White Swan Tavern — Hotel in Chestertown

This historic B&B and town at the top of the Eastern Shore was the perfect setting for my wife and I to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. The tavern, with four rooms and two suites, has been authentically restored to its 1790s roots, but with all the modern amenities we could want. Beth, Jen, and Cathy made us feel like family and VIPs. Jen’s fresh-baked asparagus quiche, apple cake, blueberry muffins, made-to-order eggs, grits, and bacon fortified us for two days of exploring Chestertown and nearby Rock Hall. Chestertown dates to 1706, was visited several times by George Washington, and features a small college bearing his name. An easy walking tour led us to 25 architectural gems in this county seat on the Chester River. A packet boat offers cruises, but instead we sailed on the Chesapeake Bay off Rock Hall. An eight-mile bike ride to the Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge built up our appetites for a crab cake dinner; the other night we dined alfresco across the street from our inn. We ended each day on the brick patio behind the White Swan, reading and sipping wine. Then we settled into the Sterling Suite, with its king bed, handsome living room, and gleaming bathroom. We were less than two hours from home, but we were in another world — and we look forward...

My elderly parents and I arrived at the White Swan Tavern and found that my mother had more difficulty than anticipated reaching their second-floor room. She was ultimately able to (and she thought it was a beautiful space!), but it was a challenge. Lex, who welcomed and checked us in with warmth and graciousness, reached out to the innkeeper (unbeknownst to us) and obtained permission to upgrade my parents to a first-floor room at no additional charge. This kindness meant so much. It wasn’t strictly necessary—my mom could manage the steps—but represented a level of empathy and thoughtfulness that made us feel welcome and cared for. I am so grateful for this and I will always remember it.||The inn is exactly what I had hoped: atmospheric and authentic in its understated beauty. The attention to detail is spot-on: from a highly-effective shower head (all too rare) and upscale bath products to luxurious towels and crisp sheets. Breakfast is delicious and generous. The public rooms are quietly elegant. And kind Lex always had a friendly word and warm smile.||I don’t expect to have many travels left with my parents. I’m so glad one of our last was at the White...

On a quick whim we decided to stay at the White Swan. We’ve been to Chestertown and love charm of the town but always simply a day trip.|This time we decided to stay in town at the Tavern that always piqued our interest when we walked by.|Well everything about this was simply remarkable courteous phone reservation, easy check in to a remarkably restored Historic Inn.|We stayed in the Bordley Room which was spacious and beautifully decorated. |After a quiet nights sleep we were treated to a remarkable breakfast including fresh fruit, muffins AND then the French Toast and Sausage.|I don’t want to rise missing anyone and will simply state every staff member went above and beyond to make us feel at home.|It was the attention to every detail...