Well it certainly has been hot here on the shore’s of the Chesapeake. May, June, and July… and early August have been HOT. Friday the weather broke and it has been beautiful. The Eagles are flying, the Rockfish are running and Charly is swimming at the beach every day.

There are still rooms left for The Labor Day weekend and there will be all kinds of activities in Kent County and Chestertown to celebrate the best part of the Summer Season. Visit our web site and review the Packages and Specials under “Music and Culinary Arts” by clicking on this link Great Oak Manor Packages and Specials. Review the Late Summer and Fall Getaways, Romantic Packages, Golf Packages, and more at the same link.

There will be another newsletter in a couple of weeks with the date for the Culinary Institute of America Chef dinners with Chef Rob Jester and live Music by Stefan Scaggiari. There will be nine this year so book early and save.

Tags: Bed and Breakfast, Chestertown, Great Oak Manor, Historic Inn, Maryland, MD, Romantic Bed and Breakfast, Waterfront Bed and Breakfast

My wife and I are regular guests at Great Oak Manor. The innkeepers, Cassandra and John treat every guest like family, making all feel welcomed and at home. We have stayed in six of the rooms and have always found them elegant, well appointed, and comfortable. Breakfast always includes a homemade special from Cassandra’s recipe file, which she gladly shares if requested. We use Great Oak Manor as are escape place to decompress from work and daily stress. We have taken our son, daughter, and their spouses to the Manor for weekends and regular suggest Great Oak Manor to our friends. We encourage you to try it; I would be most surprised if you don’t make it a regular destination of your own.

Jim and Alex Bel Air, MD

Tags: Bed and Breakfast, Chesapeak Bay, Eastern Shore, Great Oak Manor Inn, Maryland, MD, Waterfront Bed and Breakfast

As an innkeeper and homemaker I have always been baffled by the mattress industry. Did you ever have a mattress salesperson give you a straight answer? The more you shopped, the more confused you got. So here are some answers from a savvy mattress person.

Question: “What is the main ingredient innkeepers should look for in purchasing a mattress?”

“Support is # 1 and comfort level is # 2. The mattress should be a combination of the two. Innkeepers need to satisfy a host of different people and personal preferences. A very firm or a very soft, cushier feel may not be the way to go. A medium firm spring (support) and a medium compression topper (comfort level) is a good way to go.”

Question: “The longevity of mattresses seems to vary widely.  How long should a mattress last?”

“A good quality mattress should last from 8 to 10 years, an entry level mattress will only last 4 to 8.  All mattress manufacturers give you a warranty. For example a good ‘rule of thumb’ is a mattress that offers a 20 Year Warranty will last at least 10 years.”

Question: “So what you are saying is pretty basic, the more expensive, or higher level mattress the longer it will last?”

“Not more expensive necessarily, but yes, a good quality mattress built with quality materials.”

Question: “This leads into my next question. Innkeepers are generally shopping with a budget in mind while looking for good value but not skimping on quality. What do you recommend for innkeepers?”

“I have good long time relationships with my hospitality customers.  When we have sales or when we need to clear out our floor samples, I will call these customers and work with them and their budgets.”

“This sounds like a win, win situation.  You clear out your floor samples and the innkeepers get good deals. Just like innkeepers need to build personal relationships with their guests, you are building relationships with your loyal customers with your personalized service.”

“Sounds good to me!”

Question: “In the May 2010 Consumer Report magazine, a ‘sleep specialist’ says you might want to avoid memory-foam mattresses if you sleep ‘hot’, that is tend to be warm in bed.  What is your opinion on that statement?”

“That is a broad statement.  Memory Foam is a ‘closed cell foam design’ which restricts air flow and can be very warm.  Latex is an ‘open cell design’ which can be temperature regulating and can offer better ventilation.  A firm coil spring mattress with a natural foam latex topper is a good combination. Also, nothing lives in latex (like germs, bacteria, etc.) and latex doesn’t pack down as quickly as fabric.”

