Annapolis

Stay up to date! Click to join us on Facebook now!!!

You can say a lot about Annapolis. Seaport. State Capital. College town. But did you know that it contains one of the largest collections of 18th century structures in the nation? And much of those structures are still being used today the way they were intended hundreds of years ago. For example, the State House, where the Maryland General Assembly meets, is the oldest in continuous use in the nation.

But right outside the State House is an exciting city with a dizzying array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Just off the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a seaport which can make for an interesting mix of characters. You can see students from St. John's College or midshipmen in uniform from the Naval Academy walking about town. Or you can listen in on lawmakers just one booth away from where you're eating at a local pub. At the city dock, boaters line up their yachts in what is known as "ego alley." It's this kind of excitement that makes Annapolis one of Maryland's top tourist destinations.

However, that is exactly what's causing such a stir these days. For some, Annapolis is an historic treasure that's been invaded by touristy shops selling t-shirts and cheap souvenirs. Others argue that Annapolis is a real and thriving city and cannot be frozen in time like another Williamsburg. These diverging trends give the area much to offer from upscale boutiques to more affordable shops. Most stores are unique, but you will find a few chains thrown into the mix.

The heart of downtown Annapolis is located on Main Street running from Church Circle all the way to the City Dock. However, the business district has spread out past Church Circle to West Street where a major streetscape project was recently completed. Retail and dining can also be found on State Circle and Maryland Avenue. Although Maryland has many seaports to visit along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is the largest with the most to offer. Visitors come from all over the world. So you can never say that Annapolis is quiet.

Retail Hours

Stores are open seven days a week and most stay open in the evenings as well.

Parking

Parking can be a bit tight in Annapolis. To avoid the hassle, your best bet is to try the Gott's Court Garage. To get there, follow the directions below.

The City of Annapolis also has a page on their website with a map of other parking garages and parking lots. Hint: The Bladen Street Garage is free on evenings and weekends!

Visitor's Center

Annapolis has two Visitor's Centers. There is the West Street Visitor's Center (26 West Street, 888-302-2852) located inside the Gott's Court Garage. The other is the seasonal Information Booth at the City Dock.

Restrooms

Restrooms are located in the Harbormaster's building at the City Dock.

Attractions

When you're done shopping, try a walking tour of the U.S. Naval Academy (52 King George Street, 410-263-6933). You'll start at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, which has exhibits, a movie, gift shop and much more. Or arrange a guided tour of the Maryland State House (410-974-3400). Remember that both of these locations are government installations, so prepare for tight security.

Directions

Annapolis is approximately 22 miles east of Washington, DC, 26 miles south of Baltimore, Maryland, and 128 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

From Baltimore, take I-97 south to U.S. 50 east/301 north. Continue on U.S. 50/301 to exit 24 for Maryland Route 70, Rowe Boulevard. Turn right. Follow signs to the Visitors Center.

From Washington, take U.S. 50 east until it merges with U.S. 301 north. Continue on U.S. 50/301 to exit 24 for Maryland Route 70, Rowe Boulevard. Turn right. Follow signs to the Visitors Center.

From Philadelphia, take I-95 south to I-895 south towards Annapolis. Take the I-895 spur (follow signs towards I-97 and Annapolis). Take I-97 south to U.S. 50 east/301 north. Continue on U.S. 50/301 to exit 24 for Maryland Route 70, Rowe Boulevard. Turn right. Follow signs to the Visitors Center.

External Links

www.visitannapolis.org
www.marylandave.com

Directory

Accessories

Brown Eyed Girl Surf Shop (10 Francis Street, 410-990-GIRL)
Hats in the Belfry (103 Main Street, 410-268-6333)
Mathilde's Imports (51 Maryland Avenue, 410-280-2905)

Antiques

Evergreen Antiques (69 Maryland Avenue, 410-216-9067)

Apparel

a la mode lingerie (32 West Street, 410-280-9771)
Alpaca International (206 Main Street, 410-216-9898)
Avoca (141-143 Main Street, 410-263-7420)
Brown Eyed Girl Surf Shop (10 Francis Street, 410-990-GIRL)
Chico's (30 Market Street, 410-216-9251)
Diva (30 Market Space, 410-280-9195)
The Leader (167 Main Street, 410-263-7507)
Mathilde's Imports (51 Maryland Avenue, 410-280-2905)
Paradigm (179 Main Street, 410-626-6030)
Peppers (133 Main Street, 410-267-8722)
T-Shirt Factory of Annapolis (174 Main Street, 410-626-0025)

Arts and Crafts

The Annapolis Pottery (40 State Circle, 410-268-6153)

Books

The Annapolis Book Store (68 Maryland Avenue, 410-280-2339)
Christian Science Reading Room (22 West Street, 410-267-7060)
Hard Bean Coffee and Booksellers (36 Market Space, 410-263-8770)

Christmas

Christmas Spirit (180 Main Street, 410-268-2600)

