Five things to consider about Annapolis when planning a trip to the naval capital of the United States and the capital of Maryland. The city of Annapolis is one of the oldest cities in the United States, located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. It is here that the U.S. Naval Academy is located, which trains future officers of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Be prepared that on Wednesdays and Thursdays, many restaurants are closed, and cafes and shops start working at 10 am. If you are looking for a good place for breakfast, it is easier to stay in a hotel or visit one of the two bagel bakeries: “Naval Bagels” or “Bagels And …”. Bakeries are open from early morning and offer more than 20 types of fresh bagels. These are very popular places, so the staff know how to work quickly, and you will not have to wait long for your breakfast.
Annapolis is known as the world center of yachting. Here you will find a variety of boat and yacht trips, including sightseeing cruises, sailing excursions, and private charters suitable for groups of any size and interests. One of the most important and large-scale events in Annapolis is the Annapolis Boat Show, which consists of a series of the largest in-water exhibitions in the United States for owners, buyers, and enthusiasts of boating, who have been gathering here for 50 years. The season begins with the Spring Sailboat Show and the Bay Bridge Boat Show, which start in April on Kent Island and extend to Ego Alley and City Dock.
If you love live music and loud parties, Annapolis in the fall will pleasantly surprise you. Every year, in September, the Annapolis Songwriters Music Festival takes place here, gathering many stages in the open air and in cozy establishments of the historical center – Maryland Hall, Rams Head On Stage, and Calvert Street. The festival is inspired by the Key West Songwriters Festival and focuses on songwriters, stories, and songs in live communication with the audience.
The pearl of Annapolis is cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. The top most popular dishes are Maryland blue crab and oysters. But you can also try: Rockfish (striped bass), Smith Island Cake, Pit Beef, Stuffed Ham, and Crab cakes.
It is better to book a table in advance, but before you do, be sure to stroll around the city center, which still preserves colonial architecture and many 18th-century buildings, including the governor’s house and buildings from the time when the city was a short-lived capital of the United States (1783-1784).
In Annapolis, every season brings its own colors – from spring sailing regattas to autumn music festivals and winter fairs on the waterfront. This city lives with events that fill its streets with energy and joy, and visitors take away vivid impressions and new stories. Follow the announcements of events and plan your trip in advance – this way you can save money, choose the best dates and spend time the way you dream.
