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Annapolis and southern Maryland encompass the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, an area within easy driving distance of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Annapolis, on a peninsula bounded by the Severn and South rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, is a Mid-Atlantic sailing capital and the gateway to southern Maryland. Calvert County,
Annapolis and southern Maryland encompass the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, an area within easy driving distance of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Annapolis, on a peninsula bounded by the Severn and South rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, is a Mid-Atlantic sailing c
Annapolis and southern Maryland encompass the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, an area within easy driving distance
Annapolis and southern Maryland encompass the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, an area within easy driving distance of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Annapolis, on a peninsula bounded by the Severn and South rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, is a Mid-Atlantic sailing capital and the gateway to southern Maryland. Calvert County, just south of Annapolis, promises compelling bay-side scenery that includes the imposing Calvert Cliffs and several miles of Bay beaches. Beyond the Patuxent River, across the 1.3-mi Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge, lies St. Mary's County, a peninsula that protrudes farther into the Chesapeake, with the Patuxent and the Potomac rivers on either side of it.
The distinguished house on the grounds of this 18th-century plantation is the earliest (1703) post-in-ground structure known to exist in the United States; in place of a foundation, cedar timbers driven straight into the ground support it. The house is a sampler of architectural styles and interior design from the last two centuries. On the grounds of this National Historic Landmark are other buildings from the 18th through early 20th century: a Colonial customs warehouse, a smokehouse, a "necessary" (an outhouse), and a restored slave cabin from the 1830s. The house also has Colonial Revival gardens and nature trails overlooking the Patuxent River. Admission, which is less for children, includes a tour.
Rte. 245 near Hollywood, 12 mi north of Lexington Park via Rtes. 235 and 245, Lexington Park, Maryland, 20636, United States
In the center of one of the historic area's busy circles, this brick building is one of the city's most prominent places of worship. King William III donated the Communion silver when the parish was founded in 1692, but the first St. Anne's Church wasn't completed until 1704. The second church burned in 1858, but parts of its walls survived and were incorporated into the present structure, which was built the following year. Free guided tours are offered the first and third Monday of every month at 10 am and every Wednesday at 12:30 pm. The churchyard contains the grave of the last Colonial governor, Sir Robert Eden.
Church Circle, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401-2520, USA
Built in 1758, this beautiful church—one of the most beautiful in Maryland—is all that survives of a prerevolutionary plantation. In addition to stunning stained-glass windows, parishioners have adorned each kneeler with scenes from Maryland culture. The adjacent graveyard, one of the oldest in the United States, is a history in stone of the families of the church and the region. Several veterans of the Revolution are buried here, alongside Jesuit priests who served here. A stop here is well worth a detour. To see inside the church, ask for the key at the sentry box of the naval installation next door.
17682 Villa Rd., St. Inigoes Shores, Maryland, 20684, USA
St. John's is the third-oldest college in the country (after Harvard and William and Mary) and adheres to a Great Books program: all students follow the same four-year, liberal-arts curriculum, which includes philosophy, mathematics, music, science, Greek, and French. Students are immersed in the classics through small classes conducted as discussions rather than lectures. Start a visit here by climbing the slope of the long, brick-paved path to the cupola of McDowell Hall.
Down King George Street toward the water is the Carroll-Barrister House, now the college admissions office. Once home to Charles Carroll (not the signer of the Declaration, but his cousin), the house was built in 1722 at Main and Conduit streets and moved onto campus in 1955. The Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Art Gallery, on the east side of Mellon Hall, presents world-class exhibits and special programs that relate to the fine arts.
60 College Ave., Annapolis, Maryland, 21401-1687, USA
The Annapolis Bookstore. This is more than just a bookstore. Relax in the café with a hot or cold beverage, freshly baked pastry, or even a sandwich named after a famous author, and then head to the back to see the charming Fairy Garden and book house, which is literally made of books. Owners Mary Adams and Janice Holmes provide the perfect place for reading, storytelling, and literary adventures. With a carefully selected collection of new, used and rare books, the store is an oasis from the ubiquitous chains. As befits its Annapolis location, the shop specializes in maritime books, as well as classics, poetry, and children's books. 35 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, MD, 21401-1627. 410/280–2339. www.annapolisbookstore.com. Daily 9–6 (to 9 Fri. and Sat.).
35 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, Maryland, 21401-1627, United States
Set in a lovely rural setting and built in the 1770s, this site marks the Charles County home of Thomas Stone, one of four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence. It has been painstakingly rebuilt after a devastating fire left it a shell in the late 1970s. The restoration re-created the distinctive five-part Georgian house inside and out. The two-story main plantation house is linked to the two wings and adjoining hallways in an arc rather than a straight line. All the rooms have exquisite details, such as built-in cabinets, elaborate moldings, a table set in fine china, gilded mirrors, and a harpsichord. The house and family grave site are just a short stroll from the parking lot and visitor center, where you can examine a model of the house or watch a video about Stone. This is one of the least-visited National Park Service sites.
6655 Rose Hill Rd., Port Tobacco, Maryland, 20677-3400, USA
Displays of model ships and memorabilia from naval heroes and fighting vessels tell the story of the U.S. Navy. The Rogers Ship Model Collection has nearly 80 models of sailing ships built for the British Admiralty, the largest display of 17th- and 18th-century ship models in North America. Kids of all ages will enjoy watching the restoration and building of model ships on the ground level and might even learn a few tricks of the trade should they wish to purchase a model ship kit to build when they get home.
118 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, Maryland, 21402-5034, USA
Probably the most economical way to get out on the water is on the Water Taxi that runs from Annapolis Harbor to Back Creek. For less than $5 per person you can get out on the water for a short trip. City Dock, Historic District, Annapolis, MD, 21401-1814. 410/263–0033.
City Dock, Historic District, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401-1814, United States
Watermark Cruises is Annapolis's biggest charter and tour service, with many themed tours of varying lengths. Children might especially enjoy Watermark's "Pirates of the Chesapeake" cruise. This "high-seas adventure" is good for short attention spans and is just one hour. Private charters are also available from Watermark. City Dock, Historic District, Annapolis, MD, 21401-1814. 410/268–7601. www.watermarkcruises.com.
City Dock, Historic District, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401-1814, United States
A signer of the Declaration of Independence, William Paca (pronounced "PAY-cuh") was a Maryland governor from 1782 to 1785. His house was built from 1763 through 1765, and its original garden was finished by 1772. The main floor (furnished with 18th-century antiques) retains its original Prussian blue–and–soft gray color scheme, and the second floor houses more 18th-century pieces. The adjacent 2-acre pleasure garden provides a longer perspective on the back of the house, plus worthwhile sights of its own: upper terraces, a Chinese Chippendale bridge, a pond, a wilderness area, physic garden, and formal arrangements. An inn, Carvel Hall, once stood in the gardens, now planted with 18th-century perennials. Guests can take a self-guided tour of the garden, but to see the house, take the docent-led tour. Private tours can be arranged. The last tour leaves 1½ hours before closing.
186 Prince George St., Annapolis, Maryland, 21401-1724, USA
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