I love discovering a unique place to stay--an inn with
character, heritage, all the modern amenities, and a restaurant that
makes me smile. The South boasts lots of these jewels, and one of my
favorites sits in the Brandywine Valley of Delaware, land of the Du
Ponts--and those guys sure knew how to live.
Bungalows, tucked into rolling hills, gleam with welcome. Flickering
gaslights cast dancing shadows across the narrow lanes leading to 11
buildings that compose The Inn at Montchanin Village--a perfect romantic
getaway.
Mid-Atlantic Luxury
The 19th-century buildings hold 28
unique guest rooms, filled with tasteful period and reproduction
furniture. Note the gas fireplaces, refrigerators stocked with
complimentary sodas and water, and marble bathrooms with heated towel
racks. Beds boast whisper-soft linens and snuggly afghans. A cabinet
filled with china, glassware, and utensils enables you to order in and
enjoy a hibernating kind of stay.
You must venture out, however, to Krazy Kats Restaurant ([302]888-4200), a short walk down the lane. Located in what was once the
village blacksmith's shop, this restaurant features terrific cuisine
prepared by chef Damian Durnin. Try the prix fixe dinner
(Monday-Thursday), which gives you three courses ($35). The smoked
salmon pastrami--with tarragon-scented cottage cheese, radicchio, and
toasted raisin-walnut crouton--makes an excellent beginning. Follow with
the slow-braised osso buco, and end sweetly with the Milbourne Orchards
Apple Bread Pudding. Even the breakfast menu shines with French toast
and fresh-squeezed orange juice. The coffee is as smooth as silk sheets
on a Du Pont's bed.
More of the Brandywine
Should you decide to roam, you
don't have far to go to discover the local attractions. Longwood Gardens
(www.longwoodgardens.org) lies only a few minutes
away. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate (www.winterthur.org)
and the Hagley Museum and Library (www.hagley.org) are other popular area stops.
The Inn at Montchanin Village: State 100 and Kirk Road, Montchanin,
Delaware; www.montchanin.com or [302] 888-2133. Room rates:
start at $179 per night, suites $279. (Note: Rates will increase April
1.)
A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Delaware Deluxe" is from the February 2008 issue of Southern Living.
Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all
information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.
