Hotel at a Glance: The Harbour Inn

Though most guests arrive by car, The Harbour Inn also welcomes seafarers. The inn sits on an inlet of the Chesapeake Bay and even has a 52-slip marina where sailboats and yachts dock. Its waterfront location also puts it close to restaurants and museums in downtown St. Michaels.

• Warm welcome: This deal includes a bottle of wine; choice of champagne, house white, or house red wine, placed in their room upon arrival.
• Deluxe guest quarters room: There’s a mini fridge for chilling drinks and an electric fireplace for warming up on cool nights.
• Captain suite room: Along with a mini fridge, it has a private deck overlooking the marina.
• Best way to start the day: continental breakfast with omelet station served in the waterfront dining room
• Party of two: A couples massage adds romance to a vacation (fee applies). By appointment only, guests can schedule a session with the Spa at Harbour Inn by calling (410) 745-0646.
• Where to eat: Guests get priority reservations at nearby Bistro St. Michaels, which uses sustainable seafood and local, organic vegetables.

St. Michaels, Maryland: Seaside Views and Maryland Blue Crabs

In addition to exuding seaside charm, the sleepy town of St. Michaels is notable for having played a starring role in a little-known episode in American history—its residents outsmarted the British during the War of 1812. The townspeople reportedly hung lanterns in trees outside of town to trick the Brits into thinking they were dramatically misfiring their cannons. The redcoats overshot and the town survived.

While you’re here, be sure to partake in the area’s rich maritime culture. Watch the ships gliding by on the Chesapeake Bay and try some of Maryland’s famous blue crabs. For an in-depth look at the town’s history, visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.