2026 Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Visitor Guide

ANNAPOLIS & ANNE ARUNDEL

Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Board of Directors

Christine Anderson

Donna Anderson

Kelly Callahan

Bill Givens, treasurer

Cynthia Jones, secretary

Mark Kleinschmidt

Jill Porter, chair

Annie Ruch Robeson

Gina Stewart

Hope Stewart Donnie Sutton, vice chair

Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Foundation Board of Trustees

Angela

Miriam Dicks

Donnisha

David Hendrix, vice chair

Staff

Jana

Dan

Foster

Heather

Susan

Brad

Anne

250 YEARS LATER, Still Revolutionary

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County honor the past while embracing the people and possibilities shaping our future.

Travel invites us to see the world differently, connect across cultures and spark new ideas. Here, every visit offers the chance to explore, discover and be inspired.

Our destination stands at the intersection of history and possibility. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence invites reflection of our revolutionary roots and the generations who shaped our community and nation, while celebrating the people, ideas and innovations driving us forward today.

We’ll also share in global moments such as the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games bringing visitors and fans from around the world. From national celebrations to international gatherings, in 2026 we will welcome boldly and show the world what makes this destination extraordinary.

Whether you’re strolling through one of our historic communities, sailing the Chesapeake Bay or exploring our 500 miles of shoreline, you’ll find something new at every turn. Savor the flavors of the Bay, experience our vibrant arts and music scene and discover how creativity and community come together across our county.

At Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, our mission is to inspire travel that transforms lives. Being revolutionary means thinking boldly, welcoming openly and creating experiences that uplift visitors and enrich residents alike.

We invite you to join us this milestone year.

Be curious. Be bold. Be Revolutionary.

Contributing Partners

Graphic

Jennifer

Asa

For additional assistance or information, please contact Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County at 410-280-0445

© 2026 Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Steuart Pittman COUNTY

EXECUTIVE

Anne Arundel County

Kristen Pironis CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Jared Littmann

MAYOR

City of Annapolis

Navigating Your Way • Plan your visit with ease using helpful resources such as maps and recommended modes of transportation.

Discover, Plan, Go • Find helpful information to guide your visit.

Seasons of Fun • Explore an exciting lineup of annual festivals, sporting events and seasonal celebrations.

Celebrations, Chesapeake Style • Dive into can’t-miss events across the region.

Big Welcome to Our Small Town • A guide to LGBTQ+ events, spaces and celebrations.

From Rebellion to Republic • Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by visiting historic sites and museums.

Past Meets Present • Unearth the stories that shaped Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

Pride Guide

35 35 Sights to See

Discover a “museum without walls” on a self-guided Annapolis walking tour and check out it’s counterpart, “25 Sights to See in Anne Arundel County,” on page 44.

46 United States Naval Academy

Seas the Day at USNA • Take a closer look at this iconic institution and its storied history.

52 Arts & Entertainment

Art as Life • Immerse yourself in a vibrant scene of galleries, theaters and public art. 58 Just Beyond Baltimore

The Greater Escape • Extend your adventure with a short trip to Baltimore and nearby attractions. 64 Mid-Visit Check-In

Travel Transforms Lives • A thoughtful reflection on the experiences that define your visit.

68 Chesapeake Bay Adventures

Play on the Bay • Spend your day on the Bay with water activities, fishing and scenic boat tours.

78 Bike Anne Arundel County

Ready to Roll! • A quick guide to the best routes, trails and scenic paths for biking across Anne Arundel County.

United States Naval Academy

&

Chesapeake Bay Adventures

82 Family Adventures

Tested by Kids. Loved by Everyone • Find kid-friendly attractions and activities that everyone in the family will enjoy.

86 Pet Adventures

The Paw-fect Escape • See Spot ‘woof’ for all the pet-friendly activities you can enjoy together.

88 Dining & Libations

Sip, Savor & Explore • Indulge in the region’s best restaurants, dock bars, wineries and breweries and those that dare to be revolutionary.

97 Dining Directory

A comprehensive guide to dining options for every craving and occasion.

Behind the Cover

Jay Fleming is an Annapolis-based photographer who documents the complex interactions between humans and the water. Jay grew up on the Severn River with an affinity for the water. For the past two decades Jay’s work has focused on the Chesapeake Bay and coastal regions up and down the Atlantic coast. Jay has two photography books—Working the Water and Island Life that are sold in shops throughout downtown Annapolis. Jay is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and operates his workboat while leading photography workshops on the Chesapeake Bay. On the Cover: A bird’s eye view of the Annapolis harbor featuring the iconic Maryland State House dome. 68

108 Crab Picking 101

How to Pick Crabs the Maryland Way • Master the art of picking Maryland blue crabs like a local.

110 Shopping

Shop. Stroll. Discover. • Find unique boutiques, vintage treasures and retail destinations.

115 Accommodations

Rest easy with lodging options for every adventure.

128 Relocation

Yes, You Can Live Here! • Explore why Annapolis and Anne Arundel County is a wonderful place to call home.

Dining & Libations

Crab Picking 101

YOUR NAVIGATING Way

ANNAPOLIS AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY offer countless ways to connect with the region, whether that means immersing yourself in history or waterfront beauty or delving into the vibrant arts scene. Situated less than an hour from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, this area is easy to reach by land, air or sea. And once you’re here, getting around is a breeze.

Arriving by Air

The primary gateway is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), located roughly 30 minutes from downtown Annapolis. From BWI, travelers have several ways to continue their journey.

• BWI Express Shuttle: Anne Arundel County’s new BWI Express offers free daily service from the lower level of BWI (outside Doors 1 and 18) with stops at Millersville Park & Ride, Crownsville and the Annapolis Mall. It runs from approximately 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing an easy, no-cost link between the airport and the heart of the county.

• Rental Cars: These are a great choice for those planning to explore the region at their own pace.

• Rideshares and Taxis: Options are available around the clock at BWI for quick, door-to-door service.

• Public Transit: Buses operated by Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) connect BWI to Annapolis, offering an affordable travel option.

Travelers can also consider Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), both within 40 to 60 miles of Annapolis, for additional flight options.

Arriving by Car

For road trippers, Anne Arundel County is within easy reach via major highways. U.S. Route 50 connects Annapolis directly to Washington, D.C., and Maryland’s Eastern Shore while Interstate 97 links the city to Baltimore. The drive takes about 35 minutes from Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., making Annapolis an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. Parking is available throughout the city, from metered spots to convenient garages, and the free downtown Circulator shuttle makes it easy to get around once you’ve parked.

Arriving by Boat

Known as America's Sailing Capital, Annapolis welcomes visitors arriving by water. Dock your vessel at one of the many marinas or tie up at City Dock, in the heart of downtown. Once ashore, you’re steps away from shops, restaurants and the largest collection of 18th-century brick buildings of any town its size in the country.

Annapolis City Marina

TRAVELING TIP:

Whether traveling alone or with a group, the Visitors Center can tailor your experience. Call 410-280-0445 to connect with a team member.

streets, historic architecture and waterfront views inviting leisurely strolls. For traveling farther afield, there are several convenient options:

• Annapolis Transit: Local bus routes connect neighborhoods, shopping centers and major attractions. All buses are wheelchair-accessible and equipped for riders using mobility devices, and select buses have bicycle racks as well.

• ADA Paratransit Service: The city’s paratransit program provides curb-to-curb transportation for riders unable to use fixed routes. Service can be scheduled one day in advance and covers areas within three-quarters of a mile of planned bus routes.

• Anne Arundel County Paratransit: Two programs offer liftequipped vans for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as with taxi voucher programs and door-to-door rides through the county’s Office of Transportation.

• Annapolis Free Shuttle: This hop-in, hop-off bus is a quick way to move between parking areas and popular downtown spots.

• Water Taxi: During warmer months, the Annapolis Water Taxi, operated by Watermark, connects downtown with Eastport and nearby docks along Spa and Back creeks.

• Bike and Scooter Rentals: With scenic trails and bike-friendly streets, this offers two fun and eco-friendly ways to explore.

Whether you arrive by plane, car or pleasure boat, getting to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County is straightforward and stress-free. With its close proximity to major cities and wide range of transportation options, exploring the region is just as easy and enjoyable.

Plot your next step

Annapolis Free Shuttle

Water Taxi, Annapolis

Photo by Jarvin Hernandez

Bacon Ridge Natural Area, Crownsville

Anne Arundel County

Go

WHETHER YOU’RE DRAWN

by the Chesapeake Bay’s beauty, the charm of historic Annapolis or the welcoming communities that make up Anne Arundel County, your visit promises an exploration of maritime adventure, culture and local flavor. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Arriving with Ease

Annapolis is ideally located between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore; it’s just about 30 miles from each, making it easy to reach by car, bus or air. Located in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, known as BWI, is the closest airport, and only about 25 minutes away from downtown Annapolis. For a stress-free connection, take advantage of the new BWI Express Shuttle to the Annapolis Mall, which offers free nonstop service seven days a week, excluding major holidays. If you’re driving, consider parking in one of the city’s convenient garages and using the free downtown shuttle to explore car-free.

Getting Around Town

Annapolis is known for being walkable, but you can also hop aboard a Watermark water taxi to experience the city from the water. For exploring beyond downtown, Anne Arundel County’s extensive bike trail network, which includes the B&A Trail and the scenic South Shore Trail, connects neighborhoods, local parks and waterfront communities. Rideshare services and rental bikes or scooters are widely available, and public buses through Annapolis Transit and Anne Arundel County Transit provide accessible routes around town and to nearby destinations.

Exploring the Bay

Getting out on the water is a must in learning what makes this area so special. Whether you want action-packed adventure on the Chesapeake Bay or a more relaxing, informative sail around Annapolis harbor, there is a boat trip for you. Paddle a kayak from Quiet Waters Park or book a guided eco-tour along the South River for a one-with-water experience. History lovers will enjoy learning about the region’s rich maritime heritage at one of the region’s many museums and cultural centers.

Savoring Local Flavor

No visit is complete without tasting Maryland’s famous blue crabs. Throughout Anne Arundel County, seafood lovers can enjoy the true taste of the Chesapeake Bay by digging into freshly caught crab, rockfish, oysters and shrimp at waterfront restaurants, casual crab houses and local markets. From traditional steamed crabs shared at a communal table to creative takes on regional ingredients, there is no shortage of ways to savor the Bay’s bounty. Be sure to visit the Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market and regional farms for local produce, artisanal goods, freshly caught seafood and so much more.

Accessibility and Visitor Resources

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County welcome travelers of all abilities. Many attractions, restaurants and transportation services offer ADA-compliant access. For maps, itineraries and insider tips, stop by the Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Visitors Center at 26 West Street—it’s open every day of the week except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Your next d estination called—scan to answer.

St. Mary's Church Spa Creek, Annapolis

SEASONS OF Fun

2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Events are subject to change. Check out VisitAnnapolis.org for event updates and additions, or call the Visitors Center at 410-280-0445 to confirm.

WINTER

When winter settles in, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County turn into a stunning winter wonderland! Pull out your cozy boots and get ready for a season filled with outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations and culinary delights. Dive into the lively music scene or treat yourself to an evening at the ballet or opera, the perfect component for a night out on the town with friends.

Black History Month

Anne Arundel County, February

Annapolis Restaurant Week

Downtown Annapolis, Saturday–Sunday

February 21–March 1

SPRING

Military Bowl

Annapolis, December (date to be announced)

See special holiday events on page 15.

As ospreys return to the Chesapeake from their winter homes in the South, St. Patrick’s Day festivities kick off and May Day traditions bloom as we celebrate spring and the vernal equinox. Boats make their way back into the Chesapeake Bay and sailors rejoice for the start of Wednesday Night Sailboat Races. The star of the season makes an out-of-water debut: the Maryland blue crab, a delicious comeback on menus across the area!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration

Downtown Annapolis, Sunday, March 8

13th Annual Annapolis Film Festival

Downtown Annapolis

Thursday–Sunday, March 26–29

Maryland Day Week Celebration

Anne Arundel County, Friday–Sunday, March 19–25

Maryland Chicken Wing Festival

Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville

Saturday, April 18

Earth Day

Anne Arundel County, Wednesday, April 22

Wednesday Night Sailboat Races

Annapolis City Dock/Spa Creek

Wednesdays, April–August

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

Annapolis City Dock, Friday–Sunday, April 24–26

First Sunday Arts Festival

Downtown Annapolis

First Sunday of the Month, May–November

May Day in Annapolis

Downtown Annapolis, Friday, May 1

Annapolis Irish Festival

Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville Saturday–Sunday, May 2–3

St. John’s College Commencement

St. John’s College, Saturday, May 9

U.S. Naval Academy Commissioning Week

U.S. Naval Academy and Navy-Marine Corps

Memorial Stadium, Annapolis

Friday–Friday, May 15–22

Dinner Under the Stars

Downtown Annapolis

Wednesdays and select Saturdays

May–September

Annapolis Memorial Day Parade

Downtown Annapolis, Monday, May 25

Let’s Go Music Festival

Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds

Crownsville, Friday–Sunday, June 5–6

Enjoying the Chesapeake Bay in the summer months is always a memorable experience. Set sail on a yacht or enjoy a relaxing cruise, rent a jet ski or try a stand-up paddleboard or kayak adventure. Relax on the weekends with a leisurely Sunday drive south along the Vintage Loop, an antique and art trail in southern Anne Arundel County, and explore tiny fishing hamlets full of history, heritage and culture. In Annapolis, First Sunday Arts Festivals, Dinner Under the Stars and walking tours through the historic city center are perfect for a romantic getaway or a family trip.

Annapolis Greek Festival

Annapolis, Saturday–Sunday, May 30–31

Anne Arundel County Arts Month

Anne Arundel County, June

Paint Annapolis

Downtown Annapolis, Sunday–Saturday, May 31–June 6

Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series

Annapolis, Thursdays, June 11–August 13

FALL

Annapolis Juneteenth Parade and Celebration

Downtown Annapolis, Saturday, June 20

Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks

Downtown Annapolis, Saturday, July 4

Rotary Club of Annapolis Crab Feast

Annapolis, Friday, August 7

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Crownsville, Weekends and Labor Day, Late August–October

When the chill falls over the area and rust-colored leaves glimmer under the sun, you’ll know autumn has arrived—the perfect time for a getaway. Create cherished family memories at pumpkin patches, jam out at fall festivals, eat your way through a waterfront town with delectable seafood or get lost in corn mazes. Step back in time with a visit to the Maryland Renaissance Festival or immerse yourself in the boating world at the Annapolis Boat Show—and it wouldn’t be a fall visit to Annapolis without donning your blue and gold at a U.S. Naval Academy football game. Go Navy!

Anne Arundel County Fair

Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville

Early to mid-September (dates to be announced)

Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival

Downtown Annapolis, Saturday, October 3

Annapolis Songwriters Festival

Downtown Annapolis

Thursday–Sunday, September 10–13

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival

August (location and date to be announced)

Maryland Seafood Festival

Annapolis City Dock

Saturday–Sunday, September 12–13

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

Sandy Point State Park

Saturday–Sunday, September 19–20

West Annapolis Oktoberfest

West Annapolis, September 27

Great Annapolis Pumpkins

Downtown Annapolis, October

Annapolis Powerboat Show

Annapolis City Dock

Thursday–Sunday, October 8–11

Annapolis Sailboat Show

Annapolis City Dock

Thursday–Sunday, October 15–18

Maryland Avenue Fall Festival

Downtown Annapolis

Sunday, October 18

Bay Bridge Run

Annapolis to Stevensville

Sunday, November 8

Paint Annapolis Annapolis Sailboat Show

2024 Juneteenth Festival Photo by Jarvin Hernandez

HOLIDAYS

The colonial charm of Annapolis accented by seasonal décor draws thousands every year to experience the magic of the holiday season! Dazzling holiday boat parades that light up the waterfront, sparkling selfie stops in magically lit alleyways and streets adorned with canopies of lights make for picture perfect moments to share with family and friends. For unique finds and seasonal delights, Anne Arundel County boasts spectacular holiday shopping and festivities across the region.

Lights on The Bay

Sandy Point State Park

Late November–Early January 2027

Grand Illumination

Market Space, Downtown Annapolis

Sunday, November 29

Chocolate Binge Festival

Downtown Annapolis

Sunday, December 6

Annapolis Gingerbread Houses

Downtown Annapolis, December

State House by Candlelight

Maryland State House, Downtown Annapolis

December (date to be announced)

Holiday Markets and Pop-Up Shops

Annapolis, throughout the month of December

Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping

Downtown Annapolis

Thursday, December 3, 10, 17

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

Annapolis City Dock/Spa Creek

Saturday, December 12

Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum Kwanzaa Event

Downtown Annapolis

Saturday, December 12

Annapolis New Year’s Eve Celebration

Downtown Annapolis

Thursday, December 31

In 1776, folks received the most up-to-date information from the town drummer or town crier. Annapolis's town drummer, William Butterfield, was stationed at the top of Main Street and Church Circle outside the Maryland Inn tavern, which still operates as a hotel today. To get people’s attention, he would beat his drum and then announce the news of the day.

Today, the most current information about all the special events, programs, tours and exhibits commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as other events throughout the year, can be found on our online Calendar of Events. Be sure to check regularly as new events and programs are added.

MISS A MOMENT …Unlock the full events calendar here. 2026 is the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence.

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

The Maryland Inn City Dock, Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival

Celebrations,

CHESAPEAKE STYLE

FROM SUN-SPLASHED FESTIVALS

by the Bay to holiday nights lit with history and charm, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County know how to celebrate. These signature events are the moments that bring neighbors together, visitors back again and the Chesapeake spirit to life.

Large Events 2026

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

Set at Sandy Point State Park, the Baygrass Music Festival merges music, community and Chesapeake Bay awareness. Progressive bluegrass, jamgrass and Americana bands perform on alternating stages for a weekend full of infectious energy. Families, music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts mingle on the sand and grass, enjoying waterfront views while sampling local oysters, craft beers and artisanal food, and participating in fun educational activities promoting Bay preservation and mental health awareness. Each note and jam session celebrates both musical artistry and environmental stewardship, creating a festival experience rooted in the heart of Annapolis.

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

Each April, Annapolis transforms into a global sailing hub for the Spring Sailboat Show. Visitors wander the waterfront, admiring sleek racing boats, luxurious yachts and innovative catamarans from around the world. Exhibitors display cutting-edge equipment, nautical gadgets and maritime fashion. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first-time boating enthusiast, the event offers hands-on learning, scenic harbor walks and dockside demos. Waterfront cafés and bars keep guests fueled for a day of fun while the Chesapeake breeze sets the perfect backdrop. This annual spectacle is one of the reasons Annapolis is called America’s Sailing Capital.

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

Annapolis Songwriters Festival

The Annapolis Songwriters Festival spotlights top national and regional songwriters in an intimate, coastal setting. City Dock, Susan Campbell Park and local venues become stages for live performances and artist interactions. Wander the ‘Songwriters Trail’ to catch free performances, or attend ticketed shows at Rams Head on Stage and Maryland Hall, from a who’s who of the best songwriters in country, pop, Americana and folk. Downtown streets, bars and parks come alive with the sounds of singers, guitars and enthusiastic audiences, creating a weekend of melody, storytelling and inspiration.

Military Bowl

Downtown Annapolis pulses with excitement each December for the Military Bowl. Fans decked out in team colors take over the cobblestone streets, and the Budweiser Clydesdales lead off the Military Bowl Parade. Before kickoff, the Official Military Bowl Zero Waste Tailgate Festival tempts you with local food trucks, craft beers and family-friendly activities. Inside Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the roar of the crowd, crisp winter air and camaraderie of thousands of fans make this an unforgettable college football experience, whoever you’re rooting for.

Annapolis Songwriters Festival

Military Bowl

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

Unique Annapolis Events

Chocolate Binge Festival

Chocolate lovers rejoice at the Chocolate Binge Festival, where Annapolis indulges in sweet decadence. Local chocolatiers, bakers and artisans offer everything from truffles and fudge to creative desserts at this open-air street party, complemented by live music and vendors selling holiday wares. Families and friends explore tasting stations, enjoy workshops and savor the festive, indulgent atmosphere that only Annapolis can provide.

Santa Speedo Run

The Santa Speedo Run brings laughter and holiday cheer to downtown Annapolis every December. Participants dash through the streets in festive costumes, raising funds for local charities. The colorful spectacle draws crowds of spectators, creating a lighthearted, energetic celebration.

Great Annapolis Pumpkins

Autumn comes alive each October with the Great Annapolis Pumpkins, a family-friendly celebration of fall. Wander downtown and take a selfie with one of the 1,000-pound pumpkins, each carved by a local artist, and soak up seasonal decor and creative contests for visitors of all ages.

Midnight Madness

Downtown Annapolis glows during Midnight Madness, a late-night shopping and entertainment event held the first three Thursdays in December. Streets bustle with visitors enjoying holiday lights, music and pop-up performances on street corners and courtyards. Retailers offer extended hours and special deals, while restaurants and bars serve festive bites and cocktails. It’s a festive celebration blending community spirit with seasonal cheer.

Santa Speedo Run

Great Annapolis Pumpkins

Midnight Madness

May Day

Annapolis celebrates the arrival of spring with May Day, a downtown tradition since 1956. Homes and businesses throughout town display elaborate floral arrangements that embrace the season’s renewal, and visitors walk the streets, admiring their favorites. The event highlights Annapolis’ charm and creativity, making it a favorite local celebration.

Annapolis Gingerbread Houses

Each year, Annapolis showcases edible artistry with its Gingerbread House event. Local bakers, families and restaurants craft intricate structures using icing, candy and imagination, which are then showcased at the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Visitors Center. After a week on display, the public gets to vote on their favorite designs.

Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning

Each spring, the Annapolis Maritime Museum hosts the Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning, a beloved local tradition that celebrates the start of boating season by burning socks along the waterfront. Visitors can enjoy fresh oysters, live music and festive maritime flair in a lively event that perfectly captures Annapolis' coastal culture and sense of fun.

