Mid -Atlantic Bed and Breakfast Formmers. It's always interesting to find out how people came to live and work where they do. Ask Bob and Carol Thomas, and you'll get some wonderful stories. The owners of Little Creek Inn, both former New Yorkers brought their expertise in food and hospitality to Dover, Delaware, while also saving one of the area's most historic houses. Both speak with distinctive New York accents and have a delightful way of talking with and for each other - Bob may start a sentence only to have Carol finish his thought. Rarely do they do they disagree, especially when it comes to the story of why two former New Yorkers operate a bed and breakfast inn surrounded by acres of Delaware farmland. I was looking to semi-retire, say Bob, a chef and a member of the James Beard Foundation.But we need to go back a bit. Everything behind us has a story.. ( Click here to read the story). The Little Creek Inn a three story Italianate frame house was built in 1860. Surrounded by farmland, the home now gleams at the end of its tree lined drive. Inside, it's furnished in a mixture of antiques and reproductions. An interior designer and former antiques shop owner, Carol has a passion for fine linens and Amish made quilts that's evident throughout the inn. Bob still cooks, preparing dinner for guests at their new restaurant, The Village Inn, and sometimes conducting cooking classes on weekends. I have to say that I'm having more fun cooking now, he says. I couldn't buy the bread I was used to, so I learned how to bake it. I also make all of my own desserts.. Much has been done to the house, but there's a lot more to do on the property. We're still trying to get the barn fixed and painted so Carol can use it as antiques shop, says Bob. They're also building cottages to accommodate more guests. The years of hard work have paid off for Bob and Carol, as well as for their Dover neighbors. We're active in the community, working with various organizations, putting people up at the inn, and helping them on fundraisers, says Carol. All in all, the New York natives say they're glad they came to live and work at the Little Creek Inn. After people leave, they send us thank you notes, Carol adds. That's just amazing. It makes us feel like we are doing the right thing. Little Creek Inn owners Bob and Carol Thomas planned to semi-retire to Dover, Delaware but now they're busier that ever. Bob Thomas owned several restaurants before opening the Little Creek Inn with his wife, Carol. Carol used her interior design expertise to create luxurious, comfortable rooms. Chef Bob Thomas conducts weekend cooking classes for guests at the Little Creek Inn costing $50 per person for groups of 8 to 10 Regular room rates range from $125 to $195 depending on the room. Call (302) 730. A couple of transplants from Eastern Long Island have brought a touch of The Hamptons style and upscale cuisine to central Delaware. They transformed this former potato farm into a light-filled, tastefully -decorated retreat. The emphasis is on food. Bob is a member of the James Beard Foundation and has appeared on the Food Network. He's known for his seafood dishes. The elaborate gourmet dinners he prepares for BB guest are served with bone china, silver, and fine linens, yet the ambiance is decidedly casual and relaxed. This inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is an ideal place to unwind and recharge. Units 3 guest rooms, 1 suite. All Rooms AC, TV, private number phone, fresh flowers, robe ceiling fan. Some Rooms Jacuzzi (2). Bed Bath King (1), queen (3), double (1), four-poster (1), sleigh (1). Favorites Blue Room- four poster bed, wood floor, Chinese rug, Queen Anne highboy, Salamander fabrics, Jacuzzi and glass shower: King Room- beige toile bed covers, pine floor, Aubusson rug, classic wallpaper, Jacuzzi. Comfort Decor The spacious living room has high ceilings with a ceiling medallion, comfortable seating, reproductions oil paintings, antiques, and fireplace. Colors are neutral. Guest rooms feature lovely Italian and French linens. Settings Facilities. Location Route 8, 2 miles east of Rt.13. Near Rehoboth Beach, museums, NASCAR and harness racing at Dover Downs. Building 1860 Italianate. Grounds 8 acres of farmland w/ perennial garden, swimming pool, 2 barns. Public Space LR, DR screened porch, powder room, front porch w/swing, swimming pool deck. Food and Drink Breakfast is fresh fruit plate, homemade muffins or scones, frittata or eggs cooked to order, meat, coffee/tea; gourmet dinners served w/fine linens, china and sterling silver. Recreation Swimming, 6 bikes avail. indoor tennis nearby. Amnesties and Services Massage, laundry facilities, fax e-mail. Valentine's Day: 50 dates in 50 states. Spend a night cocooning at the five-room Little Creek Inn in Dover, a lovely, three-story 1860 Italianate farmhouse surrounded by miles of potato, corn and soybean farms. Not far from the coastal inlets of Delaware Bay and the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, it's the perfect hideaway for a weekend of biking, bird watching, fishing and hiking. Recommended by Jacinta O'Halloran, co-editor, Fodor's 239 Great Places to Escape to Nature Without Roughing It