What I got from all of this is that the main ingredients to consider when purchasing a mattress is support, comfort and durability, all three of equal importance.  Also, looking for a good quality medium firm and medium compression topper is a smart choice for the many body types that seek a comfortable sleep in your inn’s beds. And don’t skimp on the quality, you don’t want to have to replace your mattresses every 4 years!  But a very important ingredient in our viewpoint is finding a person gives great customer service and a company you can trust and feel comfortable working with.

Tags: Annapolis, Bed and Breakfast, Eastern Shore, Great Oak Manor, Maryland, Mattress Information, MD

Thank you from Frisch Family; they have been coming here for fourteen years.

Just wanted to tell you and Cassandra how very much we enjoyed our stay at Great Oak. It was the very best weekend yet; but I do think we must feel that way every year. Certainly it was the finest weather we have ever experienced and that goes a long way to keeping spirits high. As the “matriarch”, I am entitled to full bragging rights, and I do think our group of kiddos is unmatched in kindness and respect and behavior… they have such a grand time together. That goes doubled-in-spades for the grownups and Great Oak is simply magical; …what else can I say.

See you next year; and meanwhile we wish you a healthy and joyful year.

~Joanne

Tags: Bed and Breakfast, Chesapeake Bay Bed And Breakfast, Chestertown, Customer Testimonial, Great Oak Manor, Maryland, MD, Waterfront Bed and Breakfast

Great Oak Manor is rich in history dating back to the first recorded land grants. Lord Baltimore granted the land to Joshua Felton and Marmaduke Tylden in the 1600’s. The current Manor House was built in 1938 for the heir to the W. R. Grace shipping fortune. His name was Russell D’Oench, and Great Oak was to be his family’s private residence. Two years into the building of Great Oak, the architect, Douglas Braik, was awarded an Excellence in Maryland Architectural Award for creating Great Oak Manor’s 1700’s Georgian detail. A former grounds keeper for the D’Oench family told how Mr. D’Oench would fly in from business trips and buzz the house twice as a signal to the staff to drive the Packard into town to meet his plane. This commute got to be a little too much for the D’Oench family. In 1946 they moved back to Washington, selling Great Oak Manor (along with the surrounding 1200 acre farm) to a wealthy Ohio manufacturing executive, Mr. Frank Russell, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Rusco Storm Windows, Inc.

Mr. Russell had a vision to develop a private and very exclusive haven on the Upper Eastern Shore. The legend of Great Oak Farm & Lodge as one of this country’s finest sportsmen’s clubs was born. He invested mightily in recreational offerings including an eighteen hole golf course, four star restaurant and lounge, horses for the unskilled and skilled rider, duck and goose blinds for gunning, overnight lodging at the rustic Lodge, a fleet of water craft up to and including the 107′ motor yacht “Rusco” and a private airport for guest use on the premises. The Great Oak Farm & Lodge thrived well into the seventies. The Manor house was originally the Russell’s private residence with a total of twenty-six rooms, nine fireplaces, and eight baths in over 12,000 sq. ft. of living space. This afforded the Russell family ample space to entertain their prestigious guests. Notable guests of the time included Arthur Godfrey (a frequent visitor), Guy Lombardo, Robert Mitchum, and Jack Kennedy. After a hard day of sporting activities the gaming room on the Manor’s 3ri floor (The Russell Suite) served as a gathering place for a friendly game of cards or billiards. Rumor has it that entry stakes in one of these friendly games of cards could go as high as $10,000. After several unsuccessful attempts by the local sheriff to catch guests in these high stakes games, they finally succeeded, forcing Mr. Russell to spend thirty days in jail for these misdeeds. Undaunted by this moment of adversity, he instructed his staff to prepare his meals as usual, and deliver his meals to him in his new surroundings. They brought each of his meals hot from the estate into the town jail (three times a day) along with Manor place settings and Sterling flatware so as to make time away seem as civilized as possible. By the 70’s the clientele for such an exclusive club as Great Oak was dwindling. The Bay Bridge was whisking travelers to a bustling Atlantic seashore and jet travel expanded guests’ travel interest to more exotic and out of the way locations far from Great Oak. The lodge fell on hard times causing Mr. Russell to consider selling off Great Oak Farm and Lodge as parcels. In the process he even instructed his grounds men to cut down many of the mature Black Walnut trees on the grounds so as to raise working capital. A good-sized tree could easily bring in $5,000. Frank was looking for any creative means to keep his dream alive. In his quest for quick cash he failed to instruct his woodsman where Great Oak Manor ended and where trespassing began. This got him crossways with his neighbors as they watched in disbelief when then-beautiful trees became targets for the sawmills, bringing him very close to a return visit by the local sheriff.

