The Sweetest Escape: Sandaway Suites & Beach in Oxford, Maryland

It had been a long time since I had taken a trip and I knew I needed one. Actually, I don’t think I’ve taken one trip this year so far. This is pretty shocking as I am normally always on the go, traveling whenever I can. However, I’ve really been enjoying my weekends in Richmond: running, seeing friends, and focusing a lot on this hobby of mine that has already opened doors for me in which I could have never imagined. And for that, I am so grateful.

I can’t believe that my first trip of 2025 was to Oxford, Maryland, a place I had never even heard of until just a few weeks before my trip. I randomly discovered Sandaway Suites & Beach on Instagram one day and knew from their profile picture of sailboats gliding across the water, that I’d probably really like it. And the more I read about it, I knew I had to go experience it for myself.

I’m so happy that this was my first trip of 2025. It will be hard to beat for sure, and I will remember it forever for many reasons. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that this was one of the best experiences and stays that I have ever had. From the beautiful scenery, charming small town of Oxford, and genuine love and care that the Gibson family poured into every detail of the inn–it was so much more than anything I expected. 

My sister came with me, which I am so glad, because it’s always nice to have company with you, especially going somewhere new. It also made the three hours in the car a lot more enjoyable. As I was long overdue for a weekend getaway, my sister was also, as she prepares to close out her third year of college at Longwood University. This weekend was much needed for the both of us. I’m excited to have the opportunity to share in this blog post what made our trip to Sandaway Suites & Beach in Oxford, Maryland so special. 

The Story of Sandaway: Built on Love 

Sandaway Suites & Beach dates all the way back to 1873 when it was built by Colonel Samuel Wetherill Sr. on a $450 piece of beautiful property on the Chesapeake Bay. Under many owners, It ran as a hotel, became a private home, anchorage of the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club and in the late sixties, the Kirkland Junior College for Men.

In 1975, Ken and Wendy Gibson purchased Sandaway and the Robert Morris Inn, just steps away from each other from Wendy’s Father after managing both inn’s for four years. The Robert Morris Inn is America’s oldest full-service inn, dating all the way back to 1710 as the River View House.

The inn has been welcoming weary travelers since America was first founded, and still runs today, now with a full service restaurant, The Financier, that honors a farm-to-table style approach and colonial-era traditions. Famous novelist, James Michener, once declared the best crabcakes in the region came from the Robert Morris Inn, which brought considerable amounts of attention to the inn. 

That same year, Ken and Wendy built their home on the Sandaway property, where they raised their son and now Innkeeper of Sandaway Suites & Beach, Ben Gibson. Wendy still lives on the property to this day, while Ben and his wife live just down the road in Easton. I know that Ken is smiling down from Heaven on the hospitality, warmth, and care that continues to live on through his family that is felt in every detail at Sandaway. 

Speaking of the details…

It’s All in the Details 

Starting with contactless check-in made easy thanks to Sandaway Suites & Beach’s staff that kindly called me and sent emails with all of the information that I needed before my departure to Oxford. I was prepared and felt no stress about our late night check in after a long day of classes for my sister and a workday for me.

Hanging on our door was an “Oxford goody bag” full of healthy snacks, local variety of teas, cream and sugar and everyone’s favorite–biscoff cookies to go with fresh coffee from the in-room coffee machine, two water bottles for each of us, and local guides and magazines. There were also two little peppermints in an oyster shell dish for us too! I’m telling you it is down to the details!

Toiletries with Sandaway Suites & Beach’s own branding were spread out in different areas of the bathroom–plenty to go around. We also experienced the luxurious Bay Dreams in-room bath package which included bath salts and bubble bath that smelled amazing.

My sister and I loved the fragrance and enjoyed a nice warm bath with hot tea after the night got chilly walking home from grabbing some of the best ice cream in America from the Scottish Highland Creamery. The claw foot tub is something right out of a movie! 

Getting work done at Sandaway was a treat with the many cozy spots to move around and change the scenery. I went from the comfy chair to the screened-in porch, and the Wi-Fi connection was strong throughout. The two sets of binoculars in our room made for a fun break during the day to spot wildlife and boats on the Bay.

