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Breathing, Blooming, and Boulangerie~ A Soulful Wellness Weekend in Worcester County, MD

Breathing, Blooming, and Boulangerie~ A Soulful Wellness Weekend in Worcester County, MD

Yoga by the pool, biscuits above the bakery, and meaningful moments at the vendor show—a weekend designed for nourishment, alignment, and the magic of showing up. But what happened next was more than I expected. Read on for the story of how it all unfolded.

As I arrive at the Inn Berlin,  I immediately fell in love with the color and architecture of this Federalist period home built in 1835. As I pulled around back I noticed that there was a huge cauldron fire pit with rocking chairs around it. The brickwork and stonework are both exquisite— I'd love to have this at my house. There’s a perfectly symmetrical topiary garden out front and I find it to be very visually satisfying, even though it’s pouring down cold rain.

When I first entered the front door the parlor to the right had blue crushed velvet furniture, which I am obsessed with in real life. Then I find out I have a matching chaise lounge with a fur blanket on top of it in my bedroom that just feels like pure luxury…and I am here for it!

Literally every single thing here is gluten-free and there are snacks everywhere- which I love. My room had a beautiful charcuterie board waiting for me.  I saw these little crispy rounds and asked Maya, the innkeeper, “even these are gluten-free?” “Yes!” She explained that they use their own homemade flour blends to cook baguettes to make those crisps. They carry a variety of crackers as well, but she knew I can’t have folic acid which is now sneaking its way into gluten-free products everywhere, and checked all the labels. It was so kind of she and her staff to go the extra mile to accommodate me.

I’m on the third floor, but on the second floor is a little tea, coffee, snack, and juice bar area and I already had a couple of the almond cookies—it was soft perfection. I cannot wait to explore the baked goods in their bakery, the Boulangerie, when it’s open tomorrow. I’m definitely going to be stocking up on some goodies to bring home for sure.

As I eat this charcuterie board, I’m absolutely blown away at how perfectly ripe the fruit is, and how perfect of a palate cleanser it is against the heaviness of the cheeses and the meats. I typically don’t mix fruit in with other meals, but in this case, it just seemed like the right thing to do. It’s been fun savoring different flavor combinations and textures. It's a playground meant just for me. I forgot how much I like blueberries- though I’d never forget how much I love cheese, lol.

As I walk around the property in the brutal weather with a complimentary umbrella, I am even more enamored with the magic of this place. You can really tell that every single thing—from the plantings in the yard to the decor—was picked out very intentionally. I already made my second trip back to the cookie jar. I can't help but to feel like there’s something about my past life in the Victorian era that just really jives with being here. It has nearly brought me to tears—and I’m seriously loving every second- and I just got here!

As the sun goes down, I find myself in the clawfoot bathtub, listening to a full moon in libra meditation -since it is tomorrow- and the storm overhead. I’m ready to get cozy and go to bed early so that I can wake up and have a solid breakfast before my yoga class and networking.

My room is right above the kitchen and I wake up to the most amazing smells in the world. It’s well before sunrise, and my alarm, so I do a few meditations in bed before getting up and going. My low back is a little sore from the travel and one too many trips to the cookie jar. That’s always where my inflammation shows up first, so it’s a perfect morning to do some yoga. 

I am proud of myself though, because the charcuterie board was quite enough food last night and even though I had planned on eating dinner out, I really did not need anything else. I was perfectly satiated. If I had eaten dinner, I would have felt so much worse. If I had overeaten it would put an extra burden on my system, resulting in less energy plus more puffiness and pain. So thankfully, I listened to that inner voice of knowledge and just stayed in with my charcuterie and cookies.

For breakfast, you have two options: continental or the chef’s choice. I was feeling adventurous, and let them decide- which essentially meant I had no idea what I’d be getting. Let me tell you—food is my love language, and these people speak it!  Natalia came out with a homemade muffin, a beautiful parfait with fruit, and most importantly: a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on homemade gluten-free bread.

The bread was actually a biscuit—flavorful, herby, crisp in texture, and a perfect contrast to the rest of the sandwich. The flavor kept developing with each bite. Honestly, I’m not even hungry yet, but I know I have a big day and need to put gas in my tank. My first impression? This ain’t no Royal Farms breakfast biscuit! The top of that biscuit would be perfect for a chicken pot pie, which is rare unless you make it yourself in the GF world. I mentioned this idea to Maya later and she said they do that sometimes!

