Visit Annapolis: Maryland’s Capitol City

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What do the U.S. Naval Academy, Steamed Crabs, and Sailboats have in common? You can find them all in Annapolis, Maryland. Discover all that my great capitol city offers families for a weekend of Maryland fun.

As a Maryland family, our hearts hold a special place for the Chesapeake Bay. From catching our own crabs or sailing for a day; there is always something to do. Annapolis is one of my family’s favorite cities to spend a day touring.

Full of rich history, state government and the open waters of the Chesapeake you will delight in the city of Annapolis.

Start your trip with a tour the U.S. Naval Academy. Home of the 4,000-strong brigade of midshipmen. The Naval Academy Museum features more than 50,000 artifacts and is home to the famous Gallery of Ships. My 16 year-old daughter loves seeing all of the females that attend the Naval Academy.

Tip: On weekdays during the academic year be sure to catch the midshipmen in noon formation.

Head to Chick & Ruth’s Delly to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. and weekends at 9:30 a.m. Ted invites his patrons to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. This is one of my family’s favorite morning activities. There is something about patriotism that brings everyone together.

Tip: If you order a milkshake be sure to share it. Chick & Ruth’s serves the largest shakes in the world.

Once your family has had its fill of history head outside and enjoy our beautiful Chesapeake Bay.

If relaxing is at the top of your list you can enjoy a two-hour cruise aboard a 74-foot schooner or charter your own boat for the day. If fishing floats your boat charter with a seasoned captain.My family loves to hop on a boat and go crabbing. We never have much luck catching them but it’s a fun day on the water.

Tip: If you want to try your hand at crabbing on the Bay stick with basic tools; chicken necks and twine. Tie the chicken necks with the twine and drop into the water. You may get a little pincher on there.

Enjoy the Wednesday night sailboat races. Once upon a time I sailed and took part in these fun races. More than 130 sailboats glide through shimmering waters with their colorful wind-filled spinnakers backlit against a golden sky. After racing around several marks in the Chesapeake Bay they return to Spa Creek for a finish in front of the Annapolis Yacht Club.

Tip: Races begin the last Wednesday in April and run through September. The first start is 6.05 p.m.

I may be partial as a Maryland native. No trip to Maryland is complete without steamed crabs. The best time to enjoy our local Maryland blue crab is mid- March through October. If you don’t want to travel outside of the City Docks you can walk to Buddy’s Crabhouse. Should you have a car the best place in Annapolis area for steamed crabs is Cantler’s Inn, located on Spa Creek.

In our house if you can’t pick your crabs you don’t eat any. Ask any Marylander they will most likely agree.

Tip: The Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast held at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium the first Friday in August each year is recognized as the largest crab feast in the world.

With such a fun-filled trip you will certainly need a place to rest your head. Annapolis is home to many quaint bed and breakfasts and large chain hotels. Depending on your family needs there is certainly something for you. If you want to stay in the middle of the action in Annapolis, stay at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. This is the only waterfront hotel in Annapolis.

Tip: The Annapolis Waterfront is part of Marriott hotel chains. You may be able to save some money if you are a Marriott Rewards member.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in Annapolis. What are your favorite things to enjoy as a family in Maryland’s Capitol City?