If visions of blue water and sailboats are dancing in your head but you're bothered by recession blues and a checkbook showing major wear and tear, one option to the economy deal at a seaside motel is to book yourself into a B&B; for your summer vacation. Yes, yes, we know -- some bed and breakfasts have prices that compare with the Ritz and rooms that look like suites at Winterthur. But, believe it or not, there are nice, moderately priced B&Bs; at some of the state's premier summer destinations.
Plus, at B&Bs; you get breakfast free, and not just one muffin and Grandma's homemade strawberry preserves. More and more B&Bs; are serving full breakfasts that can often take you from morning till an early dinner, resulting in a nice savings on food.
B&Bs; have rules. After all, if you opened up your house to a bunch of strangers, you would probably like to have some control. Some hosts accept credit cards and personal checks, some only cash. Some B&Bs; have air conditioning. Some don't. Generally, pets are not allowed, smoking is pretty much a no-no, and breakfast has a set time -- don't sleep in and then stroll downstairs for eggs Benedict at noon.
Always call ahead for information and to make reservations. Don't just show up on the doorstep. There are reservation services in the state that deal only with B&Bs.; One is the Traveller in Maryland, where the staff has personally inspected every B&B; it recommends and can give you the scoop on many homes scattered from Western Maryland to the coast.
One nice thing about B&Bs; is that the owner-host knows the ins and outs of his or her town. This is a big plus if you are traveling on a budget. The owner-host can fill you in on local attractions that are free or only charge a modest fee. And, when you decide you really can't function all day on just breakfast, he can point you in the direction of some moderately priced restaurants, a wholesome soup and sandwich bar, the best early-bird specials at some of the more pricey establishments, or the greatest happy hour in the city.
If you've never stayed in a B&B;, you might not be prepared for the congenial atmosphere and sociability of the host and other guests. People will talk to you. The ambience is "home away from home." But hosts are adept at scouting out guests who want to be alone and will turn attention away from you if that is what you desire. Expect some communal activities, though. You might have to make a phone call from a hall telephone and, if you want to watch the news, you will probably find a television in the living room or den, not in your room. Breakfast is most often at a large family-type dining table -- could be Chippendale mahogany or country oak -- with other guests.
Because B&B; owners are trying to make a living like the rest of us, they sometimes raise their prices in the summer if they are located in a vacation spot, but not always. Occasionally they will discount for stays longer than a night or two or in the middle of the week, which is always the best time to check into a B&B.; First, room availability is better, even in midsummer, and second, if the house is not full, you can possibly pay for a room with a shared bath -- horrors to many Americans but always the cheapest way to go in a B&B; -- and not have to share it with anybody.
The mecca for B&Bs; in the state has to be Annapolis. There are probably about 30 in the area. They range from brick town homes to waterfront contemporaries. Some are very pricey and filled with lovely antiques and artwork, but many have rooms available in the $50 to $85 per night category. Here's a sampling of Annapolis B&Bs;:
The William Page Inn was built in 1908. At one time the headquarters for a men's social club of some renown, this turn-of-the-century house was bought a few years ago by Greg Page who restored the building and furnished it with Maryland antiques dating from 1890 to 1925. The least expensive room is $75, but breakfast is a banquet with all types of homemade breads, an egg and sausage casserole, apple crisp, a fruit tray and a cheese tray, cold cereals, freshly squeezed orange juice, milk, special coffees and teas. In the afternoon, an array of homemade munchies, like lemon squares of cookies, is set out for guests.
John and Mary Prehn turned their large, Georgian revival-style brick home -- the bricks date back to the 1730s -- into a B&B; about 10 years ago and named it Magnolia House. They offer guests three rooms, all with private baths, one with a working fireplace. The third-floor suite sleeps up to six people and is good for families. If the weather is warm, a full breakfast -- including either waffles, eggs Benedict or omelets -- is served on the garden patio, which is dominated by a lovely magnolia tree. The traditional dining room is used in cold or rainy weather. Prices are $65 or $75 for double occupancy and the Naval Academy is right nearby.
Business brought Californians Valerie and Tom Smith to the Annapolis area where they bought a 70-year-old renovated grocery store, about a block from the city dock, and opened Chez Amis. Furnished with a mix of art, turn-of-the-century antiques, brass and glass, the house reflects a West Coast ambience while retaining features of the grocery store, including a tin ceiling in some of the downstairs rooms. Chez Amis has three guest rooms, each with a TV and beverage center, priced from $65 to $85. The Smiths, who speak four languages, serve a buffet breakfast of croissants, homemade fruit-and-nut bread, cheeses, fruits, freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee, tea.
