(chezamis.com) – Annapolis, Maryland

How I heard of this place: My husband surprised me with a sweet, winter weekend in the historic town of Annapolis. He did all of the research and found this five-star rated B&B on Trip Advisor. Way to go, hubby!

Type of cuisine: A three-course breakfast, alternating between savory and sweet mornings.

Ambiance: “Come share a day, weekend or week in the state capitol of Maryland, and all it has to offer. Our four bedroom Annapolis bed and breakfast in historic downtown is nearby the State Capital building, St. John’s College, the waterfront, city dock, the U. S. Naval Academy, antique shops and fabulous Annapolis dining and entertainment, all within walking distance.

“Chez Amis” in French means “Among Friends”.  Here you will enjoy a great breakfast, comfortable lodging and old fashioned relaxation. Each guest room has a private TV, the French country styled common area is designed for reading, conversation, and playing many games of your choice. Bananagrams and scrabble seem to be our guests’ favorite.

Refreshments and homemade cookies are available throughout your stay so we understand if you ‘sneak downstairs’ for just one last cookie.

The dining area is a wonderful piece of carpentry that was built by the previous inn owner.

It comfortably fits our guests but we also offer supplemental seating if you choose a more intimate table.

At the lower level stairway there is a vast collection of fiction, DVD’s and CD’s for your enjoyment during your stay. Bring your nooks or e-reader, and use our free wireless, or use our I-Pad or mini-lap top for your convenience as well.”

The pictures can tell a thousand words…Enjoy this gallery of cozy, American heritage of this corner lot Georgian:

What I ordered: On day one:

We enjoyed our coffee service at 8:00 a.m., followed by mini scones accompanied by Michigan cherry preserves and butter.

After enjoying our delicate and warm scones, we moved to the second course of poached pears in a vinegar-ginger sauce, topped off with creme fraiche.

Our third, and final course: baked eggs over herbed potatoes and an artichoke-tomato salsa.

There were six of us dining on day two:

We began our meals with the coffee service, indulging in the recent addition of Keurig Peppermint Hot Chocolate, and moving towards the warmed, mini apple date oat bran muffins.

Our second course included a small dish of thawed (frozen) blueberries mixed with honey-infused ricotta, fresh whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

To end our meals, we enjoyed two thin strips of bacon on the side of an Amish bread: citrus-raisin strata topped with Michigan cherry preserves, and a thin half-wedge of cantaloupe.

What I loved: The favorite part of our stay included the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies available at all times of the day for a snack, a pick-me-up, or a sweet mid-afternoon treat to accompany lemon-ginger tea. The scones, made from a mix and thawed (Elly confessed!) were my favorite part of our two meals at Chez Amis.

Why I loved it: Elly and her husband, Joe, are very sweet, friendly and warm. Joe maintains the carpentry and handy-man side of the business, while Elly entertains the guests and prepares the food. We were especially grateful to be upgraded to the Lady Anne Suite, in order to have a private bathroom en suite (rather than across the hall).

Cost: High (approximately $200 per room per night, including breakfast)