Our Town Revisited: Washington Hotel
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Continuing our trip down memory lane, Former WMDT anchor and reporter Kelley Rouse first visited the Washington Hotel in Princess Anne, in March of 1999.
Over 25 years later, the establishment has gone back and forth between being called a hotel or Taven, however, the building is still standing, and the hospitality is still strong.
History of the Hotel
The history of the Washington Hotel is in its name! Built in 1744 the original hotel was a staple in the town, and even said to have President George Washington to have stayed and dined there, hence the name.
The town of Princess Anne purchased the building in 2016 and after renovations changed the name to Washington Tavern and Inn. Dana Zucker and her husband took charge March of 2024. “We realized that we were missing this in the community, we were missing someplace where everybody could go a get a burger, could go and get a nice dinner, could gather together and we wanted that again.”
Sugar Water 1744
She says they wanted to go back to its original name The Washington Hotel, and to bring a bit of themselves to the scene. The decided to take their farm and manor’s brand name in Westover, combine the founded date and finally settled on Sugar Water 1744 for the Restaurant’s official name
“We did have to do a lot of work on the building more mechanical, HVAC just upkeep and that kind of stuff… From my understanding the bar was moved from the front room to the back room, and the dining room was expanded into these rooms.”
The long entrance still has a nostalgic vibe with historic fireplaces, and they love their fine China. Dana says there has always been a place to grab a meal. She says they cater to couples and families, and the original owner’s granddaughter as part of her staff!
“Back then they were serving muskrat, and chicken pot pie, and all kinds of wonderful food that were classic to the area… We’ve also expanded to 7 days a week, which are including days for families. So, like on Monday’s and Tuesdays, we do a BFF night- Burgers, Foot-longs and fried Chicken. And we offer $1 kid’s meals for kids 10 and under. We do half-price bottles of wine Monday through Wednesday We do a killer brunch on the weekends.”
Presidents in Princess Anne
The double staircase leads up to their most popular historic room, and their Presidential room said to be where George Washington once stayed. Now, anyone can sleep where he once slept.
“We’re really trying to drive it to make the restaurant itself a destination, and then people can enjoy princess Anne while they’re here and bring community back in, which I think is something that not all community, in between 1999 until now there were some of those pieces that were missing.”
Diverse Dinners
During the time the hotel was built, it wasn’t always welcoming to all members of the community. Dana says her family is committed to fostering community. The meet regularly with the Maryland Historical Trust, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and other local entities to ensure their community dinners are a diverse, and that their doors are open.
“Sugar Water and the Washington hotel are a place where everybody is welcome, that we are all about community. That we, we are someplace where community gathers to enjoy local food that’s delicious and tells a story and we want people to share that story with us.
If you would more information on Sugar Water and the Washington Hotel, visit them in Princess Anne, or check out their website.
