Annapolis in Winter

Hi,

I%26#39;m staying in Annapolis Junction during the inauguration and was wondering whether a Sunday afternoon in Annapolis would be worth the drive. I%26#39;ve read great reviews about the Harris Crab House, but are there any things to do or see during the winter with an 11 year old?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

Annapolis in Winter

Interesting question. Can you tell me more about your 11 year old? Boy or Girl? Interests? Annapolis is a beautiful town/city with picturesque cobblestone streets, meticulously preserved buildings and a flair for fun that only comes in a college town. The historic part -- ie main street and surrounds -- is quite walkable and has a broad array of shops to appeal to virtually every interest from local artworks and crafts, to pet clothing, to imported home goods and high fashion - and dont%26#39; forget restaurants. You mention Harris%26#39; Crab House, - the only one I know of is actually across the Bay Bridge - not in Annapolis. But the Bay Bridge might be a worthwhile side trip in and of itself. Weather might be a deciding factor for you - If the weather is nice (we often have 50+ degrees f) and sunny, a stroll through Annapolis and the Naval Academy, with a stop at Sandy Point State Park (next to the Bay Bridge) would be a great way to spend Sunday Afternoon. On the other hand, if Mother Nature deals you a rainy windy Sunday, I would head to Baltimore and see if you can get a ticket to the Aquarium.

Annapolis in Winter

Thanks Creekdweller,

I have an 11 year old boy, and he%26#39;s the one who insisted on heading down to the inauguration - so history will definitely be of interest to him.

That said, with all the ';history'; he%26#39;ll get on the Tuesday, maybe the aquarium is a better bet in Baltimore. I hadn%26#39;t even thought of it!

From Annapolis Junction on a Sunday morning, is it easier to take the 295 (Balt/Wash Pkwy) or go to I-95? Which is more scenic?

Thanks for your help.

Stacey

Either will work just fine, and neither is particularly scenic from Annapolis Junction. The BW Parkway is a ';pretty highway'; which doesn%26#39;t allow trucks or commercial vehicles south of Route 175 (which is only one exit north of Route 32/Annap. Junc) - but From Route 175 North to Baltimore, it%26#39;s just another highway, IMO. THat said, I prefer 295 because it is only two lane, 55 mph speed and not as hectic as 95. On a Sunday morning however, there shouldn%26#39;t be any significant traffic on either one. Take your pick. Oh, I forgot - 295 coming into Baltimore, runs right next to both Ravens Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. You can probably see them from 95, too, but not as well. Coming in from 295, you will actually go to the end of the expressway, there are a few traffic lights at the stadiums, and then you will turn Right on Pratt Street - that will take you to the Harbor area and the Aquarium.

If you plan to visit the Aquarium, I would definitely get tickets on line in advance so you can avoid the sometimes lengthy lines at the ticket booth. If you buy your tickets on line, you go to the will-call window on the back side of the ticket building and there is never any line at all. You will have an appointed time to get in, with no waiting. I think your son will like the aquarium alot. There is also an ESPN Zone right there and a Hard Rock Cafe.

Also - if you will eat near your hotel, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Timbuktu - It looks like a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, but Timbuktu has really great crabcakes.If you want to try steamed crabs, Gunnings is an old favorite and last I checked, was alive and well in Annapolis Junction. Not sure if they are still there.

Thanks a ton!

I%26#39;ve already seen the online packages, and will book before I go. You%26#39;re also the second person to recommend Timbuktu, so it%26#39;s on our list for dinners!

Thanks again!