By the mid-70’s the glory days of Great Oak Farm and Lodge where you could rub elbows with the power elite of DC and the glamour elite of LA was a thing of the past. The estate was sold off piecemeal. Even as diehard golfers were at play, nine of the eighteen holes of the golf course were plowed under for more profitable cash crops. Corn was fast becoming the most profitable industry on the Eastern Shore. The Manor House was abandoned for a time, and lay open to the weather. She became a private residence again for a short time only to be auctioned off to the highest bidder in the early 80’s. This gave rise to much speculation that the Manor was heading to a sad end through neglect like many of the fine estates of earlier times, just too much for a family to handle in such a far away location.

In 1983 a wealthy Philadelphia couple purchased for their Eastern Shore retreat the Manor and 12 acres of surrounding land. However, the lady of the duo would have nothing to do with such a place so far away from the Mainline. Necessity being the mother of most inventions, the husband decided (with the inspiration of a local enterprising real estate agent) to return the Manor to a form of its earlier glory. In 1984 Great Oak Manor opened for business as Great Oak Manor Bed and Breakfast under the ownership of a partnership group which went on to acquire six additional B & B’s in the surrounding area.. Just as Mr. Russell’s Great Oak of an earlier time catered to a high class clientele of corporate sportsmen so too did its Bed & Breakfast rendition. Indeed it thrived through the 80’s not only as an exclusive sporting retreat open now to the public but also as a romantic getaway for a growing legion of B&B patrons. In the early 1990’s the partnership had outlived its usefulness to the investors, and Great Oak Maor again began to suffer from neglect. It was for sale for two years during which time only minimal dollars were allotted for its upkeep. Visitors slowed to a trickle and its future loomed again as a major unknown.

About midway into this down turn Don & Diane Cantor discovered the Great Oak Manor. Their lives took a dramatic turn some 2000 miles away from Southern California. In 1992 after selling a California company in which Don had labored for the past 8 years, the future Innkeepers took off in their yacht to decide what to do next. They embarked on a quest of sorts. Namely an extended cruise up the intercoastal waterway from Florida to the Chesapeake Bay. Arriving in Chestertown in the fall of 1992, like many they couldn’t resist its magnetism. Don decided after thirty years of the corporate world with the phone ringing off the wall, he had enough. They saw some B&B’s along the waterway and thought maybe a small B&B (for Diane) attached to a small marina (for Don) would be a fulfilling business alternative. Fortunately there were no marinas that came along to steal their hearts. However they could not (thankfully) say the same thing about the B&B part of the idea. After a few outings with a local real estate agent, he suggested they try in his words, “a somewhat tired old manor house that needs some work” on the outskirts of Chestertown. After a few wrong turns he got them to the property and by the end of the day the Cantors were the proud owners of the “needs some work” B&B called Great Oak Manor. The strategy for success was simple in hindsight: bring it back to its former glory and use good old-fashioned owner occupied hands on management to see it through. The rest, as they say, is history.

Well, after nine years Don & Diane have taken their beautiful Labrador Beau to live in Chestertown with a view of the river and more time for friends and family. The Manor is once again a bright star thanks to the careful nurturing and loving care, restoration, and dedication of the Cantors. The Great Oak Manor is once more the Great Oak Manor of old, and serves its guest with unbridled comfort, and gracious living. Once more, nowhere on the “Bay” can a more beautiful, carefully restored Inn be found to rest your tired mind and sooth your weary  bones.

