Experience the best of both worlds when you stay at Slade’s Inn during your Maryland vacation.  Located in Monkton, in the heart of Baltimore County’s horse country, Slade’s Inn is a pristine and relaxing country estate, perfectly situated for enjoying the pleasant diversions of rural life.  Yet, we are also just miles away from Baltimore and all of the wonderful attractions found there – museums, galleries, concerts, theater performances, historic sites, shopping and dining.  There truly is something for everyone when you stay at Slade’s Inn. 

Take the Winery Tour! 

The horse country of Baltimore County is the home of several wineries for a romantic picnic or tour and tasting.  The field stone walls of Boordy Vineyards is the place for those interested in the “methode champenoise”, or the festivals and guest grape harvesting at Basignani may satisfy your desire to get involved.  Sample the varietals of Woodhall Wine Cellars in their late-1800s tasting room which used to be the carriage house and corn crib.  The Fiore Winery in the Graceton Valley, whose wines have an Italian accent, offers an award-winning cabernet sauvignon known worldwide.  Each worthy of a visit, or spend a weekend and compare them all!

Ready for a Soft Adventure? 

Sometimes a relaxing weekend is just not complete without taking in some fresh air!  Did you know smells change when you are in a Hot Air Balloon ride?  As you pass over the fields, you might smell the clover…as you pass over the forests, you might sniff the pines.  And you can’t beat the scenic view!  Biking and Hiking the Big Gunpowder River or the Northern Central Railroad trail will give you the exercise you’ve been promising yourself!  Horseback riding is available at Misty Manor Riding Stables…and we will gladly make arrangements for you in advance!

Get out on the Water! 

Whether wanting to experience an exciting wet water adventure or a relaxing cruise, you can do it all with Slade’s Inn as your home base. 

There’s kayaking, tubing or canoeing nearby at the Big Gunpowder River or boating and fishing Loch Raven Reservoir, and, of course, if you don’t want to get wet, the relaxing cruise on the Chesapeake Bay out past Fort McHenry and the buoy that marks the location of Francis Scott Key’s historic musical endeavor.  The Chesapeake Skipjack Cruises mix historic sailing with the waterman’s stories of the oyster and crabbing industry of the Bay.

For the History Buff

In all directions around Slade’s Inn, history abounds! Only an hour to the north are the hallowed grounds of the Gettysburg Battlefield or the checkerboard fields of the Amish Country.  To the East is the Decoy Museum of Havre de Grace, the topiary masterpieces of Ladew Gardens and, in Bel Air, Tudor Hall, the birthplace of John Wilkes Booth…assassin of Abraham Lincoln. To the South is Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with the USS Constellation, Edgar Allen Poe's gravesite, and Fort McHenry.  For those interested in the Civil War, to the west lies the bloody cornfield of Antietam National Battlefield, and Corbit’s Charge, a skirmish near Westminster as increased troop movements in the Gettysburg campaign flooded the countryside.  Or, for those less energetic, relax on the wrap-around porch with a copy of James A. Michener’s Chesapeake!

Hey!...You have to Eat! 

A number of the finest restaurants in the region can all be found within a short drive from the Slade’s Inn.  In fact, right across the street is Manor Tavern, whose history goes back to Lord Calvert, the third Lord Baltimore, decreed 10,000 acres for himself. He made a gift of this land to his fourth wife in 1713, christening the estate "My Lady's Manor".  The Milton Inn, only a few miles away in Sparks, MD, is the only restaurant in Baltimore County to receive the prestigious DiRoNA award — North America’s highest restaurant award based on cuisine, service and atmosphere.  The Oregon Grille in Hunt Valley has earned Mobil’s 4 stars for five straight years.  And that’s just a taste of what is close at hand…there are dozens more!  Tell us your tastes and we will be happy to make a reservation for you at any of the area’s fine dining alternatives.

Are you an equestrian fanatic? 

Don’t forget we’re in the heart of Baltimore County’s horse country!  Whether your interests lie at the oval track of Pimlico or with the lure of the countryside with a Steeplechase, the area around Slade’s Inn has it all!  Ever watch a polo match?  Or listen to the hounds’ cry and Master lead the fox hunting run?   The 25 acres of Slade’s Inn also allows you to bring your horses with you and stable them!  Then take them for some exercise on 20 miles of the NCR Trail…ideal for horses.  What…no horses?  No problem!  You can still take a ride at the Misty Manor Riding Stables.

The Arts are Alive! 

From Broadway quality musicals to concerts in the park, your cultural appetite can be satisfied too!  Only a few miles to the south is Baltimore, home to many of the nation’s finest theaters.  The history of The Lyric Opera House goes back to 1894, and, still today, offers the finest in stage plays, opera, comedy, and concerts.  The newly restored Hippodrome Theater, with its roots in silent films and vaudeville, is now a state of the art masterpiece featuring touring Broadway shows and the best of the performing arts. We can’t forget the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, leave their home at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall to entertain at Oregon Ridge Park.  The Baltimore Museum of Art exhibits some of the world’s finest of the visual arts as well.

Bringing your student to visit a college? 

The Slade’s Inn is within minutes of some of the finest colleges and universities in the Mid-Atlantic.  Villa Julie College, Towson University, Goucher College, Johns Hopkins U. Morgan State University and Loyola College all make their homes in the city or county of Baltimore.  We have maps and directions to the local colleges and will help you make your search, or visit to your student, as easy and enjoyable as possible.

For those visiting Oldfields School, Maryland’s oldest girls’ boarding school, our location is ideal.