Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana And David Zucker.
Hi Dana and David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Dana and David Zucker first visited the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1992 and said they would live here one day. Twenty-seven years later, the bought the historic Clifton and then opened their farm stay- Sugar Water Manor. Fast forward to 2023 and they expanded their farm by purchasing the farm next door and in 2024 they bought the historic Washington Hotel and opened Sugar Water Restaurant and the hotel.
As avid fly-fishers and lovers of the environment, the Zuckers love sharing Sugar Water Manor with guests and the community. An avid traveler and cook, Dana brings all of her journeys, favorite products, and delicious finds to the Sugar Water Manor. She also ran a non-profit rescue, rehab, and release marine animal hospital with hands-on experience in both marine life and animals. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Economics, you will find David on either on the water or working on the farm.
The combined love of being outside, traveling, food and community drive Dana and David to be rooted in providing genuine experiences for their guests at the hotel, restaurant and farm stay.
Sugar Water Manor is located on the beautiful and protected Manokin River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Home of the historic Clifton Estate built in 1804, Sugar Water Manor has over 115 acres and a mile of riverfront. Sugar Water Manor includes two guest lodges, The Farm House & Homestead and the Loft suite.
Sugar Water Manor is also home to chickens, donkeys, bees, goats, ducks, and other residents on the farm. The property also includes vegetable, fruit, and flower fields for all to enjoy. Whether stopping by to shop for hand-selected, eco-friendly, and local items, here to pick your own flowers, planning for a special event, or staying overnight as a guest to relax, enjoy one of our many activities — everyone is welcome at Sugar Water Manor.
The Washington Hotel is in historic Princess Anne and has ten guest rooms. Built in 1744, many say George Washington has stayed in room two. Functioning as a Bed and Breakfast guests receive a farm breakfast weekdays and Brunch on the weekend.
Sugar Water Restaurant is a farm and water to table restaurant. Dana and David’s mission is to bring people together for food that is delicious, good for the soul and tells a story. Working directly with farmers, producers, watermen and fisher people they keep the work in their community and food accessible.
Dana and David believe in keeping jobs local, bringing people together and good food!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road here at Sugar Water is smooth only because we plan. We started with a business plan, had pivots on the way, made adjustments and grew from there. Now- it is not easy with so many working parts most of which involve people, animals and keeping plants alive… but we get the right people in the right places.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our brand is broken down into multiple businesses. They each serve a different purpose and work together as a collective whole. We are in the business of hospitality. And hospitality is everything in each part. What sets is a part is being present with our staff and customers. We are most proud brand wise of our solid foundation and what ing to share these spaces.
We are a little something for everyone at every age.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
This sounds weird but being busy doing my daily chores, greeting guests and creating makes me happy. We built this life and farm and just had to share with others it is so magical. Spending time in the gardens with hands in the dirt, on the tractor, chores and working with the animals. It all creates a wonderful life. Don’t get us wrong we still love time off the farm in hotels and restaurants together. Exploring new places to learn from and bring back and share ideas.
Pricing:
- Over 30 menu items under $18
- Hotel starts at $125
- Farm Stay starts at $175
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sugarwater1744.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsgoodeats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557154344197
- LinkedIn: Dana https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-zucker-2b608330/ David https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zucker-489b201/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sugarwatermanor
