One of my favorite weekend getaways from Washington, D.C. is to the adorable seaside town of St. Michaels, Maryland.  We always stay at The Inn at Perry Cabin but love to explore the adorable town, poke around shops and experience the local fare.

Some of my favorite places to visit for food and drink are:

• Ava's Pizzeria. This is one of our favorites! Ava's is casual, the staff is super friendly and the food is excellent.  I like to eat in the bar area or on the patio with my dog. I've never left without having had great conversations with other guests!  Try some wine (the rose from Provence or the Louis Latour "unoaked" Chardonnay....yum!), the wood-fired pizza or the meatballs.
• If you want a classic St. Michael's restaurant, look no further than St. Michaels Crab and Steak House. Their menu is deep, with seafood, meat and salad options. I can't go without ordering a batch of fried shrimp and a bushel of crabs. Get the melted butter, vinegar and Old Bay for dipping. Right on the water, they have indoor and outdoor seating.
• The Crab Claw. No trip to the Eastern Shore of Maryland is complete without a crab picking. This super-casual spot nails it with simple tables, cans of beers and delicious crabs. It doesn't hurt that it is right on the water.
• 208 Talbots calls itself a "fine-dining tavern" and that hits the nail on the head. They serve traditional flair (steaks, seafood, pasta) with small twists. I recommend making a rezzie or just belly up to the bar for a glass of vino and a snack.
• Blue Heron Coffee. Let's be honest. We all know that finding the best local coffee shop is the priority when traveling. Blue Heron does not disappoint. It's a small-batch roaster with daily specials, great pastries and delicious coffee. Cute swag, too.
• Don't be fooled by the quaintness of Rise Up Coffee, a drive-through trailor in a parking lot. They  are a small-batch coffee roaster and make every kind of coffee drink under the sun. Every one I have tried is excellent and the staff is fun!

Whether you are staying at the Inn or not, you can certainly enjoy the grounds and its dining options as a visitor. Stars restaurant is the spot if you'd like a quiet, high-end dinner. With beautiful views and excellent service, this is the place to celebrate something special. I really like Stars for brunch. It's absolutely divine, exorbitant and filling! We like the food at the bar inside called The Purser's Pub. You can have a casual bit while watching a game on TV or sit by the fire and read in their side room. It's lovely. Lastly, the Inn will serve food and drink to you on the lawn or at the fireside couches. we like to sit in the captain's chairs and admire the view while drinking a glass of wine and snacking on oysters.