By Elaine Ubina
The charming waterfront capital of Maryland is known for its picturesque Chesapeake Bay views and vibrant colonial architecture. Steeped in history and maritime tradition, Annapolis is a destination for sailors and boating enthusiasts as well as international tourists. It’s a quick 50-minute drive east of Washington, DC or 40 minutes south from Baltimore and four and a half to six hours from Greenwich – depending on traffic. Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy with its beaux arts architecture and naval history museum. The Naval Academy is where 4500+ midshipmen go to college and train to become officers in the US Navy and Marine Corps.
Our family discovered Annapolis when our oldest son attended the USNA and played on their squash team for college. We enjoyed many weekends in rental homes, often on the waterfront, buzzing back and forth to the center of town on a rented Whaler. It’s the easiest way to get around. The waterfront is scenic and it’s easy to moor instead of battling the traffic and often crowded parking in the center of town.
After we said good-bye to Annapolis on Commissioning Day 2019, little did we know that we’d be back for “Youth Sports Tourism” for our younger boys! The trend in traveling for youth sports competitions and events has ramped up exponentially over the last 10 years and Annapolis has turned into a hub for sports – including everything from lacrosse, baseball, rowing, gymnastics, wrestling, golf, squash, swimming, water polo and many more! Because of the fantastic facilities at the Naval Academy, they are able to offer their campus and nearby fields for a variety of camps and competitions throughout the year.
Our 16 year old, Julio and I headed down this year for the Water Polo Junior Olympics Qualifiers. He’s going back for a water polo camp this summer. We were delighted to discover The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel part of the Independent Collection – our go-to for in-town overnights and weekends. Newly renovated, the rooms have big bathrooms, very comfortable beds and often have lovely terraces with views on the harbor. There is valet parking!
From the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, it’s an easy walk to some of my favorite shops, 727 Sailbags, Lilac Bijoux and Welcome Home. Among many walkable restaurants nearby are: Iron Rooster, The Choptank, Sofi’s Crepes, and The Goat. Crowd/kid favorites include: Chick & Ruth’s – an Annapolis institution for breakfast, burgers and giant milkshakes, and the Annapolis Ice Cream Company. For a team dinner – call Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs – they have lots of room upstairs! For an easy breakfast, lunch, dinner or yummy cocktail – pop downstairs to Pusser’s Caribbean Grill and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor. They also have a private room for a team dinner.
Helpful hint – bring rain gear! You never know when a thunderstorm will pop up! The blue sky days are wonderful, but the humidity can rush in and turn any day or night into a rainy one.
Be sure to book early when planning a trip to Annapolis. With all the activities, from sailing regattas to USNA Parents’ Weekends, Commissioning, Plebe Summer drop off – there’s always something going on!