About three miles from the historic district, Libby and Graham Gutsche renovated a 150-year-old horse barn on their six acres and converted part of it into the Barn on Howard's Cove. They have two air-conditioned guest rooms priced at $60 per night. Mrs. Gutsche prepares a full farm breakfast, with a choice of items like French toast with bananas, or eggs and bacon. The house is decorated in country style with antiques and guilts. A wide deck overlooks Howard's Cove off the Severn River and a pier with deep water for fishing, crabbing and swimming before the jellyfish arrive. Children are welcome and one room has a sleeping loft kids love.
About a hour and a half from Annapolis, at the tip of Calvert County, between the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, is the charming seaport of Solomons. Historically a fishing village, Solomons is now the home of charter boats, marinas, seafood restaurants and quaint shops. Three B&Bs; dot the picturesque streets.
Tom and Joan Hogenson bought a turn-of-the century waterman's house on Back Creek, restored it and opened it three years ago as the By the Bay B&B.; Furnished with Victorian antiques, the house has three guest rooms, priced from $65 to $75. Also for guest use are a pier, rowboat and bikes. The Hogensons serve a full breakfast of fruit, eggs and bacon, coffee; and you can pretty much pick the time you would like to have it.
Just down the street, two Navy wives, Carol Szkotnicki and Lin Cochran, turned another waterman's house into a B&B.; Back Creek Inn sits right on the water and the women have put a lot of effort into landscaping the grounds and adding gardens of herbs and perennials, plus a lily pond. Also available for guest use are a pier, a back deck and an outdoor hot tub. Depending on the weather, breakfast -- Continental at 7:30 a.m., full at 9:30 a.m. -- is served on the deck or in the breakfast room. Furnished in country antiques, with handmade quilts on the beds and Mrs. Szkotnicki's oils and watercolors on the walls, guest rooms have prices range that from $65 to $85.
The Davis House B&B; sits on Charles Street just across the street from the Harbor Island Marina. John and Runa Howley renovated the old Victorian house and opened it as a B&B; about six years ago. Family pieces and period antiques decorate six guest rooms and prices range from $55 to $85. Mrs. Howley serves a full breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and includes a choice of eggs Benedict or blueberry pancakes with sausage. A screened porch overlooks the scenic harbor and in the summertime, you can often find a huge pitcher of iced tea or lemonade there, compliments of Mrs. Howley.
Across the Bay from Solomons and then across the southern Eastern Shore, sits Maryland's summertime gem -- Ocean City. Crowded stem to stern with all types of housing, Ocean City has only two B&Bs.;
Five years ago, Al and Elaine Rogers bought former Mayor Harry Kelley's house on 12th Street and Baltimore Avenue, converted it to a B&B; and christened it His Honor's Place. Five air-conditioned, homey rooms are priced from $50 to $70 per night in the summer. Mrs. Rogers serves a buffet breakfast, consisting of coffee, bagels, homemade muffins, cereals, juices, coffee, fresh fruit, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. every morning and she keeps a refrigerator and microwave if guests want to fix themselves a very inexpensive dinner.
Annabell Plumer is the owner of the only oceanfront B&B; in Ocean City. Called Annabell's, the house is a blue Cape Cod surrounded by a white picket fence with a wraparound porch and deck facing the ocean at 10th Street. Six guest rooms range in price from $89 to $140 for an oceanfront suite -- not really in the moderate range, but what the heck, this is Ocean City in the summer; prices are much lower in spring and fall. Plus, a few extra goodies are free -- bikes, beach umbrellas, mats, terry robes and the facilities at O. C. Sneakers. You can have breakfast on the porch or in bed.
About seven miles from Assateague Island and nine miles from Ocean City is Holland House B&B.; Owners Jim and Jan Quick say many of their guests spend their days on the ocean beaches. The house is a turn-of-the-century building with a gracious front porch filled with white wicker. Five guest rooms are priced at $55 or $65. The house is furnished with a mix of antiques. There is a television room with a VCR, and a game room, and children are welcome. Jim Quick is a chef and breakfast is a special affair with selections like crepes, omelets, blueberry pancakes, all served in an elegant dining room decorated with lace window panels and mahogany furniture.