first time visit questions

Hubby and I will be visiting Annapolis early June for one night. We definately want to visit the Naval Academy and would like to visit the State House. I thought I read somewhere that the State House is currently closed for renovation? Is that correct?

Are there any other must see or do things that we should try to do?

How long does the lunchtime formation at the Academy last? We have a cruise that leaves Baltimore at 4pm and I%26#39;m not sure we can watch that, turn in a car at BWI and make the port in time. Any thoughts? Our flight the day before doesn%26#39;t land at BWI until noon so our cruise day is our only option.

We are staying at the Hampton Inn. Will we need to drive and park somewhere to see the sights in the historic part of town?

first time visit questions

The Maryland State House is closed until January 2009, according to their web site. I am not sure how long the lunchtime formation lasts, but you can call the USNA public affairs office at 410-291-2291. Annapolis is about 30 minutes from BWI. BWI is about 30 minutes from the port. If you are staying at the Hampton Inn in Annapolis, you will need to drive to the Historic part of Downtown and park. Usually this isn%26#39;t too much of an issue - I usually park near the Harbormaster%26#39;s office (right at the port) where there is a public lot (bring quarters for the meter). There are also a couple of garages. There is parking outside of town at the Navy Stadium, with a shuttle service, but I would avoid this, given your tight schedule.

first time visit questions

The Hampton Inn is on the outskirts of town. Three excellent restaurants in the area where the locals eat are Les Follies (Riva Road), Jalapenos (Forest Drive) and Paul%26#39;s Homewood Cafe (West Street, closer to downtown). Actually, I%26#39;m hearing good things about Paul%26#39;s Restaurant on Riva Road on the South River, which has a beautiful riverfront view, which would also be close.

The Naval Academy Museum is interesting, and it looks over the Annapolis Harbor. Actually, you may want to do nothing more than park downtown and walk around -- it%26#39;s a beautiful town.

Since the refurbishment of city dock in Annapolis, they are no longer using parking meters but kiosks, where you can pay with credit card, debit card and cash, get a ticket and then place in the windshield of you car. I would highly recommend, however, parking in one of the garages if there is availability, since you are not limited by time.

Parking at other area meters, kiosks, and even residential streets are a strict maximum 2 hour limit. This does not mean that you can simply put in more quarters at the meters. YOU MUST move your vehicle after 2 hours if you park in any of the above mentioned areas except garages. The traffic police are plenty and quite rigid.

There is a garage that borders both Main Street and Duke of Gloucester Street. This one usually fills up first however since it is literally in the heart of the historic district. If coming from the Hampton you would access this garage from Duke of Gloucester. The one I usually park in is near the visitors center at Church Circle. When you get to the Hampton you can ask for a local map/directions. This is also convenient, but just a bit longer of a hike than the other one.

Since you are so limited on time, I would just enjoy walking the historic streets of Annapolis, peeking into the many boutiques and small shops both on Maryland Avenue and Main Street. The small narrow side streets offer great glimplses into the past from examples of colonial architecture to the caribbean colors of the rowhouses. Dine outdoors at one the many restaurants and cafes. Grab an ice cream cone at Smith%26#39;s and sit at ';ego alley'; and watch the boats/yachts that come in and ';show off a bit';. A perfect place for a drink is Pusser%26#39;s at the Marriot downtown. The outdoor deck literally is on the water and the views and activity are great.

Thank you everyone for your detailed information! This will definately come in handy. When I%26#39;m on a tight schedule I try to have as much information as possible to make the most of my time.

Hello,

I am tagging along on a visit to Annapolis for 2 days while a friend works during the day. I have read several of the recommendations on the site. Is it safe for a women to walk around alone? Any absolute ';must do%26#39;s'; for 1st time vistior???

Thank You

Yes. Downtown Annapolis is relatively safe. Actually, it is so peaceful that it can be deceiving tha bad areas are so close. Although you should always keep your wits about you, it is fine to walk around alone (especially during the day).

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