Coffee and Dessert

Annapolis Ice Cream Company (196 Main Street, 443-482-3895)
Aromi D'Italia Annapolis (8 Dock Street, 410-263-1300)
Cafe Ole (33 1/2 West Street, 410-280-6160)
49 West Coffee House (49 West Street, 410-626-9796)
Hard Bean Coffee and Booksellers (36 Market Space, 410-263-8770)
Kilwin's Chocolates & Ice Cream (128 Main Street, 410-263-2601)
Nostalgia Cupcakes (188 Main Street, Suite 102, 410-280-0660)
Sofi's Crepes (1 Craig Street, 410-990-0929)

Dining

Acme Bar & Grill (163 Main Street, 410-280-6486)
Aqua Terra of Annapolis (164 Main Street, 410-263-1985)
Buddy's Crabs and Ribs (100 Main Street, 410-626-1100)
Cafe Normandie (185 Main Street, 410-263-1382)
Chick & Ruth's Delly (165 Main Street, 410-269-6737)
El Toro Bravo (50 West Street, 410-267-5949)
Federal House Bar & Grill (22 Market Space, 410-268-2576)
Galway Bay Irish Pub (63 Maryland Avenue, 410-263-8333)
Harry Brownes (66 State Circle, 410-263-4332)
Jerry's Seafood Restaurant (169 West Street, 410-268-7733)
Joss Cafe Sushi Bar (195 Main Street, 410-263-4688)
Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano (36 West Street, 410-267-9950)
Middletown Tavern (2 Market Space, 410-263-3323)
Nano Asian Dining (189-A Main Street, 410-267-6688)
O'Brien's Oyster Bar & Restaurant (113 Main Street, 410-268-6288)
OB's Prime (111 Main Street, 410-269-1210)
Osteria 177 (177 Main Street, 410-267-7700)
Pad Thai (38 West Street, 410-280-6636)
Potato Valley Cafe (47 State Circle, 410-267-0902)
Ram's Head Tavern and Fordham Brewing Co. (33 West Street, 410-268-4545)
Reynold's Tavern (7 Church Circle, 410-295-9555)
Sofi's Crepes (1 Craig Street, 410-990-0929)
Stan and Joe's Saloon (37 West Street, 410-263-1993)
Treaty of Paris (16 Church Street, 410-216-6340)
Yin Yankee Cafe (105 Main Street, 410-268-8703)

Eyewear

Shades Unlimited (103-B Main Street, 410-267-7277)

Galleries

Annapolis Collection Gallery (45 West Street, 410-280-1414)
Aurora Gallery (67 Maryland Avenue, 410-263-9150)
Easy Street Gallery (8 Francis Street, 410-263-5556)
Gallery 1683 (151 Main Street, 410-280-2140)
Maria's Picture Place (45 Maryland Avenue, 410-263-8282)
Maryland Federation of Art Circle Gallery (18 State Circle, 410-268-4566)
McBride Gallery (215 Main Street, 410-267-7077)
Ruseell Cather Levi Gallery (121 Main Street, 2nd Floor, 301-858-8333)
Whitehall Gallery (57 West Street, 410-269-6161)
Wynn Bone Gallery (161 Main Street, 410-280-8840)

Gift Shops

A.L. Goodies General Store (112 Main Street, #3, 410-269-0071)
Avoca (141-143 Main Street, 410-263-7420)
The Annapolis Pottery (40 State Circle, 410-268-6153)
Claire Murray (155 Main Street, 410-280-2017)
The Leader (167 Main Street, 410-263-7507)
Mary & Blanche! (78 Maryland Avenue, 410-280-8891)
Peake House (76 Maryland Avenue, 410-280-0410)
Peppers (133 Main Street, 410-267-8722)
Reynold's Tavern (7 Church Circle, 410-295-9555)
Stevens Hardware (142 Dock Street, 410-263-3390)

Gourmet

Capital Teas (6 Cornhill Street, 410-263-8327)

Home Furnishings

The Annapolis Pottery (40 State Circle, 410-268-6153)
Brown Eyed Girl Surf Shop (10 Francis Street, 410-990-GIRL)
Claire Murray (155 Main Street, 410-280-2017)
Easy Street Gallery (8 Francis Street, 410-263-5556)
Peake House (76 Maryland Avenue, 410-280-0410)

Jewelry

Aurora Gallery (67 Maryland Avenue, 410-263-9150)
Bianca Flor Silver Jewelry (34 Market Space, 410-268-7666)
Brown Eyed Girl Surf Shop (10 Francis Street, 410-990-GIRL)
Casa Nova (161 Main Street, 410-280-8840)
Evergreen Antiques (69 Maryland Avenue, 410-216-9067)
LaBelle Cezanne (186 Main Street, 410-263-1996)
Paradigm (179 Main Street, 410-626-6030)
Ron George Jewelers (205 Main Street, 888-910-5333)
Zachary's Jewelers (100 Main Street, 410-266-5555)

Markets

Main Street Mini Mart (222 Main Street, 410-626-2099)

Pets

Paws Pet Boutique (64 State Circle, 410-263-8683)

Tea Rooms

Reynold's Tavern (7 Church Circle, 410-295-9555)