Maryland Day

Maryland Day celebrates the state’s history and heritage in Annapolis and across Anne Arundel County—and in 2026, the day turns into a week of events in honor of the country’s 250th birthday. Visitors enjoy guided tours, special exhibits and family-friendly activities. Museums, historic sites and cultural institutions open their doors to bring history alive via interactive learning experiences. The event combines education, entertainment and community, offering a vibrant way to explore the county’s rich legacy.

SCAN TO DISCOVER events worth planning for

Chocolate Binge Festival

May Day in Annapolis

Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning

Photo by Jarvin Hernandez

Maryland Day

Annapolis Gingerbread Houses

PRIDE GUIDE

Annapolis Pride 2024

Photo by Jon Fleming

“I just am in love with this town and everything that it has to offer, between its history and culture and being surrounded by the Bay.”

— MARIAH DAVIS, local business owner and founding board member of Annapolis Pride

BIG WELCOME TO OUR SMALL TOWN!

We live our state’s tagline “You’re Welcome” with pride. Whether you’re a lifelong local, new neighbor or curious traveler, we want you to feel safe, celebrated and appreciated as you explore our vibrant, eclectic community.

Annapolis earned a 95/100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2024 Municipal Equality Index—and in 2025 we scored a perfect 100/100. Our buildings may be 18th century, but our attitudes are modern and our commitment to equality is revolutionary.

To help you feel at home, members of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community have shared their favorite places to dine, play, explore and celebrate. Think of this as your insider’s pass to the culture, dining scene and unique experiences that the Chesapeake Bay region has to offer.

Small-Town Warmth

Annapolis can’t claim to be a big city, nor does it try to. But what we lack in size, we more than make up with our big, bold, beautiful personality. We asked our guest contributors what they liked best about Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, and here’s what they said:

Annapolis is a smaller town. We don’t necessarily have a 'gayborhood' or a street where all of the gays hang, and I like that. It’s just a place where everybody is kind of immersed with everyone, and there’s this feeling of acceptance. I’ve felt a stronger sense of community here than I did when I lived in the Castro in San Francisco.”

— CHARLIE

GARRETT, owner, Dapper Dog Tattoo

I love that it has sort of a small-town feel but it also has plenty to do, and it’s really walkable. Once you come downtown, you can just park, leave your car and walk to everywhere. And I love that it’s on the water.”

— SHANNON B., lifelong resident

The Annapolis area has this feeling of, there’s a city but there’s also not. It’s laid back. It’s accepting. It’s warm, for the most part. You know people want to talk to you if you want to, and there’s just a lot of charm to that. I know Baltimore is called Charm City, but I think Annapolis is very charming itself.”

— GENE SUMMERS, realtor

DIVERSE DINING

WE’RE PROUD OF OUR RESTAURANTS, not just because they’re fantastic (trust us, they are) but because they’re open, inclusive and friendly. But they’re also good—like, really good. We’ll let our contributors tell you where they like to go and grab a bite.

tsu, 51 West St., Annapolis

The early leader when it comes to open, inclusive establishments, tsu opened in 1999 and quickly became a hotspot. With its alternative vibe and funky menu, it was an instant home for the young and the hip. It also became a bastion for the LGBTQ community, hosting “family night” and dance parties when few other venues did so. Lifetime Annapolitan Shannon says, “it’s been a longtime supporter of the community. We started going there 20-some years ago. Wednesday nights were the 'family night' and we would go with a big group of women, and it was a place we felt safe going to.” Chris Haley, actor/ writer/historian, adds, “that was a place I would go to when I first moved here, that had a very good vibe and reminded me of New York. It made me think, ‘OK, this gives me that type of feeling of being in a culturally open and inclusive and inviting establishment.’” The restaurant was also an early and important supporter of the Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival. Swanky cocktails and inventive food in a welcoming environment? Yes, please.

Forward Brewing, 418 Fourth St., Annapolis

Our contributors sang the praises of Eastport’s Forward Brewing, giving them a big thumbs-up for their support of the LGBTQ+ community—especially with their annual Pride Brew, a colorful concoction unveiled every June. “They’ve done that since year one. They were in on that, and they’ve been amazing,” says Eric Lund. Annapolis local Murphy B. adds, “I always feel relaxed there, and they do a lot of cool events with the community.”

Bread and Butter Kitchen, 303 Second St., Suite A, Annapolis

Bread and Butter Kitchen burst onto the scene in 2016 and immediately became a local favorite, and not just because of their delicious, locally sourced food. “I love Bread and Butter Kitchen,” says Joe Toolan, community advocate.

“[Owner] Monica is just one of the most amazing people, and she has done so much for the community. When the pandemic started, she was the person that started Feed Anne Arundel, which got a lot of people food that needed it. She has always supported people of color, queer people—all of those communities.”

Leo Annapolis, 212 West St., Annapolis

Being local is what Leo does best, and that means sourcing its ingredients from local purveyors, its fish from local waters and its decor from local artists. “Leo is wonderful,” says Mariah. “They promote a lot of local food, and every year they host Pride events for us, whether it’s just a fun event or it’s something around like legislative issues—they’re really great.” Co-owner Hilarey Leonard is also a board member on Annapolis Pride. With its thoughtfully curated menu, friendly staff and intimate vibes, this is the perfect place to grab a bite you can feel good about.

Oscar’s Coffee, 105 Eastern Ave., Annapolis

Oscar’s Coffee is an Eastport neighborhood favorite. “It’s a top, top place to get coffee that’s LGBT-friendly," says Mariah. “It’s owned by an LGBTQ couple, it’s dog-friendly, it’s on the water and it’s local—definitely a best-kept secret.” It’s set within a marina, so you can grab your drink and head down to the water to watch the boats go by.

Toast the 21st, 1355 Generals Hwy., Crownsville

A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it small speakeasy, Toast to the 21st is off the beaten path but less than 20 minutes from downtown. “It’s run by really great folks, and they have some amazing cocktails,” says Murphy. The name is a nod to the 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition. The cocktail, wine and beer menus are all extensive, and include local brews. Bonus: The food is provided by their friends at Bread and Butter Kitchen.

Photo by Josh Durant

Photo by Jarvin Hernandez

MORE TO EXPLORE

ANNAPOLIS IS MORE THAN JUST incredible history, charm and amazing food. Our contributors have spilled the beans on some of their favorite things to do for fun, be it on their own or when they have friends in town.

I started exploring all the parks, and I was so impressed with all the things I saw. I’d be like, ‘Oh, there’s this little park up in, you know, Pasadena or something” and go visit. Next thing I know I’d be staring out over the Chesapeake Bay and the Bay Bridge. There are little gems like that throughout the county.”

— ERIC

I really like how much there is to do in Anne Arundel County. There’s a wide array of different forms of art. As someone who is like a big appreciator of art, I like how many theaters there are. I like that there’s children’s theatre, community theater and professional theater, all right there.”

— ATTICUS

COOPER BOIDY, local theater artist

Go down to Jug Bay [Wetlands Sanctuary]. I mean, Jug Bay—who would have thought, Jug Bay? But oh my gosh, I love it down there.”

— MICKEY LUND

I have a friend coming to visit next month. We plan to go to some local spots for food and drinks. She wants to ride on the water taxi, and I want to show her the [Annapolis] Maritime Museum as well as some exhibits at Maryland Hall. I’d love to take her to an Annapolis Blues soccer game as well.”

— MURPHY

Photo by Annapolis Pride

Annapolis native, Christian Siriano (middle) receives the key to the city from former Annapolis Pride Board Chair, Joe Toolan (left) and former Annapolis Mayor, Gavin Buckley (right) at the 2024 Pride Parade.

Photo by Mary Ella Jourdak

THE BEST PLACE—

WE LOVE IT HERE, AND WE WANT YOU TO TOO.

We’re proud to have been able to share some of the community’s favorite spots with you and we hope that we’ve inspired you to explore Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. We are a community that is growing, changing and aiming to be better and more inclusive every day, although the work is never done. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County would like to thank Charlie, Gene, Mariah, Chris, Shannon, Eric, Mickey, Atticus, Joe and Murphy for their help, time and support with this article and guide.

I want to keep this kind of a broad spectrum of how inclusive Annapolis has been, or that I have found in general. Especially here on my local street, Maryland Avenue. Everyone here has 100% supported us and showered us with love, and the guys next door hung the same flag out of solidarity to stand with us. Just knowing that there’s an entire community here that shares the same philosophy of ‘everyone is welcome here’—you know, that’s really cool. If people are coming to Annapolis to visit, they should feel really good just being able to walk around and visit a shop and know that, most likely those owners are cool people, and most likely they’re going to be accepted for who they are.”

— CHARLIE

Your Adventure Awaits!

VisitAnnapolis.org/pride-guide

I think people don’t immediately think of Annapolis as LGBTQ-friendly, but it absolutely is. You can walk down the street and see rainbow stickers in the windows of the restaurants. You can see Annapolis Pride stickers on bumpers of cars. It’s very friendly to look around.”

— SHANNON

I just love the community here in general.”

— MICKEY

The Maryland Inn

Photo by Jarvin Hernandez

Photo by Josh Durant

Corvettes

classics

REPUBLIC FROM to 25 REBELLION

Revolutionary Places Tied to America’s 250 th

AS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL 13 COLONIES, Maryland played a pivotal role in the creation of the United States. A capital city positioned at the crossroads of major land and water routes, Annapolis became a hub where people, ideas and actions converged. Area residents engaged in the first rumbles of rebellion against the British crown, participated in the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and supported and served in the Continental Army.

After independence was won, the new nation transitioned from a rebellion to a republic right here in Annapolis. As the new nation’s first peacetime capital, the Continental Congress met in 1783–1784. George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief here, securing democracy over a new monarchy, and the Treaty of Paris was

ratified here. Annapolis witnessed the birth of civilian authority and democratic governance.

The American Revolution did not extend freedom or civil rights to all; that came later in our nation’s struggle. Yet our victory asserted that independence and the pursuit of life, liberty and

happiness are ideals worth striving for—principles that have inspired generations for 250 years. In honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary, explore the region and discover the revolutionary stories of the bold people, remarkable places and powerful narratives that define this extraordinary chapter of America’s story.

Historic Annapolis

Downtown Annapolis

With its intact 1695 street plan and more original 18th-century brick buildings than any other U.S. city, Annapolis is the ideal America where you can walk the streets and see what those in 1776 saw.

Reynolds Tavern, Maryland Inn and Middleton’s Tavern

Downtown Annapolis

Other colonial cities might have one surviving tavern that pre-dates 1776, but Annapolis has three! Eat, drink and overnight at Reynolds Tavern and Maryland Inn, and dine at Middleton’s Tavern—they are all open and serving guests, just as they did during the American Revolution.

Annearrundel County Free School Museum

1298 Lavall Dr., Davidsonville

The circa 1724 Annearrundell County Free School is the state’s

only remaining schoolhouse erected in response to the Free School Act of 1723. This act for the “encouragement of learning” provided for one school to be built in each of Maryland’s 12 counties. Records show that John Wilmot served as schoolmaster from 1746 to 1763, teaching reading, writing, grammar, mathematics, merchant accounts, geometry, navigation and astronomy—all useful skills for the generation that would be the brainpower of the American Revolution.

Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial

City Dock, Annapolis

This multi-section memorial marks the 1767 arrival of Kunta Kinte on the slave ship Lord Ligonier from the Gambia River. Immortalized by his descendant Alex Haley in Roots: The Saga of an American Family, Kunta Kinte’s story represents the countless enslaved Africans who passed through this port, all desperately desiring liberty and freedom. Today, Annapolis City Dock is designated as a Site of Memory on the UNESCO Slave Route Project.

Museum of Historic Annapolis

99 Main St., Annapolis

Start here for a comprehensive overview of local events leading up to, during and after the American Revolution. Included among the artifacts on display is the

“death’s head” stamp that printer Jonas Green used on his newspaper, in open violation and rebellion of the 1765 Stamp Act.

Jonas and Anne Catharine Green House (private) 124 Charles St. Annapolis

The home and print shop for the Green family from about 1738 until 1786, this was the epicenter for news distilled into the weekly Maryland Gazette newspaper. The Greens expressed their opposition to the 1765 Stamp Act in the newspaper’s title: Maryland Gazette, Expiring. Instead of paying the required taxes, they suspended publication of the newspaper except for a special December 1765 issue entitled Apparition of the late Maryland Gazette, which is not dead, but only sleepeth

Anne Catharine Hoof Green

Church Circle, Downtown Annapolis

Site of the Annapolis Liberty Tree

St. John’s College, College Ave., and King George St., Annapolis

The Sons of Liberty gathered at the Annapolis Liberty Tree to protest the 1765 Stamp Act. Liberty Trees served as sites for public meetings and protests throughout the American colonies. The Annapolis Liberty Tree survived until 1999, when it was toppled by a hurricane. A replacement tulip poplar tree was planted in 2007 to commemorate the historic spot. The college was founded in 1696 as King William’s School and chartered in 1784 as St. John’s College. It is the third oldest college in the United States, preceded only by Harvard and the College of William & Mary.

Historic London Town and Gardens

839 Londontown Rd., Edgewater London Town was founded in 1683 and became an important riverside port and transportation hub. In February 1776, officials under the protection of armed guards moved Maryland’s official state papers from Annapolis to nearby Upper Marlboro for safekeeping, as precaution in case the capital was ever captured by the British. During this evacuation, the papers were ferried over the South River and briefly housed in William Brown’s brick tavern, which survives today.

St. James Episcopal Parish

5757 Solomons Island Rd., Lothian

One of the original “10-Mile Churches” created by the 1692 Act of Establishment, the present St. James Church dates to 1765. Reverend Walter Magowan, installed in 1769, was a friend of George Washington and served throughout the American Revolution until 1784. The church has a self-guided walking tour.

U.S.

Naval Academy Museum

118 Maryland Ave., Annapolis

The American Navy was founded on October 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress voted to outfit two sailing vessels to intercept British ships bringing supplies to the British army. The museum is located at the U.S. Naval Academy and narrates the comprehensive story of the development of the American Navy and the Navy’s service academy. It is home to the crypt of John Paul Jones, known as the Father of the American Navy.

Fort at Horn Point

Horn Point Park, Chesapeake Ave. Eastport

Fearing British attacks, local militia forces constructed three forts to protect Annapolis during the Revolutionary War. The fort at Horn Point was built in 1776, with trenches, earthen ramparts

and 15 cannons. The only thing remaining today is a pocket park, located near the original site.

Homes of the Maryland Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Annapolis

Homes of all four Maryland Declaration of Independence signers survive in downtown Annapolis. William Paca House and Garden at 186 Prince George Street is regularly open to the public.

Charles Carroll House and Garden at 107 Duke of Gloucester Street is open to the public most weekends in season; see charlescarrollhouse.org for hours of operation. Samuel Chase built the Chase-Lloyd House at 22 Maryland Avenue; the gardens are open for tours on select days. Thomas Stone owned the Peggy Stewart House at 207 Hanover Street; it’s now a private residence.

Roots and Tides Scenic Byway

Southern Anne Arundel County Drive this scenic byway to tour the pastoral landscapes and Chesapeake waterways of southern Anne Arundel County. Stately colonial houses such as Woodlawn House, at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, mark the focal points of early farms, and waterside towns like Galesville reflect the region’s water-based economy.

William Paca

Stephen Steward Shipyard at Galesville Heritage Museum

988 Main St., Galesville

The only Revolutionary War engagement in Anne Arundel County occurred on March 31, 1781, when British forces attacked and burned the shipyard belonging to Stephen Steward, near the head of the West River. The shipyard was a center for building ships, repairing captured vessels and storing food, armaments and maritime building supplies. The British laid waste to the yard, destroying a nearly-completed ship for the Maryland state navy, a dwelling and some storehouses. Visit the Galesville Heritage Museum to see artifacts from the shipyard.

Historic Linthicum Walks

2295 Davidsonville Rd., Gambrills

Edward Edwards was 38 years old in 1776, when he enlisted with the Maryland Regiment. He left behind his wife, Anne Linthicum Edwards, and their five children. Their household also included two Black men, four Black women and seven Black children. The farmstead was typical of a medium-sized farm in the region, with tobacco as the primary crop. Edwards survived the war and returned home in 1780; he did not free his enslaved people. The remaining state is now a museum and park.

Maryland State House

100 State Circle, Annapolis

Built in 1779, the Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States. It was here that George Washington handed in his resignation as commander-in-chief of the newly established United States of America, and the Treaty of Paris was ratified here, officially ending the American Revolution. George Washington’s handwritten resignation speech is on display, along with other Revolutionary War-era exhibits.

Burning of the Peggy Stewart

USNA Luce Hall

112 Cooper Rd.

A plaque on the building marks the spot where the Peggy Stewart was burned. According to a surviving news broadsheet, Anthony Stewart and James and Joseph Williams, “owners of the tea, went on board said vessel with her sails and colours flying, and voluntarily set fire to the tea, and in a few hours, the whole together with the vessel, was consumed.”

U.S. Naval Academy Museum

118 Maryland Ave., and Historic Annapolis Museum

99 Main St.

Pieces of the Peggy Stewart are on display at both museums.

Hammond Harwood House

19 Maryland Ave.

The “Peggy Stewart Bowl” was delivered to loyalist Lloyd Dulany before the ship

The ship Peggy Stewart was completely burned on October 19, 1774, in the Annapolis Harbor. This dramatic event followed nearly a decade of growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain over taxes, heightened by the Tea Act of 1773. The Peggy Stewart arrived with a contraband shipment of tea. The Annapolis citizenry forced the ship owner to burn his own ship rather than bring the tea on land. Dubbed the Annapolis Tea Party, the burning of the Peggy Stewart ensued less than a year after the Boston Tea Party and just six months before the first shot of the American Revolution occurred at the Battles at Lexington and Concord.

was burned. This bowl was used at the dinner party for George Washington’s resignation dinner at Mann’s Tavern.

Maryland State House

100 State Circle

The gallery features “The Burning of the Peggy Stewart” as well as portraits of two previous owners of the Peggy Stewart House: Daniel of St. Thomas Jennifer, signer of the U.S. Constitution, and his nephew Thomas Stone, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The Retallick-Brewer House

183 Green St. (private residence)

Simon Retallick was one of 53 indentured servants brought to Annapolis aboard the Peggy Stewart. He became a blacksmith with a shop at the corner of Main Street and Green Street, and completed iron work for the Maryland State House, including the lightning rod designed by Benjamin Franklin.

The Burning of the Peggy Stewart

George Washington

National Cryptological Museum

8290 Colony Seven Rd.

Annapolis Junction

It is reported that British General Cornwallis stated, “George Washington did not outfight the British. He out-spied us.” Learn about the importance of spies on both sides of the American Revolution, and the role of espionage in national security from colonial times to the present.

Lafayette’s Encampment

Spa Creek Bridge, Eastport

Under Marquis de Lafayette’s command, troops encamped in Eastport in 1781 while on their way to Yorktown. A large silver road sign marks the location, on the Eastport side of the bridge near the Annapolis Yacht Club Sailing Center.

Rising Sun Inn

1090 Generals Hwy., Crownsville

During the American Revolution, property owner Henry Baldwin fought for the Continental Army as part of the 3rd Maryland Regiment, while his brother James stayed home to farm the land. In 1781, French general Rochambeau and troops traveled past this house enroute to Annapolis, where his men set sail to journey south and assist in defeating the British at Yorktown. Today, this road is part of the WashingtonRochambeau Revolutionary Route, a National Historic Trail.

Three Mile Oak

2120 West St., Parole

A prominent oak tree once stood here, three miles from the Maryland State House. When George Washington arrived to resign his commission at the end of the Revolutionary War, he was met at the tree by a delegation that escorted him into Annapolis. The tree was toppled by a storm in 1909, but its location is marked by a commemorative plaque.

Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum

84 Franklin St., Annapolis

Maryland’s official Museum of African American History and Heritage, this former church houses exhibitions highlighting the history, heritage and contributions of Black Marylanders and the history of the people of the African Diaspora. One of the museum namesakes, Benjamin Banneker, was a surveyor who established the borders for the District of Columbia, which was named the new capital of the United States of America in 1790.

All Hallows Episcopal Church

3600 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater

Also known as the Brick Church, All Hallows was built in 1710, after having been formally established in 1692. One famous parson, Mason Locke Weems, is noted for his biography of George Washington, where a certain story involving a cherry tree first appears in the fifth edition. The cemetery includes many 18th-century figures, among them Anthony Stewart, the man at the center of the burning of the Peggy Stewart.

Hancock’s Resolution

2795 Bayside Beach Rd., Pasadena

Stephen Hancock, Jr., served in the 6th Company, 3rd Regiment of the Continental Army from 1780 to 1783. He was 33 years old when he joined. Discharged after the British surrendered at Yorktown, he returned home to northern Anne Arundel County and built his home, Hancock’s Resolution, finishing it in 1785. He and his family were middling tobacco farmers, typical of the majority of farmers in the area at the time.

Monument to French Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution

St. John’s College, King George St. and College Creek

The French troops of General Rochambeau camped in Annapolis from September 18 to 21, 1781, on their way to Yorktown. The General Society Sons of the Revolution erected the French monument in 1911, near where the French camped and where unknown French soldiers and sailors are believed to be buried.

Past

EVERY PATH, ROAD AND WATERWAY around the Chesapeake Bay tells a story. As you explore these timeless routes, you follow in the footsteps and wake of those who have journeyed here for thousands of years. Along the way, you’ll find remarkable places that share the stories of the many people who have traveled here before you.

HISTORIC TIMELINE

130–95 million years ago: Astrodon johnstoni, the state dinosaur of Maryland, lived

11,000–9,500 years ago: Paleoindians arrive in Maryland.

18,000 years ago: Glacier melt began, eventually forming the Chesapeake Bay.

1649: “An Act Concerning Religion” is passed by the General Assembly; Puritans from Virginia found Providence near Whitehall Bay, across from presentday Annapolis.

