Cyclists’ Retreat
Conveniently located off I-68 in Maryland is a beautiful jewel resting atop 1,600-foot Town Hill Mountain.
En route to his fishing hole, owner Dave Reusing passed the large structure for years. His heart broke to see the sleeping giant, which had served sporadically as a hotel since 1916, become dilapidated.
When his wife Donna saw the building, that was it. Dave planned to restore the property and resell it. Donna wanted to open a B&B. Her general contractor husband and his crew applied major renovations and in the fall of 2001 (several months after purchasing it), the Reusings reopened the inn.
Early 20th-century furnishings fill the three-storied interior, and guests can enjoy early 21st-century DVDs, videos and television next to a stone fireplace in the family room.
"Our 20 guest rooms allow us to have large groups," says Donna. "We cater to C&O [canal] cyclists and provide a shuttle."
Surrounded by 44,000 acres (more or less) of Green Ridge State Forest, this area will forever be protected. From a covered platform across the road, one can view Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
And the breakfast is delicious. Alabama tomato pie, blueberry pancakes, country ham, fruits and elegant eggs sate the hardiest appetites.
31101 National Pike, Little Orleans, Md. 301-478-2794, townhillbnb.com.
Rates: $119-$159. Closed January and February; reservations recommended. Children are welcome with prior arrangement. No pets.
Smoking allowed outdoors. Handicap accessible. —Emily M. Grey
