I have to say, the Town That Fooled The British has never been one of may favorite bay places.

St. Michael's is beautiful, no doubt. I love visiting the Chesapeake Maritime Museum and its signature lighthouses, and walking along the river and watching the boats go by. it may be a bay cliche, but it's a pretty cliche.

The problem is that it's just too expensive. Meals, lodging, shopping -- it's all beyond my budget. It's fun to browse, but when even the coffee seems expensive, it's not that much fun.

But the good news is that the crowds thin in the winter, and the prices drop. And it's still possible to glimpse some of the town's favorite residents: The Cheneys and the Rumsfelds, who are known to enjoy the local eateries.

I've heard tale that one of St. Michael's finest properties, The Inn at Perry Cabin, has some incredible winter mid-week special. But it's not listed on their web site.

 The Five Gables Inn and Spa has winter specials listed on their site, though it doesn't specify what they are. The Old Brick Inn has all kinds of specials, including throwing in dinner at 208 Talbot with a two-night stay. And the cottages at Two Swan Inn are always moderately priced, at least in comparison to the other places.

The Old Brick even encourages the celebration of your babymoon-- apparently a trip before the baby is born to celebrate the birth. I always thought the birth was celebration enough, but nevertheless, I would have liked to have known there was such a thing so I could have convinced my husband to take me to St. Michaesl (or, perhaps, Hawaii) to celebrate...but I digress.

There are so many well-known restaurants in St. Michaels: The Town Dock is pretty famous; there's the french Bistro St. Michaels, and the afroementioned 208 Talbot. I think most are known for their seafood.