1634: The first European settlers arrive in Maryland from the Isle of Wight aboard the ships Ark and Dove.

1694: Annapolis is named county seat and the capital of Maryland.

1708: Queen Anne charters Annapolis as her namesake city.

1696: St. John’s College founded as The King William’s School.

1683: London Town founded as the seat of Ann Arrundell County.

1744: Ice cream makes its American debut in Annapolis at the home of Governor Thomas Bladen. MCHC 3655

Creator: Dmitry Bogdanov

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse

Indigenous peoples lived along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as far back as 10,000 years ago. The Patuxent River was home to large villages where abundant consumption of oysters, fish, freshwater shellfish and crabs occurred. Edible water plants, such as tuckahoe and wild rice, still grow in the shallow waters today. You can experience the area by walking the 19 miles of trails or paddling the 2,000 acres of tidal freshwater marsh at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary.

London Town is one of the area’s earliest European settlements, founded in 1683. It became an important trading spot for tobacco and other goods. The town

flourished for about a hundred years before succumbing to changes in travel routes, fluctuations in the tobacco market and the chaos of the American Revolution— all but disappearing.

Today, Historic London Town and Gardens is a 23-acre museum and botanic park. The archaeologically reconstructed colonial town comes alive with reenactors throughout the year. Along with Annapolis City Dock, it is a Site of Memory in connection with the UNESCO Slave Route Project, which marks places captured Africans first stepped onto land after surviving the Atlantic Ocean Middle Passage.

November 26, 1783: The Continental Congress designates Annapolis as the capital of the United States.

December 23, 1783: George Washington resigns his commission as commander in chief of the Continental Army at the Maryland State House.

September 3, 1783: The Treaty of Paris was signed in Annapolis, ending the Revolutionary War.

1828: Charles Carroll, last living signer of the Declaration of Independence, places the cornerstone of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the country’s first common carrier railroad. He was 90 years old.

1786: The Annapolis Convention meets with the goal of creating rules to regulate trade between the states.

1864: The Maryland constitution abolishes slavery.

1845: The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is founded.

1875: The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is completed.

1874: Frederick Douglass visits Annapolis.

The Annapolis and Baltimore Short Line Railroad switches from steam engines to an electric system.

1908:

Historic London Town and Gardens

Charles Willson Peale, MD State Archives

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s Woodlawn History Center is located in a house that dates to 1735, and is the oldest building in the Smithsonian collection in its original location. Exhibits full of archaeological artifacts and surrounding miles of nature trails tell the stories of the land from Native American settlement through today.

Looking to go deeper into maritime history? Galesville is the waterfront destination for you. Interpretive panels throughout the town introduce visitors to its history, residents and prominent industries, including boatbuilding and oystering. Be sure to stop by Galesville Community Center, a former Rosenwald school

1943: Reported first sighting of Chessie, the Chesapeake Bay sea monster.

1926: African American beachfront resort Carr’s Beach is founded. It becomes a stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit and one of the Annapolis stops in

built by the African American community during segregation, and the Hot Sox baseball field, a Negro League field still in active use today.

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is a bright Chesapeake Bay icon. The last of the Bay’s 83 screwpile lighthouses in its original location, it is still an active aid to navigation. Built in 1875, the lighthouse is a designated National Historic Landmark—one of only 12 lighthouses to have this distinct honor. You can tour the inside of the lighthouse cottage during the summer months, while tour boats and charter boats provide water-based spectating yearround. Thomas Point Park is the best place to see it from land.

1950: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (initially called Friendship International Airport) opens.

1960: The Annapolis Five stage a sit-in at the segregated Terminal Restaurant at the Greyhound bus station, now The Graduate Hotel.

1967: Thurgood Marshall becomes the first African American to serve as associate justice of the Supreme Court.

1949: Wesley A. Brown is the first African American graduate of USNA.

1952: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge opens, connecting the Eastern and Western shores.

1965: The Colonial Annapolis Historic District is established as a National Historic Landmark, ensuring its preservation and protection.

1917: Fort George G. Meade is founded.

The Green Book

1970: The United States Sailboat Show debuts as the world’s first in-water boat show.

Galesville

In northern Anne Arundel County, Hancock’s Resolution is an interactive historic farmstead. Hands-on activities provide insight into the Indigenous people who lived in this area, along with local farming practices and transportation methods for crops to Baltimore City from this previously agriculture-rich region.

The National Cryptologic Museum, located adjacent to National Security Administration headquarters, houses thousands of artifacts illustrating cryptology in the United States. Visitors can learn about the people who devoted their lives to national defense, the machines and devices developed, and the techniques used.

1976: Women gain admittance to the U.S. Naval Academy, and 81 female midshipmen are inducted into the Class of 1980.

1976: Roots: The Saga of an American Family is published. The novel’s protagonist, Kunte Kinte, is brought to Annapolis and sold into enslavement.

To guide you to Civil Rights Movement sites and to hear first-hand accounts of those involved in the struggle for justice, pick up a printed guide at our Visitors Center or access the guide online at civilrightsguide.com.

This region’s history continues to unfold as new stories are discovered and shared. Changing exhibitions invite you to explore the latest findings and perspectives. As you visit, we invite you to help preserve these treasured places while developing your own story to add to the rich mosaic of those who have traveled here before you.

1981: First production of A Christmas Carol performed at the Colonial Players of Annapolis, founded in 1949.

1979: Maryland Hall for the

2022: Wes Moore is elected as Maryland’s first Black governor.

2020: Bronze statues of Frederick

1978: Boatbuilder Bob Turner and friends burn their socks to celebrate the end of winter.

Creative Arts is established.

2005: Schooner Woodwind II is featured in the film Wedding Crashers

2012: Maryland Live! Casino opens to the public.

Douglass and Harriet Tubman are unveiled at State House.

2024: Vice Admiral Yvette M. Davids serves as the first female Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Maryland State Government

Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial, City Dock, Annapolis

Drive the Scenic Byway

Follow the Roots and Tides Scenic Byway to explore the region’s traditions and deep maritime roots. The byway runs parallel to the Chesapeake Bay and guides you through rolling landscapes and waterside towns such as Shadyside, Deale and Rose Haven. Along the way, you will find local seafood at crab shacks perched over the water, antiques stores with treasures to take home and museums sharing Chesapeake stories.

GO TO visitannapolis.org/past-meets-present/ to explore more!

Rose Haven Park

DESTINATION

Art. History. Great Books.

Explore

60+ Heritage

Attractions Across Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

St. John’s College, nestled in the heart of Annapolis, offers intellectual and cultural offerings to visitors of the historic campus. Stroll around the third-oldest college in America, grab a coffee in the iconic bookstore and cozy café, or enjoy free admission to lectures, concerts, theatrical productions, and the Mitchell Art Museum. The college’s renowned discussion-based curriculum, centered around the Great Books, is available to high schoolers, undergraduate and graduate students, and lifelong learners.

sjc.edu | 60 College Avenue

We invite you to experience historic landmarks, museums, trails, and parks across Annapolis and Anne Arundel County where you will discover our region’s rich heritage, culture, and community.

Sponsor of:

in ANNAPOLIS See SIGHTS TO

Millions of people cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge each year, but only a small portion realize the charming city waiting on the western shore—an unlocked gem rich in historic homes, captivating sites and maritime heritage. Nestled along the stunning Severn River, Annapolis invites you to wander its picturesque streets and discover a treasure trove of history, colorful architecture and breathtaking vistas.

Prepare to explore Annapolis and uncover its unique stories at every turn.

Sanctuary on the Chesapeake

Annapolis’ rich history began in 1649, when Virginia Puritans seeking religious freedom settled in a place they named Providence. This small settlement quickly expanded, leading to the establishment of Anne Arundel County in 1650. In 1694,

Maryland’s colonial capital moved from St. Mary’s City to “Anne Arundell Towne,” named in honor of Lord Baltimore’s wife. Governor Francis Nicholson later renamed it Annapolis in honor of Princess Anne, who would go on to become Queen of England in 1708. The city was designed to reflect European capitals of the time, featuring a Baroque layout with streets radiating from central circles—a design that continues to define it today.

Annapolis’ growth unfolded within a complex historical context marked by the displacement of Indigenous peoples and the establishment of an African slave economy that significantly shaped its development. Our community honors this history via myriad landmarks, shared stories and community events that remind us of our shared commitment to freedom and equality. We also recognize the Piscataway, Susquehannock and Nanticoke peoples as well as the enslaved persons whose presence and contributions have helped define this region.

Downtown Annapolis

TRAVEL TIP: Don't forget your government-issued ID orpassportassomeofour iconic attractions require proper identification for entry.

Historic and (In)Spiring Views

As you wander through this capital city, you’ll be surrounded by an inspiring backdrop of history—no time machine required. Striking spires and domes guide your journey, with the Maryland State House at the center of the highest town circle. Nearby, the iconic St. Anne’s Episcopal Church stands in its shadow, elegantly complementing the historic landscape and serving as beautiful testament to the separation of church and state. Together with St. Mary’s Church and the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel Dome, these landmarks enrich the city’s picturesque skyline while providing excellent navigational points.

While exploring, don’t miss the iconic Maryland State House, built in 1772. This historic site holds a unique place in American history as the first and only state house to serve as the nation’s capital, when the Continental Congress convened here from November 1783 to August 1784. It will play a key role in the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Here, General George Washington famously resigned and the Treaty of Paris was ratified, marking the end of the American Revolution. Today, it proudly stands as the oldest state house in continuous legislative use in the nation.

As you stroll through the historic streets of Annapolis, you may feel as if you’ve been whisked away to Europe. Our cobblestone streets are lined with stately Georgian estates and colorful Victorian residences that make you want to pause and admire every detail. Many homes and historical sites feature lush gardens, colorful exteriors and elegant decorative accents, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. But please don’t knock; our residents, while very friendly, value their privacy.

A Maritime, Cultural and Seafood Capital

In the 19th century, Annapolis underwent a remarkable transformation from a government town into a vibrant cultural capital, driven by strategic investments in the community. Established in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy

at Fort Severn became a cornerstone of this growth, playing a crucial role during the Civil War by treating thousands of wounded Union soldiers at its campus-turned-hospital.

But the U.S. Naval Academy isn’t the city’s only educational institution of repute. The King William’s School was founded here in 1696 as the Maryland colony’s free school. In 1784 the state of Maryland chartered St. John’s College, merging it with the existing school and enriching the city’s intellectual and cultural fabric.

The late 19th century marked a significant shift as advancements in food processing technology spurred a booming Chesapeake seafood industry. This period saw the rise of water trades, including oystering, boat building and sailmaking, with Annapolis’ harbor supporting numerous oyster shucking businesses that fueled the city’s economic vitality.

Since the establishment of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County in 1990, our community has made a steadfast commitment to enhancing our destination, celebrating over 35 years of growth and innovation. As you stroll through our charming streets, you’ll discover ongoing investments in infrastructure, like the refreshment of City Dock and the debut of new water-based transportation options—all designed to create immersive experiences for every visitor. With a rich artistic heritage and a vibrant arts scene, Annapolis truly embodies a “museum without walls.”

Experience

Discover 35 historic sites that tell the story of Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. Each numbered historic site corresponds to the plotted numbers on the map.

For more walkable adventure, SCAN HERE

Pinkney St., Annapolis

1 Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Visitors Center 26 West St. | 410-280-0445

No trip to Annapolis is complete without a stop at our Visitors Center at 26 West Street. We are your compass rose, pointing you in the direction of history, adventure and excitement as you navigate your way through our idyllic 18th-century streets.

From hidden gems to iconic landmarks and everything in between, our information specialists are ready to guide you in the right direction.

Located in Annapolis’ Historic District and Arts & Entertainment District, the Visitors Center is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and attractions, including the Maryland State House, Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum and U.S. Naval Academy. Whether you want to explore on your own or take a guided tour by foot, boat, trolley or electric car, we have maps, brochures and friendly experts to assist you on your journey.

2 Asbury United Methodist Church 87 West St. 410-268-9500

This 1888 Gothic Revival church housed one of the earliest African Methodist Episcopal congregations in Annapolis. It stands on the site of the original 1838 wood-frame church.

3 Reynolds Tavern 7 Church Cir. | 410-295-9555

The tavern was built between 1747 and 1755 by William Reynolds. From 1812 to 1935, the cashier of Farmers National Bank lived here, and from 1936 to 1957, the building housed the Anne Arundel County Public Library. The tavern is now a tearoom, pub and inn.

4 Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum 84 Franklin St. 410-216-6180

The first Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church of Annapolis was founded in the 1790s. Construction of their church began in 1874. After storm damage in 1896, the church was rebuilt with its present Gothic Revival front facade, including the stained-glass rose windows. In 1984, it became Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage. In 2004, the museum opened a four-story addition.

5 Anne Arundel County Courthouse 8 Church Cir. 410-222-1397

This is third-oldest courthouse still in use in Maryland. The original Federal-style portion of the courthouse was built in 1824 and enlarged in 1892 in the Georgian Revival style, with a projecting tower and cupola.

6 St. Anne’s Episcopal Church Church Cir. | 410-267-9333

The parish was founded in 1692, and the present church, built in Romanesque Revival style, is the third to stand on this site. Construction began in 1859, using some of the walls and the tower of the second church, which had been destroyed by fire in 1858.

7 Government House 110 State Cir. | 410-974-3531

The state bought land in 1868 to build a new home for the governor. It was completed in 1870 as a Victorian mansion. A 1936 remodel converted the house into the five-part Georgian style of the Colonial period.

8 Thurgood Marshall Memorial on Lawyer's Mall

Maryland State House 100 State Cir.

This plaza honors Thurgood Marshall, American civil rights lawyer and jurist who served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1967 to 1991. It is located on the site of the former Court of Appeals building where he argued some of his earliest civil rights cases, setting his path to argue Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka (1954), where he succeeded in having the Supreme Court declare racially segregated public schools as unconstitutional.

9 Maryland State House 100 State Cir. | 410-974-3400

The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use and the only state capitol ever to serve as a U.S. capitol. Construction began in 1772, and features include the largest wooden dome in the country. The legislature first met here in 1779. Photo ID is required for entry. It is a designated National Historic Landmark.

10 Old Treasury Building State Cir. | 410-260-6445

Built between 1735 and 1737, the Old Treasury is the oldest public building in Annapolis. Until 1779, it housed offices of the commissioners who distributed bills of credit, which served as the colony’s paper money. Undergoing renovations.

11 Maryland Inn 16 Church Cir. | 410-263-2641

Merchant Thomas Hyde completed this three-story tavern and inn before the American Revolution. The stone foundations and Flemish bond brick walls mark the original form. The building has remained an inn throughout its life.

12 Jonas and Anne Catharine Green House

124 Charles St. | Private

This gambrel-roof dwelling was the home of Jonas and Anne Catharine Green, colonial printers of The Maryland Gazette. Built in the 1730s, it housed the Green family print shop until 1786.

13 Zimmerman-Wilson House 138 Conduit St. | Private

A rare example of Queen Anne architecture in Annapolis, the pattern-book house was built for Charles Zimmerman, a U.S. Naval Academy bandmaster and composer of “Anchors Aweigh.”

14 First Presbyterian Church 171 Duke of Gloucester St. 410-267-8705

The sanctuary was originally constructed in 1828 as the Hallam Theater. The congregation bought the property in 1846. The sanctuary was enlarged in 1948, which is also when the steeple was added.

15 Maynard-Burgess House 163 Duke of Gloucester St. | Private Free black man John Maynard bought the property in 1847, after purchasing and freeing his wife, Maria; her daughter, Phebe Ann; and his mother-in-law, Phoebe Spencer. Maynard descendants maintained the property until 1914. In 1921, Willis Burgess and his wife Mary purchased the house at public sale and the family owned the property until 1990.

16 City Hall/Ballroom 160 Duke of Gloucester St. | 410-263-7997

The city’s original Assembly Room/Ballroom was built on this site in 1767 and used as a legislative hall during the building of the State House. After the Civil War, the rooms were expanded and altered into today’s City Hall.

17 St. Mary’s Church 109 Duke of Gloucester St. | 410-990-1400

The present church, a Victorian Gothic structure, was dedicated in 1860. The interior displays rib vaulting and a hand-carved altar typical of Gothic Revival. The octagonal spire was added around 1876.

18 Charles Carroll House 107 Duke of Gloucester St. 410-440-9376

Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in this house in 1737 and lived here until 1821. The circa-1720s house was enlarged in the 1770s, 1790s and 1850s. It is a designated National Historic Landmark.

19 Annapolis Maritime Museum 723 Second St. 410-295-0104

Housed in the city’s last remaining oyster packing plant, the museum connects visitors to Annapolis’s unique maritime heritage and the natural wonders of the Chesapeake Bay.

20 Museum of Historic Annapolis 99 Main St. | 410-990-4754

The museum’s main exhibit, “Annapolis: An American Story,” shares the dramatic stories of Annapolis and its diverse people—the revolutionaries, visionaries and champions in our nation’s continuing quest for liberty and justice who helped to shape our American story for more than 400 years.

21 Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial City Dock

City Dock has been the center of Annapolis’ maritime life for more than 300 years. At the head of City Dock, a memorial commemorates the 1767 arrival of Kunta Kinte, an enslaved man from Gambia immortalized by his descendant Alex Haley in the book and television show Roots.

22 Annapolis Market House 25 Market Space | 443-949-0024

The first market house on this site was built in 1784. The present market was completed in 1857 and fully enclosed in 1894. Today, the Market House celebrates the tastes of Annapolis and Maryland.

23 Middleton Tavern 2 Market Space | 410-263-3323

Horatio Middleton opened a tavern and “inn for seafaring men” here in 1750, and the tavern was later run by his wife and son. The tavern has changed hands and names over the centuries but remains in operation as a popular restaurant today.

24 Shiplap House 18 Pinkney St. | 410-267-7619

One of the oldest surviving houses in Annapolis, Shiplap House, circa 1715, was probably built by its first occupant, sawyer Edward Smith. Smith ran an ordinary (tavern) in the house, and it currently houses the administrative offices for Historic Annapolis.

25 James Brice House 42 East St. | 410-267-7619

James Brice employed a multitude of skilled craftsmen, both free and enslaved, to build this impressive five-part Georgian mansion between 1767 and 1774. It is a designated National Historic Landmark.

26 William Paca House & Garden 186 Prince George St. 410-990-4543

William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence and three-term governor of Maryland, built this five-part Georgian mansion between 1763 and 1765. The property includes a two-acre reconstructed 18th-century pleasure garden. It is a designated National Historic Landmark.

27 Hammond-Harwood House 19 Maryland Ave. | 410-263-4683

Proclaimed by Thomas Jefferson to have the “most beautiful doorway in America,” the house was built in 1774 as a town residence for Mathias Hammond. It was the last work of renowned colonial architect William Buckland. It is a designated National Historic Landmark.

28 Chase-Lloyd House 22 Maryland Ave. | 410-263-2723

Edward Lloyd IV bought the unfinished shell of this house from Samuel Chase, a young lawyer and future signer of the Declaration of Independence. Lloyd finished the home in 1774, and his youngest daughter married Francis Scott Key, the future author of the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” here in 1802. It is a designated National Historic Landmark.

29 Mitchell Art Museum, St. John’s College 60 College Ave. 410-626-2556

Founded in 1989, the museum is the only nationally accredited visual arts museum in Anne Arundel County and one of only five in Maryland. Guided by St. John’s College’s learning culture, exhibitions explore enduring questions of humanity.

30 McDowell Hall, St. John’s College 60 College Ave. 410-263-2371

Construction began in 1742 on a house for colonial governor Thomas Bladen. When the legislature denied more funds for its completion, the shell became known as “Bladen’s Folly.” Given to St. John’s College in 1784, the building was completed in 1789 and fully restored after a 1909 fire. It is named for St. John’s first president.

31 Charles Carroll Barrister House, St. John’s College 60 College Ave. | 410-295-5522

Constructed in 1722, the house is one of the oldest surviving residences in Annapolis. Originally located at the corner of Main and Conduit streets, Historic Annapolis bought the house and moved it to St. John’s campus in 1955 to save it from demolition. In 2013, it was fully restored and now houses the college’s admissions office.

32 U.S. Naval Academy Museum, U.S. Naval Academy 118 Maryland Ave. | 410-293-2108

Located in Preble Hall, the museum contains a collection of more than 50,000 objects related to the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Academy. The collection includes the famous “Don’t Give Up The Ship” flag, the Rogers Collection of ship models, weapons, navigational instruments, paintings, prints, naval documents, medals, uniforms and more. A U.S. photo ID is required for entry.

33 U.S. Naval Academy Chapel 121 Blake Rd. | 410-293-1100

This 1908 chapel, designed by New York architect Ernest Flagg, is located on the highest point within “the Yard.” Several of the stained-glass windows were made in the studio of Louis Comfort Tiffany. It is also home to the crypt of Commodore John Paul Jones, naval hero of the American Revolution. A U.S. photo ID is required for entry.

34 Dahlgren Hall, U.S. Naval Academy 103 Fullam Ct. 410-293-2886

Designed by architect Ernest Flagg in 1898, Dahlgren Hall was completed in 1903. It was named for Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, U.S. Navy, a Civil War inventor of scientifically designed, large-caliber naval guns. Dahlgren Hall has served as an armory, indoor drill area and a Weapons Department laboratory. A U.S. photo ID is required for entry.

35 U.S. Naval Academy Pedestrian Entrance Gate 1 at Prince George and Randall St. | 410-293-8687

In 1845, Fort Severn, which had belonged to the War Department since 1808, was transferred to the Navy Department for use as a school for midshipmen. Five years later, it was renamed the United States Naval Academy. The campus is a dedicated National Historic Landmark and contains one of the largest collections of Beaux Arts-style buildings in the country. A U.S. photo ID is required for entry.

