Monday, September 11, 2017

{travel guide | annapolis}


Last year I went to Annapolis with two of my best DC blogger babes, Laura and Kristyn, to take a quick getaway out of the city. I had visited Annapolis before but every time I go I find some new little gem hiding around the corner. It's pretty much perfect to visit any time of the year... but maybe I feel that way because I love any little town that sits on the water. The city is always alive with people walking around, sailing, exploring, and taking in the historic charm. Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, home to the US Naval Academy, an awesome spot to grab some MD Blue Crabs, and a great place to grab a drink because there are bars so old that George Washington drank in them (seriously). I meant to write this travel guide post last year but the holidays picked up and it slipped my mind (reality got in the way basically). I had a craving for crabs last weekend and Kyle and I began talking about planning for a weekend getaway to Annapolis! While we were planning it I figured it was better late than never to share my guide with y'all - fall is gorgeous on the shore too!



HOW TO GET THERE

If you have a car the easiest method is to drive. But if you don't (like me and most of my girlfriends) you can hop on the Orange line and take it all the way to the end, New Carrollton Station, and then grab an uber the remainder of the way. It's not the most ideal but cutting your uber trip time and cost in half helps out! It took us around an hour to get there.



WHERE TO STAY

Like I said earlier, I've visited Annapolis a couple of times, I've stayed in every hotel under the sun out there. By far the best location and experience I've had has been with the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. It's close to everything downtown so if you need to drop off your shopping bags or come home late after a night of drinking it's a stone's throw away! Plus, the decor is nautical and to die for. The hotel rooms look right out to the marina and downtown scene and there is a bar and restaurant behind the hotel's lobby (read more about that below!)






WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Pusser's Caribbean Grille - this waterfront bar is attached to the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel and sits right on the water. Named after Pusser's Rum, they're famous for getting your weekend started or ending your night haha. This is always a must visit location whenever you visit!

Cantler's - If you're craving crabs then look no further. A quick 10 min drive from downtown and you can have the best MD blue crabs in the area.

Red Red Wine Bar - Right on Main Street and a perfect stop to grab a wine flight and cheese board.

Dry 85 - The sign outside says it all... "bourbon beer provisions". A modern industrial take on a Prohibition-era speakeasy.

Harvest - I've been here for lunch, brunch, and dinner and it doesn't disappoint. They emphasize locally sourced food and seafood. I can't recommend the catfish enough! I know it's not everyone's favorite fish but it was fried to perfection. For brunch I love the chicken and waffles. Yum!

Iron Rooster - Reservations are hard to come by so prepare in advance. The seating outside is always packed but I've heard this place is well worth the wait, especially because they serve breakfast all day.

Preserve - Another gorgeous restaurant right on Main Street. This place is all about comfort and, you guessed it, some fabulous preserves.

Fox's Den - Gourmet pizzas and craft beer. Hello, perfection. This is a true hidden gem... it's only marked by a hanging fox sign outside and the number 179B above the door. It's nestled in between LouLou and Tangerine. The atmosphere downstairs is really neat and I love how you can sit at the bar and watch the pizza's in the brick oven.

Joss - Fresh sushi, sake bombs, kid friendly, date friendly, lots of seating. You can't go wrong with Japanese in my mind and this place is always great to catch up with friends and have fresh seafood.






WHAT TO DO & SEE

SHOP - There are tons of cute stores for men and women... I would try to list all of them but your best bet is to start at the top and walk down to see every shop. There are so many galleries and boutique stores that you won't want to miss in between grabbing a drink, lobster roll, and ice cream.

Navy Football games - Even if you're just tailgating this is a classic Annapolis pastime.

Sailboat Ride - I personally haven't done this but one of my best friends recommended it to me. Whenever her family comes to visit they take a sailboat cruise with Schooner Woodwin. They offer lots of different options and I'm dying to take a trip! The sunset cruise looks incredible and they'll even let you help hoist the sails (all 4!) and take a turn at the wheel.

Paddle Boarding - During the hot summer months the water is just asking for you to get in.  Capital SUP is the best place to get a great exercise in while being able to enjoy all of the boats and gorgeous weather. They have a spot in DC as well!






WHAT TO WEAR

Anything casual... the town is full of nautical charm (how many times can I say I'm obsessed with that haha) so throw on your Sperry's and striped shirts! During the fall you're good to go with jeans and booties. Winter time calls for a heavier jacket and scarves along with flat, warm boots. In the summer it's all about the sunglasses and a cute dress - I recommend always bringing a hat and light sweater to toss on in case the wind picks up and you're sitting on the water!




*My stay last Fall was provided by Annapolis Waterfront Hotel but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I can't wait to stay at the AWH again in the future!*

Love Always,

1 comment:

  1. It's so hard to believe this was last year, OMG!! Can't wait for our fall trip round II to Richmond next weekend :) xo

    ReplyDelete

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