One Tank Getaway:
Harbor Bound
A One-Tank Getaway to Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel
80 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD
410/268-7555

Comfort Inn
76 Old Mill Bottom Rd., Annapolis, MD
410/757-8500

Schooner Woodwind Boat & Breakfast
P.O. Box 3254, Annapolis, MD 21403
410/263-7837

Amanda’s Bed & Breakfast Reservation Service
1428 Park Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217
410/225-0001

Places to Eat:
Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs
100 Main St., Annapolis, MD 21401
410/626-1100

Chick & Rick’s Delly/Scotlaur Inn
165 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
410/269-6737

Treaty of Paris Restaurant
16 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
410/263-2641

Cafe Normandie
185 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
410/263-3382

The Market House
On The City Dock, Annapolis, MD 21401
410/269-0941

This month’s One Tank Getaway was planned out months in advance because it gave us another excuse to visit Annapolis. With the same loving welcome you receive from an old friend or favorite aunt, being a guest in Annapolis feels great. And the timing of this article is key — because the summer months allow Annapolis to shine.

No exciting plans for 4th of July weekend? If you have never seen a glorious fireworks display over a harbor spotted with the masts of sailboats – take our advice, you must experience this magic!

Never enjoyed eating blue crabs? Try these delicacies, and experience truly fresh crabs, steamed by experts and served the right way (newspapers, rolls of paper towels and seasonings embedded in your fingernails for days afterward). Treat yourself and feast with Annapolians at one of the restaurants downtown. Or, make a day of it by attending the Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast on Friday, July 25.

Haven’t sailed on a craft larger than dad’s old Sunfish? Do it and you’ll understand why thousands of mid-Atlantic residents spend all those dollars and every possible weekend taking to the high seas. One of the best ways costs only $22 for adults and $12 for children for a two-hour dabble. However, we suggest chartering a sailboat for at least one full day. Of course, motorized boats are also available, but that’s not the Bay way.

The United States Naval Academy is also tourist-friendly. Upon entering the visitor’s entrance via Gate 1, you’ll see a unique blend of pomp and circumstance mixed with a the fresh, adventurous spirit of typical college students. Guided tours of the Academy grounds are quite interesting, and a short film documents the experience of Academy cadets. Some visitors might choose to avoid the museum, however, don’t make that mistake. The museum’s highlight is its collection of hand-carved replicas of ships. These items are spectacular since they feature model ships, which were carved out of bones by prisoners of war. Take some time and analyze the intricacies of these remarkable models. You won’t believe how interesting this display will be for all age groups.

The City Dock and the merchants of Main Street serve as the focal point of tourist commerce. The big A offers shops with a nice change from the Pennsylvania standard — instead of quilts, you’ll find buoys. Instead of Amish dolls, you’ll find stuffed gulls. Instead of Yankee candles, you’ll find seashell potpourri. There are also several higher-end fashion shops and unique art shops that should hold your interest.

As far as food, seafood is the ritual, however it’s not the rule. Dozens of restaurants serving every type of cuisine: American, French, Indian, Italian, etc, are located nearby. Buddy’s, Chick & Rick’s Delly, Cafe Normandie (all located on Main Street) and Treaty of Paris (at 16 Church Circle) are a few of our favorite restaurants. However, there is a veritable slew that we haven’t had a chance to try yet.

As additional attractions, walking tours are offered of the city’s historical districts and capitol compound. The tour of William Paca’s House and Garden is a favorite because the garden features two acres with five terraces and a fish-shaped pond. Information and maps for these tours are readily available.

Parking is the only consideration for which you should be warned. By far, the easiest option is to swallow your pride and pay (no more than $5 should be expected) for one of the municipal lots along Compromise Street or at the parking garage off Main Street just up the hill from the City Dock. Of course, downtown hotels offer parking to guests.

Annapolis offers these special accents for a perfect weekend within a 2-hour drive. It’s easy to get there and they have a wonderful tourist system, designed to make your trip enjoyable. You can call ahead (410) 280-0445 to plan your getaway or just pick-up their tourist magazine, Destination, at local hotels or at the Visitor Center upon your arrival. We strongly recommend that you obtain reservations for your accommodations before heading out — it’s a clean city, but you probably won’t enjoy yourself too much sleeping on a park bench.

Directions: 83 South to 695 East. After crossing a section of the Bay, get onto 97 South and follow to 50 East. Take the Rowe Boulevard exit, which is just before the Bay Bridge. Once on Rowe Boulevard, the road will lead you onto Northwest Street. At this point you can follow the signs to the Visitor’s Center or you can proceed down Northwest Street, through Church Circle and onto Duke of Gloucester Street. Follow Duke of Gloucester Street past Green Street and take a left onto Newman Street. Newman Street ends at Compromise Street. Take a left onto Compromise Street to go up to the City Dock and the foot of Main Street.

Pack a Long: Camera, Sunglasses, Suntan Lotion, Windbreaker, Non-skid shoes, and overnight bag (you’ll definitely want to stay at least one night here!)