Annapolis

What more can be written about “America’s Sailing Capital,” our state seat of government where Colonial America took shape, the U.S. Naval Academy sits, and, today, a bustling mix of waterfront restaurants, hotels, and boutique shops draw millions of visitors annually? Quite a lot.

Navigating to Annapolis by boat can be a trick, especially during peak summer season, when hundreds of vessels are cruising the mouth of the Severn River, Spa Creek, and Ego Al- ley at any given hour. Your first point of contact should be the Annapolis Harbormaster (hail on VHF 17 or call 410-263-7973) to get a read on conditions, the crowd, and information on dock reservations, mooring options, anchorages, pump-out services, and navigating city waters the day-of. Check annapolis.gov/165/Harbormaster in advance of departure for the latest information.

There are also dozens of private marinas, yacht clubs, and boatyards throughout the Annapolis harbor, Eastport, and Back Creek with varying degrees of slip availability, rates, and amenities. Many offer complimentary wi-fi, shore power hookups, freshwater hookups, cable tv hookups, pump-out, and even boat lifts for maintenance needs.

Once docked, the town is yours to explore. Perhaps the most fascinating development in downtown Annapolis is the emergence of a refined and quite contemporary culinary scene. Niche restaurants, gastropubs, and specialty cocktail bars have cropped up recently. If you haven’t visited Annapolis in some time, you’ll happily discover new names alongside familiar favorites. There’s no shortage of delicious table fare and nightlife entertainment.

The cultural highs of Naptown are many and have long focused on its renowned colonial and maritime history The Maryland State House, Annapolis Maritime Museum, U.S. Naval Academy Museum, Banneker-Douglass Museum, and Historic Annapolis properties offer the most comprehensive reviews. But a renewed interest in the arts has woven visual nods to historic figures, iconic imagery, and fanciful interests in the form of large-scale architectural murals throughout the city. These colorful paintings have blossomed on buildings in town and can be found in conspicuous and obscure places—the fun is finding them and deciphering their meaning. There are at least a dozen fine art galleries, several performing arts venues, and many whimsical-to-fashionable shops in the walkable vicinity too, making Annapolis much more than a sailing town. Perfect for a long weekend or, even, a week’s stay or more!