According to a recent State of the American Traveler study, nearly 70% of respondents agree that “… the real luxury in travel is time, freedom, or authentic experiences — not expensive amenities.”

It is those authentic experiences that Brampton 1860, a boutique inn located in Chestertown, Maryland seeks to provide to its guests with every stay. By continually creating new ways for guests to connect, explore, and unwind during their stay, owners Dave and Hilari Rinehart have become known for creating thoughtful and memorable guest experiences.  With that in mind, they will be offering guests a unique opportunity to get creative beginning in August 2026.

“We are fortunate that our corner of the Eastern Shore continues to attract the most engaging and talented visitors and individuals to our communities, and we were more than excited when we learned that renowned art educator and fine portraiture artist Michael Bell recently opened his Cannon Street Art Studio in the heart of historic Chestertown, just minutes from Brampton 1860,” says Hilari Rinehart.

Bell, a nationally recognized artist, author, and TED speaker, has partnered with the Rinehart’s to devise a series of signature creative experiences using art as a conduit for connection.

“Dave and I are always looking for engaging and authentic opportunities for our guests to re-connect with each other and their surroundings,” explains Rinehart.  “And if that means unplugging from phones and technology—all the better.”

In the series, guests will have the opportunity to choose between three creative session options entitled: Love Letters; A Romantic Visual Journaling experience, Drawing the Line; A Personal Storytelling experience, or Saints & Sinners; A Collaborative Mixed-Media experience.

These creative-residency inspired offerings invite guests to explore through art, memory, and visual storytelling, and are designed for individuals, couples, and small groups. They were adapted from a menu of exploratory workshops that Bell has recently introduced in his studio at 312 Cannon Street in Chestertown’s Historic District.

“I’ve always believed people may not remember every detail of an experience—but they remember how it made them feel,” explains Bell.

“That’s what makes this partnership so right. Brampton creates extraordinary guest experiences, and through the intimate, immersive experiences at my Cannon Street Art Studio, guests leave not only with the artwork they created, but with a deeper connection to one another, to the creative spirit of Chestertown, and memories they’ll carry with them long after they return home.”

For more information about this exclusive creative series and unique lodging opportunities at Brampton 1860, visit their packages page at bramptoninn.com, or click the link: Romantic Maryland Getaways | Luxury Packages on the Eastern Shore.

About Your Host: Michael Bell is an artist, author, TED speaker, and National Art Educator of the Year known for leading immersive creative experiences rooted in storytelling and reflection. Based at his private Cannon Street Art Studio in historic Chestertown, his work is held in private collections connected to The Sopranos, Goodfellas, and A Bronx Tale. Learn more at mbellart.com.