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Bringing something old into the new age isn't always easy, as anyone who was alive to see Charlie Parker play will never sit through an entire Yanni concert. Kicking the old Olde Country Inn into the now: La Maison Blanche.

From a one-time manager of neighboring Sunset Beach and a...hairdresser (?), LMB's set up shop in the former OCI digs, but's ditched stodge for the "modern beach chic" of a southern French inn, which means white walls, light blue patios, and copious areas for sunbathing and pétanque (when it comes to being French, they aren't boule-sh*tting). Presided over by a Gall who did time at Michelin-starred brasseries across the Alps, Corsica & Paris (plus Bistro Vendôme and L'Absinthe in Manhattan), the bakery's kicking out fresh muffins, croissants & breads, while the kitchen handles afternoons (fresh-berry-topped Belgian waffles, béchamel'd croque monsieurs), and evenings via hanger steak frites, chilled lobster w/ ginger-dill mayo, and chicken ballotine served with spinach mousseline, but not spinach Mussolini, because its too dangerous to keep around the crab Napoleon. You can also quench your thirst in the lounge or garden bar thanks to a "Parched" menu loaded with both classics (caipirinhas, gimlets, gingery Pimm's Cups) and originals, from the vodka, St. Germain, aperol & lemon Zumayo, to the Champagne-aided gin/Crème Yvette/citrus Nostradamus, which just constantly predicts you're going to fall asleep on the beach later.

And because they are a hotel, those who've imbibed too much can nab a room equipped with hardwood floors, a flatscreen, free WiFi & use of the hotel iPad, and comped bike rentals, though if you think you can ride those into a new age, you clearly Dare to Dream.
Photo by Marili Forastieri and Rick Lew

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Make reservations for your room at MaisonBlancheHotel.com before you fall into a food coma