Annapolis, capital of the United States
Because this prosperous fishing port named in honor of Princess Anne, Queen of England, was indeed the capital of the young country following the signing of the Treaty of Paris in September 1783. This prestigious status was only to be found. ephemeral since the city only kept it for 14 months, but Annapolis has kept a rich historical and architectural heritage from this period. The Maryland State House, for example, is the oldest continuously operating capitol building in the country and the only one to have also served as the United States Capitol; free guided tours take you through the centuries-old conservation work that has kept Maryland Legislature in operation to this day. The local Watermark agency also offers many walking tours of downtown Annapolis with guides dressed in period costume. We learn all about its secrets and the ghosts that still haunt its cobbled streets!
Undisputed capital of water sports
If there is one category of people around the world who have heard of Annapolis, it is sailors. Placed on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, the capital of Maryland has always looked towards the Bay and beyond the Atlantic Ocean. Historically, the economy and the life of its inhabitants have been punctuated by its fishing, maritime trade and yachting activities. The Annapolis Marina is home to many more spectacular yachts and sailboats, and the city welcomes the biggest boat shows of the United States, whether devoted to sailboats or motorboats. Thus, the next United States Powerboat Show will be held from 1is to October 4, followed by the United States Sailboat Show from October 8 to 12, 2020. These events are an opportunity for boat builders to present their new products as a world preview.
Any trip to Annapolis should be punctuated by a boat trip, preferably aboard a schooner (schooner), like the excursions offered by Schooner Woodwind, for a few hours or over several days for the most aficionados. Relaxation and good humor guaranteed on board: the walks are often accompanied by live music (jazz, dry guitar, etc.), unless you prefer the one including a wine and cheese tasting, or even a brunch with music …
Headquarters of the US Naval Academy
The prestigious Naval Academy of the United States alone would have been enough to give Annapolis its status as the country’s nautical capital. It is in its city center that this immense elite campus was established in October 1845, which trains nearly 5,000 cadets every year. The campus visit, which is particularly interesting, is open and free (passport required at the entrance). Once inside the establishment, the visit will begin with the museum presenting the history and the present of the Academy, then the witness rooms to put yourself in the shoes of a student, the chapel, the museum ship models, etc. In passing, we will notice the gallery of portraits of former students who have become famous, including Jimmy Carter, John McCain and many astronauts. For a more in-depth visit, the Academy has French-speaking guides, to be reserved in advance.
Annapolis, capital of the blue crab!
The waters of the Chesapeake Bay are particularly rich in crabs, it is natural that this crustacean has become one of the symbols of Maryland in general and Annapolis in particular. It is generally fished from April to December and is eaten in all its forms: in fried pâté (the famous crab cake), in soup, in salad, with mayonnaise between two slices of Viennese bread, etc. To make it local, we will favor crab feasts (crab feasts). Steamed, the crabs are then dumped on the table previously covered with paper, sprinkled with a mixture of fragrant spices called the Chesapeake Bay Seasoning. Small demonstration of the restaurant staff to skin the crab and let’s go for a lively tasting! Annapolis is full of restaurants and stalls with crab on the menu.
A rich and dynamic music scene
Annapolis is therefore a real crossroads where sailors, boaters, fishermen, cadets and visitors from all over the world mingle. To keep them entertained, the city has seen some of the best musical scenes in the Capital Region of the United States developed. In the evening, everyone meets in concert halls, bars and nightclubs to sing, listen to music or dance. Big names have come to perform in Annapolis, such as Ray Charles or James Brown. Today, Annapolis is renowned for its independent rock scene, without neglecting jazz, soul, blues, country or even reggae. Rams Head on Stage each year hosts more than a hundred concerts in a warm and intimate setting, while the Stan and Joe’s Saloon features relaxed local programming and a lovely rooftop terrace.
Accommodation in Annapolis
Annapolis has a wide choice of accommodation, from well-known chain establishments to historic B & Bs and inns. Our current favorite is the very recent Graduate Annapolis Hotel ; relaxed and trendy atmosphere in this downtown hotel decorated with a navy theme.
The agency Basque frame, a tailor-made travel specialist, offers trips to Annapolis as part of driving itineraries in the Capital Region of the United States.
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