Greg and I had the great good fortune to spend a night at the Visitation Hotel in Frederick Maryland. The hotel has a fascinating history as a cloistered monastery and internationally renowned academic institution. Originally built in 1824, the structure survived fires in 1845 and in 2023, and finally opened as a boutique hotel in December 2024.

We also enjoyed an amazing dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, the Wye Oak Tavern, started by James Beard-nominated and “Top Chef” stars, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. Truly, an incredible evening. So incredible that I did not take many photos. The food was divine!

The restaurant is located in the former Visitation Chapel, and in order for the restaurant to move forward, the Chapel had to be deconsecrated. Fascinating! You can read about that process here.