The White Dog Inn, Mathews VA

I know. I’m still talking about the Blog Fest I attended in VA with friends this past weekend but I have some more photos to share and this time it’s all about one of the highlights of my trip.

Before the beach party that was held on Saturday afternoon, several of us elected to go to downtown Mathews to look around, maybe do some shopping, and to have lunch at the beautiful White Dog Inn.

The White Dog Inn was established in early 2009 after new owners completely refurbished the place. It’s a Bistro and a Coffee House as well as a Bed & Breakfast. Check out these gorgeous [rooms upstairs]. The original structure dates to 1840 according to some documents, but a marker on the property as well as the Court House across the street dates to 1795.

Antique car buffs were inside holding a party in the blue room. I only wish I’d gotten a photo of all the wonderful old cars lined up in the side parking lot.

I love touches like this zebra print staircase runner. It’s just so unexpected and fun. I took this photo from the bar area and we ate in the room directly ahead. The doors on the left lead to the blue room where the beautiful ship chandelier resides.

We were told that the owners found this distinctive light fixture at an antique shop and bought it immediately. Clever move, I should say.

The White Dog Inn is elegant with a laid-back atmosphere that made me feel right at home. I love the mismatched silverware and the dishtowel-sized napkin.

The wait for our party of nine was made enjoyable as we sipped Bloody Mary’s on the plush seating in the bar area. And they make the best Bloody Mary I’ve had in awhile.

I snapped a few photos in the room where we dined and marveled at all the little details like the books and the gilded mirror frame. The walls are decorated with works of art by local artists and much of it is for sale.

This is a decoupage vase that held a single peacock feather.

For lunch I had the tarragon chicken salad which was served with roasted potatoes and a small garden salad. For dessert, I shared the blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla bean ice cream.

Shelley was one of the diners who chose the bananas foster for dessert.

Obviously, it was lick-the-bowl good. (Sorry, Shelley. I just couldn’t resist.)

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

PS – My new laptop has arrived and I’ll be setting it all up tomorrow. There’s a lot of files to move over, etc. But at least I was able to use the AC power adapter to fit my old laptop! It’s the only way I was able to do anything tonight.