Casselman Inn, a National Pike relic, offers Maryland welcome
Known for its honey-dipped fried chicken and homemade baked goods, the Casselman Inn and restaurant is the perfect stop for a meal when traveling through Maryland, especially if you want a side trip back in time.
“Once you eat here you will come back,” insisted a diner who said she and her husband travel from West Virginia often to enjoy the food at The Casselman.
It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The large covered front porch, antique furnishings and a small gift shop add to the charm of the 19th-century building. Apple butter, jams, jelly and honey are some of the things you can buy along with mugs and linens.
The restaurant will make a picnic lunch if you would like to eat along the banks of the Casselman River at the Casselman River Bridge State Park.
Located on the National Road, U.S. Route 40, in Grantsville, Md., The Casselman is a half-mile from Spruce Forest Artisan Village and has its own impressive history.
Built in 1842, the inn’s original red bricks were all handmade on site. Every room has a fireplace, the only source of heat when the inn began operating. The bricks have since been painted white, and a furnace now keeps guests warm in cooler weather.
Over the years, the inn has had various names, including The Dorsey Hotel, Drovers Inn and Farmers Hotel. It has served travelers in Conestoga wagons, stage coaches, and now automobiles and motor coaches. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Unlike many old hotels, The Casselman still rents rooms in the main building. Antique furnishings are sprinkled throughout the suites, and pieces made by local artisans can be found in the rooms of The Casselman Motel.
The Dorsey Suite is a popular choice, with a sitting area, two private baths and impressive carved bed for $199 per night, including breakfast. Other rooms in the historic Inn with private baths can be had for $78- $98, depending on seasonal demand. The Casselman Motel across the street has 40 simply appointed rooms that rent for $53-$73 per night.