Coastal Charm at The Inn at Onancock

This winter’s seemingly endless snow and ice storms were giving me a major case of cabin fever. A quick weekend getaway was all I needed, just a little something to take my mind off crazy days at work and to just sit back and unwind a bit.

But where to?

Somewhere not too far away, where everything is more relaxed and time goes by a little slower.

The Eastern Shore was my answer.

This remote slice of Virginia, separated from the rest of the state by the Chesapeake Bay, is a little more than an hour’s drive from my home in Virginia Beach. You may remember my previous visits to the Eastern Shore last fall, first enjoying a kayak winery tour and later exploring it’s tasty oyster heritage. It was then I had the good fortune to attend an evening reception at the charming Inn at Onancock and I immediately knew I wanted to return. No matter where I go I prefer to stay in accommodation characteristic of the area I’m visiting; sleek design hotels in Vienna or thatched roof cabinas in the jungles of Costa Rica enhance my stay and make my time in these destinations even more memorable.

So, what about the Eastern Shore? This place was made for charming B& Bs and the Inn at Onancock was calling my name.

Owners Lisa and Kris Montagne had long talked about opening a bed and breakfast when a chance opportunity led them to this 1886 Victorian charmer. They immediately fell in love with house and with the friendly little town on the Chesapeake Bay; after a few years of renovations to update the home (with care to maintain the original stained glass and wood details that drew them to the house) they opened their doors to welcome guests in 2007. Lisa warmly greeted us at the door the moment we arrived and I immediately felt like I was visiting an old friend. She gave us a quick rundown on what was going on in town that weekend, made our dinner reservations for later that night and showed us to our room.

The Inn’s five rooms are each uniquely decorated to highlight Kris and Lisa’s favorite travel destinations. Rooms are evocative of Provence, the Far East, Colonial Williamsburg and Coastal Maine.

As for us, we were about to be transported to Tuscany.

Our room was richly decorated in warm Tuscan hues with thoughtful details to make our stay more comfortable. The bathroom was outfitted with a walk in shower with a multijet shower experience (because shower head just doesn’t do this bathroom justice) and toiletries made exclusively for the Inn. The feather-topped bed, dressed with 1,000 thread count luxury sheets, offered up one of the best night’s sleep I have had in a while.

One of the most popular features at the Inn is their nightly version of happy hour, the WineDown. Gather in the parlor to a selection of cheeses, hors d’oeuvres and lively conversation while Kris and Lisa pour you a glass (or two) of the 6 or so wines they have on offer. I highly recommend you try a glass of local favorite Chatham Vineyards award winning Church Creek Chardonnay (be sure to stop by the winery itself while on the Eastern Shore, Lisa will be more than happy to arrange a visit).

One of the best parts about staying at a bed and breakfast? Why, the breakfast of course. Who wouldn’t love waking up to a wild blueberry french toast souffle? Warm, fluffy, gooey and sweet with just a hint of crunch on top (and served with coffee specially roasted for the Inn by Eastern Shore Coastal Roasters); I can’t imagine a better way to start a lazy Sunday morning.

What has really impressed me more and more on each visit to the Eastern Shore is the people who are willing to show you why they love this little slice of Virginia.It’s a place for front porch sittin’ and getting out on the water. You’re not a stranger for long here. Above all else the Eastern Shore is a place where you can relax and just be.

I was graciously hosted by The Inn at Onancock but as always all opinions remain my own.