I'll be visiting the Annapolis area for the first time next week. Are there any "must-see" items while I'm there? I'm sure there are better times of the year, but I don't really have control over that. Thanks!
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All depends...
on what you like...sailing, history, food, etc? You are right, this isn't the best time of year as most things are closed and/or frozen. Here are a few ideas: 1. Ego Alley: This is the main harbor (really a canal) downtown, there are quite a few boats docked there for the winter. In warmer weather, this little canal would be crammed with dinghys, boats, ducks and anything else imaginable. Last week all I saw were ducks playing on the ice. 2. Fawcetts is the local chandlery on the waterfront. Something like mecca for the sailor. New owners have just spruced the place up. Stop by, tell them you are visiting, they will get you going. There are also lots of free local maps, mags and such there. 3. Phillips Seafood overlooks ego alley. OK food for what it is, great views. 4. Dockhouse Coffee (behind the Market House which is now closed...) best little coffee shop downtown. 5. Naval Academy is to the north of Ego Alley: beautiful place, great views and nice tours of a few of the historic bldgs there. Be sure to take ID or they won't let you in. 6. Eastport is just accross the bridge. Lots of boat yards, upscale restaurants, etc. When you cross the bridge, imagine both sides of it full of boats moored to the city moorings. It's a beautiful site. 7. Boatyard Grill in Eastport: currently the sailor's hang-out in Annapolis. (Replaced an older bar on the waterfront that is no more.) Good food, lots of drink and talk. 8. There are several historic houses open to the public (Paca House for one). There are tours and guides if that's your thing. 9. The 3 largest boatyards are off on Back Creek and not accessible by foot. (Bert Jabins, Port Annapolis and Annapolis Landing.) If you are a marina rat (like me) they are a great place to ride and visit. Also, some good views of the bay. Post more specifics on what you are interested in or email me at dcdon@hotmail.com. Beautiful place, almost heaven in warm weather.
on what you like...sailing, history, food, etc? You are right, this isn't the best time of year as most things are closed and/or frozen. Here are a few ideas: 1. Ego Alley: This is the main harbor (really a canal) downtown, there are quite a few boats docked there for the winter. In warmer weather, this little canal would be crammed with dinghys, boats, ducks and anything else imaginable. Last week all I saw were ducks playing on the ice. 2. Fawcetts is the local chandlery on the waterfront. Something like mecca for the sailor. New owners have just spruced the place up. Stop by, tell them you are visiting, they will get you going. There are also lots of free local maps, mags and such there. 3. Phillips Seafood overlooks ego alley. OK food for what it is, great views. 4. Dockhouse Coffee (behind the Market House which is now closed...) best little coffee shop downtown. 5. Naval Academy is to the north of Ego Alley: beautiful place, great views and nice tours of a few of the historic bldgs there. Be sure to take ID or they won't let you in. 6. Eastport is just accross the bridge. Lots of boat yards, upscale restaurants, etc. When you cross the bridge, imagine both sides of it full of boats moored to the city moorings. It's a beautiful site. 7. Boatyard Grill in Eastport: currently the sailor's hang-out in Annapolis. (Replaced an older bar on the waterfront that is no more.) Good food, lots of drink and talk. 8. There are several historic houses open to the public (Paca House for one). There are tours and guides if that's your thing. 9. The 3 largest boatyards are off on Back Creek and not accessible by foot. (Bert Jabins, Port Annapolis and Annapolis Landing.) If you are a marina rat (like me) they are a great place to ride and visit. Also, some good views of the bay. Post more specifics on what you are interested in or email me at dcdon@hotmail.com. Beautiful place, almost heaven in warm weather.
Across the bridge
Last (only) two times I was in Annapolis had dinner at a place on the right as soon as you get across the bridge (maybe Don mentioned it). People from our part of the county must have some crabcakes, and it has some nice outside seating looking out on the bay. Mac
Last (only) two times I was in Annapolis had dinner at a place on the right as soon as you get across the bridge (maybe Don mentioned it). People from our part of the county must have some crabcakes, and it has some nice outside seating looking out on the bay. Mac
Breakfast in Annapolis
You have to have breakfast (or lunch) at Chick & Ruth's Deli. Crab omlette is fantastic. Worth the trip. Tour of the Navy Academy is OK but if you're pressed for time just go to the museum. Model ship collection is great.
You have to have breakfast (or lunch) at Chick & Ruth's Deli. Crab omlette is fantastic. Worth the trip. Tour of the Navy Academy is OK but if you're pressed for time just go to the museum. Model ship collection is great.
Like Don says, depends....
