Weblog 2003

The Inn at Montchanin Village

I chased a Chesapeake sunset tonight, heading west on a small side road along Maryland's Eastern Shore. A new area for me, southbound along the Atlantic Coast. I'm aiming for Charleston by the end of the week, but am keeping my eyes open for discoveries en route. Leaving Philadelphia about noon, I headed south on Interstate 95. Just over the Delaware state line, I ducked off the highway at Exit 7B and found my way to a lodging/dining establishment that I've longed to visit for ages, The Inn at Montchanin Village. Clearly too early to call it a day, I opted for lunch at Krazy Kat's restaurant, part of the inn complex. What a treat this was - wonderful decor and ambiance, great service and fabulous food. I had pan seared halibut in a coconut-lemon grass sauce, served with peruvian potatos and asparagus. It was the best meal I've had on this trip so far, simply melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The waitress, Barb, was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable about the menu and the property itself. The hostess, Amy, was also very helpful, telling me a little more of the history of the building, originally the blacksmith's shop for the village, and showing me the upstairs dining room, The Crow's Nest, available for groups. As an added bonus, I was fortunate to meet Laura and Adair, lunch neighbors at a nearby table. Both from the Philadelphia area, this was not their first time dining at Krazy Kat's. And I can see why. It's an easy drive down from the Philly area to get to this Delaware eatery. I'd think one meal here would almost guarantee a return visit. It was just that good. Laura and Adair had other recommendations to offer for my trip along the coast, which I jotted down thankfully and am keeping on hand. As usual, most of the best suggestions I hear come from other travelers. I was given a tour of some of the rooms by Nancy, director of sales and public relations, who kindly showed me a variety of accommodations, which run from $150. to $375. I admit to being hugely impressed. The inn is located in a restored 19th century hamlet, formerly housing workers for Du Pont powder mills. The owners have covered every base, and then some. An adorable logo of a cow and crow can be found just about everywhere, from the washcloths to umbrellas by the doorways. Bathrooms are marble (and large enough to be rooms). Linens are Frette. Fresh flowers are everywhere, inside and out. Even the smallest rooms are spacious and exquisitely decorated. This is perfection in lodging. From there, I continued south into Maryland and drove through Chestertown, to check out The Imperial Hotel. It was a great building, with nicely furnished rooms and balconies that look out over the town's main street. But their highly-acclaimed restaurant was closed that night and there was still some driving time left in the day, so I just did a quick tour of the quaint town and continued south, ending up in St. Michaels, MD. This seemed to be my day to tour inns. I had notes on The Old Brick Inn in St. Michaels, but hadn't had success getting through by phone. Nor did I have luck finding anyone there when I arrived (note: they weren't expecting me - I'm in haphazard travel mode, as usual). I would end up getting to see a couple of their rooms the next day, which looked wonderful, but that night I headed on through town. I did a brief walkabout at The Inn at Perry Cabin, just for the luxury of seeing it. It was gorgeous, and perfectly priced for my next lifetime. And then, as happens sometimes because of my odd travel methods, I realized the sun was already down and it was approaching eight o'clock. I still had no idea where I was going to stay. (Additional note for those who think I'm completely insane or take too many chances: I always know where the nearest city with chain hotels can be found and I never let my gas tank get low). It was about this time that I noticed an open door at a beautiful Victorian corner building with an inviting front porch and a few open spaces in the parking lot. I parked, walked around a bit, then stepped inside. Photo Gallery: View Here If You Go: The Inn at Montchanin Village P.O. Box 130 Montchanin, Delaware 19710 (302) 888-2133 (800) 269-2473 Krazy Kat's Hours: Breakfast: 7-10, Mon.-Fri. - 8-11, Sat., Sun. and Holidays; Lunch: 11-2 Mon.-Fri.; Dinner: 5:30-10 - Mon.-Sat., 5:30-9 - Sun. For Dining Reservations: (302) 888-4200