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Itinerary Helps in Planning Annapolis Visit
Hop-scotching from one end of Annapolis to the other will wear out your flip-flops and good humor in short order. If you have only a day, make the most of your jaunt by planning it around a theme, such as architecture, kid-friendly activities, Naval history, or the waterfront.
I'm the last person to make a list and stick slavishly to it. But I know from experience that you'll spend less time scratching your head if you have an idea of what you want to see before you arrive. I suggest choosing three to six attractions/activities (yes, shopping counts!). Always allow time to refuel, discover the unexpected, and gaze at the harbor with a double-scooper.
If planning makes you bristle, here are a few itineraries to get you started. Pick up a map at the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, 26 West St. (a block off Church Circle), or the small Visitor Information building (next to the public bathrooms) at City Dock. Then off you go!
The Highlights
Start at the U.S. Naval Academy, Armel Leftwich Visitor Center (Gate 1, King George Street at Randall) Anyone 16 or older must have a photo ID. The Marine guards mean business! Guide yourself or join a highly recommended docent-led tour. Walk to Prince George, one of the prettiest streets in Annapolis. Tour the William Paca House and Gardens (186 Prince George St. 410-267-7619)--the gardens only, if you're pressed for time. If you prefer shopping to Paca and posies, bypass the house and continue on Prince George to Maryland Avenue with its one-of-a-kind boutiques, galleries and antiques shops. Try the corned beef and cabbage and a pint of Harp at Galway Bay (63 Maryland Ave.). Continue to the State House (State Circle) for a half-hour guided tour. Stop at Annapolis Pottery (40 State Circle) for locally crafted housewares and gifts. Hungry? At Potato Valley Cafe (47 State Circle), choose one of 20 fillings then dip into a delicious meal-in-a-potato. Behind the State House is Government House, the official residence of Maryland's governor. (Sorry, admission by invitation only.) From Church Circle shop your way down Main Street to the harbor. Dine at Riordan's (36 Market Space), a local favorite for its generous drinks, tasty sandwiches, salads and entrees and friendly service. Or sip your favorite cocktail at Pusser's Landing (behind the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 80 Compromise St.). and watch the boats parade down Ego Alley. For a sweet ending, sit on the seawall with a sundae from Storm Brothers (130 Dock Street).
With Kids in Tow
Feed the ducks at City Dock (but not the gulls!). Ask for stale bread at a restaurant if you forgot yours. Take a snapshot of your kids with the Alex Haley sculpture and read the quotes from "Roots," all part of the Kunte Kinte memorial. Walk along Ego Alley with its preening pleasure boats and deck candy (women in skimpy bikinis and big hair) to the Bay and Susan Campbell Park or the nifty Newman Street Playground (Newman and Compromise streets, opposite Marriott) where they can let off steam. Cruise on the Harbour Queen or cross the Spa Creek Bridge to Pirate Adventures of the Chesapeake to assault Pirate Pete with water cannons and search for sunken treasure (Reservations: 410-398-6270. www.chesapeakepirates.com). Enjoy breakfast all day or a sandwich and ice cream treat at kitschy Chick & Ruth's (165 Main St.). Drive 10 minutes to the Chesapeake Children's Museum (25 Silopanna Rd. 410-266-0677. www.CCM.org) where kids can pet turtles, dress in costumes, cook in a pint-size kitchen, do arts and crafts and take a nature walk.
History
Of course, you wouldn't dream of coming to Annapolis and not visiting the U.S. Naval Academy(410-263-6933 www.usna.edu). Everyone 16 or older needs a photo ID. Start at the Armel Leftwich Visitor Center inside Gate 1. View "To Lead and To Serve" then join a tour. Or pick up a map and visit at your own pace: Dahlgren Hall (with Drydock for snacks and drinks), the Navy Chapel and John Paul Jones's crypt (beneath the chapel), Preble Hall for artifacts and model ships and the Robert Crown Sailing Center. Be sure to stroll the Dewey Seawall with its panoramic harbor view. Noon meal formation at Bancroft Hall (the world's largest dormitory and home to all 4,000 mids) is a must see. During Commissioning Week (late May) the Blue Angels put on a stunning air show. Near the Academy is the William Paca House and Gardens (186 Prince George St. 410-267-7619. www.annapolis.org). Paca, a Declaration of Independence signer and Maryland governor, once lived in the Georgian mansion. To view Maryland's place in the nation's history, head for the State House (State House Circle,410-260-6401) where the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1783. The Banneker-Douglass Museum (84 Franklin St. 410-974-2893) chronicles the black American experience in a Victorian gothic church built by former slaves. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Harry Browne's, across form the State House (66 State Circle) or the Treaty of Paris in the historic Maryland Inn (Church Circle and Main Street).
Resources:
Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (410-280-0445. www.visit-annapolis.org).
U.S. Naval Academy (410-263-6933 www.usna.edu).
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Beth Rubin has been sharing the Annapolis sights with family and friends for 15 years.
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