Annapolis and Alexandria
 

Dear fodorites, One of our few long weekend trips this summer will be to revisit the annapolis, alexandria area, possibly stopping in gettysburg and /or harpers ferry (harpers ferry for the first time.) While we've been before (a few times actually) our kids were a lot younger. We all just want a little history fix and just LOVE this area! Plan to revisit navy academy, mt. vernon, gunston hall etc.

On past trips we'd stay one or two nights in each city. Wondering now if it makes sense to pick one place for the 3 nights / 4 days, and go from there. We'd prefer staying in annapolis but historic alexandria has better rates (even if not using my holiday inn points). But will it be a problem getting to annapolis from there, and possibly baltimore for an evening? Thanks!

All of the mentioned areas, with the exception of Gettysburg, can be done by day-trips from basically anywhere in the DC/Baltimore area. You will hit traffic on the Washington Beltway one way or the other - hard to avoid that.

So, I think you should just pick the best hotel that suits you, and then travel from there.

Staying in Northern VA and going to Baltimore for a day and then Annapolis for a day is just too much driving. Its at least an hour drive to Annapolis w/o beltway traffic. I live in Annapolis, it can be expensive to stay here. What is your budget looking like? Where are you coming from ellen?

I'd be inclined to split with trip up between Alexandria and Annapolis. We used to do daytrips to Baltimore and Annapolis from Alex (but not on consecutive days!) but as the others have mentioned, the traffic is a constant feature of the landscape which can turn a pleasant day into a very tedious one.

Harpers Ferry is equidistant from either location I think.

Ellen,

You might consider a group of hotels (Hampton Inn for one) that has sprung up at the Rt 50/Rt 301 intersection. The hotels are just slightly south on Rt 301. There are also restaurants (Bob Evans for example) and some stores (Target, Borders, etc.)

Annapolis is about 10 miles away and Alexandria is further. You could consider checking the DC metro to Alexandria if you don't want to drive. The New Carrollton station is about 10 mi. west of this area. Parking is tight but if you arrive at 9:50 AM, reserved spots open up at 10 AM and can be taken by anyone at that point.

Hope this provides you with some new ideas.

Consider getting on the web site for the USNA...if they have an event, hotels and parking are scarce (www.usna.edu). Near the end of June, the plebes come in and the middle of August there is a parents weekend.

Lots to think about....can you tell I live in Annapolis?

Thx for the replies! Our idea was to revisit parts of baltimore (ft. mchenry, inner harbor for crab), but spend more time in annapolis and alexandria. Turns out there IS an event at USNA when we're planning to go so should we reconsider visiting? Its not even the higher hotel costs that concern me, but the massive crowds, increased security etc., since we only have four days in the area.

If we do end of exploring annapolis again, i will find a place there too, in addition to alexandria. But should we even attempt annapolis this trip? Thoughts? Feedback? Thanks all!

topping - anyone?

Well, if it were me, I'd pass on Annapolis this trip given the Academy event.

Harper's Ferry is a great day trip.

I realize it has been five years since I've lived in Alexandria and the world may have gone to hell in a handbasket since then, but all the sites you mention are easy day trips from Old Town; I know because I made all of them. The notion of having to unpack once instead of twice (or more) is always appealing.

Annapolis and Baltimore are an hour away, Harper's Ferry and Gettysburg less than two hours; the others are local (you know of Gunston Hall???).

There are now two Holiday Inns in Old Town; the "historic" one on King Street (recommended) and a new one that is in Old Town only if you stretch the definition to the breaking point.

>Annapolis and Baltimore are an hour away<

Yes, if the traffic gods are looking favorably upon you. There's big construction doings at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge these days...can't imagine this improves traffic flow.

Thank you so much for your replies.

Neil, hello! Always great to hear your thoughts! We will likely stay in one of the old town holiday inns. Naturally, the one on king street is more expensive but worth it, right?

And why are you surprised i "know of" gunston hall? It was one of our favorite historical homes - love the amazing gardens, too. And especially after we were practically PUSHED through our mt. vernon tour! Hopefully that might be better, more comprehensive, this time...?

Hi obxgirl, appreciate your thoughts, too! We may tough out the traffic in annapolis because we're now skipping baltimore this trip...not enough time plus the yankees will be in town and you know what that means. :(

So, which would be better in annapolis - the radisson or hilton? Many of the others are already sold out.

BTW, these are the restaurants i've chosen from doing a search here - comments? Any others not to miss?

- Cantlers
- Murphy's
- Carrolls Creek
- Riordans Saloon
- D'Bryckies
- Freds
- Stardust

Appreciate all comments!

The price of the King Street Holiday Inn varies with whether or not there is a conference at the hotel. Conference = few discounts; no conference = rooms at steep discounts. The key to its being more desirable is that you get walking access to all of Old Town for the evening, including the Saturday morning market at the City Hall plaza across the street -- something not to be missed.

The 'new' Holiday Inn, by contrast, is 10-12 blocks north of the pedestrian-friendly precincts of Old Town, meaning that to enjoy an evening stroll down King Street, Duke Street, or Captain's Row means driving and finding a parking place (no mean feat on a summer evening).