The Cantor’s task, to find Great Oak Manor’s present Innkeepers, was not an easy one. They worried as to who would care for their beloved Manor House, and have the vision to see Great Oak Manor B&B into an uncertain future. Those fears have been put aside since your present Innkeepers, Cassandra and John Fedas; have quietly nursed the treasure that is Great Oak Manor onto a steady course.

These seaworthy travelers began their voyage in 1978, meeting in Marblehead Massachusetts. Cassandra visited one hundred and thirteen countries while flying for TWA International, but more importantly moved from New York City to Marblehead where she met fellow traveler John. She started her own historic restoration business in this quiet New England fishing village, designing and building fine homes and Country Inns while running a small B&B of her own, Cassandra never thought of leaving beautiful idyllic Marblehead. Alas, John and winter never did mix well, and his sailor’s heart yearned for the Chesapeake Bay and its temperate climate. Their now burgeoning Architectural and Design firm seemed mobile and the Bay beckoned. To the amazement of friends and family, off they sailed to Annapolis and the warmth of the city by the Bay. Could they ever be happier? Great Oak Manor lay only one hour by land and several by water but it would take ten years to find her. The Chester River drew John unerringly in, the Bay beckoned, and an overheard conversation in a local real estate office brought him to the driveway of what was left of Joshua Felton’s Great Oak Land Grant. It was love at first sight, (he tends to do that), and soon Cassandra asked… “Can we really buy this?” “I have always wanted to manage an Inn”. Cassandra’s philosophy….walk gentle in the Cantor’s footsteps, improve what they built, and care for the Great Oak Manor with the love this old house has earned. Give her quietly to the guest so that they may know her grace and charm. Keep her well for posterity, and enjoy the view.

Tags: Bed and Breakfast, Chesapeake Bay Bed And Breakfast, Eastern Shore, Great Oak Manor, Historic Inn, Maryland, MD, Waterfront Bed and Breakfast

The first wedding of the season was last Sunday. The Clerk of Courts, Mark Mumford joined our guest in matrimony and Charly was best man. The four of them Bride, Groom, Mark and Charly with the setting sun in the background… a beautiful site. Congratulations to the Rakitsky’s on their nuptuals.

The Hahn family reunion and their daughter’s wedding are this weekend. A perfect day is expected for Saturday on the Chesapeake Bay and the annual Croquet matches will be held on the lawn.

There are still two rooms left for Memorial Day weekend and there will be all kinds of activities in Kent County and Chestertown to usher in the Summer Season. Go to Great Oak Manor Packages and Specials  and review the Spring Getaways, Romantic Packages, Golf Packages, and more.

Please read General News and events for upcoming Kent County and local activities and check out this months recipe.

Tags: Chestertown, Eastern Shore, Kent County, Maryland, MD, Wedding Receptions, Weddings

Great Oak Manor

Here is what guests had to say…

Having just returned from Great Oak Manor we have nothing less than glowing comments. The innkeepers made us feel totally at home and ensured we were both settled in and fully informed on activities at the inn and in the surrounding area that would be taking place during our visit. The grounds and buildings are immaculately maintained. Especially pleasing was the abundance of soft towels in the bath along with a full range of toiletries. We were able to participate in the last of the Spring 2010 series of catered, gourmet dinners. The dinner was preceded by a musical presentation by an exceptional pianist who entertained the guests while we enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and wine. The dinner consisted of a five course meal with wines specifically paired with each course by the innkeepers. Following dinner we adjourned to the library for coffee or tea and lively conversation with our hosts and fellow guests. The experience was reminiscent of a more leisurely era where an evening consisted of the same elements: superb food, excellent live music, and great conversation. We would recommend Great Oak Manor for all but families with young children since the inn is decorated and the activities are geared to adults. It is especially suited for a romantic getaway for two or for special family events such as a reunion or wedding anniversary celebration. A stay of several days would enable visitors to fully appreciate and explore the Eastern Shore of Maryland and its myriad of small towns, great restaurants, and friendly residents. Great Oak Manor is well worth a visit.

