One of the highlights on our trip to the Delaware beaches was the Dogfish Inn. If you are a local to Lewes. Then you know the old Vesuvio Motel quite well and with Sam Calagione’s off centered ideas. It has found new life with a refreshed look both inside and out.
How many of you take “beercations?” I am sure a bunch of you reading are raising your hands and saying yes. Well, Dogfish Head has introduced the ultimate beercation and it all starts right here.
Staying at the Inn keeps you connected with what is happening at the brewery and their brewpub as well as what is happening in the area. It’s almost like having keys to the brewery.
How about we start in the cottage. It is a very cozy place to hang out and read some books and it makes you feel right at the beach.
If you don’t have anything to read, they have you covered here with a great selection of American literature curated by City Lights Book store in San Francisco.
There is a little kitchenette in the cottage as well. It features proper glassware, growler rentals and locally roasted coffee from Notting Hill right down the street. The same coffee used in Dogfish Head Chicory Stout.
Just in case you forgot to get some souvenirs at the Brewery or Brew Pub. You can get them right here in the lobby.
There is no beer at the motel but there are plenty of places in the area that you can get a fresh pint at. They update this menu every day to let you know what DFH beers are on tap and where.
Fun fact. Lewes is the first town of our nation. It’s very historic place and neat to visit.
We don’t normally highlight bathroom art but this picture is awesome. Can you name all these beer makers?
Moving on from the cottage you find a nice patio to hang out, kick back and have a beer. There is a fire every night and most guests of the inn will bring along bottles to share. Who knows Sam might even show up to have a brew with you.
They even have games for you to play like corn hole and ladder ball.
Are you into biking? There are plenty at your disposal to take around the area. Not too many hotels or motels offer you that.
All together there are 16 rooms and one suite or as the like to call it The Sweet.
The rooms are just as warm and comfy as the cottage. Each room features art work, snacks and even a treasure map.
If you have a bigger group. We recommend the Sweet.
It features two bedrooms, a living area and a kitchenette.
Bottle openers are mounted in every room so you can crack open some of the brews you brought along. There is even proper glassware for you to use. Lets face it. You don’t want to pour your craft beer in a crappy paper cup.
Blankets from Woolrich are in every room to keep you warm on those cool Delaware nights.
The storage in the rooms is very minimalist as well. With these cool peg boards and shelves. You can organize everything the way you like and fit most of your things conveniently.
They are pet friendly too. Just don’t let your dog crap in the room.
Do you like art? It is every where here, making the inn a gallery in itself.
Most hotels want to keep you in your rooms, feed you food, waste money on HBO, etc. Not here. Sams idea was to get you out in the neighborhood and surrounding areas to explore all that the coast of Delaware has to offer. Some friendly advice from their inn keeper, Andrew, landed us at a few places that we wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Again if you are into the whole beercation thing, the Dogfish Inn is for you. We can’t thank Andrew and Beth enough for showing us around. This is hands down one of the coolest, beer related places we have been and other beer makers should take note of what Sam has done here to grow his brand. A place like this brings attention to local business and gives guests a one of kind experience.