The only thing I would add to Don's good advice is, if you have the option, stay at one of the downtown hotels or B&Bs. The waterfront Marriott is good and there are plenty of inns to select from. The advantage is you will then be in walking distance of everything including Main St, good restaurants, good views, good marinas, historic buildings, Naval Academy and all. It's worth the extra money rather than staying in the 'burbs.
The only thing I would add to Don's good advice is, if you have the option, stay at one of the downtown hotels or B&Bs. The waterfront Marriott is good and there are plenty of inns to select from. The advantage is you will then be in walking distance of everything including Main St, good restaurants, good views, good marinas, historic buildings, Naval Academy and all. It's worth the extra money rather than staying in the 'burbs.
Take a water taxi
I'm not sure if they are running right now, but you might try a water taxi tour up Spa Creek (the inlet into Annapolis). Annapolis is great by land but almost mystical by water. Have someone explain what the giant towers are across the river. Markdb
I'm not sure if they are running right now, but you might try a water taxi tour up Spa Creek (the inlet into Annapolis). Annapolis is great by land but almost mystical by water. Have someone explain what the giant towers are across the river. Markdb
Storm Bros.
Even in winter an ice cream cone at Storm Bros. on Ego Alley is traditional. Its a very small town so you can walk from St Johns College to State Circle to Church Circle (an old navigational aid on the skyline) to Main St to the Naval Acacdemy to Ego Alley to Fawcetts to Eastport easily without a car.
Even in winter an ice cream cone at Storm Bros. on Ego Alley is traditional. Its a very small town so you can walk from St Johns College to State Circle to Church Circle (an old navigational aid on the skyline) to Main St to the Naval Acacdemy to Ego Alley to Fawcetts to Eastport easily without a car.
Fawcetts is having a sale that week!
Check it out....Great stuff! A unique experience ....if you like a massage...there is a "health" mind and spirit store about half way up the main drag of stores...on the left as you look down hill. The have massages 1 hr less or more. EXCELLENT...quality ...worth the time. My wife and I like to mill around have a drink shop....in the summer we pick up a morring...if you can get one..I think its $25.00 per night first come first serve. and dingy in or water taxi.....but this time of the year...depends what you are looking for there are used sail shops...inflatable x perts has dignys....lots of stuff.....there is a cool glass shop my wife loves up the hill on the right.....you will have a great time!
Check it out....Great stuff! A unique experience ....if you like a massage...there is a "health" mind and spirit store about half way up the main drag of stores...on the left as you look down hill. The have massages 1 hr less or more. EXCELLENT...quality ...worth the time. My wife and I like to mill around have a drink shop....in the summer we pick up a morring...if you can get one..I think its $25.00 per night first come first serve. and dingy in or water taxi.....but this time of the year...depends what you are looking for there are used sail shops...inflatable x perts has dignys....lots of stuff.....there is a cool glass shop my wife loves up the hill on the right.....you will have a great time!
Lot's of Interesting Sights in Annapolis
Two Links with information on Annapolis. http://www.hometownannapolis.com/tour.html http://www.surfannapolis.com/content/AnnapolisWalkingTour2.cfm Enjoy!
Two Links with information on Annapolis. http://www.hometownannapolis.com/tour.html http://www.surfannapolis.com/content/AnnapolisWalkingTour2.cfm Enjoy!
Don't think any of the
taxi's or tour boats are running now. Remember, although it's thawed right now, Spa and Back tend to freeze up. I think Mac meant to say "left" above after the bridge, that would be Carroll Creek. It's in the big grey waterfront complex. Yes, good food and nice deck but I doubt it's open right now. Eastport has become the high end dining area: Ruth's Chris steakhouse, Chart House, and more. They are all terriffic expense account restaurants, great views and you pay for it. Charthouse is great for a drink for the lesser classes...
taxi's or tour boats are running now. Remember, although it's thawed right now, Spa and Back tend to freeze up. I think Mac meant to say "left" above after the bridge, that would be Carroll Creek. It's in the big grey waterfront complex. Yes, good food and nice deck but I doubt it's open right now. Eastport has become the high end dining area: Ruth's Chris steakhouse, Chart House, and more. They are all terriffic expense account restaurants, great views and you pay for it. Charthouse is great for a drink for the lesser classes...
Model room @USNA
has anyone ever been???...Great woodedn ship models...a real treat if you into model makeing...tall ships, frigats, rowing shells ect incredible detail. John paul Jones crypt was cool...they keep a single watch gaurd 24 hrs a day on rotaing shifts.....I wonder how they get that detail?
has anyone ever been???...Great woodedn ship models...a real treat if you into model makeing...tall ships, frigats, rowing shells ect incredible detail. John paul Jones crypt was cool...they keep a single watch gaurd 24 hrs a day on rotaing shifts.....I wonder how they get that detail?
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