Gramercy Mansion Baltimore

On a wintry January day, we set out for the beautiful Gramercy Mansion in the rolling hills outside Baltimore. The snow was falling rapidly and the winding roads were becoming impassable. We careened down the treacherous slides of the landscape and rolled, thankfully, up the bending drive to the Mansion. Inside, a roaring fireplace awaited us and the welcome greetings of the innkeepers. We had prepared our dinner and brought it with us and planned to not venture out again on that treacherous night.

The Gramercy Mansion is the perfect place to hibernate in the winter. Built in 1902 by Alexander Cassatt, brother of the painter Mary Cassatt, the mansion was a wedding gift for his daughter. Alas, she never had the pleasure of living there. Surrounded by 45 acres in the Greenspring Valley, there is a pool, tennis courts and woodland trails to discover. The rooms come with fireplaces, whirlpool baths, refrigerators and microwaves. The public rooms have fireplaces as well and there is a library with DVDs to share. High ceilings, antiques, oriental carpets, and chandeliers complete the picture.

Complimentary to the guests is an endless supply of teas, chocolates and snacks. In addition, the breakfast is totally scrumptious. You fill out a menu with choices and leave it on your door at night. To my delight, vegan and macrobiotic food were among my choices! The inn caters to different diets, including gluten free. In the morning, guests sit in the lovely candlelit dining room and gaze out on the serene scene. Our view was of a winter wonderland after the night's snow. Choices of fare included banana, apple, apple, blueberry or oatmeal pancakes, rice, miso soup, oatmeal, vegan bacon and sausage, traditional bacon and sausage, eggs benedict, omelets, coffeecake, teas and coffee.

The inn boasts a location only ten minutes from Baltimore. Excursions might include the charming Fells Point are with its quaint shops and restaurants, Hampton Town, scene of the John Waters movies, the Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, Little Italy, the Jewish Museum on Lloyd Street, the Inner Harbor, Lexington Market, the huge outdoor Farmers Market in the summer, a trip on the ferry which takes you to several stops in downtown, the Fort McHenry National Monument, the American Visionary Art Museum, or a game at Camden Yards. Contact me for even more ideas for fun!

The Gramercy Mansion is a perfect place for a birthday or Valentine weekend if you want to really treat yourself or your significant other. I really enjoyed my special birthday getaway with the added bonus of being able to keep to my healthy diet, except for a few of those chocolates!