I loved the rustic wood and the warm, antique floral accents on the couch, chair, and wallpaper. It was so cozy, inviting, and relaxing. The bed linens were fresh and crisp white—a comfy haven after our days of travel and discovering Oxford. My favorite part was sleeping with the window overlooking the beautiful bay that opened to our private balcony all night, hearing the subtle waves roll over each other with the crisp breeze floating in, and then waking up to that view without moving a muscle.

The Private Cabana: Michener’s Choptank Cottage Hideaway

The private cabana at Sandaway was first its original boathouse. Perched right along the private beach overlooking the Tred Avon River. It has been completely renovated to serve as the private cabana to the Michener’s Choptank Cottage Hideaway Suite. This name honors the the author of the novel “Chesapeake”, James Michener, who wrote his outline in Oxford and was inspired by waterways and the Choptank Tribe, a Native American Tribe, who originally inhabited the Chesapeake Bay area. 

Just a short walk across the lawn from Sandaway Beach, The Michener’s Choptank Cottage Hideaway was next to our Deluxe Suite to unwind during the evenings to observe the sunset over the water. Look for the Chesapeake Suite – Michener’s Cottages on Sandaway’s website, as both the cabana and cottage come together as one accommodation! We loved the cabana as a bonus add-on. Ben was kind to let us use that during the renovations of the Hideaway Cottage that are now completed.

Every Friday, The Oxford Market and Deli makes delicious, fresh pizza.

From traditional cheese or pepperoni to buffalo chicken and philly cheesesteak–the same market Camille and I grabbed ham, egg, and cheese english muffins from that morning, served us some of the best pizza we had ever had that night! I am not kidding!

We tried the buffalo chicken pizza and grabbed a bottle of Pinot Grigio from the market as well and were on our way back to our private cabana to enjoy dinner and a show. We enjoyed our dinner outside of the cabana at a picnic table, and then once it got chillier as the sun was setting, we moved inside and watched the sun fall behind the water. However, the night was not over yet. 

Camille and I were back on our feet and had to make one last stop before 8 p.m.—we had to try the renowned, ranked #5 in America, The Scottish Highland Creamery. After hearing folks from town rave about the ice cream all day, we knew we would make our way there at some point. The barista at Oxford Social Cafe, the Creamery’s sister store that sells the ice cream and great coffee year-round, told us that her Mom was visiting a while back and tried the Peaches & Cream ice cream and had to buy a house in Oxford. 

Nothing sounded better to us than ending the night with ice cream. The gentleman working the register at the Oxford Market recommended the Cookies & Cream. My sister stuck to her favorites—cake batter and mint chocolate chip—and I, ever since my family’s trip to Maine last summer, love fresh blueberry ice cream. I paired that with Grandma’s Cookies. Delicious. We brought it to the park directly across the street to finish watching the sunset with the best treat.

The great thing about Sandaway is that it is close to everything you need. Everything was within walking distance. The creamery was right next door to the market and just a little over a 5 minute walk from Sandaway.

Trust me, you’ll want to walk in Oxford–white picket fences lined lawns surrounding colorful cottages. Flower baskets and yards were overflowing with beautiful buds and fresh flowers. We visited Easter weekend, and I must say, this time of year when the flowers were opening up and everything was turning green was absolutely beautiful.

You’ll notice that pieces of painted picket fences are sprinkled throughout Oxford, displayed in lawns, beside buildings, or really anywhere–Camille and I had fun turning it into a game to see how many we could spot. I found that each year, the Oxford Business Association supports local non-profits with a charity auction of hand-painted, iconic Oxford Fence displaying life on the Eastern Shore. Check out these beautiful pickets from 2022, and some of the ones we spotted below!

Why Sandaway is a Stay You’ll Never Forget

It really is a little slice of heaven in a place that is a little slice of heaven. It was such a treat staying there and then being able to explore the little, historical town of Oxford. Both were extremely charming, quaint, relaxing, coastal, and the perfect place to go for anyone looking to relax, unwind, and enjoy a slower pace of life. It made for a great sister bonding trip; however, this is the perfect spot for couples or solo travelers as well. 

The innkeeper, Ben, was so hospitable and welcoming. Like I mentioned before, the beauty of Sandaway was in the details. From our room having everything you need plus more– was what made us feel so well taken care of. 

