Appreciating Historic Annapolis
During our stay in Annapolis, we embarked on countless walking adventures, uncovering the city's rich historical charm. Strolling through its picturesque streets, we enjoyed the architecture of the well-preserved buildings, each with a story to tell. The city's colonial past came alive as we immersed ourselves in the unique atmosphere of this historic gem.
One unforgettable experience was joining a haunted walking tour. As the sun set and shadows grew longer, we embarked on a spine-chilling journey through Annapolis's haunted past. Listening to eerie tales of ghostly apparitions and mysterious happenings, we couldn't help but feel the hair on our necks stand on end. This thrilling adventure added a touch of mystery and excitement to our Annapolis exploration. After our (very late) walking tour, we had to dinghy across the dark mooring field, where waves were quite large! Everyone survived the “scary” evening, but the kids felt they needed to sleep in their parents' bed that night...
A haunted walking tour! We heard tales of strange happenings and ghost sightings from Annapolis’ history.
The Main Street sitting area by Marketplace was a lovely spot near downtown that became a favorite area to see (and sometimes to feed) ducks. Occasionally armed with a piece of bread, we would take our dinghy and enjoy playful moments with the friendly ducks. However, as the ducks also made themselves comfortable in the mooring field, our dinghy, "Cuppa," often fell victim to their antics, requiring a daily morning cleaning ritual for Ewan or Gwynnie.
It must be Gwynnie’s turn to scrub off the duck poop! They often left a hefty mess for us to clean up.
Annapolis also offered a family-friendly atmosphere. Not far from downtown, we stumbled upon a small playground that soon became our go-to spot for running around and making new friends. Ewan and Gwynnie would enthusiastically welcome any kids they met, inviting them to play in games they all enjoyed, and sometimes even adults would join in the fun. The playground became a melting pot of diverse visitors, with people from different states to non-English speakers from various countries. In this inclusive environment, age and background mattered little – everyone was warmly invited to join the playground games and engaging conversations.
Regarding satisfying our taste buds, Fox's Den was a hidden gem we were glad we didn't miss. Tucked away at the bottom of a staircase, this unassuming spot turned out to be a treasure trove of delicious pizza, offering flavor and ambiance that made every visit memorable.
An unassuming sign above the doorway, seen from the sidewalk, caught Alison’s eye. Looking to the doorway revealed a staircase and a dark restaurant below!
And, of course, no summer adventure is complete without indulging in ice cream! Storm Bros Ice Cream Factory became our go-to place for delightful frozen treats, offering an array of flavors that kept us coming back for more. (See our earlier post for the other ice cream shops we enjoyed while in Annapolis)
Annapolis held surprises even in the sky as we were treated to an unexpected spectacle—the Blue Angels soaring overhead, their aerial maneuvers filling the air with awe-inspiring displays. The Blue Angels are the United States Navy's renowned flight demonstration squadron, captivating audiences nationwide with their breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers and precision flying. Established in 1946, the Blue Angels aim to inspire and promote naval recruitment while representing the dedication and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Front row seats from your boat to watch the Blue Angels?! Yes, please!
Other delightful discoveries included Bitty & Beaus, a heartwarming coffee shop with a mission to create a welcoming environment for all abilities, and Sofi's Crepes, where we savored delicious crepes that tantalized our taste buds.
Bitty & Beaus had a map on the wall where patrons could pin their home location. People from all over the world have visited this coffee shop in Annapolis!
A visit to the State House provided a glimpse into Annapolis's political history. The Maryland State House in Annapolis is a historic landmark and a symbol of American democracy. Completed in 1779, it is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use in the United States. The State House has witnessed significant historical events, including the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War, and George Washington resigning his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Visitors can explore its impressive architecture and rich history through free tours, gaining insights into Maryland's role in shaping the nation's early years.
Ewan and Gwynnie in front of the Maryland State House. A visit inside was free, providing glimpses into history, current political meeting rooms, and statues honoring Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass and their efforts for the freedom of slaves and the end of slavery.
When we weren't enjoying the town, we enjoyed quiet moments at home aboard Fika. Our oven was used to create a cake and other baked delights, and our table often had card and board games out for the family to play.
The table is set up for us to play the game “Casting Shadows,” set in a dark and enchanting world where you must grow stronger and battle your opponents!
Our time in Annapolis was a tapestry woven with unforgettable experiences—history, nature, and culinary delights all intertwined to create cherished memories.