This place reminds me of a Hallmark movie about a girl who’s in marketing and comes to stay in a cozy inn. For that movie, I believe it was a winter chalet and she falls in love… 

But what I realized is: that girl is me... and I'm falling in love with myself and my life.

I find myself choked up all over again just thinking this.I swear, I'm usually not this emotional… but there’s just something about this place.

If Maya and Natalia keep loading me up on food like this—I’m never going to make it to another restaurant in the area! 

I didn’t eat all of the breakfast sandwich because I wanted to be able to move comfortably during yoga class—but darn it was good, so I’m saving it (and everything else) for later.

While driving from Berlin into Ocean City, the coffee hits me hard and suddenly I do not feel as good. My vibe isn’t as high. Maybe it’s anxiety about meeting new people and going to a yoga class that could turn into a future collaboration, but I’ve been on and off coffee for a while now and this just reinforces the fact that it’s not doing me any favors. I’m honestly saddened by the drop in energy because I had been feeling SO amazing earlier. I hope the flow comes back soon.

I had plenty of extra time to get to yoga, but I accidentally went to the wrong hotel. By the time I figured it out and got to the real place, I was feeling rather rushed.

I arrived at the community yoga class, which had been moved from the beach to inside by the pool due to inclement weather. I knew this, and yet I did not think about it being 85° with full-blown humidity.

 I introduced myself to Dawn, the owner of Yoga Vibez. She had a great handshake and was cordial. She taught the class with the wisdom of a teacher who’s clearly been at it for a long time. She used the theme of the weekend—Innerbloom—and tied it into her sequencing and languaging beautifully. We used two mudras, one representing a seed and the other a lotus. I appreciated that it wasn’t just a one-time thing—it was woven throughout the entire practice.

One thing I had never experienced was using headphones, silent disco style. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turns out—I’m a big fan. It silenced the world around me, including the screaming children in the pool. Her playlist was like Shiva Rea meets beach reggae vibes. It felt more personal as her voice and the music came through the speaker, and even though the room was packed, I felt like I was the only one. Until I found myself holding hands with my neighbor and relying on her to steady my balance as we explored partner yoga. It really summed up everything I was in town for, connection.

She closed the class with a beautiful reading about springtime which emphasized how each of our flowers is uniquely transforming —and that we should be our authentic selves as we transform from seed to blossom. 

Her messaging was received directly into my Soul.

After class, I went out onto the beach and did my daily ‘Weather & Wellness’ report for Instagram & Facebook. After being in that hot, stuffy room, chugging black coffee, and being overdressed for a  fast paced vinyasa flow class, I could feel that my cheeks were an embarrassing shade of beet red.  Needless to say, I’ve never been so happy to be in 40°, windy, drizzly weather!

Watch my report for each day of my adventure in the video below.

I walked back to my car, ate the most delicious apple biscuit from the Boulangerie, chatted on the phone for a bit, and started to head back to Berlin.

As soon as I turned onto Philadelphia Avenue to head back to the Inn Berlin, I felt the familiar sensations of a panic attack beginning to form—chest tightening, lightheaded with tingling lips. I started regulating my breathing and tapping my legs, arms, and neck to break the cycle and get my nervous system in check. It was a long seven miles home, but I’m really proud of myself. I didn’t have to pull over. I knew I just needed to get there.

So I laid face down with a pillow underneath my hips to help my back feel more comfortable and turned on a meditation. A half hour or so later, I got this overwhelming sense that I should go downstairs to the bakery and maybe take some pictures or video for this blog post.

 I'm milling about in the Boulangerie and in derecho of a woman bursts in the door with gale force winds the and  immediately says that I look familiar. I didn’t know her, but I had just sent her an email before my trip asking if she could support me in getting this article out to the community. 

It just so happens that Amity is the president of the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce. She says she’s gluten-free herself, and exclaimed she had a psychic moment where she had the felt sense that she  needed to come here- right now- with her husband was in the car waiting. Amity revealed to me she was toying with the idea of doing a gluten-free “Taste of the Town.” I told her I’m into digestive health and would love to participate. (Would you?!)