Gunston Hall is a wonderful, historic home (and with a terrific garden), but I seldom see it promoted in guide books, and the times I've been there, it was definitely under-populated. Also nearby is Woodlawn Plantation, another under-visited historic home, which has the added feature of having the (relocated) Pope-Leighey "Usonian" home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright on the premises.

ellen_g, Annapolis is a great place...good for you all toughing out the traffic to enjoy it! I've stayed at the Radisson for a wedding and it was as nice as you'd expect a Radisson to be. That's not much help, I know. Can't speak to the Hilton.

Kenmore, near Fredricksburg, is also worth a look if you haven't seen it. It's a 1770s plantation home built by one of Geo. Wash's relatives (who it is escapes me). I like Gunston Hall more but if you're in the area looking to soak up history, add Kenmore to your list.

Stardust? If it's the one in Alexandria, it's a fun place tho I haven't been in a couple of years. One of the co-owners was a friend of mine more than a few years back. The Stardust in Annapolis is, um, a strip club I think. Maybe that's dated info.

Hi

I've tried to get to this earlier but got called away.

When are you planning to come here to Annapolis? We do have some nice suite type hotels on Admiral Cochrane Drive that generally go lower on weekends but not for the Mids Graduation.

It's only my thought but I think I'd try to stay two nights in Alexandria and two in or near Annapolis. If you had additional time you could try to stay near BWI and take in both Annapolis and Baltimore but four days is difficult to do Alexandria, Annapolis and Baltimore.

As for hotels there's a good Marriott Residence Inn, Extended Stay America, Hampton Inn & Suites all on Admiral Cochrane Drive as well as a Marriott Courtyard on RivA which have good proximity to Annapolis. There's a Radisson and Best Western also on Riva and a Days Inn that's been redone (sorry I haven't been inside)

- Cantlers good old fashioned crab house & restaurant but not in the city
- Murphy's ???
- Carrolls Creek - great restaurant on Spa Creek
- Riordans Saloon - always good
- D'Bryckies - O'Bryckie's is actually downtown Baltimore
- Freds - out of business
- Stardust - if I'm thinking right - used to be down in Waldorf Rt 301 also out of business
Radisson is not in downtown historic Annapolis and that might be better for you anyway

Sorry but we don't have a Hilton - that I'm aware of.

If you come to see the Academy plan on parking your car elsewhere - generally at the stadium or in a parking lot in town and walking to the Academy - then show identification to get in. (tighter security)

As far as coming to Annapolis - why not? Annapolis handles the Midshipmen and families along with major power and sailboat shows quite well.

A bit of history for you - there are four homes in the historic section of Annapolis that were owned by signers of the Declaration of Independence and they can be toured.

Thanks again for the replies guys!

Neal, woodlawn's website looks very interesting, thx. We may skip mt. vernon this time since its such an abbreviated tour, and in its place take in something new like woodlawn, kenmore and / or homes LN suggested.

obxgirl, woohoo, of course i meant the strip club! ;) kidding, but i did find it somewhere here on fodors....???

LN - thx for the info. Researching another trip to ocean city (w/ a tentative stop in 'balmer') so getting a little confused. :)

RE: the academy, do they give tours to civilians that week? I searched their site but can't find a definitive answer. Also, are two of the homes you mentioned the hammond-harwood and william paca houses? And if so, what are the others? If we have to choose one or two, which is best? Also want to get into the state house if possible.

We're really looking forward to our two trips back to this amazing area. Thanks again for your help everyone. Pls keep those suggestions coming! Especially for good crabs! :)

My parents stayed at the Radisson last summer when they came to visit, I didnt particularly like the rooms there or staff. It is like one of 2 or 3 hotels that have a pool thou. Also, I dont think the parking lot is safe. Ive read where a carjacking and a few thefts have occured back in there recently. The hotel sits at the end of a dead end street. There is no hilton in Annapolis btw, that i know of. There is a nice Country inn and suites and the Loews Annapolis is nice. when are you coming to town? There is a nice vistor center open and offers tours 7 days a week, its near Gate 1 @ 52 King street. I dont see why the tours would stop, trying calling them at 410-263-6933.

BTW, that is the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center for the USNA.

Thx bluestructure! Most of the hotels are already booked but i found a place at the best western on riva for $149 - how is that part of riva? I realize we'll be driving to the academy etc. but at this point, i'm happy to find something available....as long as its safe? Thx again!

Hi Ellen

You can easily visit the Hammond-Harwood house, the Wm Paca house/gardens, and the State house within the same afternoon! They're in close proximity of each other.

The Naval Academy is right down the street and offer public tours only, register at the visitor's center. Tours are conducted every half hour from March 1st to Labor Day: Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday tours are given between 11:00 a.m.and 3:30 p.m. every half hour. Labor Day to Thanksgiving tours are given between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. every hour.
Thanksgiving to March 1st tours are given at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. only. Call (410) 263-6933 for more information.

The hotel seems to be in a fine part of town. I use the bank that's right there.

As for Ocean City - try the Princess Royale - they're generally pretty good and one is on the oceanfront whereas the other is on the bayside and you just cross the street to the ocean.
enjoy

Ellen, we spent a few days in Alexandria last fall at the Holiday Inn in the historic area. They claimed to have a free continental breakfast, but it turned out to be just doughnuts and coffee so we ate at a delightful French place directly across and on the same side of the street, the name of which I cannot remember. We also ate one breakfast and a late supper at Bread and Chocolate a couple of blocks up the street. It was great, too.