If delicious seafood, waterfront views, colonial architecture and cobblestoned roads interest you, then you need to visit Annapolis, Maryland now.
Annapolis is a quaint coastal village in Maryland known for being the United States’ first capital. It’s also home to the US Naval Academy, which prepares young men and women to work in the Navy and Marine Corps.
This charming city oozes history and gives spectacular views that you will be hard-pressed to forget. I drove to Annapolis for the weekend just because the weather was amazing and I wanted to escape DC.
The 45-minute drive was well worth it. I felt like I was stepping back in time as I entered Annapolis. The city is peppered with charming homes, adorable galleries, shops and museums, not to mention restaurants.
Most people flock to the City Dock to eat lunch by the water. While the area is not closed to vehicular traffic, it’s apparent that pedestrians rule the day. It’s not uncommon to see lovers strolling through the city holding hands or children chasing birds.
I happen to be a huge fan of visiting a town and not having an agenda. Sometimes, making plans can ruin the moment. So, I spent the day strolling through the city.
If You Love History, You’ll Love Annapolis
History gets a bad rap. Most people get bored the minute you mention it. But, considering Annapolis’ rich history, it’s hard to ignore it. During its early colonial days, this tiny city was known as the Athens of America.
People from all over the world would gather in this coastal town to enjoy its many activities, and its 18th century edifices remain even today.
According to Annapolis’ website, Maryland’s capital went through many names before it got its name. It was first known as Providence and later Anne Arundel’s Towne after the wife of Lord Baltimore, who owned the colony.
There are many monuments to visit that tell the story of some very important people.
The Alex Haley Memorial Is Worth Seeing When You Visit Annapolis
You may not have heard of Alex Haley, but you sure know his work. Haley was an African American writer who wrote the book, Roots: The Saga of an American Family.
His novel, published in 1976, tells the story of Kunta Kinte, an 18th century African who was captured, sold into slavery and sent to North America.
A Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial sits in Annapolis’ City Dock. The sculpture features Haley sitting down reading and speaking to three children who listen attentively.
You may ask why such a memorial is in Annapolis. It’s because in Haley’s book, he referenced Annapolis as the place Kunta Kinte arrived when he arrived in the New Old.
A Foodie’s Paradise: You Won’t Be Short On Food Options In Annapolis
When you visit Annapolis, be sure to bring your appetite. Seriously. The choices can be overwhelming at times because there are a lot of choices. And many of those choices involve seafood. This is a seaport after all.
Many of the restaurants are renowned for their delicious crab cakes. I visited Annapolis with the sole intention of diving into some cakes. But, I ended up eating something completely different – crab dip and a burger.
You’ll Enjoy The Shopping
Listen, I live to do two things: eat and shop. I enjoy the unique boutiques that I find in Annapolis. Most of them are stores I can’t find in DC. Others, I can.
One of my favourite stores to visit is Brightside Boutique. The store has amazing clothes. Their pieces are super adorable. But, what I love most of all, are the quirky items they sell. I love mugs and hats with funny sayings on them, and there’s no shortage of them in this store.
If you want to learn more about Annapolis, visit the Visitors Center.
XOXO,
This Bahamian Gyal
