Hilari Rinehart, owner of the award-winning Brampton 1860, a boutique Select Registry-rated hotel located in Chestertown, Maryland, has been honored with a nomination in APG Chesapeake’s annual award program, Women to Watch for 2026, which recognizes high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service, and mentoring.
“I am beyond surprised and grateful to be included with this incredible group of peers on this year’s nominee list,” says Rinehart, who co-owns and manages the Brampton along with her husband, Dave. “Being able to realize our goal of owning and running this inn in this idyllic Eastern Shore community is a reward all its own.”
Rinehart, who received her B.S. in Business Management from The State University of New York (SUNY) and her graduate degree in Business Management from Purdue’s Daniels School of Business, is responsible for updating and upgrading the Inn since its purchase in 2020. This includes the oversight of large-scale hardscape improvements including an enhanced outdoor gathering area where they have been accommodating weddings and other large parties of up to 120 people.
Since its purchase, Rinehart has also overseen the addition of private cottages and other structures on the grounds and is even known to do some of this heavy lifting herself, via backhoe.
No detail is too small, either, as Rinehart is uniquely qualified to oversee the creation of the Inn’s various menus for its outstanding breakfasts, decadent afternoon teas, and specialty dinners which occur on a regular basis. Everything is then pulled together under the acumen of business professional who helps steer the marketing that makes Brampton 1860 one of the most cherished and successful inns in the Chesapeake region.
As for the future, Rinehart is currently overseeing the build-out of an expansive separate facility on the Inn’s 35-acre grounds to accommodate larger-scale weddings and special events, a concept that the Rinehart’s have been looking forward to be able to provide for their guests.
“I have been so fortunate to have the opportunity to undertake this adventure in hospitality, to see our dream expand, and to have my husband as the perfect partner through it all.”
A member of Select Registry™, Distinguished Inns of North America, Brampton 1860 is situated on 35 acres of meticulously cared-for gardens and pastoral landscape surrounded by forest and curated to provide an upscale, boutique lodging and event experience just minutes from Chestertown’s Arts and Entertainment District and numerous Eastern Shore attractions.
Brampton 1860 is located at 25227 Chestertown Rd., Chestertown. For additional information and tickets for scheduled events, please visit bramptoninn.com, or call 410.778.1860.
