The Inn at Perry Cabin is about as far away from the hustle and bustle of the Greater Washington, DC area as possible within a two-hour radius of the area. Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, one notices the environment changes: pick up trucks replace sleek sedans, the minivans are more likely, shall we say, vintage, and yes, that was a roadside stand selling vegetables. Turning onto the road that leads to St. Michaels, one notices the pace slows. There's greenery, fields, and our internal honing instinct tells us more water is near.

Entering the quaint village of St. Michaels, traffic slows to about 30 miles per hour and the storefronts take us back to a more innocent time: ice cream parlors, boutique restaurants, spaghetti suppers and a winery: country and cool. Glimpses of the water are visible on our right and finally, the turn-off sign comes for The Inn at Perry Cabin. The long road into the property provides drama and anticipation, with the white-washed country escape visible off in the distance.

One half expects to see horses--but instead there is greenery and well-maintained grounds. There are smiling faces to greet you, whether in the lot for cars, or opening the entrance door. Returning guests are greeted by name -- as if an old friend has returned. New guests are welcomed just as warmly.

The formalities of checking in are done expediently but not hurriedly. The attendant wants to ensure all questions are answered and brags of the award winning cuisine at Sherwood's Landing and offers to make reservations. Check in documents are ready and personalized, by the way, with the unique detail of an actual key (what a rarity these days!) and a knot that would make a Girl Scout proud.

The surroundings are lush without being stuffy. Think of a comfortable cousin's relaxing retreat in the country: overstuffed chairs, plenty of windows, lots of water art, enough wood -- both natural and white-washed -- to keep things just cozy. There's the tiny, but cozy Purser's Pub for drinks. There's the tea and coffee area to read and sip gratis tea and coffee or enjoy formal English tea.

Service is superb. Clearly each staff member is taught to make eye contact and speak naturally. Requests nor responses never sound rehearsed, and every attempt is made to accommodate the guest.

The stars of the show are Sherwood's Landing and the Linden Spa. Sherwood's Landing food is a foodie's delight. From entering the restaurant, to dessert, service and food are without a hitch. Not to be trite, but it is the Chesapeake Bay. One MUST try the crab cakes. They have minimal filler and the accompanying sauce is as close to perfection as I have experienced. The chef is also gracious with amuse bouches -- so enjoy any surprise complements to the meal! While the dessert menu offered so many choices, the lemon tart seemed to be a perfect ending: sweet and cleansing. The chef knew the choice was hard and offered petit fours of the other options, much to this diner's delight! They were all delicious!

The servers were gracious, knowledgeable, and very friendly without being intrusive. No glass went unfilled, and no plate to a finished course languished. The senior staff, also, frequently checked in to ensure a divine meal. While many other options are available in St. Michael's, do not miss Sherwood's Landing. It is worth the drive alone.

Then the Linden Spa. While many people in Washington love the dramas of politics and policy, all of us need a space and time to regenerate our spirits. The Linden Spa, set apart from the main building just a short walk away, takes us on a journey to relaxation. Once properly cocooned in spa attire, soothed by the sounds of music wafting through the relaxation room, and having been refreshed by your guide with tea or cucumber water, there is an opportunity to read or drift into an alternative state of relaxation.

When the first aesthetician arrives usually some time after, guests are taken to their spa area where the aesthetician seeks to learn the goals for the day, and advise of the relaxation to come. Then, s/he begins one of the most novel aspects of the experience: the ritual of foot washing, with a massage, warm water, and an enchanting aroma in a beautiful tub. With pressure at the right points, coupled with water, the therapist will glide over your tired toes and feet and prepare you for an hour or so of ultimate relaxation. If more than one service, expect to have intermission in the relaxation room.

Massages are tailored for relaxation but can go deeper if requested. The facials are wonderfully done using the latest technology to remove impurities. While extractions (the often feared side of the facial) has not been applied in my experiences, gentle exfoliation revealed fresher, cleaner skin at my facial's end: no red blotches, just a beautiful glow.

Check out is simple and no hassle. Some spas push products for skin. The Linden Spa is too refined for that. Should one wish to browse the gift shop, there are products, jewelry and clothing -- but this is at your leisure. Guests may pay at the spa, or charge their experience to their room.

Each room has either a garden view or a water view. Both are spectacular. The garden views are slightly more private, yet the water views are calming, especially the rising and setting of the sun. Another thing that we Washingtonians sometimes forget, there are stars in the sky, and they are visible from St. Michaels. Whether summer, fall, spring or even winter, nature beckons to enjoy the grounds as well as the water and sky views.

There is no rowdy party scene here. This is a place or restoration, introspection, romance and more beautiful observation than raucous and rowdy bar scene. Come solo. Come for a girlfriends getaway (especially with the spa!), come with a significant other, come with pets, even. Perhaps the Crab Claw farther into town, a popular local restaurant, has a more rowdy atmosphere, if that is what is sought. There are also plenty of eating options in town -- all locally owned. I daresay there are no chains in the historic district. But if one finds that a quick respite is needed, The Inn at Perry Cabin is the ideal place: no plane ticket needed.

Enjoy!