The lovely Swanendele Inn is located near the southern tip of Maryland on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. This family-owned luxury country inn actually sits along the tranquil waters of St. Jerome’s Creek (really, a small bay inlet) near where the Potomac River flows into the bay. It is in a perfect location to explore Historic St. Mary’s City, lighthouses, hiking trails, and museums in southern Maryland. Swanendele Inn is about 75 miles from Washington, D.C., and Annapolis; 100 miles from Baltimore; and 120 miles from Richmond.
Swanendele Inn: Ridge, MD / Swanendele Inn / (301) 576-9910
Source: The Swanendele Inn
DISCLAIMER: My husband and I have stayed in many hotels, inns, and other properties in our travels, but a few stand out above the rest — this is one of them. Although I am highlighting this property that we enjoyed, we have not accepted free trips, endorsements, or gratuities from it. All the opinions, along with the photographs (unless otherwise noted), featured in this article are my own. I simply share this property profile because it was unique in its location and hospitality, so I think others may consider staying there as well. Happy travels!
Why Swanendele Inn?
- Innkeepers Gerald, Victoria and Miguel have created an oasis in southern Maryland. Their attention to details, designed to enchant their guests, is quite evident both inside and out.
- The interior of the inn is richly decorated with antiques, furnishings, and artwork from the owners’ travels that spanned the world.
- Guest rooms are inviting with water views, comfortable beds, gas fireplaces, guest robes, and other welcome amenities. In addition to the five guest rooms, the two suites have double Jacuzzis, wet bars, and Keurig coffee stations.
- Plenty of gathering spaces await guests. Inside, there’s an expansive two-story common area with a grand stone fireplace and plenty of seating areas, so you can always find a comfortable spot to read or just relax when not in your room. Outside, there are seating areas on the large wraparound porch, along the creek, and out on the dock.
- Visitors enjoy water views from every guest room, the dining room and other common areas as well as out on the Adirondack chairs at the water’s edge.
- The gardens boast plenty of blooming flowers (during the growing season), birds perched in the trees serenade guests, and there are several places to relax outside while taking in the views and the overall tranquility of this place.
- The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. My husband and I looked forward to the amazing sunsets after returning from a day out exploring the area.
- Miguel’s 3-course breakfasts are not only amazingly delicious, but they will undoubtedly fill you up. In fact, you may notice that you end up skipping lunch while staying at the inn!
- Upon request, you can savor a private dining experience at the inn. Plan on it. Miguel is an amazing chef. We enjoyed a scrumptious candlelight dinner paired with a bottle of delicious wine. (The inn has a liquor license and a bar.) The dinner was one of the highlights of our stay.
- The owners have worked, lived, and traveled abroad extensively, and it is delightful to have conversations with them about their travel experiences and adventures. There will be no shortage of conversation, as they are genial hosts who enjoy chatting with their guests.
- Although it might seem like a small detail, there are plenty of interesting books in the guest rooms and common areas. Although I had brought along reading material, I was enchanted with some of their books about local history and birds native to this area.
- Communication with the innkeepers is easy. When exploring lodging options for our trip to the area, I called and chatted with Gerald, one of the innkeepers; by the time our conversation ended, I knew Swandendele Inn was the place for us. You’ll find regular posts on Swanendele Inn’s Facebook page with updates about the inn and nearby places to visit while in the area.
- All three innkeepers live on the property, so they are directly overseeing the its operations. They’ve also developed relationships with others in the area and are able to help you plan whatever activities interest you. For example, they can arrange for kayak and bike rentals as well as fishing charters and sunset cruises.
- The inn was accepted into the Select Registry in 2021, so you know that it is a property offering impeccable hospitality and creature comforts. (Select Registry is a collection of independent distinctive inns, boutique hotels, and B&B’s around the country.)
History of Swanendele Inn
As mentioned, there are three innkeepers. Gerald Meyerman and Victoria O’Hara discovered this unique area of Maryland and purchased the land, where the inn now sits, in 2001. After much planning, this husband and wife team oversaw the building of the inn that opened in 2019. Miguel Gavilanez is the third member of the innkeeper team. He participated in some of the actual construction of key features of the inn, such as the massive stone fireplace, and he’s the one who cooks up the amazing breakfasts — and private dinners, upon request.
