Typically when I do travel recaps, I’ll first put out the travel guide to the area and then, assuming I want to share my accommodations with y’all, I’ll do a follow up post with all the details on where I stayed. Well, after my most recent 24 hour getaway to Frederick, Maryland, I decided to switch things up.
There will be a travel guide coming soon on planning a relaxing weekend full of wine tasting, hiking, dining, and taking in the fresh country air, but right now I want to let you in on the most charming bed and breakfast I’ve stayed at in ages. Last time we were in Frederick, we stayed right in town and enjoyed all the the distilleries, restaurants, and shopping the downtown has to offer, but this time, we stayed at Frederick Inn Bed and Breakfast located in Buckeystown, about 15 minutes from downtown.
FREDERICK INN BED AND BREAKFAST
To give you a little history, the Frederick Inn Bed and Breakfast was built in 1897 and was once the home of Charles Keller, who owned a local limestone quarry. It’s a beautiful mansion built during the Victorian era, but without all of the dark and ornate characteristics we typically associate with that architecture. The only obvious nod to the Victorian style that I could find was the intricate molding on the front porch. While it has served as an inn since the early 1980’s, an extensive renovation was done when it was purchased by its current owners, Pat and Kirk Horstman.
Pat and Kirk have made the inn as welcoming, bright, and warm as they are. A picture’s worth a thousand words and, as you can see below, I couldn’t stop taking pictures of both the interior and exterior of the inn. The decor and colors are traditional, pretty, and fresh all at the same time. You’re staying in a one hundred and twenty year old home that feels timeless, spacious, updated, and light – believe me, that’s an impressive combination of characteristics.
HOW TO GET THERE AND WHEN TO GO
The Frederick, Maryland area is super quick and easy to get to from DC. It’s just an hour up 270. Coming from Baltimore? You’re looking at an hour west on I70. Such a doable one night trip from either city. Philly or NYC are a little further at closer to 3 to 4 hours away, but still an easy weekend away.
Of course spring is a wonderful time to be out in the country, but you’ll have a lovely time no matter the season. Fall is another great time to go hiking and tour the vineyards especially if you’re into foliage and it’s so nice to get away from the heat and humidity of the city during the summer. If you’re a snow person, it definitely gets colder out in Frederick than it does in DC!
THE GORGEOUS ROOMS
One of the things I love most about staying at a bed and breakfast rather than a hotel is discovering the different personalities of each of the rooms. We stayed in a charming queen room on the second floor, but, no surprise here, I snuck in to get a peek at a few of the empty rooms before guests arrived. Each had its own color palette and its own unique tiled bathroom. The rooms have the perfect balance of traditional decor, restraint, and lots of natural light. While I didn’t see every room, I’d imagine you can’t go wrong no matter which one you pick.
THE SERENE SURROUNDINGS
Because you’re staying out in the country in Buckeystown rather than right in Frederick, you’ll find yourself in the most beautiful, calming surroundings. For someone looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of DC or Baltimore or Philly, it’s a welcome bit of quiet. Our first day at the inn was rainy and cool, but sometimes those rainy days bring out the most vibrant colors in the greenery and flowers – you can certainly see that was the case! Spending a weekend in a small town, you feel like you’re a world away from city life even though you’re barely an hour up the road.
A GOURMET BREAKFAST
We know food is always one of my top priorities when traveling, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the delicious breakfast that was served during our stay at Frederick Inn Bed and Breakfast. Our meal started with a first course of the most delicious berry scone and a tender poached pear. While that on its own could have been breakfast enough, we were then treated to sausage and a blueberry blintz that was absolutely to die for. For those of you who are coffee aficionados, they get their coffee from a roaster right up the street – Miss Mary’s Perfect Roast.
Side note: I also appreciated that we were seated at small tables so that felt like a restaurant within someone’s impeccably decorated formal dining room. While I love the cozy, homey vibe of staying in a bed and breakfast rather than a hotel, I don’t need to share my pre-coffee self while sitting at a communal table with other couples!
RELAXING ON THE FRONT PORCH
Our last morning at the Frederick Inn Bed and Breakfast, we were able to spend a bit of time just kicking back on the front porch, but had I been there for another day, you wouldn’t have been able to tear me away from just sitting there with a good book and maybe a glass of rosé. When you’re looking to get away for a weekend, discovering somewhere where you can sit outside and appreciate the fresh air is the perfect retreat. You can guarantee I’ll be coming back to the Frederick Inn Bed and Breakfast – I’m already trying to think of excuses for another weekend away.
