Over the last few years I have been enjoying Annapolis more than I ever have. I made my most recent trip down that way recently and had a great day doing neat things the entire day. And I'm happy to share my adventure with you.
I began with a trolley tour that you get from the Visitors Center, 26 West St., in the heart of town.
There are a few choices, but I selected the one-hour narrated tour that takes you through much of the historic district. I can guarantee you'll learn things you never knew. For example, Annapolis became our state capitol in 1695 and it was named after Princess Anne. When the ride is over you can revisit places you want to see again. The price for adults is $18. For more information call 410-626-6000.
When that was over it was off to the United States Naval Academy. The daily tours leave from the Visitors Center and you must have a picture ID to get on the grounds. This time of year tours go from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Like the trolley tour, you'll learn about the academy, things such as: there are over 4,000 midshipman; there are 23 majors, 32 division 1A sports; and the academy is spread out over 33 acres.
I ended the day with a 40-minute Watermark boat tour on the Harbor Queen. This is but one of many tours you can take from the city dock. Watermark cruises also will take to the the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, a ride to Spa Creek, up to St. Michaels, to the bay lighthouses and even to Baltimore Harbor. There are also walking tours. My tour took me into the Severn River, around the Naval Academy and almost to the mouth of the bay. Go to cruisesonthebay.com.
In short, a trip to Annapolis, either for the day or ovenight is certainly worth your time. The town is filled with history, along with modern places to eat and shop.