See SIGHTS TO

in ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

AS A COMPANION TO OUR Annapolis-focused "35 Sights to See," which takes you on a walkable journey through historic downtown, you won’t want to miss the sites on this epic Anne Arundel County road trip. The aptly named 25 Sights to See takes you from northern Anne Arundel County just outside of Baltimore and winds you south toward rolling hills and farmland as you meander through charming Chesapeake towns and rural back roads. Along the way, you will encounter historic homes, parks and trails, unique museums and tasty wineries and breweries. Here is a short list of attractions to kick off your adventure.

1 Hancock’s Resolution 2795 Bayside Beach Rd. Pasadena, MD 21122 410-952-2798

2 Benson-Hammond House 7101 Aviation Blvd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-768-9518

3 National Cryptologic Museum 8290 Colony Seven Rd. Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 301-688-5849

4 William Brown House 839 Londontown Rd. Edgewater, MD 21037 410-222-1919

5 Woodlawn History Center, SERC 506 Contees Wharf Rd. Edgewater, MD 21037 443-482-2200

6 Captain Avery Museum 1418 East West Shady Side Rd. Shady Side, MD 20764 410-867-4486

7 Linthicum Walks 2295 Davidsonville Rd. Gambrills, MD 21054 410-222-7317

8 Bacon Ridge Natural Area 1555 Severn Chapel Rd. Crownsville, MD 21032 410-222-2844

Open daily, dawn to dusk.

9 Rising Sun Inn 1090 Generals Hwy. Crownsville, MD 21032 410-865-9136

10 Sandy Point State Park 1100 East College Pkwy. Annapolis, MD 21409 410-974-2149

GO TO visitannapolis.org/25-sites-to-see-in-anne-arundel-county/ to explore all 25!

Kinder Farm Park, Millersville

THE DAY Seas USNA at

U.S. Naval Academy Sail Training

Formal Parade, Worden Field

ANNAPOLIS ATTRACTS VISITORS with its charm, embodied in centuries-old brick-lined sidewalks, fresh Maryland seafood, historic architecture and boutique shopping—all located along the banks of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.

But one of the key things that makes Annapolis stand out from other historic seaports is its strong connection to the U.S. Navy via the U.S. Naval Academy. The Naval Academy is the undergraduate college of the United States naval service. The Academy’s proximity to downtown Annapolis and connection to the community have inextricably tied the military school with the residents.

Ask naval officers stationed on the Yard (aka, the Naval Academy campus) what is different about being in Annapolis and they will tell you: Not only is the USNA a working naval base, but it is also the best place for visitors to learn about the history and traditions that prepare the Brigade of Midshipmen to commission into the naval service.

From its founding in 1845, the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy has been to “develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically, and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty.” Admission to the Academy is highly regarded, as the acceptance process is based upon receiving a nomination by a member of Congress, President or the Vice President.

Each June, families from around the country descend onto the Academy for Induction Day, when candidates are sworn into active duty as midshipmen in the U.S. Navy. After attending the Academy for four years and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, midshipmen commission as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Upon receiving their commissions, Naval Academy graduates are required to serve at least five years.

Spring Means Graduation Season

Life at the Academy is cyclical—just as the seasons turn, so do the signature events that make visiting the Academy memorable. The Yard is full of energy in the spring as classes come to an end and Graduation and Commissioning Week are on the horizon. Commissioning Week kicks off with the annual Herndon Monument climb. The climb marks the end of plebe (freshman) year for that year’s starting class by presenting them with a unique challenge: The plebes must work as a team,

has been mischievously covered in vegetable shortening by upper classmen. The public is welcome to watch the spirited and messy retrieval process, which can take upwards of two hours.

"Firsties" or senior class graduation is celebrated during Commissioning Week, and visitors come from near and far to view the Blue Angels’ Flight Demonstration (and prior day’s practice) in the skies above the Severn River.

Full military pageantry is on display during the traditional Color Parade, a presentation showing the military discipline, professionalism and teamwork necessary to succeed as a member of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Summer Welcomes a New Class

Most midshipmen go on summer training between spring and fall semesters, but the incoming class is in full force during Plebe Summer, which begins on Induction Day. You have the chance

Herndon Climb

“Anchors Aweigh” song as well as the fascinating and littleknown history of Charles Zimmerman, who composed the anthem in 1906. The musical tour is followed by a complimentary performance by Navy musicians.

A New School Year Begins

In the fall, you can’t miss the annual USNA Halloween Concert, performed by the Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs in the Naval Academy Chapel. The concert is a spectacular event of music, light, drama and dance that draws locals and visitors alike. Tickets sell out fast and should be purchased online as soon as announced.

Tips FOR A NAVY BLUE & GOLD VISIT

The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays during January and February. Tickets are available to purchase in advance at navalacademytourism.com/ tours or at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center.

• The U.S. Naval Academy is open for public tours daily.

• The GPS address is 52 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402.

• The location is walkable from downtown, and the main entrance through security is the Gate 1 Visitor Control Center located adjacent to the ArmelLeftwich Visitor Center.

• Parking and directional information can be found here at navalacademytourism.com/how-to-get-here.

Winter in Annapolis is breathtaking. The season, known as the “Dark Ages” by midshipmen and alumni alike, brings new beauty to the waterfront campus. You may even catch a rousing snowball fight in front of Bancroft Hall, said to be the largest contiguous set of academic dormitories in the U.S. If you can, plan your visit in February to see the USNA Glee Club Winter Musical—a fully staged Broadway-style production.

During the academic year, there are a few key milestones and events not to be missed. Make time to take the historical walking tour of the Yard. In particular, the 11:00 or 11:30 a.m. tour includes viewing the Brigade’s traditional Noon Meal Formation, which occurs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. This tradition began in 1905 as a way to take attendance and is a must-see on your visit. If you think you’re not up to the 90-minute walking tour, consider signing up online for a driving tour in one of the USNA’s five-passenger electric vehicles; advance registration required.

After Noon Meal Formation, go for lunch at The Alley Restaurant, housed in the lower level of the Naval Academy Club. (It’s a private club but open to nonmembers on weekdays). Located right across the street from The Alley is the Tripoli Monument. Known as the oldest military monument in the United States, the monument recognizes six U.S. naval officers who died at Tripoli during the first Barbary War in 1804. If you are looking for a fast and casual spot, you may want to try Drydock, housed on lower level of Dahlgren Hall in the center of the Yard

• All persons over the age of 18 must have a valid REAL ID, enhanced drivers license or U.S. passport. Visitors under the age of 18 without a valid ID must be escorted by a responsible adult with a valid ID.

In accordance with the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, NSA Annapolis (NSAA) and United States Naval Academy (USNA) will require visitors to provide one of the following accepted forms of identification for access commencing May 2025 when walking onboard through the Pedestrian Gate 1 Visitor Control Center.

Accepted IDs for Visitors accessing USNA through the Pedestrian Gate 1 Visitor Control Center commencing May 2025 include:

• ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card (look for the five-point star on the driver’s license)

• U.S. passports and passport cards are accepted. Foreign passports are not permitted for general access.

• Enhanced driver's license (EDL). These are issued by the states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington. EDLs are state-issued enhanced driver's licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Preble Hall is your next stop. Home to the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, it offers two floors of exhibits about the U.S. Navy, from its founding to current day. Their collection of ship models is one of the best in the world, and exhibits detail the battles, sacrifices and contibutions made by America’s sailors and Marines. Admission is free and it’s open daily except Tuesdays.

For a midday pick-me-up, grab a snack at 1845 Coffee’s Gatehouse location. Here you can step inside the oldest standing building on the Yard, order a beverage and fresh pastries, and peek inside the shadow box that displays the original architecture of this special spot. Proceeds from the shop support the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Did you know that more than 50 Naval Academy graduates have become astronauts? Learn more about this and other accomplishments by midshipmen and alumni at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, a great last spot before you go.

After your first visit to the Academy, the memories you capture will beckon you to return. Whether it be for the change of the seasons, a sporting event, a performance or a military parade, visitors somehow always find a way to make it back to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County and the Naval Academy.

U.S. Naval Academy Football Game

GO NAVY!

ART AS Life

Ballet Theatre of Maryland

EXPERIENCE: Creativity That Moves You

To experience the arts here is to step into a living canvas. You’ll find large-scale murals across the county, from downtown Annapolis to Brooklyn Park, Glen Burnie and Odenton—each one a vibrant declaration of regional heritage and hope. These public artworks reflect the region’s commitment to storytelling through visual expression.

June marks Arts Month, but the celebration goes on all year. Festivals, performances and pop-up exhibitions keep the creative pulse alive, and from gallery walks to outdoor

Theater in Annapolis, anchored by Maryland Hall and the Classic Theatre of Maryland, offers a rich calendar of performances, from Shakespearean drama to contemporary musicals. The Annapolis Opera, Ballet Theatre of Maryland and Annapolis Symphony Orchestra bring world-class artists and performers to intimate stages, often in collaboration with local talent to create productions that feel both grand

Live music is a daily ritual. At Rams Head On Stage, one of the most respected small venues in the country, you’ll find everything from indie rock and jazz to folk legends and emerging singer-songwriters. Just steps away, bars like Rams Head Tavern, Stan and Joe’s Saloon and 49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar & Gallery keep the vibe going with acoustic sets and live bands that spill into the night. Whether it’s a Tuesday or a Saturday, music is part of the rhythm of life here.

Summer brings music outdoors. The Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series at the Annapolis Maritime Museum offers sunset performances along the water, while the Tunesday Floating Concert Series turns Back Creek into a breezy, on-the-water stage. These concerts are more than entertainment—they’re rituals of community.

And for those who crave spectacle, Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover delivers with a rotating lineup of national touring acts, comedy legends and immersive entertainment experiences. It’s a modern counterpoint to the region’s historic charm, proving that creativity spans centuries and styles.

Where art extends beyond the page: visitannapolis.org/art-as-life

CULTURE

ART

Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series

LEARN: A Culture Rooted in Story

In Anne Arundel County, the arts are a gateway to an understanding—not just of technique, but of history, community and self. At Maryland Hall, creativity is cultivated across generations. Visitors can join locals in workshops, artist talks and open studios that demystify the artistic process and invite hands-on exploration for all ages.

Cultural celebrations like Juneteenth and the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival offer powerful opportunities to learn through performance, art and dialogue. These events honor African American history and resilience, transforming various city venues into vibrant spaces of remembrance and joy.

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum continues this work year-round, curating exhibits and programs that center Black voices and experiences in Maryland’s cultural narrative. It’s a place where art meets activism, and where visitors are encouraged to reflect, ask questions and connect.

At Historic London Town and Gardens, history becomes a tactile experience. This restored waterfront town blends archaeology, architecture and horticulture to tell the story of colonial Maryland through immersive exhibits and living history programs. Whether exploring reconstructed buildings or participating in a heritage craft workshop, London Town invites you to engage with the past through creativity and curiosity.

The Annapolis Film Festival brings independent cinema to life each spring in the heart of historic downtown Annapolis,

TAKE HOME: Art That Stays With You

To take something home from Annapolis and Anne Arundel County is to carry a piece of its creative heartbeat. The region’s makers and artisans offer more than beautiful objects—they offer connection.

At Local by Design, more than 100 Maryland creatives share their work, from fine-art paintings to jewelry, maritime-themed décor and hand-poured candles inspired by Chesapeake breezes. Every item has a story, and often the artist is on hand to tell it.

McBride Gallery, ArtFarm Studios and Annapolis Collection Gallery showcase original works that range from traditional landscapes and photography to bold contemporary pieces. These aren’t just galleries—they’re community hubs where art is discussed, debated and deeply felt.

And if you’re a collector of words or sound, Back Creek Books and KA-CHUNK!! Records offer treasures that speak to the region’s literary and musical soul. Pick up an antiquarian keepsake of local history or vinyl pressed by a Maryland band—these are souvenirs that sing.

In Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, creativity isn’t a niche—it’s a way of life. It’s in the murals that brighten our streets, the music that fills our nights, the stories we tell and the objects we craft. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a season, the arts invite you to experience beauty in motion, learn through shared stories and take home something that lingers.

Photo by Luke Thompson

Leave inspired. Come

Annapolis Design District

AnnapolisSongwritersFestivalismodeledafteritsworldrenowned sisterfestival,KeyWestSongwritersFestival,andgivesshow-goersan insidelookintothefaces,names,andstoriesbehindthemusicindustry’s biggesthits.

Strollalong‘SongwritersTrail’fromWestgateCircletoCityDockandenjoy hoursoffreemusicandticketedeventsthroughoutDowntownAnnapolis. PastperformersincludeBlondie,LeAnnRimes,JakeOwen,CitizenCope, JOHNNYSWIM,DirtyHeads,JoshRitter,JamesMcMurtry,LucindaWilliams, RobertRandolph,AlJardine,LeeBrice,DrewHolcombandmore!

Just Beyond Baltimore

ESCAPE THE GREATER

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland and Arundel Mills

North

Arundel County

DDISCOVER AN AREA that’s just minutes from Baltimore and the nation’s capital, with a vibrant energy that’s impossible to miss. The BWI Entertainment District offers lend of convenience, with easy access to I-95 and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. Anchored by Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Arundel Mills, this prime location sets up your stay for smooth sailing and spontaneous adventures.

East Coast

these seven unforgettable experiences in the heart of Anne Arundel County.

Relax in modern, budget-friendly lodgings located in the friendly neighborhoods of Hanover and Linthicum Heights. Many BWIarea hotels come loaded with perks, including complimentary hot breakfast, seasonal outdoor pools, 24/7 fitness centers and plenty of parking. Plus, your furry friends are welcome too, as most extended-stay and airport hotels are pet-friendly for a small fee.

Getting around the BWI and Arundel Mills region is a breeze. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers buses, light rail and commuter MARC trains throughout Anne Arundel County, making it a breeze to hop between BWI, Arundel Mills and area attractions. The nearby Amtrak station connects you north to Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, or south to Washington, D.C., and Richmond. BWI Airport is the region’s busiest, with hundreds of daily flights and ample parking. Environmentally conscious travelers will appreciate the airport’s electric vehicle charging stations and convenient rideshare zones.

Anne

Baltimore's Inner Harbor

3. A Harbor Full of Highlights

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is just minutes away, waiting for you to dive in. Explore the National Aquarium, catch an Orioles or Ravens game, or visit Fort McHenry, the birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Art lovers will find treasures of all eras and styles at the Walters Art Museum and Baltimore Museum of Art. Afterward, unwind with local brews at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, conveniently close to the BWI hotel district.

4. Retail Fun at Arundel Mills

If retail therapy is your kind of adventure, Arundel Mills will feel like a treasure island. As Maryland’s largest outlet center, it boasts over 200 stores offering deep discounts on top brands. After shopping, enjoy some downtime at Dave & Buster's arcade or nearby Live! Casino & Hotel, the state’s biggest gaming and entertainment complex. Spa lovers will also find bliss with luxurious massages and facials at the onsite Live! Spa. Whether browsing or bagging deals, Arundel Mills offers an upscale outlet experience with extra diversions.

5. Maryland’s Feast of Flavors

Seafood is king by the Chesapeake, but the BWI region’s food scene is delightfully diverse. From crab houses and waterfront taverns to farm-to-table spots in Gambrills and Glen Burnie, every taste is covered. You’ll also discover global flavors like Middle Eastern shawarma, Hispanic pupusas and Asian noodle bowls, reflecting the area’s cultural mix.

6. Natural Playgrounds

If fresh air and green space call your name, you’re in luck. The BWI Hiker-Biker Trail offers a a 12.5-mile paved loop near the airport that's perfect for biking, jogging or plane spotting. near the airport. Near the trail’s Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. Aircraft Observation Area, you’ll find a playground for littler adventurers. Parks like Matthewstown Harmans in Hanover and Queenstown in Severn offer playgrounds, sports courts and dog parks. For more views, head to Downs Park in Glen Burnie for a dog-friendly waterfront and trails.

7. Fun After Dark

When the sun sets, the BWI area lights up with lively entertainment. Inside Live! Casino, discover buzzing bars, lounges and The HALL, a 500-seat concert venue hosting everything from rock bands to comedians. Try your luck on the slots and tables, then connect over craft cocktails at David’s Restaurant & Bar or hit the dance floor at The Original Cancun Cantina. Beer lovers won’t want to miss Guinness Open Gate Brewery, where you can sip experimental brews in an expansive outdoor beer garden. From group outings to date nights, nightlife here pairs coastal energy with unforgettable memories.

National Aquarium

Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. Aircraft Observation Area

Arundel Mills

48-HOUR ADVENTURE in North Anne Arundel County

A Fresh Plate to Start the Day

Start your escape with a satisfying breakfast at one of North Anne Arundel County’s favorite spots. Delight in an all-American breakfast at David’s Restaurant & Bar, taste sweet and savory crepes at Irina’s Crepes Cafe or enjoy a quality homestyle meal at Willy’s Kitchen. For coffee lovers, Bagels ’n Grinds and Baltimore Coffee and Tea are ideal for a morning pick-me-up, or satisfy your sweet tooth with pastries from Clock Tower Coffee & Bakery.

Midday Escapades

Retail therapy anyone? Venture into Arundel Mills, a vibrant shopping destination offering an array of outlet stores. For some downtime, consider a movie at Cinemark Egyptian 24 and XD or a relaxing treatment at Live! Spa or Red Lotus Float Spa. When you're ready for some excitement, Live! Casino & Hotel offers an exhilarating casino experience. Or test your archery skills at Dodgebow Baltimore, experience a medieval meal and jousting tournament at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (they offer matinees on Saturday) or solve puzzles at Mission Escape Rooms. Families can have a blast playing arcade games at Dave & Buster's, go-kart racing at United Karting, mini golfing at Arundel Golf Park or exploring the indoor playgrounds at Kids Empire.

Dinner to Remember

After a memorable afternoon, it's time to explore a variety of dining options. Copper Canyon Grill and Cantina Mamma Lucia offer delicious menus of family favorites, while diverse global flavors await at Añejo Rose Cantina & Tequila Bar, Pho-One-O Restaurant & Lounge, Prino’s Mediterranean Grill and Maiwand Kabob. For a taste of Southern cuisine, Southern Blues delivers soulful and flavorful dishes.

All-Night Party Spots

Whether it’s a girls’ night out or a romantic date for two, The Original Cancun Cantina and and The HALL at Live! provide vibrant entertainment and dancing. Sports fans will enjoy the energetic atmosphere at Sports and Social Maryland. If you have energy for some late-night fun, barhop through the popular local bars in Baltimore’s Federal Hill or Fells Point neighborhoods, which stay open until 2 a.m. on weekends.

Start Off on the Right Foot

Start your Sunday on a rejuvenating note with a stroll or bike ride along the pet-friendly BWI Hiker-Biker Trail. Continue the adventure outdoors at Friendship Park, where the Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Observation Area offers prime plane-spotting at BWI Airport. For a taste of local life, peruse the fresh produce, baked goods and specialty treats at Piney Orchard Farmers Market and Vince's Farm and Nursery.

Brunch or Lunch for Every Taste

From classic brunch bites to fresh Maryland seafood, make your midday feast a centerpiece of your day. Savor a flavorful classic Sunday brunch at Illusions Restaurant & Bar, Honey Bee Diner or 9 Five Kitchen & Bar, offering lively vibes and delectable entrees. Seafood lovers can reel in fresh catches at G&M Restaurant & Lounge, Romano’s Bar & Grill or Timbuktu Restaurant & Lounge, while iconic crab cakes and Chesapeake Bay favorites steal the spotlight at The Seaside Restaurant & Crab House and Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar.

The HALL at Live!

Añejo Rose Cantina & Tequila Bar

Autobahn Indoor Speedway

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Willy’s Kitchen

BWI Trail

CONNECTING FAMILIES AND FLIGHTS

Make memories with family-friendly convenience and affordable non-stop flights to 90 domestic and international destinations.

TRAVEL LIVES Transforms

Sandy Point State Park

Take your visit from ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY:

~ Take a few minutes to think about why you are traveling

~ What do you want to have, think or feel at the end of your trip that you don’t now?

To help you truly savor your journey, we invite you to embrace two or three small actions that can fill your travels with deeper meaning and leave a lasting impact.

~ Be mindful and open to all experiences.

~ Connect with essence of place—learn the history, traditions, myths and legends.

~ Take moments to reflect.

~ Embrace surprises.

~ Explore the unknown.

~ Overturn old conceptions and build new awareness.

~ Engage others with intention, eye contact, respect and vulnerability.

~ Have long conversations. Ask questions.

~ Draw, journal and write poetry.

Maryland Inn

2023 Santa Maria Cup, Annapolis

Paddleboarding on the Chesapeake Bay

Photo by Jay Fleming

PlayON THE Bay

DISCOVER THE MAGIC of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. It’s a playground for water lovers who flock here to cruise across its sparkling waters, glide down its winding creeks and paddle through its wildlife-rich marshes. Whether you’re here to unwind or amp up the adventure, there’s a sea of possibilities for you. Here are some great ways to dive in.

Music lovers will want to make plans for Tunesday, a floating concert series on Back Creek near the Annapolis Maritime Museum Park Campus. Every Tuesday evening from May through August, Chronic Sailing hosts live music aboard an anchored catamaran. Local musicians perform to an audience drifting nearby in kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and small boats, soaking up the sounds and sunset.

Whether you’re a novice or an expert paddler, Annapolis Canoe and Kayak, Paddle Annapolis and Capital SUP offer rentals to get you out exploring the coves and creeks by canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard. Be sure to check out their guided eco-tours, sunrise and sunset paddles and special offerings like SUP yoga.

Craving a bit of speed? South River Jet Ski Rentals have jet skis and pontoon boats, while Peake Private Charters and South River Boat Rentals offer a variety of power boat experiences including wakeboarding and tubing, boat cove parties and sunset excursions. Z-Flight Watersports will take your Bay experience to new heights with thrilling parasailing trips.