The experience was synchronistic and reminded me of something out of one of my favorite books—The Celestine Prophecy. She also told me to head to the Forgotten 50 Distilling for dinner, mentioning that Cody, the owner, had an extensive GF menu. Pretty wild considering alllll the options of places I could eat, that very same place was also top on my list. Just more confirmation that I was in the right place at the right time. 

After that, I felt completely reinvigorated and excited. I could tell I was back in the flow. I cultivated this state of being with manifestation meditations before I came… so I know everything that’s happening now is totally meant to be.

On Saturday afternoon, my friend Jen (who also makes jewelry for my shop) arrived ready to head out to dinner and have some deep belly laughs. We accidentally went the wrong way and took ourselves on a full tour of the charming downtown area of Berlin, which is historic and was used in the movie Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts.

When we finally arrived at Forgotten 50 Distilling, there was a private party happening, and we ended up sitting at the bar. I had already heard great things about this place through a Facebook group I follow called Gluten-Free in Ocean City, where it seems to be one of the most recommended spots for both safe and exciting options. What initially caught my attention was their menu—two full pages of gluten-free offerings. Not just the usual salad or one token dish—but creative choices. Dishes that actually feel fun to order.

Amity had mentioned Forgotten 50 to me earlier that day, and it felt like confirmation that this was exactly where we were supposed to be. Truthfully, I had a couple of places in mind, but her enthusiasm sealed the deal.

Jen ordered the 'chimi-steak'—a char-grilled hanger steak served over arugula and fries, topped with a bold chimichurri sauce. I went with the steak tacos, and from the very first bite, it was clear that every ingredient was intentional. The peppers and onions were sliced so thinly that they added just the right crunch without overpowering the dish, and the pickling brought in this beautiful layer of brightness that played perfectly against the richness of the steak. These weren’t just your average tacos with cabbage and a lime wedge tossed on the side—every element had a purpose and packed a punch.

Although I didn’t get the chance to introduce myself directly to Cody, the owner, I knew immediately who he was. There’s something unmistakable about the presence of someone who cares deeply about what they’ve built. Even from across the room, you could feel a sense of leadership. The bartenders were attentive, personable, and authentic—even in the middle of a busy night.

Perhaps most importantly for me—after savoring every bite of my meal, I didn’t feel weighed down, heavy, or bloated at all. I felt nourished, energized, and genuinely well. Sharing that meal in good company, felt like the perfect way to close out such a full and beautiful day.

Forgotten 50 is much more than a great bar with good food. Their gluten-free menu far exceeds expectations, not only in variety but in the creativity and care they bring to every plate. It’s the kind of place I can’t wait to return to—and the kind of place I’d bring people to again and again, knowing they’ll be just as delighted as I was.

On Sunday morning we arrive at the vendor show. Innerbloom Floral (where the event was being held) is owned by my friend Meredith Moore Cybert. Back in high school she always threw the best parties—so I knew that any event she hosts would be done right, and I definitely want to be a part of them! It was boho chic, offering lots of all-natural products and a unique blend of spiritual service providers. 

My booth featured all agates and stones from the agate family. I focused on a self-care kit giveaway and included flyers for each of my courses, as well as Jen’s jewelry.

One of the most meaningful moments was when I first walked in, found Meredith, and the first thing she said to me was that she wanted to collaborate in the future! EEK! She didn’t know when or how, but she knew she wanted to—and I have felt the exact same way and hadn’t even mentioned it! That sentence alone made the entire trip worth it. It was her event that got me here, and her events that will keep me coming back.

The top product that everybody was into? The moss agate palm stones. It seemed like almost everyone who stopped by our booth either touched them or bought one.

I’m definitely looking forward to doing workshops with Meredith from Inner Bloom, as well as Dawn from Yoga Vibes. I highly recommend both the Bourlangerie and Forgotten 50 for food, and the Inn Berlin for lodging. 

Overall, this weekend was really very special. The main focus was connection and wellness in the area. And if you’re reading this—know that you can go to the same places I did, eat really healthy, fresh, farm-to-table meals that support your digestive health, and experience authentic, meaningful moments in a town known for its boardwalk indulgences.

The weather was absolutely brutal and by the time I got home, my back was killing me. But my soul was totally satisfied 💫

 

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