The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Annapolis, Maryland Now
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Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland and is known for its rich history, maritime heritage, and charming colonial architecture. While Annapolis is world-renowned as a sailing destination, the Annapolis countryside boasts hundreds of miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline ebbing and flowing to the rhythm of the tides and nearby nautical villages. Annapolis is a city steeped in history and offers a mix of cultural, recreational, and maritime experiences, making it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.
Source: Visit Annapolis
Maryland’s capital city greets you with open arms and a host of possibilities. A “Museum without Walls,” Annapolis is a lively, upbeat, contemporary city where four centuries of architecture embrace 21st-century living. Here all roads lead to the water and a nautical heritage intrinsically linked to the Chesapeake Bay. These are the top five reasons why Annapolis, Maryland should be on your bucket list.
1. A Foodie’s Paradise: The Cuisine + Cocktails
Harold Black is a warm, intimate bar that is quiet enough to hear your conversation yet lively enough to keep you talking. A list of house cocktails gives you a range of options, additionally, the bartenders are ready to work their magic if you have something else in mind. Harold Black serves a light-fare menu with a selection of cured meats, cheeses and desserts. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying not one, but three of their signature concoctions—Strawberry Blonde with vodka, Aperol, pineapple, lemon, strawberry cordial, orange bitters, and soda, Pompelmo Sour with pisco, pamplemousse, salted pompelmo cordial, lime, and egg white, as well as the 50/50 Old Fashioned with rye, bourbon, Peychaud’s bitters, burnt orange, and saffron cordial.
Harold Black in Annapolis, Maryland
Led by Executive Chef Stefano Innocenti, Acqua al 2 presents an authentic Tuscan dining experience. Featuring a wide array of vegetarian pasta, hand-carved steaks, and fresh seafood, as well as an extensive Italian wine list, Acqua al 2 is perfect for a celebratory dinner, an intimate date night, or a low key get-together with friends. Favorite dishes include Rigatoni alle Melanzane with with a tomato and eggplant sauce, mozzarella and parmigiano, Orecchiette con Zucca di Stagione with seasonal squash, rosemary, garlic and a touch of cream, Filetto di Branzino with white wine shallot sauce served over oyster mushrooms and petit green beans, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a traditional Florentine 45 ounce porterhouse steak for two, grilled and topped with garlic and rosemary-infused olive oil, Filetto al Mirtillo cooked in a blueberry reduction sauce, as well as Carpaccio di Tonno with salt and pepper, topped with arugula, grape tomatoes, and fresh lemon vinaigrette.
Don’t forget to indulge on dessert at Acqua al 2. Try the Panna Cotta with vanilla bean custard drizzled with a passion fruit sauce or their Assaggio di Dolci—a tasting of four house-made desserts.
2. Artistic Heritage: Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and Historic District
In the Annapolis Arts District you can find numerous galleries, studios, and art-related events. This district often hosts art walks, exhibitions, and cultural events that showcase the work of local artists. Downtown Annapolis boasts nearly 20 art galleries and exhibition spaces within walking distance of one another. That means art lovers have a wealth of locally, nationally, and internationally created treasures to choose from.
Source: Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Art Museum
Located on the St. John’s College campus, just steps from the Maryland Statehouse, the Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Art Museum presents changing exhibitions in a free and welcoming environment. Recent exhibits include Shakespeare’s First Folio, Japanese woodblock prints, quilts, and art by Jacob Lawrence, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Alice Neal, Louise Nevelson, Andy Warhol, and hundreds of others. The award-winning, cube-shaped building is simultaneously grand and intimate, resolute and inviting—an unadorned folly in the campus’s intellectual garden.
As you wander through Annapolis, you’ll come across outdoor sculptures and public murals that contribute to Annapolis' artistic landscape. Annapolis, Maryland, is known for its rich history and maritime culture. The Naval Academy Museum incorporates art pieces that relate to maritime history and naval art. While primarily focused on maritime history, the Annapolis Maritime Museum often displays art related to maritime themes. It's worth checking their schedule for any art exhibitions or events.
3. Luxury Shopping: Main Street and Annapolis Mall
Whether you come to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to sail, soak up history, or just enjoy the surrounding beauty, it's easy to make shopping part of your experience—or even the main event. The historic district of Annapolis is known for its charming streets filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores. You'll find a range of offerings, from clothing and accessories to home decor and local crafts.
Source: Visit Annapolis
Main Street is also a popular shopping area in downtown Annapolis, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can find clothing boutiques, gift shops, and antique stores, while Maryland Avenue is another charming shopping district in downtown Annapolis, known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops.
4. Botanic Bliss: Historic Gardens and Quiet Waters Park
Annapolis, Maryland, offers several beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy nature, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. The William Paca Garden is a two-acre oasis of natural beauty in the bustling center of Annapolis’ Historic District. Although many colonial Annapolitans had gardens, only Paca’s has been returned to its original splendor and opened to the public.
Source: Visit Annapolis
Intrigued by garden details in the background of Charles Willson Peale’s 1772 portrait of Paca, researchers were able to reconstruct the site from a series of archeological digs that turned up evidence of the garden’s former glory. Visitors can view native and heirloom plants while exploring the terraced landscape’s formal Parterres, naturalistic Wilderness, practical Kitchen Garden, and the newest addition, the Physic Garden. The charming Summerhouse beckons guests to cross the latticework bridge over a fish-shaped pond.
5. Architectural Splendor: United States Naval Academy and State House
Annapolis, Maryland, is rich in historic architecture, showcasing a blend of colonial, Georgian, and other architectural styles. As the state capital and a city with a significant history, Annapolis boasts numerous well-preserved buildings and landmarks. Built circa 1772, the Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use. It features Georgian architecture and is the place where the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War, was ratified. Paca Street is lined with well-preserved historic homes, showcasing various architectural styles from different eras.
The Hammond-Harwood House is a preserved mansion showcasing Anglo-Palladian architecture and was built in the 18th century. It's known for its exquisite craftsmanship and decorative elements, while the Brice House is an exceptional example of Georgian architecture. Built in the mid-18th century, it is noted for its symmetry and elegant design. When visiting Annapolis, consider taking guided walking tours or exploring the city's historic district to fully appreciate the diverse range of architectural styles and their historical significance.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
Treasured for its beautiful harborfront setting, the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection is one of the finest historic Annapolis hotels and the only one located directly on the harbor. The prime location places you in the heart of this charming maritime town and offers inspiring Chesapeake Bay views, plus easy access to shops, eateries, attractions, and the United States Naval Academy. Guests of the hotel have the unique opportunity to arrive in their own boat and dock for dining or while enjoying an overnight stay.
As part of Marriott International's Autograph Collection, the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection provides a luxury experience with upgraded amenities. The newly redesigned guest rooms and suites combine the area’s maritime legacy with the best of modern hospitality. Each of the spacious and bright accommodations feature sophisticated decor and luxurious amenities that ensure a serene stay. Whether you opt for a room with a private balcony, views of historic downtown, inspiring harbor vistas, or the grand Roosevelt Suite, you’ll feel a strong connection to the area and enjoy all the comfort and convenience you crave.
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