In Annapolis, America’s Sailing Capital, sailing is a year-round pastime, be it leisurely cruising or lively regattas. Sailors delight in exploring the Bay’s unique tributaries, waterfront towns and peaceful anchorages. Racing enthusiasts will find top-tier competition in every class, from dinghies to one-designs and big boats. Annapolis regularly hosts national and world championships, cementing its reputation as a true sailing mecca.

Even in winter, the Frostbite Series keeps the spirit alive as sailors race each Sunday, undeterred by the chill.

If you are looking to head out on the Chesapeake yourselves for a long weekend, a week or more, charter a boat for an extended waterway adventure. Bareboat, captained charters or all-inclusive, fully crewed adventures are available from Chronic Sailing and Waypoints Yacht Charter, among others.

We know you will fall in love with the Chesapeake Bay, her waters and all she has to offer. As you travel about the waterways and shores, please do your part to protect the Bay—be mindful of the delicate ecosystem and leave no trace behind. For hands-on opportunities to learn more about the estuary, volunteer opportunities are available with Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

COME ABOARD!

THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO EXPERIENCE the beauty of the Bay than by getting out on the water. And there’s something for every type of explorer.

Watermark Cruises offers relaxing harbor tours and longer excursions to iconic landmarks like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse.

Schooner Woodwind invites you to set sail on a two-hour themed sailing adventure, unwind during a sunset cruise or participate in the Wednesday Night Races regatta.

A sail aboard the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s skipjack Wilma Lee transports you to the heyday of oysters in the Bay.

Naptown Tiki Club and Tour Boat Annapolis have fun, flat floating platforms for you and your party.

Families love Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake, where kids can channel their inner pirate, fend off Pirate Pete with water cannons and hunt for buried treasure.

For an intimate VIP experience, private sailing charters are available from Seas the Bay Sailing and Sea Table

Darling Charters, Cap’n Mike’s Full Moon Adventures and King Vern Cruises will cruise you and up to five others around in their classic powerboats.

Can’t decide between a sailboat or powerboat? Island Chill Yacht Charters offers both.

Expert local captains including Miss Grace Charters, Loosen Up Charters, Down Time Sportfishing Charters and Annapolis Fishing Charters are ready to take you out to capture the bounty of the Bay.

Planning a special event? Yacht Charters on the Bay by Watermark lets you host unforgettable gatherings aboard a private yacht—ideal for reunions, engagement parties, corporate meetings or any celebration gathering looking to be enhanced by the stunning backdrop of the Bay.

Maryland blue crab

Photo by Jay Fleming

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Photo by Jay Fleming Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

Schooner Woodwind

Waterfront Destinations To Explore

The Annapolis Maritime Museum is set in the former McNasby’s Oyster Company building, the last oyster shucking house in Annapolis. This interactive museum provides up-close views of the Chesapeake Bay from its wraparound deck and offers myriad opportunities to learn about the region’s environment and maritime heritage.

The expansive beaches of Sandy Point State Park provide visitors with swimming areas, playgrounds, fishing piers and pavilion space, all highlighted by spectacular panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge. Sandy Point is also home to many special events throughout the year, such as the MSP Polar Bear Plunge fundraiser in January, the Maryland Seafood Festival and Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival in September, and the SPCA of Anne Arundel County Lights on the Bay holiday lights display from November through January.

Fort Smallwood Park, at the northern tip of Anne Arundel County, covers 90 acres where the Patapsco River and Rock Creek meet the Bay. Visitors can spend the day swimming, birdwatching, playing on the accessible playground, fishing off the Bill Burton Fishing Pier or just enjoying the views.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is located nine miles southwest of downtown Annapolis. An active research site for conserving coastal ecosystems, the public is welcome to explore the woodland and waterfront trails. You can also launch canoes or kayaks from the docks to explore Muddy Creek and the Rhode River. Check SERC’s website for trail maps and a special events calendar.

For a full listing of all the water adventures waiting for you, go to:

Blue Heron photo by Jay Fleming

Annapolis Maritime Museum

Chart Your Own Course

Looking

to get out onto the water?

Whether you have an hour, a day, a weekend or a week, there’s something to fit your schedule.

ONE HOUR | Quick Water Escapes

You’ll be amazed at how you can immerse yourself in Annapolis’ maritime culture in just an hour. Hop on a water taxi for a short ride around the harbor or enjoy Watermark’s 40-minute narrated cruise of Annapolis Harbor and the U.S. Naval Academy. Or be your own captain with a kayak, standup paddle board or jet ski rental. These brief but delightful excursions offer a perfect snapshot into the area’s intrinsic nautical charm.

ONE DAY | Family-Friendly Fun

A full day offers lots of possibilities. Charter a boat for a fishing excursion or sign up for a longer boat tour that takes you out into the Bay. Travelers with kids will love an expedition with Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake, where young buccaneers can live out their pirate dreams. As the day winds down, hop aboard a sunset sail to see the sun brilliantly descend behind the Annapolis skyline.

ONE WEEKEND | Ultimate Getaway

Transform your weekend into a true escape with a blend of relaxation and adventure on a overnight charter. There’s no better way to enjoy the dock bars and restaurants in nearby towns like Galesville, Deale and Edgewater than via the water. Along the way, you can explore the rivers and coves, soaking up the Chesapeake’s natural beauty.

ONE WEEK | Chesapeake Bay Cruising

For the ultimate water-based getaway, spend a week cruising the Chesapeake Bay on a local charter boat. Begin your nautical journey in Annapolis, then chart a course to explore the charming coastal towns and hidden gems of Anne Arundel County and beyond. From quiet anchorages to bustling historic port towns, there’s so much to see and do, be it kayaking, swimming, sightseeing or just enjoying nature. Whether you hire a captain or take the helm yourself, this is the getaway of a lifetime.

Photo by Jay Fleming

Sail Away Catamarans

Pirate Adventures

Photo by Jay Fleming

South River Boat Rentals Herrington Harbour

Watermark Cruises

READY TO ROLL

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE EXPLORING BY BICYCLE to get the feel of a place. Choose from quiet paved trails, wooded singletracks and scenic road routes that offer water views, historic sites and natural beauty, whether you’re pedaling for leisure, fitness or a bit of adventure.

BWI Trail

Race Across America

Race Across America

Jones Station Crossroads, B&A Trail

B&A Trail

B&A Trail

DISCOVER A SLEW OF BIKE TRAILS to suit every style and fitness level.

Cyclists enjoy stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis as they ride the Anne Arundel County Lifeline 100 event

Beginners and Casual Riders

For easy, family-friendly cycling, Quiet Waters Park offers six miles of paved trails. Kinder Farm Park, Downs Park and Fort Smallwood Park are also great for gentle riding, and feature playgrounds and other amenities. Bike Safety Parks welcome children to develop riding skills in a safe, child-scale environment, and you’ll find them at Lindale Middle School, Seven Oaks and Bacontown Park.

Paved Trail Riders

Looking for a longer ride but prefer to stay off the road? Try our rail trails, which follow the former railroad routes. On the 13-mile B&A Trail, you’ll find historic markers, a mid-point ranger station and museum, and some local businesses selling coffee, ice cream and snacks to riders. For a longer trail ride up to 40 miles, combine the B&A and BWI Trails by using the John Overstreet Connector. New trails include the 5.7-mile WB&A Trail from Odenton to Lanham, which has a 530-foot bicycle and pedestrian bridge, and 8-mile Broadneck Peninsula Trail, providing a new route from the B&A Trail to Sandy Point State Park.

Mountain Biking/Off‑Road Trails

Looking for dirt, hills, roots and such? The forested loops and routes in the Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville and at Annapolis Waterworks Park deliver. Patapsco Valley State Park, Rosaryville State Park, and Patuxent Research Refuge offer more off-road opportunities to enjoy.

BWI Trail

B&A Trail

Bacon Ridge Natural Area

Long ‑ Distance Rides

If you prefer longer road routes with scenic backdrops and food stops, road cycling in southern Anne Arundel County offers peaceful country lanes and water views. Look to work a bit harder? Routes with some significant climbing can be found in the northern and western parts of the county. Mapped routes can be found in the BikeAAA Route Library, including 65- and 100-mile routes from the annual Lifeline 100 event.

Downtown Explorations

The up-close-and-personal view from a bike seat is a great way to see Annapolis’ historic sites, marinas, neighborhoods and outdoor art. Bike over the scenic U.S. Naval Academy Bridge for a panoramic view of Annapolis and to reach the B&A Trail.

ARUNDEL BIKE

BWI Trail

Jones Station Crossroads, B&A Trail

FAMILY

Tested by kids. Loved by everyone.

Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

A Family Affair

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, there are so many wonderful things to do as a family when visiting Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Our county is full of family-friendly adventures that range from sailing the high seas with pirates to feeding the perpetually hungry ducks at City Dock in Annapolis to visiting some of the oldest historical sites in the United States.

Downtown Diversions

Let’s start our journey in downtown Annapolis with the pirates! Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake is a surefire way to impress your kids with a truly unique adventure. The fun starts on shore, where kids are encouraged to dress up and have their faces painted before they set out. Once aboard the Sea Gypsy, the swashbuckling begins! Without giving away too much, there is a treasure hunt and a villain and at least one water gun battle—with the only casualty being a dastardly looking pirate. The energetic staff brings the experience to life and families leave the cruise with a goodie bag and an amazing tale to bring home. Something to note for children that may be more sensitive to sound: The music played can be a little loud, so be sure to pack some headphones to help your child enjoy a slightly quieter adventure.

If you have a shorter visit to downtown Annapolis, you can explore the free museums and feed the ducks. Your first stop should be the Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Visitors Center at 26 West Street, where you can stock up on duck food.

Our volunteers will be able to answer any questions you may have, and help with recommendations for your day. If you have a large stroller, consider taking a quieter route to the dock around State Circle and Maryland Avenue down towards the waterfront. You'll discover a distinctive mix of locally-owned shops, restaurants and historic homes in one of the more serene areas of downtown. On certain days, you’ll be able to visit two of our smaller free museums, the Waterfront Warehouse and Hogshead Trades Museum. Set in an 18th-century wood-frame house, Hogshead offers frequent programming geared towards children, complete with costumed docents.

The Mall Reimagined

If you’re looking for some indoor fun, you can find some great activities for the kids at the Annapolis Mall. The Annapolis Mall has a unique blend of community offerings, including a library, retail shops and engaging opportunities for kids. The Be With Me Playseum is a good place to start your visit, with its hands-on arts and crafts stations and interactive play areas. It is also strategically placed right next to the LEGO store, where kids (and parents) can have fun looking at the elaborate displays and purchasing sets to make their own creations.

When the kids need a break from the stores, journey over to the corridor where the Anne Arundel County Public Library and SPCA are located—and yes, you can play with the cats! The Annapolis Mall has close ties to the community and offers so many ways for visitors to be connected.

Kinder Farm Park

Annapolis Mall

Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival

Photo by Christian Smooth

Annapolis Mall

Courtly Competition

If you're looking for more exciting opportunities to engage the family in Anne Arundel County, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Hanover is worth the trip. Medieval Times puts a truly unique spin on dinner and a show: The dinner is a four-course meal eaten by hand, and the show is based on an 11th century jousting tournament.

From the moment that you step inside the castle, you’re surrounded by opportunities for adventure. With a variety of different souvenirs and merchandise, there’s a wide range of ways to commemorate the occasion.

Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series

Kinder Farm Park

Arts in the Park

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Once the doors open, the arena is staged with impressive lights and talented performers that consistently impress the audience with their talent, horsemanship and athleticism.

There are no bad seats in the arena. Each audience section is introduced to the knight they’ll be cheering for, and the performers (especially the talented horses) get to show off their best skills, including dressage. There are honorable knights and villainous knights, and the show ends with a dramatic flourish.

A Day in the Park

Anne Arundel County offers many family-friendly parks with diverse recreational opportunities. Kinder Farm Park features farm animals, nature trails, playgrounds and picnic areas perfect for young children. Quiet Waters Park provides scenic waterfront views, biking paths and spacious play areas. For waterfront fun, Downs Park includes beaches, playgrounds and gardens to explore. Sandy Point State Park offers swimming, fishing and stunning Chesapeake Bay vistas. These parks foster outdoor enjoyment for families all year-round.

That's just the beginning of the many ways to explore, experience and make lasting memories across Anne Arundel County.

SPOILER ALERT: this leads to happy kids and tired parents

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

City Dock, Annapolis

Maryland Day

Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

Maryland State House

Sandy Point State Park

THE

Attention, dog owners: This article is for your pooch, not for you.

RE YOU READY FOR A BARKIN’ GOOD TIME? This place isn’t just dog-friendly, it’s dog-inclusive. Sure, you can get a Pup Cup almost anywhere, but how many spots let you lap up a dog beer alongside your humans? With water bowls in shop doorways and bone-shaped biscuits aplenty, this place is a dream for a pup like you. There is nowhere better than Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to have a getaway for you and your two-legged family!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (in Comfort)

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County have an abundance of pup-friendly accommodations, from luxe hotel stays like the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland or Historic Inns of Annapolis to short-term rentals in the heart of the historic district or hidden estates, farmhouses and beach cottages outside the city, with private yards for romping. You will love your stay just as much as your people will.

If you need a break from your family (who doesn’t, now and again?), ask them to book you into a pet resort like Cozy Canine Camp or Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat, where you can run and play with new pals, get a bath or some solo downtime in your own private pet suite.

City Dock, Annapolis

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

Every Dog Has Its (Best) Day

Whether you’re staying in the city or county, there is so much to sniff. In downtown Annapolis, enjoy stopping into pet-friendly stores like The Black Dog or Mills Fine Wine & Spirits. Pick up a treat or perhaps a lovely new collar at Sea Dog Pet Boutique, the premier Main Street destination for pampered pets. If you need more supplies, Pet Barn Inc. outside of downtown has beds, food and, of course, more treats. If you like a bit of culture, the McBride Gallery on Main Street and the Maryland Federation of Art on State Circle both welcome discerning doggos and their families.

In the county, be sure to stop at the open-air museum Historic London Town and Gardens, or explore the grounds of the Captain Avery Museum, overlooking the West River. There are squirrels aplenty for you, and lots to see and do for your people. Want to relax with your paws up? Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery in Crofton has beer for both you and them!

Give your paws a break and enjoy a Watermark Journeys cruise around the Annapolis harbor, where you can learn a little history and admire the skyline from the water. For the dog who just wants to relax, head to idyllic Great Frogs Winery, located just 10 minutes from the heart of downtown, and enjoy a snooze under the table while your people do a wine tasting.

It’s a Dog’s Dinner (Alfresco, Of Course)

You’ll have the pick of the litter when it comes to chowing down! Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables at places like Sailor Oyster Bar, Leo, Tsu, Red Red Wine Bar + Bistro, Middleton Tavern, Federal House, Annapolis Market House and more. If you’re hungry too, take a seat out front of Rams Head Tavern, where your people can have a brew and burger while you enjoy some meatballs and special dog beer.

In South County, the Old Stein Inn, Pirate’s Cove Restaurant and Dock Bar and Stan and Joe’s Riverside all welcome pups. (Stan and Joe’s Riverside even has a menu for you to enjoy!) Up north, take your people for breakfast at Grump's Cafe in Crofton or dinner at Mother's Peninsula Grille in Arnold; both have dog-friendly patios.

It’s a Dog’s Life!

Here are some of our suggestions for you and your two-leggers to have your best day ever in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

Get your day started with a brisk walk to Sofi’s Crepes and get crepes and coffee to go to enjoy overlooking the harbor.

The cultured canine will want to spend time on Maryland Avenue, one of the most dog-friendly streets in the city. Take in curated exhibits at Jo Fleming Contemporary Art, then do some shopping at Mango & Main or Evergreen Antiques & True Vintage. Refuel at Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse, a cozy bookshop with its own secret garden that feels straight out of a storybook.

If you’re an active pooch, we have eight dog parks just for you. Does Good Boy like water? Join a “yappy hour” stand-up paddleboard excursion with Capital SUP or visit one of our two dog beaches to show off your doggy paddle. Don’t want to get your paws wet? Take your humans for a hike on the trails at over 140 parks throughout the county. Visit aacounty.org/ recreation-parks/parks to learn more!

For the social dog, tell your people to take you to Eastport for Davis’ Pub or Forward Brewing, where pups outnumber the people and you’re practically guaranteed free belly rubs every time you go. Tell your family to stop at Annapolis Maritime Antiques to pick up an official Maritime Republic of Eastport flag, featuring, yup, a dog.

Your adventure continues here!

Sea Dog Pet Boutique

City Dock, Annapolis

S P , SAV R E PLORE &

ANNAPOLIS AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY’S CULINARY SCENE is as rich as its history. This bayside port town, established in 1649, was a bustling commercial and maritime hub from the start, catering to sailors, traders, visitors and residents. As the city expanded, so did our culinary influences and dining scene. Here’s a sampling of the tasty experiences that await on your next visit to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

Annapolis

As the capital of Maryland (and for a brief time, the capital of the U.S.), we’ve had a lot of movers and shakers dine at our tables. George Washington and signers of the Declaration of Independence raised their glasses at Reynolds Tavern and Middleton Tavern, both of which are still thriving. Today’s politicians continue the tradition at iconic spots such as Harry Browne’s, across from the Maryland State House. But whatever your passion or taste, you’re bound to find something to please every appetite on our cobblestone streets.

Downtown – Main Street

In downtown Annapolis, crab is king. From the iconic lump crab cake to Stan and Joe Saloon’s crabby pretzel or the world-famous crab omelets at Chick & Ruth’s Delly, seafood lovers are in heaven. Oysters shine at The Choptank, Harry Browne’s and O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern. For other flavors, indulge in Provençal dishes at Café Normandie or Florentine-style Italian at Acqua Al 2, to mention a few.

West Street

West Street pulses with energy. Lemongrass offers bold Thai flavors, Tsu delivers creative Asian fusion, and Miss Shirley’s Café starts your day southern-style. Nightlife, live music and lively patios round out the experience.

West Annapolis & Eastport

West Annapolis has a cozy neighborhood vibe with farm-totable brunch at Evelyn’s and craft brews at Chessie’s Wharf. Across Spa Creek, Eastport is seafood central—Carrol’s Creek Café, O’Learys Seafood and Lewnes’ Steakhouse are highlights. For casual bites, Boatyard Bar & Grill and Davis’ Pub serve crab cakes and cold beers, while Vin 909 Winecafé offers wood-fired pizzas and Rumhouse adds Caribbean-inspired cocktails.

Parole

Parole blends shopping with dining. The Annapolis Town Center hosts Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Tatte Bakery & Café and True Food Kitchen, offering healthforward coastal dishes. Or head to nearby Julep Kitchen & Bar for Southern-style comfort.

New Flavors on the Scene

Downtown Annapolis recently welcomed openings including SeaSalt, Captain’s Daughter at The Westin Annapolis, Cavalli Annapolis, Umami Ramen & Dumplings, Blowfish Poke Hawaiian Grill and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. The regional bagel franchise Call Your Mother Deli opened shop at Annapolis Harbour Center. In Eastport, Rumhouse opened serving elevated Caribbean-inspired flavors with a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.

North County

Near BWI Airport, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland delivers fine dining at The Prime Rib and Asian fusion at Luk-Fu, while Orchid Kitchen keeps it casual with burgers, tacos and pizza. Ann’s DariCreme, a 75-year-old classic, still serves deep-fried hot dogs and creamy shakes. Romano’s Bar & Grill is known for classic Maryland seafood, and Olive Grove Restaurant & Lounge pairs their crab cakes with an array of steaks and pastas.

New Flavors on the Scene

Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings at Lil Cakes & Creamery or Real Fruit Bubble Tea.

Greater Annapolis Crofton

Ashling Kitchen & Bar offers elevated comfort food, The Crab Shack serves Maryland crab classics from steamed to cakes and Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar & Grill specializes in fresh seafood.

Gambrills

Blackwall Barn & Lodge brings farm-to-table charm, Akira Ramen and Izakaya serve authentic pho, Coal Fire offers hand-tossed pizzas with homemade mozzarella, Namaste Fine Indian Cuisine delivers lamb vindaloo, Mucho Gusto serves up boom boom shrimp with Mexican flair, and Pier 99 Cajun Seafood & Bar offers Asian favorites from pad thai to sushi.

Severna Park

Garten features modern German cuisine, The Breakfast Shoppe stacks fluffy pancakes and classic breakfasts, and Donut Shack has been serving fresh donuts and pastries since 1978.

Pasadena

Founders Tavern & Grille serves modern American classics, and Two Rivers Steak & Fish House satisfies every craving from seafood and steaks to burgers and pasta.

New Flavors on the Scene

The Lodge Pasadena offers rustic American fare like Chesapeake Pasta, and Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen delivers Southern and Creole fried favorites including chicken, catfish, shrimp and pork chops.

South County

South Anne Arundel County feels like a coastal escape. In Davidsonville, Harvest Thyme Tavern serves bold Italian and Eastern European farm-to-table dishes, and Killarney House offers Irish comfort food. In Deale, Umai Sushi House delivers fresh sushi, tempura and bulgogi, and Boathouse at Anchored Inn serves casual pub food by the water. Edgewater boasts Yellowfin Steak & Fish House and Black Market Bakers, while in Churchton, JesseJay’s Latin Kitchen brings global flavors with Chesapeake flair.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of these restaurants are newly opened or preparing to open—check ahead for the latest status before planning your visit.

Harold Black

Miss Shirley's Cafe

Luk-Fu

Dinner Under the Stars, West St., Annapolis

Garten

Taste Anne Arundel County with Titan Hospitality

At Titan Hospitality, we believe memorable moments begin with incredible food. Indulge in fresh, locally inspired dishes—coastal seafood, housemade pasta, vibrant seasonal plates—crafted by our award-winning culinary team. From intimate dinners to grand

celebrations, our Annapolis, Gambrills, and Pasadena restaurants offer exceptional cuisine, curated cocktails, and inviting spaces designed to make every occasion unforgettable.