Tags: Bed and Breakfast Maryland, Chesapeake Bay Bed And Breakfast, Eastern Shore, Great Oak Manor Inn, Maryland, MD, Waterfront Bed and Breakfast

Great Oak Manor

Here is what guests had to say…

I’ve stayed at Great Oak Manor 3 times and each visit is one of the most pleasant weeks of my life. Everything about the Inn is perfect in my opinion. The wonderful hosts, John & Cass, make you feel like it is your home. If only it were, I’d never leave. The breakfasts are incredible – home-baked muffins, coffee cake, quiche or other tempting treat every day. The rooms are decorated elegantly but are completely comfortable. The grounds and views are among the best on the Bay, which is saying a lot. I look forward to going back every year.

Tags: Bed and Breakfast, Chesapeake Bay Bed And Breakfast, Great Oak Manor, Maryland, MD, Waterfront Bed and Breasfast

April 23-25, 2010

Paint the Town

The Chestertown Arts League is sponsoring “Paint the Town ~  Chestertown 2010,” a plein air weekend in historic Chestertown, Md., Friday to Sunday, April 23-25. This non-juried event is open to artists painting in all media and includes a “Wet Paint” exhibition and sale Saturday evening, April 24, and a “Quick Draw” on Sunday morning.

From historic homes and gardens to the color and charm of the Farmers’ Market, Chestertown offers a wide range of subjects for the plein air painter. In addition, the weekend’s activities include the schooner Sultana’s “UpRigging” event, Earth Day and the Kent County Humane Society’s Mutt Strut, and the Taste of Chestertown.

To participate, PRINT and return the entry form and $25 fee to The Chestertown Arts League, PO Box 656, Chestertown, MD 21620.  Make checks payable to the Chestertown Arts League.

Tags: Chestertown, Maryland, MD, Paint the Town, The Chestertown Arts League

Chestertown Tea Party Festival

May 28-31, 2010

Celebrating colonial resistance to British rule, Chestertown, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, will hold its Annual Tea Party Festival Saturday, May 29, 2010. Cocktail Party to be held Friday, May 28, 2010.

In response to British Parliament’s closing of the port of Boston, the citizens of Chestertown, Maryland met in May of 1774 and set forth “Resolves” forbidding importing, selling, or consuming tea in Chestertown. According to local legend, residents then gathered at the town center, marched down High Street to the brigantine Geddes, which was anchored in the Chester River, and tossed her cargo of tea overboard. The annual reenactment of that event is the centerpiece of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival. The re-enactment is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. All Festival events take place along the Chester River and in the historic district of 18th-century  Chestertown, Maryland. There is no admission charge to the Festival.  Admission is free but purchases of Toss the Tory ballots are appreciated.  Proceeds help fund children’s educational programming and one ballot buyer will win a valuable prize.

Start training now for this year’s Classic Distance 10 Mile Run and 5k Run/Walk.  Or join the festival-goers that line High Street each year to cheer the passing of colonial militia, marching bands, costume-garbed children and more in the Colonial Parade. A Walking Tour of the historic district is offered to visitors and local residents. The tour is conducted by trained docents who are residents of Kent County.  Not only can you purchase many handcrafted Colonial goods at the Festival, but you can also see a live demonstration of how those items are made.  On Sunday, Challenge yourself and your engineering skills by competing in this year’s Annual Raft Race.  You’ll be amazed at the sites and sounds of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival!

Tea Toss Reenactment, Colonial Parade, Cocktail Party, Raft Race, Street Performances, Colonial Crafts, Strolling Musicians, Local Fare, 5k & 10 mile run and more including…

·       2010 World Premiere – Prince Theatre will be showing the premier of local playwright, Keith Thompson’s “Raiding the Gladys” and an encore presentation of local playwright, Mary Wood’s “Chestertown Romance” which was first performed at the Prince Theatre’s 2009 Short Attention Span Theatre Festival.

