“Mother Nature, let’s do this,” boasts the wall-stenciled motto of the fledgling, three-week-old Dogfish Inn in Lewes, Delaware.
What used to be the old Vesuvio Motel has been transformed into a magazine-worthy seaside and beer-centric paradise, thanks to the mad genius of Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. The 2013 announcement of his brewery-themed boutique motel took the craft beer world by surprise—at first. After a few moments, it clicked. Dogfish Head has never been one to fit inside someone else’s beer-box, so this foray into innkeeping makes perfect sense. This Lewes landmark has been revived and infused with the off-centered perfection that Dogfish loyalists have come to love—first with their beer, and now with their hospitality.
My fiance and I checked in early on a Monday, hoping the front desk would be forgiving with our arrival. No worries—we were warmly greeted, checked in and given all of the information that we would need for our one-night getaway. There was fruit-infused ice water for the taking, and both hot and iced coffee freshly prepared for guests, as well. Bicycles and paddleboards could be easily checked out, picnic tables and games were outside to the left and there was a free library up for grabs, filled with brand new copies of literary favorites—and as an avid reader, this gal was more than excited! We got our keys (two old-school key rings), and headed to Room 23.
Room 23 was stunning—gorgeous wooden walls, the fluffiest bright-white down comforter, beautiful mid-century styled furniture and the most killer light fixtures (oh gosh, the fixtures!). A forest green Woolrich x Dogfish throw was draped artfully across the bed, and a poster of The Kinks gazed down upon it. Across the room, on a large pegboard, Dogfish-branded beach chairs were waiting to be used. A quick peek around to the vanity found a DFH Beer Soap—yours to use or to take (and my man first used it, then promptly took it). Malin + Goetz toiletries—my favorite!—lined the shelf. (Take note: the rum tonic body wash is going to be your newest obsession. Fair warning.) The huge porcelain sink was perfect for two people, and the separated shower and bathroom was thoughtfully designed.
The Dogfish Inn wants to support local retailers, so their in-room mini-fridges are devoid of their signature craft brews. We headed into downtown Lewes (a two-block walk) and stopped in to R&L Liquors. A seemingly unassuming beer and wine shop, we were welcomed by an enigmatic gentleman who waxed philosophical about a recent New York Times article about the breweries Mikkeller and Evil Twin; it looks like everyone in this sleepy town is a beer lover! We picked up more than enough bottles to fill up our little refrigerator, including Mikkeller’s Beetlegeuze (a dry-hopped sour ale) and Elysian’s Superfuzz (a bright blood orange pale ale).
After a quick dinner at Agave, we popped over to the Rose & Crown, a restaurant/bar underneath another favorite Lewes hotel, Hotel Rodney. We had a few pints of Dogfish’s Festina Peche and headed back to our home base for the night. The innkeeper for the evening, Linda, had stoked a fire in the communal fire pit—a decent sized space tucked into the corner of the property. With only a few rooms booked that night, we spent some quality time chatting and asking questions about what it was like to be a part of the newest Dogfish Head venture. Enthusiastically and thoughtfully responding, Linda told us that while there were your typical roadblocks (the website was down on opening day!), things had been running smoothly so far. Owner Calagione even stops by weekly to sit around the fire and chat with guests—but try as you might, there is no schedule he adheres to! If a visit is happening that day, the front desk sends out an email alert to all guests—a kind and engaging way to keep everyone in the loop.
After a wonderful night of sleep, we checked out the next morning. We loaded up on coffee while settling up (they only serve their own chicory blend, and have beautiful enamel mugs to drink out of), and bought a few things from their gift shop. It was hard to convince my other half that we didn’t really need a wool blanket on a 95 degree day, but I think I can get Christmas shopping done quickly this year.
Overall rating: two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
Find Dogfish Inn at 105 Savannah Rd. in Lewes, Del. To spend the night with Dogfish Head Brewery, reservations are made here.
- Photography: Sarah Reese
