On The Road

Happy to report that Alberto felt up to doing an out of town tango workshop.

The formal parlor of 4 East Madison Inn

We just spent a long weekend in Baltimore. We were invited to teach a private tango workshop to members of the Baltimore Symphony.

This was our third trip to Baltimore to teach tango.

The Louis XV Suite

We stayed in the Mount Vernon neighborhood near the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, where our classes were held in their rehearsal hall.

Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore

Our hosts had us stay in a charming boutique hotel called 4 East Madison.

Feast@4east - the on premise restaurant at 4 East Madison Inn

It is in an impressive nine bedroom townhouse built in the 1840's. Every guest room is done up in a different Victorian style decor. In fact the whole house is a flea market shoppers paradise!

The Executive Suite is a spacious guest room overlooking the garden features a bay window infused with stained glass. A king size carved anglo tall poster tester bed and a pair of wing-back chairs help make this suite an Inn favorite.

The Empire Suite is soothing, bright and sunny, a 3rd floor oasis with king sleigh bed and large soaking tub. Sit and read in a comfy wing-back chair or be relaxed and inspired by the view.

The Louis XV Suite is the perfect room for any franco-phile. The carved bed with dresser, night stand and armoire, are dated to the 1860’s with the bed fitted with a queen mattress. The room is made complete with a beautiful ornate marble fireplace and magnolia tree view.

The Federal Suite has a stately fireplace, oriental rug and a queen sleigh bed. As you enter this sunny room you are greeted with city and garden views.

The Classical Suite is a cozy room that features a magnificent classical queen size bed with inlaid wood panels. A green marble chandelier, antique desk and armoire provide tailored elegance.

The Renaissance Revival Suite is an intimate room with crystal chandelier, and queen size mahogany Victorian bed. The deep green damask bedspread compliments the antique desk, dresser and armoire.

The Queen Anne Room has large windows and a pair of Queen Ann 4-poster queen size beds which set the tone for this warm and comfortable room. Perfect for traveling companions and convenient for a handicapped guest.

The Empress Josephine Suite (our room!) has sunny yellow walls, queen canopy bed and view of Mount Vernon Square in this bright, spacious room. The floors are painted white with hand stenciled laurel wreaths.

The Library guest room sports a pair of Chippendale revival four poster beds covered in blue damask, period furniture, brass chandelier, built-in bookcases and tree and garden view.

The Executive Suite

4 East Madison is chock full of antiques and vintage furnishings lovingly collected by the owners Betty and Sandy, who bought the place in 2001 when it was a wreck and ruin. They restored it and opened in 2003. Betty is the inn keeper, and Sandy is an excellent chef who runs the on premise restaurant Feast@4 East.

The Empress Josephine Suite that we stayed in
It's on the third floor, and Alberto loved the 1901 elevator in the house
I loved the wide grand staircase that has been used by many a bride

They serve an excellent breakfast, and there is an incredible brick patio garden that is open for dining.

Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday nights, and chef Sandy uses all local ingredients, producing everything from rack of lamb and charcuterie, to vegan dishes.

The 4 East Madison staff is friendly and fun.

Baltimore is a great city with lots of history, a fabulous waterfront, wonderful food, great neighborhoods to explore, perfect for a getaway. If you want to know more about this wonderful city read Meg's blog Pigtown - she always has something interesting to share.