Brampton Inn: Bed, Breakfast, and Beyond
With trees lit up by late afternoon sun and tables adorned with colorful fall-themed bouquets, guests gathered outdoors at the Brampton Bed & Breakfast Inn last October for an evening that promised memorable food, drink, and camaraderie at this inaugural terrace dining event.
When new owners purchased the historic Brampton Inn in 2020, positive changes showed up soon after. Dave and Hilari Rinehart had previously stayed at the inn on numerous visits to Chestertown, and when it became available, they jumped at the chance to buy. The Rinehart’s dream to create more than a pleasant night’s rest and delicious breakfast was underway.
In one of the most significant improvements, the couple added an expansive terrace just outside the dining room, planning for popup dinners on the terrace. In fall 2023, the first two special dinners were held under clear blue skies. Chef Kurt Peter designed the menus around the region’s best meats and produce, and Chesapeake Chef Service catered to impress with locally sourced seasonal delights.
The first special dinner, dubbed Feasting by the Fire, a Cauldron Dinner was held September 13th and featured gazpacho shooters made with local heirloom tomatoes, focaccia grilled on the tripod-suspended cauldron, traditional Spanish Paella, and Clayton Farm grilled vegetables. A month later, on October 12th, the Cauldron Dinner delivered a fall-themed menu with a cocktail hour and appetizers on the terrace. Luckily, the inclement weather of the previous days cleared and guests enjoyed a sunny, warm autumn glow on the terrace.
Passed appetizers included decadent cauliflower bisque shooters topped with crispy garlic wafers and chili oil, with many returning for a second helping of the delicious creamy bisque. Pork belly sliders, flavored with miso and a kimchi aioli, were so good it took firm resolve to keep from having more than one or two. Wines complemented the appetizers with Collevento 921, an Italian sauvignon blanc that paired well with the bisque, and Line 39 California cabernet sauvignon that went well with the pork sliders.
Local oysters, grilled over the cauldron and topped with tarragon butter, were offered as the sun began to set and guests were invited to be seated to enjoy a beautiful fall salad of fresh mixed greens, accented with roasted butternut squash and toasted almonds, and dressed in maple vinaigrette. Guests could watch the skills of Chef Ulysses as he grilled the shrimp and skirt steak entrée over hardwood coals in the massive cauldron, and prepared it to be served family-style in a large cast iron skillet. Fingerling potatoes with herb butter, grilled broccolini, and smoked carrots also arrived in cast iron skillets. As the stars shone brightly above, diners savored the abundant feast in this beautiful setting.
The meal finished with a cast iron blueberry cobbler topped with cardamom Chantilly cream, a perfect, piping hot dessert to end a perfect dinner. The coming of an evening chill sent several guests to the comfort of the fire pit that adjoins the terrace, lingering to enjoy every moment.
In addition to the Cauldron Dinner series, the Rineharts are excited about offering special events that showcase local treasures in Chester-town. A summertime sailing package includes a private 90-minute sail on the Chesapeake Bay and dinner at the local The Kitchen at the Imperial; and a wine exploration package showcases award-winning wines from local winery Crow Vineyard in Kennedyville.
Of course, staying at the Brampton Inn is a highlight of any visit. Rooms in the main house offer amenities like gas- or wood-burning fireplaces, period furnishings, private ensuite bathrooms, and some with a jetted bathtub. Six distinct cottages on the property provide more space and privacy, and some even allow you to bring Fido along for the fun. And with 35 acres to explore, both humans and dogs will enjoy a relaxing stroll on the Inn’s grounds.
Each morning, a delicious breakfast is part of the package. Guests love the house-made pancakes, locally sourced Langenfelder bacon, and egg dishes. Freshly baked pastries, organic juice, homemade jam, seasonal fruit, gluten-free granola, and oatmeal round out the menu choices.
Having breakfast on the front porch or terrace garden on a beautiful morning is a pleasure like no other for nature-lovers; there is also indoor dining and guests staying in the cottages can have breakfast delivered upon request.
Plans for new culinary experiences are on the docket for 2024 and beyond, including creation of an indoor event space for special events. With so many talented local chefs, the Rineharts hope to bring them to Brampton for extraordinary new dining events. Local wineries, breweries, and distilleries are also part of future food and drink plans.
History fans will love being in the center of colonial history, Civil War locations, and waterfowl hunting heritage. In fact, David Rinehart’s family used to visit the area to hunt waterfowl for many years before he and Hilari purchased the Inn. It’s exciting to see this natural migration still a deep part of Chesapeake Bay tradition. Brampton is also perfect for bird watching and taking in the art; romantic stays, holidays, and getaways; along with eco-friendly and wellness-focused vacations. Once you discover the Rinehart’s hospitality, you’ll want to make Brampton Inn a tradition too.
Brampton Bed and Breakfast Inn
2527 Chestertown Road, Chestertown, MD (410) 778-1860
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