Trying to find your subsequent Chesapeake Bay getaway? My Oaks Waterfront Lodge evaluate covers three days at this intimate property in Easton, MD that stunned us with impeccable service and real Jap Shore appeal.
The Oaks Waterfront Lodge Assessment – Easton, MD
The Oaks essential resort constructing with arrival space | Picture: Higher DwellingTucked away on a quiet cove simply off the Chesapeake Bay, The Oaks Waterfront Lodge delivers a serene escape that appears like your individual non-public nook of Maryland’s Jap Shore.
After spending three days right here, I can confidently say this boutique property stunned us in the absolute best method.
What caught me off guard was how a lot it jogged my memory of among the world’s best lodges. The Oaks could also be a boutique property relatively than a sprawling resort, however the stage of service and a spotlight to element rivaled what I’ve skilled at lodges like The 4 Seasons or The Ritz-Carlton.
The foyer at espresso station in the principle home at The Oaks | Picture: Higher DwellingRecent flowers seem all through the property every day. The restaurant and bar are all the time set as much as look image excellent. The foyer welcomes you with espresso, tea, and snacks that make it inviting from the second you arrive. All over the place you look, the property seems pristine and virtually model new. Premium facilities fill the rooms – high quality furnishings, linens, and robes that add further consolation. Getting round is easy with golf cart rides throughout the grounds or a luxurious SUV on name for procuring and eating. Their very own yacht waits on the pier. Positive eating and signature cocktails occur on web site, all delivered with service that appears like having your individual private concierge.
Like these big-name properties, the whole lot is just taken care of and ready for you on arrival. It’s all very considerate and splendid. The distinction is that The Oaks delivers all of it with real heat as a substitute of polished formality.
What Makes The Oaks Particular
Waterfront grounds with garden seating and yacht dock | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Oaks sits on 10 acres of waterfront property with a captivating historical past relationship again to a 1680 land grant from Lord Baltimore. The primary constructing, a colonial revival construction from 1902, underwent a $10 million renovation that reveals in each nook, but it by no means appears overdone. Its latest inclusion in Historic Lodges of America displays each its historic significance and dedication to preservation.
The property affords 11 rooms and suites in the principle constructing, plus 4 waterfront cottages for final privateness. We stayed in Cottage 3, and it shortly turned clear why these lodging are in such excessive demand.
The Oak Room affords elevated delicacies with water views, and the breakfast alone makes it price beginning your day on the resort.
The property additionally affords curated experiences – together with water sports activities, yacht charters, clay taking pictures, and golf, that immerse you within the Chesapeake Bay way of life.
What stood out most was the workers. They knew our names instantly and have been sharing tales in regards to the property’s centuries-long historical past by the point we had settled in. The identical workforce that checked us in later helped with our meals, organized restaurant outings in St. Michaels, and drove us from the parking space to our cottage with our baggage in a golf cart. Their attentiveness and real heat made us really feel actually welcomed.
Our Keep in Cottage 3 at The Oaks
We stayed in Cottage 3, and the format is excellent. It’s spacious, vibrant, and cozy, with two TVs and a lined porch the place you may watch the water roll by on Oak Creek. Even on a wet afternoon, the porch turned the coziest spot to simply sit and benefit from the peaceable views.
The lavatory deserves its personal point out. Heated flooring really feel unimaginable underneath naked toes, the walk-in bathe is spacious, and the soaking tub is actually deep sufficient to calm down in. The bathroom has its personal separate room, so two individuals can use the area with out awkward encounters. The robes and towels have been splendidly plush, including an additional contact of consolation.
Cottage 3 bed room with woodland views and luxurious facilities | Picture: Higher DwellingThe king mattress supplied among the most restful nights of sleep we’ve had anyplace. With high-quality linens and pillows, temperature management, and full quiet, it created splendid situations for deep relaxation.
The eating space seats 4 comfortably and features a sink, espresso station, and full-size fridge with freezer. This was handy for storing leftovers from all of the improbable eating places we found. A particular tip: the rooms are stocked with among the greatest chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever style. They’re baked onsite, and the workers are pleased to convey extra on request.