Blackwall Hitch Annapolis, Maryland

Offering a vibrant and inviting atmosphere that perfectly blends coastal charm with urban sophistication perfect for corporate dinners, networking receptions, and group gatherings.

Casual-elegant lodge environment with versatile event rooms, great for company functions and private dining.

Maryland

Warm, inviting space in a prime location— suited for business meetings, luncheons, and social occasions.

Maryland

Rustic-chic charm with flexible indoor/ outdoor spaces for both intimate and largescale events.

Rustic yet refined setting with adaptable spaces for team building, holiday parties, and community gatherings.

The Farmhouse Gambrills,

The Lodge Annapolis,

The Lodge Pasadena, Maryland

The Blackwall Barn & Lodge Gambrills, Maryland

Anne Arundel County’s dock bars are more than places to eat. They are Chesapeake experiences blending breezes, seafood seasoned with Old Bay and fresh Orange Crushes. From Pasadena to Deale, here are the can’t-miss stops:

1 Sam and Maggie’s Dockside Grill (Pasadena): Enjoy Latin and Caribbean flavors with sunset views over the Bay.

2 The Rumor Reel (Pasadena): This local fave is famous for soft crab sandwiches and waterfront charm.

3 Rams Head Dockside (Pasadena): Head here for island-style vibes, live music, seafood and craft brews.

4 Mike’s Restaurant and Crabhouse (Riva) and North (Pasadena): These twin Chesapeake classics feature steamed crabs, crab cakes, and a tiki bar.

5 The Point Crab House & Grill (Arnold): Locals flock here for fresh seafood, the famous Point Burger, and boat-friendly vibes.

6 Coconut Joe’s Bar and Grill (Edgewater): Come here for indoor-outdoor dining, two tiki bars, live music and a pirate ship play area for kids.

7 Pirates Cove Restaurant and Dock Bar (Galesville): Dig into seafood overlooking the water, paired with slips for your boat, breezy decks and West River sunsets.

8 Stan and Joe’s Riverside (Galesville): Soak up riverside charm with hearty bites, pier-side tables and live music.

9 Wharf 38 (Deale): This South River spot offers laid-back waterfront dining, seasonal menus and stellar views. (NEW)

10 Skipper's Pier Restaurant & Dock Bar (Deale): This waterfront gem offers casual american fare, live entertainment and homemade desserts.

Anne Arundel County knows how to raise a glass. From bayside brews to vineyard sunsets, the craft beverage scene pairs perfectly with crab feasts, football games or romantic evenings under the stars.

1 Forward Brewing (Eastport, Annapolis): Sip the crisp Annapolis Boat Kölsch in their airy taproom, or hop aboard their boat for a harbor cruise with beer in hand.

2 Pherm Brewing Company (Crofton): Known for bold, creative brews, this microbrewery blends art and hops into every pour.

3 Crooked Crab Brewing Co. (Odenton): This local favorite serving house beers, pizza, and trivia nights is easygoing and full of flavor.

4 Old Barn Brewery (Arnold): Anne Arundel’s first farm brewery offers picnic tables, rolling fields, and farmhouse brews.

5 The Vineyards at Dodon (Davidsonville): Book a tasting and savor estate-grown wines rooted in tradition, served in a quiet farm setting.

6 Great Frogs Winery (Annapolis): Discover rustic charm just outside downtown, offering local wines with live music on weekends.

7 Thanksgiving Farm Winery (Harwood): The county’s original winery specializes in Bordeaux reds as timeless as the farmland itself.

For the latest information on sipping, savoring and exploring dining in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, go to: visitannapolis.org/sip-savor-explore

Pherm Brewing Company

Sam and Maggie's Dockside Grill

Waterfront Views | Classic Maryland Cuisine | Live Music | Craft Cocktails | Covered Rooftop Bar

REVOLUTIONARY RESTAURANT Ramble

AS THE CAPITAL CITY of one of the OG 13 colonies, Annapolis has always harbored a revolutionary spirit. Whether it was saying “No more kings!” 250 years ago or charting our own unique course today, we like to shake things up with a blend of old and new, traditional and unconventional. We have 18th-century streets, not 18th-century attitudes, after all. Here are some standout places that should get you in the revolutionary spirit, one way or another.

When Wandering by Foot

These restaurants and pubs showcase our city’s historic roots and creative culinary heritage, all within a walkable radius through downtown Annapolis.

Reynolds Tavern (est. 1747)

The subterranean 1747 Pub is located downstairs in what was the original kitchen of The Beaver and Lac’d Hat shop and tavern, first leased by namesake William Reynolds in 1747. Watch your step going down the narrow staircase, which dates to the building’s original construction in 1737, and take a seat by the original 18th-century hearth—the perfect place to enjoy a colonial-era Pub Punch or a local cider or ale, paired with their not-so-18th-century-but totally-delicious Frito-pie.

Sailor Oyster Bar

Sailor Oyster Bar has been making waves since it first opened in 2016. Sailor has it all: artful, sexy cocktails; an incredible array of oysters; an unconventional approach to cuisine, with an ever-changing slate of specials; and cheeky, salty vibes for days. It’s missing only one thing: a stove. Relying on a mix of blowtorches, inventive cooking methods like sous vide and the freshest of ingredients, they curate a seasonally rotating menu with components like caviar, sweet potato hummus or torched scallops.

Middleton Tavern (est. 1754)

Middleton’s is quintessentially Annapolitan, offering a variety of pub favorites and seafood dishes (the oyster shooters are a must), live music on two levels, and decor that embraces centuries of Annapolis history. You can even participate in light betting like George Washington used to do, although Keno has replaced whist. 18th-century fireplaces? Check. Year-round orange crushes? Check. A guaranteed good time? Check.

Preserve

Screamingly inventive, aggressively sustainable and just so cool, Preserve stands out with its dedication to local ingredients, creative techniques and seasonal menus that suit vegans and carnivores alike. Have you ever tried za’atar-spiced zucchini? Sorghum caramel? Elysian Fields lamb? The seasonal menu always intrigues, delivering a luxe culinary adventure in a cozy setting on Main Street. Preserve also stands out with its Labor of Love service charge. Following the movement embraced by top restaurants across the nation, they use the charge to provide their team with fair hourly wages, health insurance and paid sick leave.

Reynold's Tavern

Drummer’s Lot at Maryland Inn (Historic Maryland Inn, est. 1784)

The Maryland Inn is one of the few inns in the country in continuous operation for more than 250 years. Tucked away in the basement you’ll find the Drummer’s Lot Pub, where the members of the Continental Congress imbibed beverages while in the city to ratify the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution. Old meets new here—you can order their take on Ben Franklin’s favorite rum punch or indulge in an espresso martini. With thoughtfully crafted cocktails in a hidden, stone-walled hideaway, revolution never felt cozier.

Rumhouse Caribbean Dining

One of the newest additions to the Annapolis dining scene, Rumhouse easily stands out from the crowd with its intriguing cocktail list, a Caribbean menu unlike anything in town, and a tasting table with a menu carefully crafted by Trinidadian executive chef Natasha de Bourg. Rumhouse is also proudly part of the tip-free revolution, with menu items priced to allow all staff to have health care benefits, paid time off and pre-set wages.

Forward Brewing

What happens when you mix conservation, composting and commitment to the community with creative brews, delicious food and a family-friendly atmosphere? You get Forward Brewing—the Eastport neighborhood favorite that makes a big impact with a little footprint. Not only do they focus on being as sustainable as possible,they brew for good causes too, by collaborating with groups like Annapolis Pride, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and more, creating special custom beers that return a portion of the proceeds back to the organization.

If Traveling by Horse or Carriage

Anne Arundel County has plenty of tasty surprises for the adventuring traveler willing to stray farther afield.

Toast the 21st

The term “hidden gem” gets thrown around but when it comes to Toast the 21st, it absolutely applies. Tucked away in the back of a liquor store, the cocktail bar’s humble exterior belies the modern, inviting vibe you’ll find inside. It feels like a true speakeasy—the kind that makes you feel cool just knowing about it. The cocktail list is creative and the small bites menu comes from Bread and Butter Kitchen, another local favorite. Not only are the drinks delicious and the food tasty, Toast the 21st proudly advertises itself as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. We’ll drink to that!

Preserve

Forward Brewing

Sailor Oyster Bar

Crooked Crab Brewing Co.

Maryland’s first brewery was established in the Annapolis area in 1703 and the area had a long tradition of brewing until Prohibition and consolidation slowly whittled them down. In fact, Anne Arundel County had been bereft of craft breweries since 2003 until three Maryland natives came along and decided to revive the tradition. Their creation, Crooked Crab, opened in Odenton in 2018, to the delight of craft beer lovers far and wide. The 36 taps are ever-changing with a wide range of beers, mead and cider, best paired with handmade brick oven pizzas. Cheers to being revolutionary!

Old Stein Inn

For nearly 45 years, locals have agreed: The Old Stein Inn ist gud, delivering an authentic Bavarian-style experience right in Annapolis’ backyard. Practice German and order traditional Münchner Schweinshaxe (slow-roasted pork knuckle), wurst or schnitzel, paired with draft Kolsch or a glass of Gewurztraminer and Apfelstrudel for dessert. But Old Stein is far more than German fare— they have a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails, as well as live music. The Old Stein is familyfriendly, LGBTQ+ friendly and has a dog-friendly patio. Prost!

Beer Farm at Homestead Gardens

Take in the views along the Roots and Tides Scenic Byway as you make your way to the Beer Farm at Homestead Gardens. This dog-friendly brewery shows what happens when innovation, agriculture and sustainability meet to create beers that are light on your carbon footprint, not on flavor. The state-of-the-art brewery is a partnership between the acclaimed gardener’s mecca and Brookville Beer Farm,

located in nearby Montgomery County, and operates in a closed-loop brewing cycle to ensure that nothing goes to waste. Cheers to the green revolution!

Wharf 38°

Another great stop along the Roots and Tides Scenic Byway, Wharf 38° is nestled along Rockhold Creek in the heart of the Deale waterfront. A standout dock bar, they have a great menu that spans crab cakes to paella and duck confit, and fresh crabs are brought in daily in season. Add a nice list of crushes and live music every Sunday, and you have timeless ingredients for a delicious day by the Bay.

Black Market Bakers

What began as a weekends-only food truck has grown into a cult favorite in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, with locations in Annapolis (on West Street and at Port Annapolis Marina, where you can arrive by boat), Edgewater and Churchton. Be warned: They don’t have a published phone number and they don’t take online orders. Check out their weekly specials on social media to make a plan, then get there early—especially on weekends. Their fresh-baked breads, scones, cookies and cruffins are well worth the wait.

visitannapolis.org/america-250-annapolis/

Crooked Crab Brewing Co.

DINING

Directory

ANNAPOLIS

American Cuisine

Acme Bar & Grille

163 Main St. Annapolis | 410-280-6486 acmegrill.com

Adam’s on Fourth

424 Fourth St. Annapolis | 410-320-2800 facebook.com/adamson4th

Adam’s Taphouse & Grille

921 Chesapeake Ave., #C

Annapolis | 410-267-0064 adamsgrilleannapolis.com

Annapolis Market House

25 Market Space

Annapolis | 443-949-0024 annapolismarkethouse.com

Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern 107 Hillsmere Dr. Annapolis | 410-571-5073 annapolissmokehouse.com

Armadillos Bar & Grill

132 Dock St. Annapolis | 410-280-0028 facebook.com/armadillosbar

The Big Cheese

47 Randall St. Annapolis | 410-263-6915 tbcsannapolis.com

Blackwall Hitch

400 6th St.

Annapolis | 410-263-3454 blackwallhitchannapolis.com

Captain’s Daughter

100 Westgate Cir.

Annapolis | 410-972-4300 captainsdaughterannapolis.com

Chessie’s Wharf

609 Melvin Ave. Annapolis | 443-603-1235 rarbrewing.com/location/ chessies-wharf-of-annapolis/

Chick & Ruth’s Delly 165 Main St. Annapolis | 410-269-6737 chickandruths.com

Dark Horse Annapolis 985 Bay Ridge Rd. Annapolis | 443-437-3072 darkhorseannapolis.com

Dock Street Bar & Grille

136 Dock St. Annapolis | 410-268-7278 dockstreetbar.net

Drummer’s Lot Pub 16 Church Cir. Annapolis | 410-263-2641 historicinnsofannapolis.com/ dining

Dry 85

193 B Main St. Annapolis | 443-214-5171 dry85.com/annapolis

Eastport Kitchen 923 Chesapeake Ave. Annapolis | 410-990-0000 eastportkitchen.com

Federal House Bar & Grille 24 Market Space Annapolis | 410-268-2576 federalhouse.com

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill 2500 Riva Rd. Annapolis | 443-606-6788 firebirdsrestaurants.com/ annapolis

Fox’s Den 179 B Main St. Annapolis | 443-808-8991 foxsden.com

The Goat

137 Prince George St. Annapolis | 410-571-5577 thegoatannapolis.com

Grapes Wine Bar & Restaurant 1410 Forest Dr. Annapolis | 410-571-5378 grapeswinebarannapolis.com

Harold Black

236 Main St. Annapolis | 410-304-3353 haroldblack.com

Harry Browne’s Restaurant 66 State Cir. Annapolis | 410-263-4332 harrybrownes.net

Heroes Pub 1 Riverview Ave. Annapolis | 410-573-1996 heroespub.com

InGrano Restaurant & Events 17 Annapolis St. Annapolis | 410-980-5514 ingranoannapolis.com

Full On Craft Eats & Drinks 2478-A Solomons Island Rd. Annapolis | 443-949-0203 annapolis.fulloncraft.com

GameOn Bar + Arcade 114 West St. Annapolis | 410-885-4589 gameonbararcade.com

Dock & Dine

The Choptank

J. Alexander’s Kitchen & Bar

1906 Towne Centre Blvd. Suite 155

Annapolis | 410-881-8830 jalexanders.com/maryland/ annapolis/1906-towne-centerblvd

Julep Kitchen & Bar

2207 Forest Dr., Unit 2 Annapolis | 410-571-3923 julepannapolis.com

Latitude 38

12 Dock St. Annapolis | 667-204-2282 latitude38waterfront.com

Leo Annapolis

212 West St. Annapolis | 443-782-7549 leoannapolis.com

Level, a Small Plates Lounge 69 West St. Annapolis | 410-268-0003 levelannapolis.com

Lewnes’ Steakhouse 401 Fourth St. Annapolis | 410-263-1617 lewnessteakhouse.com

Melting Pot

2348 Solomons Island Rd. Annapolis | 410-266-8004 meltingpot.com/annapolis-md/

Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge

175 West St. Annapolis | 410-280-5160 metropolitanannapolis.com

Middleton Tavern

2 Market Space Annapolis | 410-263-3323 middletontavern.com

Miller’s Ale House 178 Jennifer Rd. Annapolis | 410-204-5301 millersalehouse.com/locations/ annapolis

Mission BBQ

2101 Somerville Rd., Ste. 105 Annapolis | 443-569-4700 mission-bbq.com

Paul’s Homewood Cafe 919 West St. Annapolis | 410-267-7891 paulshomewoodcafe.com

Parley Room

25 State Cir. Annapolis | 443-837-6481 parleyroom.com

Pearl Restaurant and Ponche Tiki Bar 26 Market Space

Annapolis | 410-280-8686 pearlannapolis.com

Pip’s Dock Street Dogs 118 Dock St. Annapolis | 410-990-9009 pipsdogs.com

Potato Valley Cafe

47 State Cir., Ste. #100 Annapolis | 410-267-0902 potatovalleycafe.net

Preserve 164 Main St. Annapolis | 443-775-2885 preserve-eats.com

Rams Head Roadhouse 1773 Generals Hwy. Annapolis | 410-849-8058 ramsheadroadhouse.com

Rams Head Tavern 33 West St. Annapolis | 410-268-4545 ramsheadtavern.com

Red Hot & Blue Annapolis 200 Old Mill Bottom Rd. Annapolis | 410-626-7427 redhotandblue.com

Red Red Wine Bar + Bistro

189 B Main St. Annapolis | 410-990-1144 redredwinebar.com

Reynolds Tavern and 1747 Pub 7 Church Cir. Annapolis | 410-295-9555 reynoldstavern.org

Rumhouse

422 6th St. Annapolis |  410-469-2500 rumhouseannapolis.com

Rutabaga Juicery & Eats

4 Ridgely Ave. Annapolis | 410-267-0261 rutabagajuicery.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

301 Severn Ave. Annapolis | 410-990-0033 ruthschris.com

Severn Inn

1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Annapolis | 410-349-4000 severninn.com

Stan and Joe’s Saloon 37 West St. Annapolis | 410-263-1993 stanandjoessaloon.com

Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill

2190 Annapolis Mall Rd. Annapolis | 410-224-8312 stoneyriver. com/2190-annapolis-mall/

Tastings Gourmet Market 1410 Forest Dr. Annapolis | 410-263-1324 tastingsgourmetmarket.com

Timber Pizza Co. 192 West St. Annapolis | 443-949-9324 timberpizza.com/annapolis

Directory | VisitAnnapolis.org

Toastique

214 Harker Pl. Annapolis | 443-430-0085 toastique.com/pages/annapolis

Trophy Room

126 West St. Annapolis | 410-263-7777 hilton.com/en/hotels/anpgagu-graduate-annapolis/ dining/

True Food Kitchen

1906 Towne Centre Blvd. Ste. 110 Annapolis | 443-775-5179 truefoodkitchen.com/locations/ annapolis

VIN 909 Winecafé 909 Bay Ridge Ave. Annapolis | 410-990-1846 vin909wine.com

Asian Cuisine

Basmati Indian Restaurant 2444 Solomons Island Rd. Annapolis | 410-266-6355 basmatiofannapolis.com

Carlson’s Donuts & Thai Kitchen 1022 West St. Annapolis | 410-263-2454 carlsonsthaikitchen.com

Inju KBBQ 1084 Annapolis Mall Rd. Annapolis | 443-221-7283 injukoreanbbq.com

Jack’s Fortune Restaurant 960 Bay Ridge Rd. Annapolis | 410-267-7731 jackfortune1.com

Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar 195 Main St. Annapolis | 410-263-4688 josssushi.com

Lemongrass Annapolis 167 West St. Annapolis | 410-280-0086 lemongrassannapolis.com

Lemongrass Too 2625 Housley Rd., A Annapolis | 410-224-8424 lemongrassannapolis.com

Nam’s Pho 1015 Bay Ridge Ave. Annapolis | 410-626-0712 nambrospho.com

Nano Asian Dining 189 Main St., A Annapolis | 410-267-6688 nanoasian.com

Pho 5UP Annapolis 2625 Riva Rd., D Annapolis | 410-224-6000 pho5up.com

Tarin Thai 138 Main St. Annapolis | 410-808-8553 tarinthaimd.com

Teriyaki House 105 Main St. Annapolis | 443-949-0556 teriyakihouse21401.com

Tsu 51 West St. Annapolis | 410-990-9868 tsunamiannapolis.com

Ziki Japanese Steak House 1906 Towne Centre Blvd. Ste. 4250 Annapolis | 410-224-6598 zikisteakhouse.com

Breakfast, Bakeries & Cafes

49 West Coffeehouse

Winebar & Gallery 49 West St. Annapolis | 410- 626-9796 49westcoffeehouse.com

Bakers & Co. 618 Chesapeake Ave. Annapolis | 410-280-1119 bakersandco.com

Bean Rush Cafe 112 Annapolis St. Annapolis | 410- 263-2534 beanrushcafe.com

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee 124 Dock St. Annapolis | 410-972-1419 bittyandbeauscoffee.com

Black Market Bakers 7082 Bembe Beach Rd. Annapolis blackmarketbakers.com

Blue Crab Cupcakes 1580 Whitehall Rd. Annapolis | 443-221-7246 bluecrabcupcakes.com

Bread & Butter Kitchen

303 Second St., Ste. A Annapolis | 410-202-8680 breadandbutterkitchen.com

Brown Mustache Coffee 35 Maryland Ave. Annapolis | 410-216-4574 brownmustache.com

Cafe Ole 33-1/2 West St. Annapolis | 410-280-6160

Ceremony Coffee Roasters — Riva 2329 Forest Dr. Annapolis | 410-266-5776 ceremonycoffee.com

Ceremony Coffee

Roasters — Roastery

The Warehouse

90 Russell St., Ste. 500 Annapolis | 410-626-0011 ceremonycoffee.com

Curate Annapolis 141 West St., Ste. 101 Annapolis | 410-907-0968 curateannapolis.com

Evelyn’s

26 Annapolis St. Annapolis | 410-263-4794 facebook.com/ evelynsannapolis/

Great Harvest Bread Company

208 Ridgely Ave. Annapolis | 410-268-4662 greatharvest.com

Grump’s Café 117 Hillsmere Dr. Annapolis | 410-267-0229 grumpscafe.com

InGrano Bistro Bakery

302 Harry S. Truman Pkwy. Ste. H Annapolis | 410-919-0776 ingranoannapolis.com

InGrano On Main (Coming Soon!) 16 Church Cir. Annapolis ingranoannapolis.com

Iron Rooster

12 Market Space Annapolis | 410-990-1600 iron-rooster.com/ iron-rooster-annapolis

Leeward Market Cafe & Grocery 601 Second St. Annapolis | 443-837-6122 leewardmarketcafe.com

Light House Bistro 202 West St. Annapolis | 410-424-0922 lighthousebistro.org

Main & Market

914 Bay Ridge Rd. Annapolis | 410-626-0388 mainandmarket.com

Miss Shirley’s Café 1 Park Pl. Annapolis | 410-268-5171 missshirleys.com

Naval Bagels 609-A Taylor Ave. Annapolis | 410-263-1344 navalbagels.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes Annapolis 1901 Towne Centre Blvd. Ste. 130 Annapolis | 443-775-7979 nothingbundtcakes.com

The Original Pancake House 2002 Annapolis Mall Rd. Annapolis | 410-994-8888 ophannapolis.com

