- © 2024 Annapolis Home Magazine
- All Rights Reserved
If you are new to Annapolis, or just visiting, it can take a while to learn about all the special places and events in the area. We offer you here some of our favorite, year-round events and places, some of which may be unfamiliar to even long-time residents.
For some of us, a good hiking trail is irresistible. In the Annapolis area, Greenbury Point Trail on the broadneck peninsula is such a find. Mostly flat, It is good for all skill levels. And they allow dogs! It’s also scenic and sometimes surprising. FYI: Those big radio towers you may be wondering about are actually home to completely entrancing osprey and their nests, managed by the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Research Laboratory. | alltrails.com
The Paca house is a mecca for tourists coming to town. Yet there are still surprises to be found. The two-acre garden (right in the middle of town) is a magical spot, especially the Summer House, a reconstruction of the original seen in the background of a painting of Gov. Paca. Originally, the second floor caught breezes on warm summer days. Now air-conditioned, it is available for rental; it seats six or stands eight and is a charming spot for an engagement or tiny wedding. | annapolis.org | 186 Prince George Street
Sometimes, the view from the water is the best in town. Celebrate America’s birthday with a spectacular view offered by Watermark Cruises. Pre-Independence Day crusies head out to the Sherwood Forest community. The following day, on the 4th, hop aboard another Annapolis cruise or the Baltimore Harbor one, both of which pull out all the stops. | cruisesonthebay.com
Another of the surprises that await in Annapolis. Located in an area bounded by West Street, Chinquapin Road Road, Legion Avenue and Forest Drive, the District is a remarkable resource for locals looking for home renovation inspiration. It is also an inspiration for our artistic souls thanks to the dramatic murals that decorate several buildings. Photo-op alert! | annapolisdesigndistrict.com
It’s one of the most iconic Chesapeake Bay images, and you can be among the few to see it up-close-and-personally. Three-hour tours are given on selected good-weather Saturdays (dates: 6/8, 6/15. 7/6, 7/13, 7/27, 8/3, 8/17, 8/31, 9/7, 9/28 & 10/5). Only 18 passengers per tour. Participants must be at least 12 years old and at least 48 inches tall. The tour is “adventure travel” and does require a moderate fitness level. Also, there are no toilets on the boat or in the lighthouse. | amaritime.org
Reynolds Tavern, Annapolis. First constructed in 1737, this place is living history. Its longstanding tradition of hosting performances in the Courtyard by the Annapolis Shakespeare Company (this season’s offering is the Moliere comedy Tartuffe, May 28 thru September 10) continues. Sundays are movie nights with such classics as Hard Days Night. | reynoldstavern.org | annapolisshakespeare.org | 7 Church Circle
Story, Coffee, Conversation. Independent bookstores are critical to a city. Here’s a perfect opportunity to live like a local. Ideas have always been honored in our area and no place fosters them better than a charming, crammed-with-creative-thought bookseller dripping in history. | oldfoxbooks.com | 35 Maryland Avenue
The Hammond-Harwood House is one of Annapolis’ true treasures. There is much to see and appreciate. Especially right after Thanksgiving when they offer exquisite holiday wreaths for sale. (Their famous boxwoods were first planted in 1825!) Make your front door as impressive as the HHH door. Preview event is scheduled for November 29 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. | hammondharwoodhouse.org | 19 Maryland Avenue
The Naval Academy performs The Messiah. Here in Annapolis these performances by the Academy Glee Club and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra are as much a part of the holidays as buying a tree. Dates not firm at press time, but usually the first week of December. | navyperforms.showare.com | Ticket office: 410.293.8497
Special thanks to Annapolitans Georgie Berkinshaw, Jonathan Kagan and Annapolis Home staff for sharing their recommendations with us.
Annapolis Home Magazine 2019