Cottage 3 eating space with marsh panorama art work | Picture: Higher DwellingThe saltwater pool, positioned simply off the principle home, supplies a refreshing possibility throughout summer time visits. It’s completely positioned for a fast dip whenever you desire a break from all that leisure.
What we beloved most was the outside waterfront seating. Whether or not having fun with morning espresso or night wine, the views of the water, pier, grounds, and hearth pit create a really perfect setting for doing completely nothing in any respect.
Eating at The Oaks
The Oaks delivers a eating expertise that rivals a lot bigger lodges, anchored by Chef Dave’s inventive delicacies in The Oak Room and an distinctive breakfast program that units the tone for every day. With Sujoy’s cocktail artistry behind the bar and repair that anticipates each want, meals right here change into memorable experiences. The Tuesday via Thursday dinner schedule creates an intimate environment, whereas the complimentary breakfast showcases native elements with waterfront views that make early mornings worthwhile. For these arriving by boat, the property’s non-public pier affords handy dock and dine entry to The Oak Room.
Complimentary Breakfast at The Oaks
Poached egg and smoked salmon breakfast at The Oak Room | Picture: Higher DwellingBreakfast is served from 8:30 to 9:30 AM within the Oak Room with sweeping waterfront views. This isn’t your typical resort breakfast. It’s one thing price planning your morning round.
Throughout our keep, we tried practically the whole lot. The Jap Shore Omelette with jumbo lump crab, white cheddar, roasted tomatoes, spinach, and skillet potatoes highlights the very best native elements. The Granola Bowl with Greek yogurt, contemporary berries, and house-made granola was lighter however simply as satisfying. The Breakfast Sandwich, served on a toasted tender pretzel with scrambled eggs, Pink Dragon cheddar, caramelized onions, and your selection of meat, is inventive consolation meals. It even is available in a takeout container should you’re on the go.
For one thing just a little extra refined, the Poached Egg and Smoked Salmon over rösti potatoes with avocado was a standout. The French Toast made with brioche, Chantilly cream, and berries felt indulgent with out being heavy.
Service was excellent. Our water was all the time topped off and our espresso cups have been by no means empty and all the time sizzling. A tip is to reach early to seize a seat with water views or get pleasure from breakfast on the lined porch when the climate permits.
Beginning every day with views of the water, meals this good, and hospitality this considerate set the proper tone for 3 days of full leisure.
Dinner at The Oak Room
Waterfront eating room desk at The Oak Room with sundown yacht views | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Oak Room is open for dinner Tuesday via Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and eating right here turned one among our journey’s highlights. The area is elegant but welcoming, with dramatic sundown views of Oak Creek and a mixture of {couples} having fun with the whole lot from vigorous conversations to quiet, intimate meals. Mellow background music stays low sufficient for dialog, and the service right here is impeccable.
We selected sales space seating within the bar space for front-row views of the motion behind the bar. Chef Dave ready a particular tasting menu and got here out to elucidate every dish, making the expertise extra private and fascinating.
Tuna tartare with avocado mousse and crispy wonton | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Caramelized Watermelon Salad with arugula, pistachio, watermelon radish, and lime and agave French dressing was an sudden delight – candy watermelon taking part in in opposition to peppery arugula and crunchy pistachios. The Tuna Tartare with avocado mousse, cucumber, sesame seeds, lime, caviar, and tamari was nice for sharing. The Corn and White Truffle Agnolotti featured an enormous piece of lobster claw with butter-poached lobster and crisp prosciutto – pure indulgence completed proper.
Duck breast with candy potato puree and royal trumpet mushrooms | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast got here expertly cooked with candy potato purée, royal trumpet mushroom, pickled blackberry, and port wine jus. From the common menu, the Bolognese with Marble Head Farms floor beef, pancetta, linguini, parmesan, and grilled baguette proved that consolation meals may be elevated with out dropping its soul.