Oscar’s Coffee

105 Eastern Ave. Annapolis wheresoscar.com

The Red Bean 220 Main St. Annapolis | 410-263-1700 theredbeancafe.com

Rise Up Annapolis 2042 Somerville Rd. Annapolis | 877-474-7387 riseupcoffee.com

Rise Up City Dock at Annapolis Market House 25 Market Space Annapolis | 443-949-0024 riseupcoffee.com

Seoul Blues Coffee and Dessert 2002 Annapolis Mall Rd. Annapolis | 410-266-5432 seoulbluescafe.com

Sofi’s Crepes

1 Craig St. Annapolis | 410-990-0929 sofiscrepes.com

Starbucks 122 Main St. Annapolis | 410-263-5038 starbucks.com

Sweet Hearts Patisserie 1410 Forest Dr. Annapolis | 410-263-6513 sweetheartspatisserie.com

Tatte Bakery & Café

305 Sail Pl. Annapolis | 667-204-2512 tattebakery.com

Breweries & Vineyards

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

1906 Towne Centre Blvd. Annapolis | 443-837-9989 chwinery.com/locations/ annapolis

Forward Brewing

418 Fourth St. Annapolis | 443-221-7277 forwardeastport.com

Great Frogs Winery

3218 Harness Creek Rd. Annapolis | 410-626-6193 greatfrogs.com

European Cuisine

Acqua Al 2

236 Main St. Annapolis | 410-222-1121 acquaal2.com

Bella Italia Annapolis 609-B Taylor Ave. Annapolis | 410-216-6061 bellaitaliamd.com

Cafe Normandie 185 Main St. Annapolis | 410-263-3382 cafenormandie.com

Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen & Wine Bar 1 Park Pl., Ste. 10 Annapolis | 410-268-6569 carpacciotuscankitchen.com

Castlebay Irish Pub & Restaurant

193-A Main St. Annapolis | 410-626-0165 castlebayirishpub.com

Cavalli

1905 Towne Centre Blvd. Ste 100 Annapolis | 443 -572-4677 cavalliannapolis.com

Davis’ Pub 400 Chester Ave. Annapolis | 410-268-7432 davispub.com

Della Notte Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar 1374 Cape St. Claire Rd. Annapolis | 410-757-2919 dellanotterestaurant.com

Galway Bay 63 Maryland Ave. Annapolis | 410-263-8333 galwaybaymd.com

Giolitti Fine Italian Market & Delicatessen 2068 Somerville Rd. Annapolis | 410-266-8600 giolittideli.com

The Italian Market Annapolis 126 Defense Hwy. Annapolis | 410-224-1330 theitalianmarket.com

Keratsini Greek Kitchen 2478 Solomons Island Rd. Annapolis | 410-571-5217 keratsinigreekkitchen.com

Little Italy Annapolis 1411-B Forest Dr. Annapolis | 410-571-5076 littleitalyannapolis.com

Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano 36 West St. Annapolis | 410-267-9950 lunabluofannapolis.com

Neo Pizza + Taphouse 220 Harker Pl., Suite 145 Annapolis | 410-266-7771 neopizza.com/location/ annapolis-md/

Rocco’s Pizzeria 954 Bay Ridge Rd. Annapolis | 410-263-9444 roccospizzashop.com

Ice Cream and Sweets

Always Ice Cream Company 116 Annapolis St. Annapolis | 443-775-5297 alwaysicecreamcompany.com

Galway Bay

Annapolis Ice Cream Company

196 Main St. Annapolis | 443-714-8674  annapolisicecream.com

Kilwins

128 Main St. Annapolis | 410-263-2601 kilwins.com

Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory

130 Dock St. Annapolis | 410-263-3376 stormbros.com

Latin and Mexican Cuisine

Caliente Grill

907 Bay Ridge Rd.

Annapolis | 410-626-1444 calientegrillannapolis.com

Chevy’s Fresh Mex 2436 Solomons Island Rd. Annapolis | 410-573-4932 chevys.com/location/annapolis

Chipotle Mexican Grill 36 Market Space Annapolis | 410-268-7586 chipotle.com

Don Chico’s

302 Harry S. Truman Pkwy. Ste. K

Annapolis | 410-266-5006 facebook.com/p/ Don-Chicos-61577567603422

El Cabrito Mexican Grill

1407 Forest Dr. Annapolis | 443-714-8513 elcabritomexicangrill.com

El Cabrito Mexican Grill 1900 Fairfax Rd., Ste. 12 Annapolis | 443-949-0436 elcabritomexicangrill.com

El Pan Café

1908 Forest Dr., Ste. 1D Annapolis | 410-268-2016

El Toro Bravo II 2552 Riva Rd. Annapolis | 410-571-5769 eltorobravo2.com

Jalapeños 85 Forest Dr. Annapolis | 410-266-7580 jalapenosonline.com

La Sierra 2625-A Riva Rd. Annapolis | 410-573-2961 lasierraannapolismd.com

Mi Lindo Cancun Grill 2134 Forest Dr. Annapolis | 410-571-0500 lindocancungrill.com

Naty’s Tex-Mex Cuisine 1975 West St. Annapolis | 667-225-4172 natysbarandgrill.com

Picante Cocina Mexicana 48 West St. Annapolis | 443-775-5957 picanteannapolis.com

Rodizio Grill — The Brazilian Steakhouse 1079 Annapolis Mall Rd. Ste. 204 Annapolis | 410-849-4444 rodiziogrill.com

Sin Fronteras Café 2129 Forest Dr. Annapolis | 410-266-0013 sinfronterascafe.com

Uncle Julio’s 181 Jennifer Rd. Annapolis | 410-858-4035 order.unclejulios.com/ locations/MD

Vida Taco Bar

200 Main St. Annapolis | 443-837-6521 vidatacobar.com

Middle Eastern Cuisine

Moby Dick House of Kabob 2496 Riva Rd., Ste. 430 Annapolis | 410-298-5777 mobyskabob.com

Naz's Halal Food 2510 Riva Road Annapolis | 410-670-5255 nazshalal.com

Seafood

Augie’s Mussel House & Beer Garden (Coming Soon!) 1915 Towne Centre Blvd., #150 Annapolis | eataugies.com

Beacon Waterfront

2020 Chesapeake Harbour Dr., E Annapolis | 443-949-8456 beaconwaterfront.com

Blowfish Poké Hawaiian Grill 122 Dock St. Annapolis | 410-849-9095 blowfishpoke.com

Boatyard Bar & Grill

400 Fourth St. Annapolis | 410-216-6206 boatyardbarandgrill.com

Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs

100 Main St. Annapolis | 410-626-1100 buddysonline.com

Cantlers Riverside Inn 458 Forest Beach Rd. Annapolis | 410-757-1311 cantlers.com

Carrol’s Creek Cafe

410 Severn Ave. Annapolis | 410-263-8102 carrolscreek.com

Directory | VisitAnnapolis.org

Chart House Prime

300 Second St. Annapolis | 410-268-7166 charthouseprime.com

The Choptank

110 Compromise St. Annapolis | 443-808-1992 thechoptankrestaurant.com/ annapolis

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls 188 Main St. Annapolis | 410-280-2254 masonslobster.com

McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar 8 Market Space Annapolis | 410-263-5700 mcgarveysannapolis.com

O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern 113 Main St. Annapolis | 410-268-6288 obriensoysterbar.com

O’Leary’s Seafood Restaurant 310 Third St. Annapolis | 410-263-0884 olearysseafood.com

Osteria 177 177 Main St. Annapolis | 410-267-7700 osteria177.com

Sailor Oyster Bar 196 West St. Annapolis | 410-571-5449 sailoroysterbar.com

SeaSalt 1 Park Place, Ste. 7 Annapolis |  443-288-0986 seasaltannapolis.com

Wild Country Seafood 124 Bay Shore Ave. Annapolis | 410-267-6711 wildcountryseafood.com

GREATER ANNAPOLIS

American Cuisine

Cypress Restaurant 552 Ritchie Hwy., # L Severna Park | 443-906-2542 eatatcypress.com

Donnelly’s Dockside 1050 Deep Creek Ave. Arnold | 410-757-4045 donnellysdockside.com

Garry’s Grill 553 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park | 410-544-0499 garrysgrill.com

Garten 849 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park | 443-261-3905 garten-eats.com

Mother’s Peninsula Grille 969 Ritchie Hwy. Arnold | 410-975-5950 mothersgrille.com/location/ peninsula-grille

The Social 139 Ritchie Hwy., A Severna Park | 410-544-2457 thesocialsp.com

Toast the 21st 1355 Generals Hwy. Crownsville | 410-923-1223 toastthe21st.com

Asian Cuisine

Lemongrass Arnold 959 Ritchie Hwy. Arnold | 410-518-6990 lemongrassannapolis.com

Oishi Japanese Cuisine 1450 Ritchie Hwy., Ste. 107 Arnold | 443-214-5762 oishisushimd.com

Breakfast, Bakeries & Cafes

Bean Rush Cafe 1015 Generals Hwy. Crownsville | 410-923-1546 beanrushcafe.com

Crepes in the Park

560 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park | 410-647-6300 crepesinthepark.com

Naval Bagels 1460 Ritchie Hwy., #112 Arnold | 410-349-2245 navalbagelsinc.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Severna Park 580 Governor Ritchie Hwy. Ste. I Severna Park | 410-421-1250 nothingbundtcakes.com

Rise Up Arnold 1296 Bay Dale Dr. Arnold | 443-949-8754 riseupcoffee.com

Rise Up Severna Park 522 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park | 410-975-5127 riseupcoffee.com

Y’ollk Bakery

489 Ritchie Hwy., Ste 101 Severna Park | facebook.com/p/ yollk-Bakery-61577208615178

Breweries

& Vineyards

Old Barn Brewery

301 Bay Dale Dr. Arnold |  657-410-4456 facenook.com/p/Old-BarnBrewery-61560416691263

European Cuisine

Bella Italia Arnold 1460 Ritchie Hwy. Arnold | 410-757-3373 bellaitaliaarnold.com

Brian Boru Irish Restaurant & Pub

489 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park | 410-975-2678 brianborupub.com

Cafe Mezzanotte

760 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park | 410-647-1100 cafemezzanotte.com

Latin and Mexican Cuisine

Vida Taco Bar

541 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park | 410-544-2300 vidatacobar.com

Seafood

Lures Bar and Grille 1397 Generals Hwy. Crownsville | 410-923-1606 luresbarandgrille.com

Mike’s Restaurant & Crabhouse 3030 Riva Rd. Riva | 410-956-2784 mikescrabhouse.com

The Point Crab House & Grill

700 Mill Creek Rd. Arnold | 410-544-5448 thepointcrabhouse.com

SOUTH COUNTY

American Cuisine

The All American Steakhouse

139 Mitchells Chance Rd. Edgewater | 410-956-4494 theallamericansteakhouse.com/ location/edgewater

Bayside Bull

108 W. Central Ave. Edgewater | 443-726-4516 baysidebull.com

Chris’s Charcoal Pit 3283 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater | 410-266-5200 chrischarcoalpit.com

Coconut Joe’s Bar & Grill 48 S. River Rd. Edgewater | 443-837-6057 coconutjoesmd.com

Driftwood Diner

1468 Snug Harbor Rd. Shady Side | 410-867-4411 facebook.com/ BreakfastServedAllDay

Harvest Thyme Tavern

1251 W. Central Ave. Davidsonville | 443-203-6846 harvestthymetavern.com

Stan and Joe’s Riverside 4851 Riverside Dr. Galesville | 410-867-7200 stanandjoessaloon.com

Timber Pizza Co. 3279 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater | 410-571-5226 timberpizza.com

Asian

Cuisine

Nova Sushi Bar and Asian Fusion 3257 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater | 410- 956-5326 novasushi.com

Breakfast, Bakeries & Cafes

Black Market Bakers 155 Mitchells Chance Rd. Edgewater blackmarketbakers.com

Blondie’s Doughnuts 8 Mayo Rd. Edgewater | 443-961-6089 blondiesdoughnuts.com

Naval Bagels 3139 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater | 443-288-2525 navalbagels.com

Rise Up Edgewater 121 Mayo Rd. Edgewater | 443-775-9249 riseupcoffee.com

Breweries & Vineyards

The Vineyards at Dodon 391 Dodon Rd. Davidsonville | 410-798-1126 dodonvineyards.com

European Cuisine

Killarney House 584 W. Central Ave. Davidsonville | 410-798-8700 killarneyhousepub.com

Old Stein Inn 1143 Central Ave. Edgewater | 410-798-6807 oldstein-inn.com

Ice Cream and Sweets

Always Ice Cream Company 129 Mitchells Chance Rd., Ste. A Edgewater | 443-949-8309 alwaysicecreamcompany.com/ edgewater

Latin and Mexican Cuisine

AZTK House 5544 Muddy Creek Rd., Ste. A West River | 667-225-7458 aztkhouse.com

El Cabrito Mexican Grill 3029 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater | 667-204-2518 elcabritomexicangrill.com

Jay’s Latin Kitchen 5471 Muddy Creek Rd. Churchton | 240-903-8100 jayslatinkitchen.com

Seafood

The Boathouse at Anchored Inn 604 Cabana Blvd. Deale | 410-867-9668 theboathousedeale.com

Pirates Cove Restaurant & Dock Bar 4817 Riverside Dr. Galesville | 410-867-2300 piratescovemd.com

Skipper’s Pier Restaurant and Dock Bar 6158 Drum Point Rd. Deale | 410-867-7110 skipperspier.com

Yellowfin Steak & Fish House 2840 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater | 410-573-1333 yellowfinedgewater.com

NORTH COUNTY

American Cuisine

Copper Canyon Grill

7051 Arundel Mills Blvd. Hanover | 443-661-4332 ccgrill.com/arundel-mills/

Dave & Buster’s 7000 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 443-755-0113 daveandbusters.com

David’s Restaurant & Bar

Inside Live! Casino & Hotel, 7002 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 443-620-5510 maryland.livecasinohotel.com/ dine-and-drink/davids

George Martin’s Grillfire 7793 Arundel Mills Blvd. Hanover | 410-799-2883 grillfirehanover.com

Honey Bee Diner

7346 Ritchie Hwy. Glen Burnie | 410-761-0477 honeybeediner.com

Luckies

Inside Live! Casino & Hotel

7002 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 443-842-7000 maryland.livecasinohotel.com/ dine-and-drink/luckies

Morty’s Delicatessen

Inside Live! Casino & Hotel

7002 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 443-842-7000 maryland.livecasinohotel.com/ dine-and-drink/mortysdelicatessen

The Prime Rib

Inside Live! Casino & Hotel 7002 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 443-445-2970 maryland.livecasinohotel.com/ dine-and-drink/the-prime-rib

Rams Head Dockside 1702 Furnace Dr. Glen Burnie | 410-590-2280 ramsheaddockside.com

The Rumor Reel 1701 Poplar Ridge Rd. Pasadena | 443-702-2188 therumorreelpasadena.com

Willy’s Kitchen

7271 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Glen Burnie | 410-761-8001 willyskitchenandcatering.com

Yard House

7000 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 410-379-2868 yardhouse.com

Asian Cuisine

KOHO Korean BBQ House

Inside Live! Casino & Hotel

7002 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 443-222-7777 kohobbq.com

Luk Fu

Inside Live! Casino & Hotel

7002 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 443-842-7000 maryland.livecasinohotel.com/ dine-and-drink/luk-fu

Mali Thai

7477 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. #111 Glen Burnie | 410-412-2916 malithaimd.com

Pho 5Up Hanover

1350 Dorsey Rd. Hanover | 410-582-8135 pho5up.com

Rangoli Indian Cuisine

7791-C Arundel Mills Blvd. Hanover | 410-799-5650 therangolirestaurant.com

Zaiqa Restaurant and Grill

1350 Dorsey Rd. Hanover | 410-859-1112 zaiqamd.com

Breakfast, Bakeries & Cafes

Miss Shirley’s Café

BWI Airport, Concourse A 7050 Friendship Rd. Baltimore | 410-595-5008 missshirleys.com

Sweet Eden Bakeshop

2604-A Annapolis Rd. Severn | 443-795-4550 sweetedenbakeshop.com

Breweries & Vineyards

Hysteria Taphouse

3201 Mountain Rd., Ste. 102-103 Pasadena | 410-630-1060 hysteriataphouse.com

European Cuisine

Arturo’s Trattoria

1660 Crain Hwy. South Glen Burnie | 410-761-1500 arturostrattoria.com

Rocco’s Pizzeria

7432 Ritchie Hwy. Glen Burnie | 410-760-6526 facebook.com/ RoccosOfGlenBurnie

Latin and Mexican Cuisine

Añejo Rose

7793-B Arundel Mills Blvd. Hanover | 410-799-7440 anejorose.com

El Cabrito Mexican Grill

200 Crain Hwy. N. Glen Burnie | 410-271-7226 elcabritomexicangrill.com

El Cabrito Mexican Grill

8971 Fort Smallwood Rd. Pasadena | 410-255-2561 elcabritomexicangrill.com

Chevy’s Fresh Mex

7000 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 410-799-1505 chevys.com

Seafood

Crafty Crab Seafood

7000 Arundel Mills Cir. Hanover | 443-820-3870 craftycrabrestaurant.com

G&M Restaurant

804 N. Hammonds Ferry Rd. Linthicum Heights | 410-636-1777 gandmcrabcakes.com

Mike’s Crab House North 1402 Colony Rd. Pasadena | 410-255-7946 mikescrabhouse.com/pasadena

Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar 6713 Ritchie Hwy. Glen Burnie | 410-766-3713 pappasrestaurantglenburnie.com

Sam & Maggie’s Dockside Grill 1575 Fairview Beach Rd. Pasadena | 410-360-9526 samandmaggies.com

WEST COUNTY

American Cuisine

The All American Steakhouse Odenton 1502 Annapolis Rd. Odenton | 410- 305-0505 theallamericansteakhouse.com

Ashling Kitchen & Bar 1286 MD-3 South, Ste. 3 Crofton | 443-332-6100 ashlingco.com

The Blackwall Barn & Lodge 329 Gambrills Rd. Gambrills | 410-317-2276 barnandlodge.com

The Farmhouse Gambrills 2383 Brandermill Blvd. Gambrills | 410-451-7544 farmhousegambrills.com

Fresh Green Waugh Chapel 1407 S. Main Chapel Way Ste. 109 Odenton | 240-247-2585 freshgreensalads.com

The Hideaway 1439 Odenton Rd. Odenton | 410-874-7300 hideawayodenton.com

Libations Tavern 8541 Veterans Hwy. Millersville | 410-987-9800 libationstavern.com

Asian Cuisine

Fuji Hibachi Sushi & Lava Bar 1406 S. Main Chapel Way Gambrills | 410-721-6880 jcfuji.com

Namaste Fine Indian Cuisine 2510 Conway Rd., Ste. 109 Gambrills | 410-721-5654 namastemaryland.com

Pho 5Up Crofton 1268 Cronson Blvd. Crofton | 443-292-4323 pho5up.com

Pho 5Up Odenton 2288 Blue Water Blvd., Ste. 260 Odenton | 410-874-7385 odenton.pho5upmaryland.com

Thai at Waugh Chapel 1406 S. Main Chapel Way Ste. 102 Gambrills | 410-415-1004 thaiatwaughchapel.com

T Pot Hot Pot and Korean BBQ 2404 Brandermill Blvd. Gambrills | 443-292-4332 tpotrestaurant.com

Breakfast, Bakeries & Cafes

Eggspectation Gambrills 2402 Brandermill Blvd. Gambrills | 443-292-4181 eggspectation.com/ gambrills-md

Grump’s Cafe 2299 Johns Hopkins Rd. Gambrills | 443-292-4397 grumpscafe.com

Nico’s Bagels & Brunch 991 Waugh Chapel Way Gambrills | 443-300-3959 nicosbagelsandbrunch.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes Gambrills 1404 S. Main Chapel Way Ste. 114 Gambrills | 410-695-9197 nothingbundtcakes.com

Breweries & Vineyards

Chesepioc Real Ale Brewery

2408 Crofton Blvd. Crofton | 410-630-1212 brewcrab.com

Crooked Crab Brewing Company 8251 Telegraph Rd. Odenton | 443-569-9187 crookedcrabbrewing.com

Pherm Brewing Company 1041 Rte. 3 Gambrills | 443-302-2535 phermbrewing.com

European Cuisine

Galliano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

2630 Chapel Lake Dr. Gambrills | 410-721-5522 gallianoitalianrestaurant.com

Latin and Mexican Cuisine

El Cabrito Mexican Grill 2046 C Davidsonville Rd. Crofton | 443-292-8457 elcabritomexicangrill.com

El Cabrito Mexican Grill 3460 Fort Meade Rd. Laurel | 240-965-5621 elcabritomexicangrill.com

Gina’s Cantina 8779 Veterans Hwy. Millersville | 410-923-8226 ginascantinamd.com

Seafood

Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar & Grill

1166 MD-3 North Gambrills | 410-721-9081 bluedolphingrill.com

Sam & Maggie's Dockside Grill

Crabs

HOW TO PICK the Maryland Way

There's no wrong way to savor Maryland blue crabs, but locals agree that the best way to enjoy them is steamed and picked in the company of family and friends. A true Maryland crab feast takes place at a long table covered in butcher paper—ideal protection for the mess to come. Essentials like vinegar, drawn butter and Old Bay or J.O. Seasoning are close at hand, ready for dousing chunks of sweet crab meat. (Which is better, Old Bay or J.O.? That's a debate for another day.) Crabs come served with sides of Eastern Shore sweet corn and hush puppies for a feast that's as satisfying as it delicious. Yes, cracking those crabs takes some effort, but it's all part of the fun!

1. Pull up the apron and remove the top shell.

2. Remove the gills and guts. Some people keep the yellowish "mustard" and consider it a delicacy.

4. Cut through the middle of each half. This is where most of the meat is, so pick to your heart's content!

3. Break the body in half.

Mike's Restaurant & Crabhouse

SHOP. STROLL. DISCOVER.

lined with local boutiques, shop at trendy malls or visit flourishing town centers—all offering unmatched retail experiences.

