Rock Hall, once a hard-working waterman’s town, attracts more yachts than skipjacks these days—exceptionally nice yachts, in fact. As we follow the meandering drive to the Inn at Osprey Point, we behold a passing parade that looks like a casting call for “America’s Top Cruisers.” Impressed, we decide that the spectacular Swan Creek setting merits another B (as in bed, breakfast, and boats). When we settle in, we are as contented as the chubby ducks nestled along the shore.

Innkeepers Owners Shirley and Jerry Messina knew they’d found a special spot when they bought their property—30 waterfront acres with an 1895 farmhouse—in 1990. They’d been making the trip from suburban Philadelphia for years, kids in tow, to spend weekends on their sailboat. Phase One of the dream was the marina—now home port for 160 boats—which opened with 28 slips in 1993. When they conceived Phase Two, a waterside lodging for slipholders and their guests, Jerry envisioned “the kind of comfortable place we’d like to stay.” As Shirley notes with a twinkle, “Jerry’s the kind of person who remembers every meal he’s ever had,” so Phase Three led to the gourmet restaurant on the first floor, a fine feather in Osprey Point’s cap.

Rooms The two-story inn, built in 1994, has a Williamsburg feel and a casual, friendly atmosphere that extends to the picnic tables and swimming pool outside. With a four-poster bed, sleep sofa, double closets and spacious bath, our second-floor Carina suite offers legroom to spare, cable and Wi-Fi. Tall windows frame a view of the inn’s pond, and the downstairs screened porch, a cool retreat for reading or relaxing, waits below. Osprey Point guests can also lodge at the Annex, three minutes from the main property, where five handsome rooms overlook Gratitude Marina and a panorama that stretches to the Bay Bridge. The four-bedroom farmhouse on the main grounds, now restored, is available for groups and is especially popular with hunters.

Special touches/diversions Two words of advice: Dine in. Chef Eliza Abby (Abby to all) imparts a delicious polish to dinners at the inn’s restaurant. Ours includes spiced-pear martinis mixed by P.J. at the bar and a delicious vanilla and coriander-spiced pork chop, followed by profiteroles with chocolate sauce. Yum! The next day, we explore Main Street, where Chester River Kayak Adventures outfits paddlers and the Hickory Stick offers gifts and accessories. Don’t miss the venerable Durdings, a former pharmacy turned ice cream parlor, where you can sip a milkshake alongside antique apothecary jars or make a call (on your cell) from the vintage wooden phone booth.

What’s for breakfast In the morning, aromas from the Old Kitchen, a bright space off the main dining room, draw us downstairs. Contemplating a buffet  laden with bagels, biscuits, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola and warm broccoli quiche, we decide we’d better add an extra few miles to the morning bike tour. As we relax with fellow guests at the half-dozen tables, we watch cheerful folks in boat shoes sprint down the docks to their boats.

Romance Factor An afternoon by the water, an exquisite dinner, and a quiet room just steps away—the Inn at Osprey Point wraps the charms of the Eastern Shore into a lovely package. No wonder the waterfowl look so happy.

Cost $115-$280.

Inn at Osprey Point
20786 Rock Hall Ave.
Rock Hall, Md.
410-639-2194
http://www.ospreypoint.com