Strawberry crisp dessert with vanilla ice cream and chocolate martini | Picture: Higher DwellingFor dessert, the Strawberry Crisp received us over with contemporary, mild flavors, although the Spiced Bread Pudding with vanilla anglaise, fig gastrique, and caramelized peach was equally spectacular.
The Bar at The Oak Room: Sujoy’s Cocktail Artistry
The Oak Room bar that includes nautical pendant lighting | Picture: Higher DwellingBartender Sujoy remodeled our night into cocktail theater. Every drink was ready as a rigorously crafted efficiency proper in entrance of us on the bar. The Chocolate Espresso Martini featured freshly grated chocolate falling onto the rim, wealthy and clean. The Lemon Drop hit that splendid sweet-tart mixture, whereas the Spicy Margarita constructed warmth slowly with out overwhelming your palate. Every drink additionally paired effectively with Chef Dave’s plates.
What made the expertise much more memorable was studying that Sujoy drives the posh SUV in the course of the day and tends bar at night time, embodying the type of multi-role flexibility that makes The Oaks work so effectively. He guided us via every cocktail, explaining methods and genuinely caring about our expertise.
Recent lemon zest garnish for a Lemon Drop cocktail at The Oaks bar | Picture: Higher DwellingThe bar space strikes that elegant-yet-casual stability, with sales space, high-top, and bar seating choices. Even the coasters bear “1902,” connecting to the property’s founding 12 months. We ended up lingering longer than deliberate, drawn into the relaxed environment and conversations with different visitors.
Sujoy’s consideration to element and persona remodeled what might have been simply drinks into an interactive expertise that made our dinner memorable. We’re already trying ahead to seeing what new cocktails he creates on our subsequent go to.
Exploring St. Michaels and Easton: Eating Past The Oaks
Procuring in Easton, MD | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Oaks is effectively positioned between two of Maryland’s most charming Jap Shore cities, every with its personal persona and taste. St. Michaels is quaint and walkable, with picturesque streets and historic appeal. Easton has a barely bigger downtown stuffed with espresso retailers, parks, boutique procuring, and nice spots for lunch.
Dinner at Bistro St. Michaels
Bistro St. Michaels restaurant exterior in historic downtown | Picture: Higher DwellingSince The Oak Room was closed on our first night time, Bistro St. Michaels was the pure selection, simply 5 minutes away. The restaurant is like a part of the city itself, heat and welcoming with out being formal. Owned by Chef Doug Stewart and Basic Supervisor Jennifer Stevens, it embodies the whole lot we love about Jap Shore eating.
Chef Doug’s cooking lets flavors develop naturally, leading to dishes which are scrumptious and satisfying. The Shrimp & Grits appetizer with stone-ground grits, andouille sausage, marinated prawns, and an fragrant shellfish broth was comforting and vibrant. Fried Inexperienced Tomatoes with crab meat, tomato lemon remoulade, and a contact of chile balanced crisp and contemporary flavors fantastically.
See additionally
Braised beef brief rib with crispy onions at Bistro St. Michaels | Picture: Higher DwellingThe well-known Braised Beef Brief Rib with caramelized Savoy cabbage, onion pommes purée, glazed carrot, thyme bordelaise, and bacon lardon felt like a masterclass in method, whereas the Tilefish with Pink Quinoa and broccolini let contemporary, easy elements shine. Dessert was the signature Bread Pudding A La Mode with vanilla gelato and house-made butterscotch sauce, wealthy and satisfying with out being heavy. Service was improbable and the area, with its granite bar and open kitchen, felt inviting and cozy.
Lunch at Tiger Lily Easton
Tiger Lily restaurant inside with tropical tiki-bar environment | Picture: Higher DwellingEaston affords an ideal choice of procuring, parks, and informal eating. Tiger Lily caught our consideration for its daring flavors and playful menu. Visiting on Taco Tuesday for lunch, we shortly understood why locals like it.
