Whether you are interested in summer vacation rental homes or winter activities,
Annapolis offers a wealth of historic, nautical and recreational activities!
Not surprisingly, most of Annapolis' popular annual festivals are also centered
on the
city's nautical heritage, as well as its traditional seafood-based
economy:
- USNA Graduation Week with the Blue Angels Fly Over
- Maritime Museum Boat Trips to Thomas Point Light House
- Regatta Schedule
- Maritime Heritage Festival
- Lights on the Bay holiday display
- Spring Boat Show
- Waterfront Arts Festival
- U.S. Sailboat Show and Powerboat Show
- Annapolis Rotary Club Crab Feast
Other festivals also highlight the
city's rich history and international
population:
- Maryland Renaissance Festival
- Scottish Highland Games
- Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival
- Maryland Legislature meets in Annapolis from January until April each year
- Three Century Tours: Guided tours through out Annapolis streets, and gardens
Despite the large role played by Annapolis' proximity to the Bay, the city is just
as appealing to landlubbers - particularly landlubbers with a deep appreciation
for the nation's early history.
Annapolis was founded in 1649 and incorporated
in 1708, rapidly becoming one of the most important harbors on the East Coast. Its
economy was heavily reliant on water trades like sail making and oyster packing,
but eventually segued to tourism once Baltimore Harbor surpassed Annapolis' City
Dock in economic importance. Today, the city's collection of more than sixty 18th
century buildings, including the homes of four Maryland signers of the Declaration
of Independence, is the country's largest. In fact, the entire downtown is a registered
National Historic Landmark! The Banneker-Douglass Museum and a selection of Kunta
Kinte statues are also located in Annapolis, to both acknowledge and commemorate
the significant contributions of African-Americans to the city.
St. John's College,
the third oldest school in the U.S., is also located here and dates back to 1789.
Another notable heritage site, and perhaps the city's most famous, is the
United
States Naval Academy, established in 1845. Over the years, the school has
grown from 10 modest acres to a more than 338-acre campus. To take in Annapolis'
impressive history, consider one of the city's many tours. You can go by foot, trolley,
horse carriage, or boat.
Another major attraction is shopping, thanks to Annapolis' multitude of retail establishments
ranging from boutiques and antique shops to art galleries and major department stores.
The Annapolis Harbor Center alone offers 50 stores, while the nearby Westfield Annapolis
Mall boasts more than 175 stores, along with 6 restaurants and a movie theater.
And a number of the city's downtown streets - from Main Street to West Street -
are lined with shops and galleries.
The theater is another draw, as the city is home to an impressive selection of live
arts groups offering professional performances all year round. These include:
- Annapolis Chorale
- Annapolis Opera, Inc.
- Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Inc.
- Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
- Ballet Theatre of Maryland
- Bay Theatre Company
- Chesapeake Center for the Creative Arts
- Colonial Players of Annapolis
- Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Whether you're a salty dog or simply in need of a quiet get-away,
Annapolis is an
ideal destination. And at just 26 miles south of Baltimore and 29 miles
east of Washington, D.C., the city is easy to get to, for a day trip or for a weekend
stay at one of the city's charming boutique inns or B&Bs. So come to Annapolis
and enjoy not only miles of waterfront living, shopping, and dining, but also one
of our nation's oldest cities. You'll be amazed at all there is to discover.