From the binoculars to the snacks, water bottles, peppermints, the amazing screened-in balcony, the maps and pamphlets of Oxford, the blow dryer, toiletries, extra pillows and blankets, ironing board, coffee, tea, sugar, creamer, books, and a TV—we could have easily stayed in all day. But who could pass up exploring Oxford?!

If I had just one more day at Sandaway, I would try to catch the sunrise down at Sandaway’s private beach and get some reading once it was light. I like to think that I would go for a dip at the private beach and maybe even try to take a kayak out on the water, like many guests did by bringing their own set of kayaks on top of their cars. I’d definitely have booked a ride on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, the oldest privately operated ferry in the U.S., running since 1683. I’ll have to save it for next time.

All in all, 

Sandaway Suites & Beach was really just the sweetest discovery. I would love to go back again soon just to relax and bring a really great book, or two–and of course make it on the water. The locals were friendly, welcoming, and out and about in the town during the day and in the evening enjoying themselves. It was really nice to see. 

I recommend the Deluxe Second Floor Suite, where my sister and I stayed. With a king bed, screened-in porch, and all the comforts of home, it was the perfect cozy haven. 

For my friends in the Richmond area, the drive was a little over three hours and was an easy, scenic ride. You could easily stop in Annapolis or Washington D.C. if you wanted to add more exploring to your trip. 

Sandaway Suites & Beach is the perfect coastal getaway on the East Coast tucked away on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, surrounded by other charming towns worth exploring like, St. Michaels, Easton, Berlin, Cambridge–there’s so much to explore on the Eastern Shore! 😉 I definitely want to go back and explore more. If you are in need of a blissful escape, look no further than Sandaway Suites in beautiful, quaint Oxford, Maryland. 

Sandaway Suites & Beach
103 W Strand Rd, Oxford, MD 21654, USA
+1 (888) – SANDAWAY
sandaway.com

Read, Watch, Listen

This is something new that I am introducing in my posts — called Read, Watch, Listen. It is either a moive, book, or music that I am using to inspire me for the trip. Whether it be a book I’m packing, a movie that I may watch to get me in the mood for the place, or a song or playlist that captures the vibe of where I’m headed and that I will be listening to on my journey there. Sometimes it’ll just be one, sometimes all three — whatever feels right. My hope is that these little bits spark some extra excitement for the place you are going and inspire you to do a read, watch, listen of your own for your next trip!

📖 Read: A Nancy Drew novel

I am currently reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, so I packed that for the trip; however,  I would have loved to read a Nancy Drew novel. They were my favorite to read growing up. I was actually planning on buying one from the Mystery Loves Company bookstore, but unfortunately the owners were out of town on vacation. Next time! A Nancy Drew book would have just been perfect–something about old mysteries and small towns.

🎬 Watch: Nights in Rodanthe

I have never seen this movie, but if I had more time, I would have watched this movie while I was there in the private cabana or watched it before the trip. It’s a Rihcard Gere movie, so it has to be good, and it’s set in a small, coastal beach town. I also hear that it’s very heartfelt. Plus, the romance and quiet beauty of a small town would capture the peaceful escape Sandaway embodies.

🎶 Listen: Yacht Rock Playlist

Just look up Yacht Rock Playlist on whatever sound platform you use! Trust me. You’ll want the smooth, slow, soulful sounds from songs like Sailing by Christopher Cross, Right Down the Line by Gerry Rafferty, or anything by the Eagles coming through your speakers with the windows down as you pull up into the drive at Sandaway ❤️

Also, Sandaway’s founder, Ken Gibson, has a rock and roll album, “Bopper Poppin…One More Time”. This would be the perfect album to listen to on your visit to Sandaway to honor and hear the voice of its founder.

I hope you get the chance to experience this little slice of heaven one day on the Chesapeake Bay! If you do, please let me know. Hope you found this helpful and inspiring and wishing you all the very best. And thank you so much again to our wonderful hosts, Ben, Ms. Gibson, and Alicia who made us feel right at home! Until next time! 

Safe travels! Xx

Before you go, if you’d like to read about another amazing hotel, then check out this Italian gem nestled in aBavarian-Italian inspired valley of Schenna–Verdinser Hof.