North County/BWI Region Arundel Mills

Just a half-hour drive from downtown Annapolis, Arundel Mills is recognized as Maryland’s premier outlet and value retail shopping destination. With more than 200 stores, you’ll find everything from chic staples at Kate Spade New York to everyday favorites like LACOSTE and True Religion. Here, you can refresh your wardrobe with trend-setting finds, athletic gear or timeless classics, all in one stop.

Glen Burnie and Pasadena

This region of the county blends laid-back charm with plenty of shopping. The Centre at Glen Burnie has favorites like Target, Lane Bryant and Burlington. Just a short drive away, Pasadena offers T.J.Maxx, Barnes & Noble, Ulta Beauty and more.

Greater Annapolis Severna Park

Keep your style fresh with a mix of fashion and feel-good finds. Build your wardrobe with finds from Savvy Consignment and The Cottage, two hidden gems where unique style meets great value. After shopping, step into self-care mode at SE Beauty Spa & Wellness, Skinlogic or Face It! Spa and Wellness for glowing facials or total-body relaxation. Severna Park makes it easy to blend fashion with everyday indulgence.

Main St., Annapolis

Arundel Mills

Gambrills

Soak up the shopping vibes in Gambrills, where retail therapy comes with a side of small-town charm. Regal Waugh Chapel offers spacious theaters with 3D and IMAX® formats, perfect for catching the latest blockbusters on the big screen. The Village at Waugh Chapel is a treasure trove for bargain hunters, with Marshalls and HomeGoods waiting to be explored. Gambrills pairs trendy finds with laid-back hometown vibes, making it a must-shop stop just outside Annapolis.

Annapolis

On Main Street, pick up upscale fashion for the whole family at The Lucky Knot or breeze into Made + for the perfect sporty piece. If you’re spending time on the water, stopping at Musto is a must-o, and of course, Helly Hansen is quintessentially Annapolitan. Stroll to Market Space to The Pink Crab, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. On State Circle, pick up something unique for your home from The Annapolis Pottery or Welcome Home. Check out funky Maryland Avenue’s must-shop Cupla, with trendy apparel and beauty products. Vinylheads will certainly want to visit KA-CHUNK!! Records and dig through their vast selection of tunes. Pop into local favorite Annebeth’s of Annapolis for nautical souvenirs and Maryland-made treats. It’s easy to spend a few hours browsing through the beautiful galleries and eclectic antique stores on one of the prettiest streets in town.

Just a stone’s throw from downtown is the hamlet of West Annapolis, which features shops like the cool-girl go-to Wrabyn Boutique, Bon Vivant Antiques and the chic consignment store One Petticoat Lane.

Parole and West Street

Beyond downtown, Annapolis has plenty of opportunities for you to treat yourself during your stay. At the Annapolis Harbor Center, hit up Nordstrom Rack, grab a Crumbl Cookie, and get your nails done at Deluxe Nails & Spa. From Thursday through Saturday, pop into the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market for fresh snacks, produce and handmade crafts straight from Amish Country.

Five minutes away is the upscale destination Annapolis Town Center, where you can find boutiques like Kendra Scott, South Moon Under, and Anthropologie, or take in a workout at LifeTime Fitness. At Giolitti Fine Italian Market & Delicatessen, you can pick up fresh pastas and paninis, imported food, Italian wine and other treats.

Continue your shopping spree just five minutes down West Street at Annapolis Mall, home to favorites like Free People, Lululemon, Urban Outfitters, Zara and more.

South County

Head south on the Roots & Tides Scenic Byway and you’ll find yourself a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and into a land of treasure...if you know where to look. Stop first in Edgewater and visit Memories on Wayberry for cool consignment finds. Continue down through Galesville, and then down to Deale where shops like Vintage By the Bay, The Blue Heron Boutique and Second Wind Consignments are waiting for you to come and score something special.

This story ends here—your shopping journey doesn’t.

Experience Sadona

Let us welcome you to a new world of healthy tranquility.

An oasis of luxury awaits the moment you enter Sadona Salon + Spa. Our talented professionals take pride in bringing you the latest styles and rejuvenating treatments for your hair, skin, body and nails and welcoming you to our serene environment designed to relax and refresh.

15 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 263-1515 | mysadona.com

Mango & Main

Accommodations

BWI-Arundel Mills

Hotel

86 State Circle

86 State Cir., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-497-8686

134 Prince 134 Prince George St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-834-4606

The Annapolis Inn 144 Prince George St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-295-5200

Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

80 Compromise St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-268-7555

Capital Hotel Annapolis 25 State Cir., Annapolis, MD 21401 443-837-6481

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Annapolis

200 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 443-598-8261

Flag House Inn

26 Randall St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-280-2721

Georgian House Bed and Breakfast 170 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-263-5618

Gibson's Inn at Gate 1 110 Prince George St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-268-5555

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis 126 West St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-263-7777

Hilton Garden Inn Annapolis Downtown 174 West St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-990-1100

Historic Inns of Annapolis 58 State Cir., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-263-2641

Inn at Horn Point 534 Burnside St., Annapolis, MD 21403 410-268-1126

The Inn on Main Annapolis 165 Main St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-268-5665

Residence Inn by Marriott Annapolis 200 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 443-598-8260

Reynolds Tavern 7 Church Cir., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-295-9555

The Westin Annapolis 100 Westgate Cir., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-972-4300

BWI-Arundel Mills

Greater Annapolis

1313 West Luxury Boutique Hotel 1313 West St., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-417-7888

Anchored Inn at Hidden Harbor 604 Cabana Blvd., Deale, MD 20751 410-867-9668

Best Western Annapolis 2520 Riva Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-224-2800

Butterfly Fields Bed & Breakfast

320 Frank Moreland Pl., Lothian, MD 20711 410-271-1433

Candlewood Suites Annapolis by IHG 1 Womack Dr., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-571-9988

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Annapolis 2600 Housley Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-571-6700

Courtyard by Marriott Annapolis 2559 Riva Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-266-1555

Crowne Plaza Annapolis

173 Jennifer Rd., Annapolis, MD 21041 410-266-3131

DoubleTree by Hilton Annapolis 210 Holiday Ct., Annapolis, MD 21041 410-224-3150

Hampton Inn & Suites Annapolis 124 Womack Dr., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-571-0200

Hilton Garden Inn Annapolis

305 Harry S. Truman Pkwy Annapolis, MD 21401 410-266-9006

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Annapolis 1 Womack Dr., Annapolis, MD 21401 410-571-9988

Laurel Grove Inn on the South River 2881 South Haven Dr., Annapolis, MD 21401 443-370-2394

Sonesta ES Suites Annapolis 170 Admiral Cochrane Dr. Annapolis, MD 21401 410-573-0300

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Annapolis

189 Admiral Cochrane Dr., Annapolis, MD 21401 443-321-2500

The Inn at Herrington Harbour 7161 Lake Shore Dr., North Beach, MD 20714 410-741-5107

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Annapolis

120 Admiral Cochrane Dr. Annapolis, MD 21401 410-571-6600

Village Inn

69 Old Mill Bottom Rd., Annapolis, MD 21409 410-349-1600

Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

with meetings + events at Graduate Annapolis

with meetings + events at Graduate Annapolis

A short walk from the U.S. Naval Academy and Chesapeake Bay, Graduate Annapolis hotel is a top-of-the-class location for your next get-together. Our handcrafted ballrooms, boardrooms and meeting spaces take inspiration from Annapolis history to give your gathering local flair.

A short walk from the U.S. Naval Academy and Chesapeake Bay, Graduate Annapolis hotel is a top-of-the-class location for your next get-together. Our handcrafted ballrooms, boardrooms and meeting spaces take inspiration from Annapolis history to give your gathering local flair.

Explore our different venues to find the perfect setting for your group, with space for up to 500 guests.

Explore our different venues to find the perfect setting for your group, with space for up to 500 guests.

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BWI-Arundel Mills

Aloft Arundel Mills BWI Airport 7520 Teague Rd., Hanover, MD 21076 443-577-0077

Aloft BWI Baltimore Washington International Airport 1741 West Nursery Rd., Linthicum, MD 21090 410-691-6969

Best Western Plus BWI Airport Hotel - Arundel Mills 6755 Dorsey Rd., Elkridge, MD 21075 410-796-3300

Budget Plaza Motel 4900 Ritchie Hwy., Brooklyn Park, MD 21225 410-789-3776

BWI Airport Marriott

1743 West Nursery Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-859-8300

Cambria Hotel Arundel Mills BWI Airport 7700 Milestone Pkwy., Hanover, MD 21076 443-737-4498

Candlewood Suites Arundel Mills – BWI Airport 1525 Dorsey Rd., Hanover, MD 21076 410-691-0550

Clarion Hotel BWI Airport Arundel Mills 7253 Parkway Dr., Hanover, MD 21076 443-492-9951

Clarion Hotel & Suites BWI Airport North 6921 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21225 410-789-9100

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, BWI Airport 1717 West Nursery Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-981-9997

Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport 1671 Nursery Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-859-8855

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Meade BWI Business District 2700 Hercules Rd., Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 301-498-8400

Doll Motel

1300 Crain Hwy. S., Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410-766-3766

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Baltimore – BWI Airport 890 Elkridge Landing Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-859-8400

Element Arundel Mills BWI Airport 7522 Teague Rd., Hanover, MD 21076 443-577-0050

Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport 1300 Concourse Dr., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-850-0747

Extended Stay America - Baltimore – Glen Burnie 104 Chesapeake Centre Ct., Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410-761-2708

Extended Stay America Suites – Aero Dr. 1500 Aero Dr., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-850-0400

Extended Stay America Select Suites Baltimore - BWl Airport - International Dr. 939 International Dr., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-691-2500

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites

Arundel Mills BWI Airport 7539 Teague Rd., Hanover, MD 21076 410-694-9500

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Baltimore BWI 1020 Andover Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-691-1001

A N E W C H A P T E R

O N T H E

C H E S A P E A K E

At Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, the story continues: harbor-inspired luxury, panoramic views, and two new ways to dine dockside.

Armada Tequila Bar & Cantina

Bold Mexican flavors, breezy waterfront energy

Marmo

Italian tradition, coastal perspective

BWI-Arundel Mills

Forest Motel 1418 Crain Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410-766-1626

Garner Hotel Glen Burnie – BWI Airport Area 6323 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410-636-4300

Hampton Inn by Hilton Baltimore/Glen Burnie 6617 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410-761-7666

Hampton Inn & Suites Arundel Mills/Baltimore 7027 Arundel Mills Cir., Hanover, MD 21076 410-540-9225

Hilton Baltimore/BWI Airport 1739 West Nursery Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-694-0808

Hilton Garden Inn BWI Airport 1516 Aero Dr., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-691-0500

Hilton Garden Inn Hanover Arundel Mills BWI Airport 7491 New Ridge Rd., Hanover, MD 21076 410-694-9450

Holiday Inn Baltimore BWI Airport 815 Elkridge Landing Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-691-1000

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Baltimore – BWI Airport North 1510 Aero Dr., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-859-0003

Holiday Inn Express Baltimore – BWI Airport West 7481 Ridge Rd., Hanover, MD 21076 410-684-3388

Home2 Suites by Hilton Arundel Mills BWI Airport

7545 Teague Rd., Hanover, MD 21076 410-684-2003

Homewood Suites by Hilton Baltimore-BWI Airport 1181 Winterson Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

4l0-684-6l00

Homewood Suites by Hilton Hanover Arundel Mills BWI Airport 7491 New Ridge Rd., Hanover, MD 21076 410-684-6880

Hyatt House BWI Airport/Baltimore 857 Elkridge Landing Rd. Linthicum, MD 21090 443-772-2180

Hyatt Place Baltimore/BWI Airport 940 International Dr., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-859-3366

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport 6323 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410-636-4300

Live! Casino Hotel Maryland 7002 Arundel Mills Cir., Ste 7777 Hanover, MD 21076 443-842-7000

Maritime Conference Center 692 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights, MD 2I090 410-859-5700

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport 1170 Winterson Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-449-4357

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gambrills 2525 Evergreen Rd., Gambrills, MD 21113 410-721-8193

The Most Charming Stay in Annapolis

Step back into Annapolis' history while enjoying modern comforts at the Historic Inns of Annapolis. With three exquisite inns—the Maryland Inn, Governor Calvert House, and Robert Johnson House—our landmark location places you right in the heart of the Historic District, moments from the State House, waterfront, and Annapolis' vibrant downtown scene.

Perfect for romantic getaways or family adventures, each inn combines 18th-century charm with thoughtful, contemporary amenities. Our rooms showcase authentic period details while providing all the comforts you desire, ensuring an atmosphere that feels tranquil and soothing and offers a sophisticated and regal feel.

Wander along charming, storied streets, indulge in nearby dining and shopping, or unwind in the intimate surroundings of our historic pubs and lounges. With a warm, knowledgeable team and personalized services like our exclusive "Ms. Peg" experience, we aim to make every stay a memorable part of Annapolis’ legacy.

Book your journey through history today—experience the distinguished past and charming present of the Historic Inns of Annapolis.

BWI-Arundel Mills

Motel 6 Baltimore – BWI Airport, Linthicum Heights

5179 Raynor Ave., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-636-9070

Motel 6 Laurel, DC

3510 Old Annapolis Rd., Laurel, MD 20724 301-497-1544

Motel 6 Odenton

1630 Annapolis Rd., Odenton 21113 4I0-674-8900

Park Plaza Motel

4900 Ritchie Hwy., Brooklyn Park, MD 21225 4I0-789-0500

Red Crown Inn

3440 Ft. Meade Rd., Laurel, MD 20724 301-490-9595

Red Roof Inn Baltimore South – Glen Burnie 6600 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21061 4 I0-690-3235

Red Roof PLUS+ Baltimore – Washington DC/ BWI Airport 827 Elkridge Landing Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 2I090 410-712-4070

Red Roof PLUS+ Baltimore – Washington DC/ BWI South 7306 Parkway Dr., Hanover, MD 21076 410-690-3163

Residence Inn by Marriott Arundel Mills BWI Airport 7035 Arundel Mills Cir., Hanover, MD 21076 410-799-7332

Residence Inn by Marriott BWI Airport 1301 Winterson Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-850-5666

Sheraton Baltimore Washington Airport Hotel 1100 Old Elkridge Landing Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 2I090 443-577-2100

Sleep Inn & Suites BWI Airport

6055 Belle Grove Rel., Baltimore, MD 21225 410-789-7223

Sonesta ES Suites Baltimore BWI Airport 1160 Winterson Rd., Linthicum Heights MD 21090 410-691-0255

Sonesta Simply Suites Baltimore BWI Airport 1247 Winterson Rd., Linthicum Heights 21090 410-850-9214

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Arundel Mills BWI Airport Hotel 7544 Teague Rd., Hanover, MD 2I076 410-799-7100

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport 899 Elkridge Landing Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 2I090 410-694-0555

The Hotel at Arundel Preserve 7795 Arundel Mills Blvd., Hanover, MD 21076 410-796-9830

The Westin Baltimore Washington Airport – BWI 1110 Old Elkridge Landing Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 443-577-2300

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Arundel Mills BWI Airport 7021 Arundel Mills Cir., Hanover, MD 21076 410-379-9000

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport 1171 Winterson Rd. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 410-694-0060

BWI-Arundel Mills

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Meade National Business Park 120 National Business Pkwy. Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

301-498-7477

Travelodge by Wyndham Laurel/Ft. Meade/Near NSA 3380 Ft. Meade Rd., Laurel, MD 20724 301-498-5553

White Gables Motel

8781 Veterans Hwy., Millersville, MD 21108 410-923-2222

Wingate by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport 829 Elkridge Landing Rd. Baltimore, MD 21090 410-850-0600

Out of County

Comfort Inn Conference Center

4500 Crain Hwy., Bowie, MD 20716 301-464-0089

Hilton Garden Inn Kent Island Marina 3206 Main St., Grasonville, MD 21638 410-827-3877

Rod 'N' Reel Resort

4160 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732 410-257-5596

The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club 180 Pier One Rd., Stevensville, MD 21666 410-604-5900

Where Meetings Begin

A New Approach to Meetings

Are you looking for a way to stand out from the pack? In Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, we are more than a meeting location; we are an experience that inspires connection and leaves a lasting impression. Located just minutes from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and home to BWI Marshall Airport, our destination provides a convenient setting where centuries of history meet modern hospitality. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, conference, reunion or incentive trip, you will create memories here that stay long after the meeting ends.

What Makes Us Stand Out

Annapolis, America's Sailing Capital, sets the stage with its iconic Chesapeake Bay views. Stroll the brick-lined streets of historic downtown, shop in the local boutiques and taste our authentic local cuisine. Groups can immerse themselves in rich American history, explore the pride in America’s story at the U.S. Naval Academy, connect over unique team-building activities on the water or enjoy private tours of centuries-old landmarks. Your groups will leave feeling not just accomplished but energized by the natural beauty, proud history and connected to each other in ways that only a special place can inspire.

Beyond Annapolis, Anne Arundel County offers diverse options. Experience the energy of the BWI/Arundel Mills area, where

hotels, entertainment and gaming make it an ideal all-in-one spot for groups and visitors alike. But just a short drive away, the pace slows down, revealing rolling farmland, peaceful vineyards and scenic trails. Here, groups can trade the bustle for outdoor pursuits and hands-on agritourism under open skies. Balancing productivity and relaxation are what we do best.

How We Make You Stand Out

Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, the official Destination Marketing Organization, is here to make your planning process seamless. Our experienced team provides complimentary services designed to save you time and enhance your event. From sourcing hotels and venues, assisting with RFP distribution and coordinating site visits to connecting you with local vendors and creating tailored itineraries, we ensure your group has everything needed for success. We can also provide marketing materials, visitor guides and welcome bags to help attendees feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Ready to Start Planning?

Let our team at Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County help you bring your event to life. Contact us today to learn more about our complimentary services and how we can take your next group experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

Start planning today at: visitannapolis.org/meet

FLUEGEL ALUMNI CENTER

The Gateway to Annapolis

FEATURES INCLUDE

• Waterfront views, decks & gardens

• Seven approved catering partners

• Elegant event & meeting spaces

• Flexible layouts for 10–800 guests

• Built-in A/V, Wi-Fi & hybrid tech

• Steps from downtown and the Yard

PLAN YOUR EVENT OR REQUEST A TOUR

Overlooking College Creek between the Naval Academy and downtown, the Fluegel Alumni Center offers a distinctive setting for weddings, meetings and celebrations of every kind. Historic charm, waterfront views and effortless flexibility come together in one remarkable Annapolis venue—supported by a team dedicated to making every event memorable. 301 King George St, Annapolis, MD 21402 fluegelalumnicenter.com info@fluegelalumnicenter.com 410-295-4000

The Doordan Institute: Annapolis’ Premier Venue for Conferences, Corporate Events and Galas

Flexible spaces, seamless service, unforgettable experiences

The Martin L. Doordan Institute is a state-of-the-art 24,000-square-foot event center located on the seventh floor of the Belcher Pavilion at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. The Institute offers elegant amenities, complimentary parking and stunning views of Annapolis, ideal for both professional and social gatherings. We provide convenient in-house catering options as well as access to a curated network of top-tier Annapolis catering partners. The Doordan Institute has a capacity for up to 500 guests in a variety of rooms.

To inquire about availability and book your next event, please contact us at 443-481-4583 or DoordanEvents@luminishealth.org

HISTORY CENTER WOODLAWN HISTORY CENTER

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT HERE

Your love of the environment & history converge here, making Woodlawn the perfect location for a wedding reception, corporate event, or private party.

Why Choose Woodlawn?

Rich in local history

Stunning views

Supports research & education that protects the Chesapeake Bay

WOODLAWN

YES, YOU CAN Live Here!

ANNAPOLIS AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY is a captivating region. From the stunning waterfront views to the rich history and vibrant community, it’s no wonder visitors fall in love with the area. But what if we told you that you could enjoy this paradise every day? Whether you’re considering a permanent move, aiming for your next job or looking for the perfect place to retire, there are many compelling reasons to call Annapolis and Anne Arundel County home.

A Robust and Welcoming Community

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County offer a thriving environment to live, work and build a business. Our community is supported by a strong network of chambers of commerce, business associations and partner organizations like the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation. Together, they provide business support services, workforce recruitment, professional development and networking opportunities, making it easier for individuals, entrepreneurs and companies to succeed.

One of the region’s best-kept secrets is just how many rewarding career paths begin right here at home. Hotels, restaurants, retailers, attractions, entertainment venues and transportation hubs like BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport offer diverse roles with competitive salaries, advancement tracks and specialized training.

Supporting this strong career pipeline is the Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Foundation. Founded in 2024, the Foundation plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in strengthening the region’s tourism and hospitality workforce. Through awareness-building initiatives such as summer youth camps in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and an annual career fair that connects local employers with emerging talent, the Foundation helps inspire the next generation of workers in tourism, hospitality, retail and service.

Embrace Opportunities in the DMV

One of the best perks of relocating here is becoming part of what we lovingly call “the DMV” (and no, it’s not the place where you renew your license). It’s our shorthand for the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia. Our region offers the charm of a close-knit community while sitting perfectly between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Which means you can live somewhere peaceful and beautiful and also be able to take advantage of the myriad opportunities available across these major job markets.

Your Planning Resource

The visitor guide and VisitAnnapolis.org are excellent first steps for getting to know our scenic coastal community, but if you’re ready for a deeper look at what it’s like to live, work or volunteer here, the opportunities to connect are endless. When you’re in the area, be sure to stop by one of our Visitors or Welcome Centers. Our knowledgeable information specialists—who are genuinely woven into the fabric of the community—can offer local insight and guide you toward resources, organizations and connections that can help you become part of the place we proudly call home.

Annapolis Harbor