been a place to sleep for General Lee during the Civil War, it was standing during the rise and fall of slavery.  Combsberry is drenched in history and indeed would have a great deal to say... 

 

     On that note, I would like to share with you all a history of Combsberry that is neatly kept in a scrapbook in our library.  I am not sure who actually put together this in depth piece of work, but have a suspicion it is Jeanne - Ann's sister.  I by no means will take credit for this impressive account of Comsberry, I simply read it from my comfy abode late at night.  The history gathered is quite inclusive, and a bit lengthy as it spans 300 years, so I will share it a little bit at a time.

 

     "A short sail up the Great Choptank River from Oxford, Maryland is an inlet called Island Creek.  As you turn in, directly ahead stands an impressive old plantation home - The Historic Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast.  It is steeped in history.  The last owner of the original families lived here until death claimed her in 1859.

 

     In 1649 Josias Cooper was awarded a grant of 100 acres "Combsbury", for transporting he and a woman to Maryland.  The grant was later reassigned to William Riche in 1664, a planter who owned the adjacent property.  Riche was living on the neighboring land, and used the plot deemed "Combsbury" for production purposes.  In 1685, his will read that his eldest son William shall inherit "all that parcel of land by the name Combsbury whereon I now live."  William continued caring of the land which included 150 acres plus more that he purchased, houses and other various outbuildings.  When William Jr. passed, his will stipulated that the house and all land be sold. 

 

     In 1718, John and Mary Oldham, purchased "Combsbury" for the price of 21,000 pounds of good, marketable tobacco and fifty pounds silver of the Province.  What Mr. Oldham must have purchased had been acreage and some worn down houses since the land had been paid for with mainly tobacco.  Usually the more expensive plots were purchased with only silver and gold.  Mr. Oldham immediately set about building an imposing brick house for himself and his family.  This house has survived the years and is one of the finest examples of early architecture in Talbot County, Maryland.

 

     There were no architects in the colonies at this time and a builder had to depend on pattern books brought over from England.  John Oldham built with an exquisite sense of proportion and a restrained use of curvilinear for embellishment.  He started with a deep cellar, a "Great Room", a dining room with a stair tower above it. The two rooms have fireplaces with huge oval openings, the windows also have arched brick openings and the wide pine floors that you still see today, are original.  Two bedrooms grace the second floor, and two more on the third story. 

 

     This house is similar to "Troth's Fortune" further up the Choptank, as they are the only two houses in Talbot County with a stair tower.  The exterior of the home is laid in header bond on the water side and English bond elsewhere.  Many of the headers are glazed.  This is a house that lets the sunlight in, the breezes through and seems  planned for gracious living and hospitality.  Beyond the dining room was the original kitchen with its big cooking fireplace and loft above for the cook.  This was still standing until the late 1970's but is gone now.  This was one of the earliest two and a half story houses to be built in the county."

 

 

     This shall be continued as I have a garden to finish planting!  Thank you again to whomever put together this fine piece of history.  I imagine it was loads of work.  And thank you, Combsberry, for still standing beautifully and gracefully in the waterfront spot you were placed nearly 300 years ago.  Take a walk back through history and come visit this little slice of heaven on the Eastern Shore. 

 

 

Mother Daughter Days at The Combsberry Inn

Celebrate the most important woman in your life, your mother, May 4th through May 18th at the Combsberry Inn.

 

Book any room at regular rate and receive the following luxurious perks:

 

• 2 tickets aboard the Oxford Bellevue Ferry.  Check out the sun and sites in St. Michaels!
• 1 beautifully arranged bouquet of Spring Flowers
• Handmade/hand rolled chocolate truffles in an assortment of flavors
• Handmade organic Jasmine & Rose bath salts
• A one of a kind and priceless memory to share with your beloved mother

 

Whether you are wanting to surprise your Mom with a weekend getaway, or simply a night away, the Combsberry Inn is the place for you.  With our waterfront views; our close proximity to the darling towns of Oxford, Easton and St. Michaels; and our own glorious grounds - your Mother is sure to be delighted!

 

Special menus are being planned for Mother Daughter Days and may include the following options:

 

• Raspberry Lemon Breakfast Soufflés with Honey Gingered Fruit Compote OR
• Eggs Benedict with Fresh Avocado, Tomatoes and Pancetta with a side of Fresh Garlic and Thyme Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

 

Of course, breakfast isn't complete without our homemade bread selections, coffees, teas, and juice!  Complete the morning with a stroll along our 35 acres of historic waterfront property or a canoe ride right out our back door.

 

Book today, and reserve your Mother Daughter Day at the Combsberry Inn between May 4 and May 18!  Pamper your Mother and thank her with a historic and memorable getaway to our charming bed and breakfast.

 

     To a child's ear, "mother" is magic in any language. ~Arlene Benedict

Longing for a Weekend Getaway? Bike the Eastern Shore!

       This past weekend, we had the immense pleasure of having John and Jane stay with us.  They hail from Santa Fe, New Mexico and were eager to see the beauty of the Eastern Shore - up close and personal.  They arrived at the Inn on their bikes, their own bikes that they had broken down and flown from the dusty deserts of their home state.  The day they arrived at Combsberry, they rode to us from Chestertown, forty seven miles away.  They were excited and eager to tell us what they had planned for their weekend getaway at the Combsberry Inn.

     The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, John and Jane hit the open road again and cycled their way along the St. Michaels Loop.  Leaving the Combsberry Inn, the two rode through the charming village of Oxford and took the historic Oxford Bellevue ferry across the waterway to St. Michaels.  If you didn't know, the Oxford Bellevue Ferry is the oldest privately owned ferry in America.  It has been operating since 1683!  It is a quick fifteen minute trip across the scenic waterway, with beautiful scenery in any direction.  Be sure to look for nesting Osprey! 

     In St. Michaels, John and Jane flew by the all the shops, Inns, museums and marinas that St. Michaels is famous for - including The Inn at Perry Cabin - one of the sites in which the 2005 movie Wedding Crashers was filmed.   Upon leaving St. Michaels, Jane and John biked approximately 35 miles of scenic countryside on trails, lanes and roads that looped in and out of some of the most breathtaking views of Maryland that one can imagine. 

     Upon arriving back at the Combsberry B&B, they were full of stories of all that they had seen along the way.  While most would have been exhausted by such a long ride, John and Jane weren't!  They explained how the roads and trails were flat and easy to maneuver, and the added bonus of being at a sea level altitude gave them additional energy.  They were ready for a treat and headed into town to sample one of Victor's creations at the Scottish Highlands Creamery in Downtown Oxford.  This is always the perfect ending to any day - even more so when it is Scottish Highlands ice cream being enjoyed while watching the sun set from the Adirondack chairs on the Combsberry lawn.

     If you are like John and Jane, and long for beauty and adventure on a vacation, come to the Eastern Shore.  The Combsberry Inn has bikes that you may borrow to explore all the area has to offer.  The towns of Easton and St. Michaels also have bike rental shops.  Not only is Talbot County stunningly beautiful, it is also rich with history.  One can ride past where General Lee paraded his troops, or the town in which famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass was born and later escaped slavery. 

     Whether you envision a leisurely and romantic cruise, with a picnic basket of wine and cheese, or a wild ride with your hair flying in the wind - Combsberry will help make this pedaling dream come true.  You will receive the one on one attention that our bed and breakfast is renowned for, in addition to all of the luxuries you would find at 5 star resorts.

 

Wishing you all the best, until next time...

 

     "It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.  Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle."  ~Ernest Hemingway