Craft Beer Meets Unforgettable Service at the Dogfish Inn

by Erica Bauwens on Sep 9, 2014 in Culture

 
As a craft beer lover and Jersey Shore local, I try to make my way across the bay to Dogfish Head and the Delaware shores once a year. Especially when the summer meets fall, when the usual tourist crowd starts to slim and is replaced by other beer fans looking to escape. The Delaware beaches- particularly Rehoboth Beach and Lewes- have been totally transformed since Dogfish Head has exploded onto the craft beer scene, and have turned what is already a quaint and comfy beach spot into a destination. It’s an easy enough trip from Philly, Baltimore, DC and especially from the Jersey Shore: Just hop onto the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a quick ride across the Delaware Bay.

When you land in Lewes, you have a new option right on the bay: the Dogfish Inn. Both the brewery in Milton and the brewpub in Rehoboth Beach are about a 15 minute drive from the Inn, and other guests took advantage of quick and easy taxi services on nights when they wanted to have more than a few brews. Located right in the heart of town, Sam Calagione and the team behind Dogfish Head converted the former Vesuvio Motel into an all-new, two-story space for craft beer lovers to crash.

 
Opened on the Fourth of July weekend, the Inn still has that just-built smell to it. Of course, the added perk of staying in a brand-new motel is the new-and-improved feel. The modern renovations include lots of clean, bright accents, and simple decor, with art from unique artists you won’t find at any other motel. The outdated bathtubs of yore are gone from the rooms- let’s be honest, who has ever used a motel bathtub?- and replaced with simply-chic, tiled showers featuring glass half-walls. The sleeping area itself skips the big, rickety headboard in exchange for a slightly-elevated platform, with outlets right next to the beds for easy-cell phone access (and yes, there’s free and surprisingly fast Wifi).

Each room includes beach chairs for borrowing, along with beach bags, blankets and a selection of gourmet mini-bar treats for late-night snacking. You can borrow mountain bikes straight from the Inn and hit up the local Henlopen State Park for a swim or a hike, or walk across the street for dinner- I suggest Half Full, a wine bar and pizza place where Dogfish Head’s 61-minute was supposedly created-, dessert or to grab some craft brews from a well-stocked liquor store only a few blocks away.

 
The Inn itself does not sell liquor or beer on-site, but there is no shortage of Dogfish Head perks. Even the bottle openers placed strategically throughout the Inn and in each room make all the difference when you’re a craft beer fan looking for a drink. Alongside that, guests are welcome to the brewery’s handcrafted beer soap, and a selection of Dogfish glassware, available both in the room and in the guest services building. The innkeeper provides Dogfish-brand iced and hot chicory coffee at all hours, and dogs- that’s right, the Dogfish Inn is also dog-friendly- can enjoy spent grain treats. The guest services area is surprisingly welcoming; very mellow, with room to relax or a dining space to sit with a cup of coffee and some food, and you can buy all the Dogfish goods you want right at checkout.

And the bonuses extend beyond the front door. Dogfish Inn guests are given the chance to put their names in for dinner at the Dogfish Brewpub and can reserve a spot with the innkeeper for brewery tours before hitting the road. As Dogfish grows more and more popular this simple service is an invaluable perk; especially at the brewpub, where others waited almost an hour and a half for lunch reservations.

 
Though, of all things, when people ask me what I liked most about my trip to the Dogfish Inn, it would without a doubt be the company. It was a very communal experience, as everyone- from head innkeeper Andrew Greeley to co-workers, guests and even the furry visitors- had a shared interest in quality craft beer and the craft brewery movement that has erupted across the country. 

For proof, look no further than the Inn’s pride and joy: the yard. The small space includes a massive cauldron that the innkeepers keep going every night, benches, beach chairs, a huge picnic table with an ice well for beer, and lawn games like ladder golf and bags. You can find guests out there every evening, and the innkeepers keep things interesting with events on various nights; I was even told that founder Sam Calagione stops by the pit on occasion for a fireside chat. On this particular weekend, head innkeeper Greeley was out grilling over the pit for a free tasting of juicy Dogfish Head-brand Bratwursts and all varieties of pickles.

 
Meanwhile, it seems like every guest opted for a night by the fire as opposed to a trip out and about. We all mixed and mingled, sharing beers and stories. The employees, like every Dogfish employee I’ve ever encountered, were so full of knowledge, and so friendly and excited to share. They recounted their favorite memories on the job, and helped the guests learn a little bit more about the Dogfish community that has completely transformed the Delaware shore. Just that night would be enough to make me return over and over again.

I don’t think words can do the overall experience of the Dogfish Inn justice. It’s an atmosphere you just won’t at any other inn or motel. And when travelling to a new place, meeting so many people with such similar interests is truly transformative: It turns a quick, weekend getaway, into an unforgettable experience, and has left me with memories that I won’t soon forget.

If Dogfish Head is a craft brewery, then consider the Dogfish Inn a craft motel. It’s truly more than just a motel, or a place to sleep. It’s an experience that true craft beer lovers should not pass up, so make your reservations now for a getaway unlike any other.

Photos via Dogfish Inn and Erica Bauwens


Tags: Beer, Food, Outdoor Seating
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close