Maryland’s
capital is a town steeped in history and tradition: from the Senate chamber
where Congress ratified the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War to noon
formation at the United States Naval Academy.
Annapolis is well known for its excellent
restaurants, including colonial dining rooms, taverns, and waterside seafood
houses. Many of the most favored dining spots are also located in the city's
hotels and restored inns.
Water sports
are favored in Annapolis, which is known as the sailing capital of
Maryland. Windsurfing, and all forms of boating are widely available.
Local sailing schools offer basic instruction, boat rentals, and sailing
vacations in boats up to 43 feet in length. Popular land-based activities
include biking, walking, and running. The spectacular Baltimore &
Annapolis Trail stretches for 13 miles, passing through forests, farmland,
urban, and suburban neighborhoods.
Part of the city's unique charm lies in it's
being home to two celebrated institutions of higher learning. In addition to
the Naval Academy (and just a short walk away), is
St. John's
College. The third oldest college in the nation counts Francis Scott Key
among its alumni and bases its curriculum solely on literary classics.
The
three-century-old capital city is a blend of perfectly preserved Colonial,
Victorian and Federal architecture that gently rises along the shores of
Chesapeake Bay and the Severn River.
The city is
centered within two circles: State Circle and Church Circle. All other
streets radiate from these two points. The U.S. Naval Academy is in its own
enclave, east of State Circle. City Dock is east of both circles, at the end
of Main Street off Church Circle.
The entire city center of
Annapolis is a national Historic District.