·       Dr. Bill Trakat  – your children have been amazed by him on the Sultana, he joins us this year with his special knowledge of Colonial medical and surgical practices.  He has a trunk full of startling medical implements and gruesome tales of medicine.

·       From Stays to Stockings to Spitalfields -  Historic Educator Kate Livie will have hands-on examples of period 18th century children’s clothing to introduce your little Patriot to the world of 1700’s costume. Adults are also welcome to listen and learn.

·       Drill Demonstrations by 1st Battalion of Maryland Loyalists, 1st Maryland Regiment and 6th Maryland Regiment.

·       Swordmasters will delight and astound with their swordmanship lessons and demonstrations.

·       Miss Jackie will bring back her wonderful storytelling and children’s folk music.

·       Learn about Nanticoke Indian dances and stories with Odette Wright.

·       Tucker’s Tales Puppet Theatre will surprise you with their Punch and Judy Puppet Theatre and I’ll Take No Tea! Puppet show.  They will join with David Emerson for a Colonial Music presentation as Spiced Punch.

·       Play chess with master chess player Benjamin Franklin or compete in other popular games of the Colonial era.

·       Slim Harrison will bring back his Good Time Mountain Music and perform on both Saturday and Sunday!

·       Colonel Leonards Irregulars will once again serenade visitors with their own brand of Irish, Celtic & Folk Music.

·       The Dover English Country Dancers will perform 18th century dancing in period costumes.

·       The Chesapeake Caledonian Pipe Band traditional and contemporary bagpipe and drum ensemble performances.

·       The high energy country music of Fiddlestyx and Step Jam (formerly Footnotes) will have you joining in on their clogging and flatfooting!

·       Stephen Christoff is a master musician who will perform on Octave Mandolin, Bowed Musical Saw, and hand flute.

·       Join Pepper Steppers in a squaredancing demonstration that everyone will enjoy!

·       Fifes and Drums of the Delaware Militia will play traditional fife and drum music, mainly from the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras.

·       The Kiltie Band of York’s impressive pipe band will fill the air with Scottish favorites.

·       Be enchanted by David Emerson as he weaves together stories of the Sea and tells of the important role of tea in Colonial times.

·       Listen carefully as Stacy Roth sings the stories of Revolutionary Tea and tells tales of the 18th century woman.

·       Join the Bay Country Gentlemen on Sunday for a hoedown and squaredancing!

Fine soaps, detailed woodcarvings, stained glass, artwork and handmade wood furniture are just some of the wares this year’s 120 craft artisans have to offer!  Enjoy browsing as you make your way through the festival.  We’ve collected for you a wide range of quality items that are sure to impress!  From blacksmiths and candlemakers to weavers and woodworkers — we’ve got something for everyone!

Food booths will offer a wide variety of Eastern Shore delicacies such as Maryland crab cakes, barbeque, fish, clams, hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, beer and gentler beverages.

Visitors may enjoy art exhibits at the Chestertown Arts League Gallery, Art Works, and at the Kent County Arts Council Gallery, tour the Washington College Archeology Lab at the historic Custom House, tour the Schooner Sultana, or go on a guided walking tour of historic Chestertown.

On Sunday, family activities sponsored by the Tea Party Festival are scheduled in Wilmer Park, including puppet shows, food & refreshment, games, bluegrass music. The annual Sneaker Creeper race for children (for information or to register please call Kiki Jones (410) 778-4179) will be held on Friday at 6:00pm at the Washington College’s Roy Kirby Stadium. A highlight of Sunday afternoon is the annual raft race on the Chester River. The Schooner Sultana will offer public sails on the Chester River from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – reservations required!  Please call 410.778.5954 for the Sultana main office.

Chestertown is located on Maryland route 213 and is within an easy 90 minute drive from Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Shuttle buses to the downtown area are provided from free parking areas. For further information on the Festival call (410) 778-0416 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

For more information, contact contact@chestertownteaparty.com

Town ordinance prohibits dogs at the festival.

Tags: Chestertown, Chestertown Tea Party, Chestertown Tea Party Festival, Maryland, MD