We stayed two nights (Memorial Day weekend) at the delightful Little Creek Inn, which lies at the end of a shady lane off a quiet country road, buried deep in vast fields of golden wheat. Our sociable hosts Carol and Bobby could not have been more welcoming. Their two labradors (father and son) were just as eager to greet guests (there were four couples that weekend).
The ±150 year old house is charming: airy, high-ceilinged rooms and an eclectic mix of period decor. It has the feel of a real, lived-in home, not the plastic "perfection" of a chain hotel. Our comfortable bed was big enough to play tennis on, and our second floor windows looked out over the pool (empty) and barns, and across the fields. The bathroom was spotless and well-appointed, and featured a jacuzzi. Our only quibble: very little in the way of drawers to hold the items you bring with you.
Bobby has been a professional chef for some 46 years and fine food is one of this B&B's main draw-cards. It didn't disappoint. Saturday night's dinner (preceded by drinks with some of our fellow-guests -- Carol extends a standing invitation for a casual glass of wine and a chat, and dinner includes ample table wine) started with feather-light crab cakes, followed by a fresh green salad, and delectable striped bass caught by Bobby's fisherman son, with saffron brown rice and asparagus. Dessert: zabaglione with fresh strawberries.
Breakfasts were also excellent, always starting with a nice plate of fresh fruit; one morning followed by a delicious frittata, and the other by eggs Benedict that were the best we've had anywhere. Bobby says he aims to create "clean" dishes, and we'd agree: they were delicious without being fussy or pretentious.
It's worth noting that there are few "attractions" in the immediate vicinity, but Delaware is small, so many destinations are within an hour's drive. However, check ahead of time: the tourist literature is unreliable when it comes to opening dates and times for many of the state's attractions and restaurants and we found that many of the places we wanted to visit were in effect "closed for the weekend."
To sum up: we recommend the Little Creek Inn as good value for anyone looking for a pleasant rustic retreat with welcoming, helpful hosts, and terrific food.