Because of the recent year of its construction, the inn features plenty of amenities that travelers come to expect — all while keeping energy efficiency in mind.
By the way, guest rooms are named after people who figured prominently in area history, are local landmarks, or frequent visitors to the property — the osprey.
Hospitality Highlight: Featured Recipe
I fell in love with this orange ricotta bread while enjoying an amazing three-course breakfast at the Swanendele Inn. It was served warm, and I ate it ever so slowly, so as to savor every bite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Miguel’s Orange Ricotta Bread
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 2 loaf pans
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups fresh chopped tangerines
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons orange juice preferably fresh
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 loaf pans with cooking spray or grease and flour them.
- In large bowl,, mix butter and sugar for 2 minutes.
- Add ricotta cheese and blend again for 1 minute.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition.
- Add vanilla extract and chopped tangerines and mix.
- Add baking powder, salt, and flour (1/2 cup at a time). Gently fold, but do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the pans. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Leave bread in pans for 5 minutes before inverting on wire cooling racks.
To Prepare Glaze
- Combine all ingredients for glaze in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour glaze over the warm bread.
- Enjoy!
Source: The Swanendele Inn
Source: The Swanendele Inn
Things To Do in the Area
If you dare to venture away from Swanendele Inn for a few hours, there are some great nearby spots that I’ve highlighted below. Read my guide for sights in southern Maryland for more detailed information on all the places listed below.
Historic St. Mary’s City
Historic St. Mary’s City is a big draw for many who visit the western shore of southern Maryland. It’s an 800-acre living history museum and active archeological park on the site of a city that was formed in 1634. St. Mary’s City was the first European settlement in the U.S., and it was the first capital of what is now Maryland. It is also considered the birthplace of religious freedom in the country. After 60 years, it was largely abandoned, and the land was converted to farmland, so it became “lost” until the 20th century when archaeological excavation began.
Today visitors to Historic St. Mary’s City can walk the grounds, learn about archeological finds, and talk with costumed museum interpreters (throughout the outdoor museum) to gain a good understanding of this unique place. Extend your time here by enjoying a stroll along one of several paths along St. Mary’s River and/or a nature trail. Nearby St. John’s City Museum is also highly recommended.
Calvert Marine Museum & Drum Point Lighthouse
The Calvert Marine Museum‘s exhibits and displays tell about the area’s marine history, marine biology, and fascinating paleontology (with interesting fossils found nearby). Also, the hexagonal screw-pile Drum Point Lighthouse is on-site, and visitors are welcome to climb inside.
Lighthouses of Southern Maryland
In addition to the Drum Point Lighthouse at the Calvert Marine Museum, there are three other lighthouses in southern Maryland. They are the Cove Point Lighthouse, Piney Point Lighthouse, and Point Lookout Lighthouse. Read more about them and their history.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
The PAX Naval Air Museum is a delight for aviation history buffs. Here you’ll learn about the U.S. Navy’s research, development, and testing of planes — and see the actual test planes from the 1911 Curtis A-1 Triad to the modern F-35.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Calvert Cliffs State Park has massive cliffs that were formed over 10 million years ago. Follow a trail to the beach, and then try your hand at hunting for fossils. There are several trails from which to choose.
Solomons Island
Solomons Island is a great place to head for some great dining — some of it on the banks of Back Creek or Patuxent River.
Final Thoughts
My husband and I treasured our time at Swanendele Inn. You could easily stay on the property during your entire stay and relish the R&R it affords. It’s just that much of a beautiful retreat. After you leave, you will no doubt take with you some wonderful memories of the beautiful spaces, the relaxation those spaces afford, the amazing food, and the delightful innkeepers.
I researched lodging options while planning our trip, and Swanendale Inn was the one place I found that afforded a very comfortable, relaxing stay on the water with places in the area we wanted to visit like Historic St. Mary’s City, several nearby lighthouses, fun hiking options, and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Enjoy your stay!
By the way, we coupled our stay in southern Maryland with a visit to charming Annapolis — less than 2 hours away. Both are lovely places to visit — full of history and interesting spots to explore.
