Things To Do In Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is a historic city which is strategically located on the Chesapeake Bay. The city is home to some of the best preserved 18th and 19th century architecture in the country. The city is famous as a relaxing destination just a short distance from the nearby cities of Baltimore and Washington DC.Beautiful late eighteenth-century brick homes line the streets of Annapolis, while eighteenth-century clapboard cottages and commercial structures fill the narrow streets that run down to the waterfront. The Annapolis waterfront is famous for its shops, restaurants, brick streets and walkways.
Visitors will find plenty to do during their stay. Sailing and boating enthusiasts can charter a sailboat, just watch the sunset from the waterfront. The nearby Chesapeake Bay Bridge, provides spectacular views of the bay for travelers approaching Annapolis. Kite flying, beach walking, biking, swimming, summer concerts, museum tours and other recreational activities are available as well.
Annapolis is famous for its fresh seafood. From the nearby Chesapeake Bay come blue crabs, oysters, striped bass and other delicacies. Other seafood comes the mid-Atlantic coast, including sea scallops, lobsters, shrimp, clams, mussels, sea bass, tuna, swordfish, wahoo, mahi mahi and other fish.
Fishing is a popular pastime at Annapolis. Rockfish are the un-disputed favorite among Chesapeake Bay fishermen. The striking fish range from 16 inches to trophy fish that may weigh 50 pounds are more. Croaker or "hardhead" are another species caught in the bay waters near Annapolis. The fish get their names because of the "croaking" noise the make when removed from the water. Panfish such as Norfolk spot and white perch are caught locally. Both species are fun to catch and suitable for anglers of all ages.
Other water activities include crabbing. Enthusiasts use trotlines, traps or dipnets to catch blue crabs, which Annapolis and Maryland in general is famous for. The delicious shellfish are then steamed whole and the meat separated out. Crabmeat can be eaten as is or made into crabcakes, soups or other dishes.
Reaching Annapolis is easy from Baltimore and Washington DC. The highway to the eastern shore is also well laid out, making trips to and from coastal beaches an option.
Traffic in Annapolis is usually not difficult and parking is abundant. Walking is a good way to move about inside the city although taxi service is also an option. Water tours are available for those wishing to see the town by boat.