The Little Creek Inn invites you to savor a weekend away! Learn to create luscious meals and enjoy the relaxing and elegant atmosphere.Our gourmet cooking classes are designed to teach the classic techniques along with many simple but essential tricks of the trade. You will learn scrumptious classic dishes from the regional cuisine's. The Little Creek Inn's large, state-of-the-art kitchen has been especially designed to accommodate aspiring cooks. One entire length is elevated so that students can watch cooking in progress. Classes may include the preparation of an entire meal, which will then be enjoyed by the student cooks and guests. Men and women have indicated an interest in learning new cooking techniques, so these classes will be built around their interests. Interested in learning a new skill or how to make a special dish? Get your own group together, and we'll set a date convenient for you. Groups interested in Cooking Classes are welcome to inquire about open dates, especially during the week. Private Cooking Classes are offered also. The classes are geared to avid home cooks and food enthusiasts. All classes include printed recipe handouts and a generous sampling or meal of the food prepared served with wine/beverage. Knives, tools and equipment are provided. All you need to bring is your appetite for knowledge and fun. In addition to the regular schedule of classes, The Little Creek Inn also offers corporate Team-building classes and special classes for private parties and events. Class topics and menus are customized to meet your objectives, budget and schedule. The Little Creek Inn also offers full-service caterer serving an area 50 miles in radius of Dover. We specialize in fine food for all occasions, from weddings, reunions, and private parties.We cater cocktail buffets, full dinners, picnics and barbecues, brunches, and lunches. Gourmet box lunches can be prepared to take along on tours or trips. Bob Thomas - Member of the James Beard Foundation and instructor. Bob an accomplished chef who studied under Italian cookbook author Marcella Hazan. He was the chef for the Eastern Seafood Company in Manhttan's Upper West Side and also for Three Mile Harbor Inn in the Hamptons. Click here for more information

Make the Little Creek Inn your down home-away from home destination.You don't need to go away to get away when you stay with us, given our proximity to the cities of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington DC. At the Little Creek Inn, you'll wake up to a different Delawareness-of farms and flights of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds - where our nearest neighbors are nesting bald eagles. While the inn is at the front door of Delaware's history - the many museums of Dover and the First State's rich Revolutionary heritage - it's also the backyard of yesterday, set amidst working farms and coastal wildlife refuges (Bombay Hook) as well as a large Amish Community. Stay in the circa 1860 Italianate three-story inn which has been tastefully restored and decorated by the Thomas'. The large guest rooms all featuring private baths (2 with Jacuzzis) are furnished with antiques, reproductions and custom imported linens on the beds and the dining room. With the business traveler in mind, all rooms are equipped with phone service, Direct TV, and wirless high speed Internet access. A great culinary get away Bed and Breakfast.Whether you are an experienced home cook or are just beginning to discover cooking, Little Creek Inn can help take your cooking to the next level. The hands-on cooking classes are taught in our professionally equipped kitchen. The small, intimate class size provides students personalized attention and one-on-one instruction. We have recently added a fully equipped gym and a Bocce Court. A full breakfast is served, starting with fresh fruit and homemade muffins followed by omelets, French toast, country ham or bacon, and Eggs Benedict. 2623 North Little Creek Road Dover, Delaware 19901 Toll Free 888- 804-1300 Phone (302) 730-1300 Fax (302) 730-4070. © Copyright: Little Creek Inn

Stay in the circa 1860 Italianate three-story inn which has been tastefully restored and decorated by the Thomas'. The large guest rooms all featuring private baths (2 with Jacuzzis) are furnished with antiques, reproductions and custom imported linens on the beds and the dining room. With the business traveler in mind, all rooms are equipped with phone service, Direct TV, and hook up for your laptop. Rates, Reservations, Restrictions. Deposit 1 night, refund w/48 hours notice; 50% charge w/less notice. Discounts Mid-week corp rate. Credit Cards Visa / MC. Check -Inn/Out 3 PM /11 AM. Pets Welcome behaved dogs (two dogs on premises). Room rates range from $100 to $195 per night depending on occupancy. Click on the Room Number or Picture to see more of each room. Large elegantly furnished room with French feeling. Queen size Four Poster bed. Blue and white toile fabrics and wall paper. Comfortable upholstered chairs. Large Bath with Jacozzi. $195.00 Double Occupancy. Country feeling with green and white color scheme. 4 Poster Shaker bed - queen size. $150.00 Double Occupancy. Large room with lovely antiques. King size Sleigh Bed. Beige and white color scheme. Jacozzi in elegant bathroom. Two bedroom suite - red/gold/beige. Two upholstered swivel chairs. Antique Jeeny Lind bed -double bed