The Heart of the Chesapeake

Steeped in nautical tradition, the Inn at Perry Cabin is a secluded escape that offers elevated yet classic comfort, as well as an abundance of activity, all nestled in a quiet corner of the Chesapeake Bay in the charming town of St. Michaels, Maryland.

The Inn at Perry Cabin contains 30 suites and 48 contemporary guest rooms designed by Alexandra Champalimaud whose firm, Champalimaud Design, boasts projects like the rejuvenation of the Algonquin Hotel, Beekman Tower Hotel, and much more. Perry Cabin was established as a farm just after the War of 1812 and is registered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as Historic Hotels. In that spirit, the rooms and shared spaces throughout the Inn at Perry Cabin feature traditional details such as french doors, window shutters, white textures and linens, and rich wooden accent furniture. Built on 26-acres of land overlooking the Miles River, private decks, patios, and verandas allow rooms to harmoniously connect to the picturesque landscapes of the surrounding area. 

Well known for its proposals, weddings, anniversaries and other memorable events, the Inn at Perry Cabin has plenty of special places to celebrate. The Boat House, Cove House, and River House, offer sea-to-table dining, while the waterside gazebo is a lovely place to take photos, catch a sunset, and enjoy an indoor/outdoor party. During the cooler months, visitors would be wise to take advantage of the spa services. Inspired by local nature, there are a number of natural plant-based and herbal treatments sourced from herbs grown in the Perry Cabin’s garden and locally sourced from other eastern shore farms. Luxuriate in the spa’s steam rooms and relaxation lounge, or take a dip in the seasonal pool. 

While it was too chilly to swim during our visit, we explored a number of the available activities. The Links at Perry Cabin’s signature 18-hole golf course, designed by Pete Dye, feature breathtaking topography and views of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and end with a memorable view of the Chesapeake Bay. Inn at Perry Cabin also offers classes through the premier golf academy, Jim McLean Golf School. 

The Inn at Perry Cabin would not be able to embrace its nautical heritage if it didn’t offer sailing activities. The resort’s pristine fleet of sailboats and yachts encompasses the lifestyle craved by avid sailors and non-sailors alike. Guests can charter daysailers for group events or private tours that come complete with lunch, sunset cocktails, dinner, and a full bar, all enjoyed while cruising along the Miles River. The in-house ACA accredited sailing academy  offers basic through multi-day sailing certification courses taught by seasoned sailing instructors and hailed as one of the region’s most celebrated sailing programs. Outside of golf and sailing, the resort hosts a fresh batch of activities every day for guests to enjoy a bit more variety.

For history buffs, there are a number of historic towns nearby just waiting to be explored. Within a 20-minute drive, lies the town of Easton, which is a treasure trove of Colonial and Victorian architecture and also houses a number of art galleries and the 400-acre Audubon wildlife sanctuary. Cambridge is only 35 minutes away from the Inn at Perry Cabin and dates back to 1684 making it one of the oldest colonial cities in the state. High Street, revered as one of the most beautiful streets in America, has a number of restaurants that offer locally-sourced seafood. Indulge in jumbo lump crab, rockfish, oysters, and more. Harriet Tubman, the famed conductor of the Underground Railroad, was also born nearby and a museum in her honor stands in the heart of downtown. 

Maryland is well known for its smaller islands just off the coast of the mainland. Two notable shoutouts are Tilghman Island, a short 20-minute drive from St. Michael’s, offers a scenic drive, delectable locally-sourced seafood, and shopping. A longer drive of 1.5 hours from the resort but worth a day trip, is Assateague Island. The drive to Assateague features scenic Chesapeake vistas, and upon arrival, there is an abundance of natural beauty to discover including at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors often see wild roaming ponies. In warmer weather, relaxing on the beach or picking up local produce and flowers are always options.

No ReVue is ever complete without a culinary highlight and the Inn at Perry Cabin is no exception. Since his arrival at the resort in 2019, Executive Chef Gregory James, known as Chef Greg, has used his more than 25 years of industry expertise to redefine the reputation of Chesapeake culinary expectations and create foundational, supportive relationships with local farmers, artisans, creameries, and watermen. Chef Greg is an active curator in his kitchen and sources every single organic ingredient–fresh sea salt, herbs, spices, and jams to vegetables, fruits,edible flowers, wild caught seafood, free-range grass-fed beef, and more – within a 20-mile radius of the resort. 

With his strong values and a penchants for sustainability, Chef Greg focuses on a circle of life method of use for all of his foods and ingredients, meaning each ingredient, animal, or fish is used in its entirety and is added to his dishes whether as part of a secret sauce, main entrée, or unexpected surprise. His JM Clayton Crab Cakes are made with herbs from the Inn’s own greenhouse, Old Bay seasoning, chives, and zested lemons, that leave the palate with a fresh and tangy dish that enhances the flavors of the crab. The crowd-pleasing Smokin’ Shrimp n’ Grits is a southern classic that Chef Greg prepares with cauliflower romesco, Migrash Farms’ blue corn grits, and kataifi, with a delectable shredded phyllo dough with nuts that adds an amazing crispy texture against the creaminess of grits. 

Chef Greg has curated an inclusive dining experience for vegetarian and vegan diners, with his Sweet Pea Ravioli, Grilled Sous Vide Carrot paired with Red Acres lettuces, Marcona almonds, and horseradish romesco, and Eggplant Scallops accompanied by mushrooms, plums and Sweety Drop peppers. 

Not only is Chef Greg’s menu an educational food tour of the best the region has to offer, but the Inn itself is truly a place to escape for a moment and indulge in life’s simplest and most beautiful qualities. A shout out to the Parasol agency, which organized a memorable stay that allowed us to appreciate a new side of the Chesapeake we had never experienced. The Inn at Perry Cabin is a perfect choice for couples, families, and groups who want to enjoy the best St. Michaels, Maryland and the East Coast has to offer.