Crow Farmstay B&B
12441 Vansants Corner Road
Kennedyville, Md.
410-648-5687
http://www.crowfarmmd.com

Shaky Betty is beginning to slobber. About a pint of milk into her 6-pint breakfast, the 4-month-old calf has a white beard of foam forming on her chin. Somehow I avoid getting any milk on my jeans as the calf, who suffers from a disorder that makes her unsteady on her legs, slurps down the rest of the milk in less than two minutes. Good thing, too, because my host, Judy Crow, is waiting for me to help feed the farm’s chickens and cats before she needs to move on to other farm chores.

At Crow Farm, Kent County’s first farm/bed and breakfast, guests can spend the night at a 365-acre working farm, complete with approximately 70 head of Angus cattle, chickens, dogs, cats, and a newly planted vineyard. And, like me, those so inclined can even earn their breakfasts with a little honest early morning labor.

Innkeepers
Judy’s husband, Roy, grew up on this farm, which his parents took over in the late 1940s. Originally a dairy farmer, Roy, who’s also a Kent County commissioner and agribusiness insurance agent, transitioned to beef cattle in 2001. (Guests may purchase cuts of the grass-fed beef directly from the farm.) Judy, a former educator and administrator, who grew up on a Cecil County farm, says she’s always wanted to run a B&B. “You have to do more than custom farming—soybeans and corn—to sustain a family farm these days,” she says. “You have to have a way to get young people involved, too.” Her 27-year-old son, Brandon, serves as vineyard manager for the 3½ acres of barbera and vidal blanc grapes, which will hopefully be made into wine by Cassinelli Winery & Vineyards in nearby Church Hill.

Rooms
The credo at Crow Farm is “staying original” and that applies to the decor in the 1847 farmhouse. While the main building has been completely renovated, most furnishings are family heirlooms and antiques. The largest room, Pasture View, sports the original—and remarkably clean—1950s floral wallpaper, in addition to Victorian-era chairs, a family photo album, and a needlepoint commemorating Roy’s parents’ 1948 wedding. It’s homey and comfortable and a definite contrast to the modern and surprisingly stylish bathrooms, which were added during the recent renovation. 

Special touches/diversions
In addition to helping with farm chores, guests can explore several trails, toss a tennis ball with Babe, a yellow Lab, or swim in the B&B’s pool. The farm also hosts   special wine and food events year-round, including three farm-to-table dinners the first weekend of October. Restaurants and shops of Galena and Chestertown are a short drive away. Kids would appreciate the farm stay experience, but unfortunately, Crow Farm does not allow children under 10 due to safety concerns. (This is a working farm, after all.)

What’s for breakfast
Judy promises “good farm breakfasts” of fresh-laid eggs and smoked sausage or ham, but I admit to feeling a little uncomfortable when she brings a sample of the farm’s beef for breakfast, which I eat overlooking the herd. For proponents of the farm-to-table movement, this is about as close as it gets. In addition to my helping of Crow Farm beef, I chow down on cranberry bread pudding and fluffy blueberry pancakes, a specialty of Roy’s. 

Romance Factor
Let’s just say that despite sleeping with my windows open, I couldn’t smell the cows or hear the rooster crow—two pluses when it comes to setting the mood.

Cost $145 double occupancy.