Al Pastor tacos Tiger Lily Easton | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Al Pastor Tacos with adobo-marinated pork and grilled pineapple have been smoky, candy, and addictive. Carne Asada Tacos delivered vibrant, vigorous flavors, whereas Birria Tacos highlighted precision in conventional method. The After College Tacos with taco-seasoned floor beef, cheddar, lime-dressed cabbage, pico de gallo, and crema have been unexpectedly satisfying. A Trio of Dips with house-fried tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa, and queso set the tone for the meal. The informal, vigorous area, 80’s music, and ingenious menu made every dish enjoyable and memorable.
Between Bistro’s refined Jap Shore delicacies and Tiger Lily’s ingenious fusion, these two cities present a wide range of culinary adventures that pair fantastically with a keep at The Oaks.
Birding at The Oaks
Birdwatching facilities at The Oaks Waterfront Lodge | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Oaks supplies a superb base for birdwatching, with the entrance desk offering binoculars and Jap Shore hen information books to visitors. From our cottage and all through the property, we noticed herons, hawks, ospreys, blue jays, Carolina wrens, and even a pair of bald eagles. We beloved being surrounded by the sounds and sights of plentiful nature, making each second outdoor really feel linked to the Chesapeake Bay’s pure magnificence.
Night Magic and Assembly Fellow Vacationers
Night hearth pit gathering space with Adirondack chairs | Picture: Higher DwellingAs an intimate boutique resort with simply 15 lodging whole, The Oaks creates pure alternatives to satisfy different visitors. We had great conversations with each fellow vacationers and workers all through our keep. The firepit space turns into significantly magical within the night, with Adirondack chairs organized across the flames and the water offering a peaceable backdrop for relaxed conversations underneath the celebs.
The property does host many weddings, so weekends may be difficult to e book. However this creates a possibility – midweek stays usually provide higher charges and a extra relaxed environment well-suited for {couples} searching for a quiet getaway.
When Climate Modifications Plans
The Hinckley yacht “Overcomer” at The Oaks non-public pier | Picture: Higher DwellingWe had deliberate to benefit from the complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, and have been scheduled for a sundown cruise on their stunning 40-foot Hinckley yacht, Overcomer. Rain and wind had different concepts, however relatively than being dissatisfied, it simply gave us one more reason to plan our return go to. The Oaks is the kind of place the place climate can’t diminish the expertise. There’s all the time one thing great occurring indoors.
Small Particulars, Massive Influence
Luxurious gown and selfmade cookies at The Oaks cottage | Picture: Higher DwellingTypically the smallest touches depart the most important impression. These unimaginable chocolate chip cookies and low in our cottage turned a every day spotlight. The tremendous plush robes made lazy mornings much more indulgent. The heated lavatory flooring turned each bathe right into a spa expertise. These particulars, individually small, mixed to create an environment of consolation and ease that elevated our keep.
Planning Your Go to
Waterfront garden with complimentary bicycles and yacht entry | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Oaks shines year-round, however spring via fall affords optimum climate for outside actions and yacht excursions. The waterfront cottages present most privateness and gorgeous views – e book effectively upfront, particularly for weekends and peak seasons.
Three days allowed us to expertise The Oaks totally whereas exploring each St. Michaels and Easton with out feeling rushed. Two nights works for a romantic getaway, however you’ll seemingly end up wishing for extra time.
Why Select The Oaks for Your Jap Shore Getaway
Waterfront cottages with rose gardens at The Oaks | Picture: Higher DwellingThe Oaks delivers one thing sudden – a boutique property the place you may merely calm down in luxurious and let the workers pamper you. It’s excellent for a fast getaway the place each element is dealt with and also you don’t have to consider something besides having fun with your self.
The peace and leisure we discovered right here, mixed with culinary artistry, creates the kind of getaway that stays with you lengthy after checkout.
The worst a part of our keep was leaving, however we’re already excited to return when the seasons and menus change. Carry your urge for food and put together to be stunned by what you’ll uncover tucked away on Maryland’s Jap Shore.
Plan Your Escape to The Oaks Waterfront Lodge
Calm down by the water, get pleasure from distinctive eating, and unwind within the coronary heart of Maryland’s Jap Shore.
Guide Your Keep at The Oaks!
Instructions To The Oaks
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