A Stone’s Throw: Annapolis, Md.

Annapolis has bragging rights for being named the country's first National Historic Landmark District in 1966, as well as for having the largest collection of 18th-century architecture in the United States.

While Annapolis is proud of its charming colonial heritage, it still remains a thriving city, offering visitors the latest in dining, shopping and entertainment.

The possibilities are endless and you won’t see all that Annapolis has to offer in one day, but put on your walking shoes and give it a try. Patch has outlined a few possible starting points for your day.

The United States Naval Academy--The official undergraduate university of the naval service, the Naval Academy gives “midshipmen”, both men and women, the training needed to become navy and marine officers after graduation.

The academy is open to the public and guided walking tours are offered throughout the day. A good place to start your tour is the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center.  The Center is located inside Gate 1 (Prince George & King George Street entrances), next to the city dock in downtown Annapolis

Take a boat ride--Viewing Annapolis and all the surrounding attractions from the water presents an entirely different viewpoint.  Watermark Tours offers a variety of water tours, including: Annapolis and the Naval Academy, Bay lighthouse cruises, and for children there is a “Pirates of the Chesapeake” cruise.

Visit the Watermark Tour’s website to find out details about these and other tours.

Visit a historic site/landmark--Evidence of colonial Annapolis can be found all over the city, a few areas of historical importance are: The Hammond-Harwood House, The William Paca Garden, and  the Charles Carroll House, just to name a few. There are many tours to choose from to see historic Annapolis.

Quiet Waters Park--Just a few miles from downtown Annapolis, this 340-acre park is a paradise for jogging, walking and biking.  Once a working farm, this park now offers six miles of paved trails winding through hardwood forests and grassy fields.

There is also a multi-level children’s playground and a boat launch, where you can rent kayaks and canoes for a ride on Harness Creek. Check the park website for hours and directions.

Although predominantly famous for serving the Maryland crab cake, Annapolis has many other options to satisfy your appetite after a day of sightseeing, here are a few suggestions:

Chick & Ruth's Delly--A local favorite, Chick & Ruth’s serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a even a late-night snack. Many of the house specialties are named after politicians, such as the Bill Clinton, a turkey breast on wheat.

Make sure you try a crab cake, this delly claims to serve Maryland’s largest. This quirky little eatery also sells souvenirs and unites its employees in saying the Pledge of Allegiance every morning.

The Annapolis Market House- The current Market House dates back to 1856, although there has been a market house of some sort on the docks of Annapolis since 1788. 

The Market House is an indoor market which serves carry-out food, local produce and arts.

Reopened on July 11, the Market House houses nine vendors: b.b. Bistro, Chick & Ruth’s Delly, Firenzes Coffee & Gelato, Jerrie’s on the Shore, Maryland Table, Myra’s Popcorn Kitchen, Pit Boys Oyster & Raw Bar, Wimsey Cove, and Wok Your Way.

The Market House is a perfect place to grab a snack to eat by the water’s edge or at shaded tables right outside of the market.

Pusser’s Caribbean Grille- Located dockside in downtown Annapolis, Pusser’s offers an unforgettable waterfront dining experience. This restaurant serves Caribbean cuisine as well as local favorites and a large selection of tropical drinks.

You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in Pusser’s indoor dining area or outside overlooking their dockside bar in “Ego Alley”.