Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, a state in the United States of America.
Understand
Annapolis has a thriving historic district with shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Most of the buildings are original 17th, 18th and 19th century, with brick lined streets. Tourism from the surrounding Baltimore and Washington metro area is a major part of the town's life, as is a thriving boat business. One could easily spend a day walking around the town's downtown harbor area shopping and eating. There is also a lively nighttime scene.
Get in
- From Baltimore, take I-97 south then go east on Hwy 50.
- From Washington (D.C.), take Hwy 50 East.
See
- The city recently put up a memorial at the waterfront marking the spot where Kunta Kinte the African from the book/movie "Roots" arrived aboard a slave ship.
- The United States Naval Academy is located here and has tours available.
- The Maryland State House was the capitol of the United States from November 26, 1783 to August 13, 1784. In that State House, oldest in the nation still in legislative use, General George Washington resigned his commission before the Continental Congress. There, on January 14, 1784, Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris to end the Revolutionary War. From there, the Annapolis convention issued the call to the states that led to the Constitutional Convention.
- Sandy point state park.
Do
- Annapolis is the sailing capital of the United States (there's a sign saying so right before the Eastport Bridge), so you must go sailing while in Annapolis. The easiest way is to take a 2 hour cruise aboard the Schooner Woodwind which departs a few times daily from the dock at the Marriott Hotel. You can raise the sails, take the helm, watch for crab pots, see the sunset and experience Annapolis from the water. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available. Feel free to bring your lunch. And bring a camera, a good hat and soft-soled shoes.
- Another great thing to do is go to Sandy Point State Park and look at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It provides spectacular views and also a view of an old lighthouse in the middle of the Chesapeake.
Buy
There are many, many shops catering to all tastes in historic downtown Annapolis and it is very easy to just take a stroll and look around at what there is to see.
Eat
- Cantler's Riverside Inn, One of the best seafood restaurants in the area. About 15 minutes outside of town nestled on the backwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. You can arrive by boat or car. Cantler's is an authentic Maryland Family Style seafood restaurant where you sit at park benches and eat shoulder to shoulder with everyone. Steamed crabs are a favorite but so are lots of local, freshly-caught seafood choices. Cantler's is an Annapolis family-run institution.
- Yin Yankee Cafe, A decent Asian/American fusion cafe right in the heart of downtown Annapolis at the foot of Main Street. Mediocre and pricey sushi. Excellent vegetarian/vegan cuisine available here. A tourist spot where it is nice to sit outside, or admire the fish tanks and amazing fish displays on the inside.
- Joss. The "in the know" sushi spot in Annapolis. Small, generally crowded and no reservations available. Located towards the top of Main Street on the left.
- O'Leary's Seafood in Eastport is by far the best seafood restaurant in the area. It is consistently ranked as one of the Washington, DC area's top 100 restaurants.
- Pusser's is right on the water, and a great place to get a couple of drinks on the harbour. Pusser's is also a prime spot to watch fireworks on 4th of July and New Year's Eve.
Drink
When the craving for great local cocktails, the place to be is Lujan's Pub. Situated on the water front it caters to mostly Naval Cadets but finds its fan base with the tourist. Ask for the Crab Cod. A delicious mix of crab juice with rum and cherry flavors.
Sleep
- Annapolis Marriott, 888-773-0786. The only accommodation located directly on the waterfront, in downtown Annapolis.
- Historic Inns of Annapolis, 58 State Circle, (410) 263-2641, Toll-free:1-800-847-8882. The Historic Inns of Annapolis in Maryland, with a historical restaurant, tavern, and rooms; this hotel is unforgettable.
- The Inn at Spa Creek, 417 Severn Avenue, 410-263-8866. Light, bright, contemporary B & B in the maritime section of Annapolis, within walking distance of all historic attractions.
- Loews Hotel Annapolis, 126 West Street, 410-263-7777.
- SpringHill Suites Annapolis, 1-888-663-0094. Conveniently located near Route 50.
Get out
- The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is close, and when it was built it was the largest bridge of its type in the world. The western end is at Sandy Point State Park which has great views of the bridge and Bay and ships passing on the way to Baltimore. From here you can see the Baltimore Lighthouse which for a brief time in the 1960s was the worlds first and only nuclear powered lighthouse (it is solar powered at this time). Kite flying, beach walking, swimming, summer concerts, boat launches, etc.. are all here. At the other end of the bridge is Kent Island, another historic place, known for its seafood and popular new bike trails.