Annapolis, Md., founded in 1696, is the home of the U.S. Naval Academy and known as “America’s Sailing Capital.” The city is filled with many things to do, from visiting the Naval Academy and the State House to touring Main Street and the City Dock. If you like to shop and immerse yourself in history at the same time, you should visit Maryland Avenue in the Historic District. Stay in a bed and breakfast, have a bite to eat, shop ‘til you drop and take in historic homes without leaving the Avenue. 

Visitors to Annapolis will find that a stroll along Maryland Avenue, known as the most “fashionable residential street of the city” in the 18th century, gives a glimpse into the heart and soul of Maryland’s capital city. Maryland Avenue continues to be a place of quality shops and personal service and is one of the last bastions of the small, independent, quality specialty shop. 

Stay on Maryland Avenue

For accommodations on Maryland Avenue with a historic flair, look no further than the Inn at 30 Maryland, circa 1886. This Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast is located in the midst of the Historic District and offers spacious, comfortable, well-appointed modern accommodations and newly renovated private baths. The inn features wireless Internet access and a house phone in the common areas. The rooms have pillow top mattresses, satellite TV and central air.  Innkeeper Robert Dunn brings a decade of fine dining and hotel experience to the Inn, serving delicious full a la carte breakfasts to start your day. For more information or to make reservations, visit http://30maryland.com.    

Shop on Maryland Avenue

Filled with Chef Dunn’s wonderful breakfast, you will be ready to explore the shops on Maryland Avenue. A diverse mix of antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, gift stores and more, they beckon you to spend time browsing the unique items within. If you are looking for children’s clothing, stop by Madeleine and look through the racks of beautiful European designer clothing. If toys and gifts interest you, check out Annapolis Country Store, the Historic District’s oldest and largest gift shop, where you can find classic wooden toys, including Tinker Toys, and gifts of all kinds. For more gifts, visit Mary & Blanche, which describes itself as an “outrageously fun place to shop.” This store brings a sense of quirkiness to the Avenue with its gifts and cards. Another well-known shop is Natalie Silitch Crafts and Antiques, where you can find the handmade angels and mermaids that Natalie is famous for and shells, artwork and curios. The Annapolis Bookstore offers used and rare books and a few new ones as well. A planned short visit inside can easily stretch into a long visit with all of the fascinating books to peruse.   

If you are looking for hard to find foreign, classic and independent/cult films, look no further than Annebeth’s. Here you will also find specialty foods, including chocolates from around the globe and specialty gifts, such as rice bowls, sushi cookbooks, candles, movie posters. If you need a special design element to add to your home, Details of Design will be more than happy to help you find what you need. You will receive knowledgeable and friendly service as you view the unique items. Vie Necessary Luxuries is another great place to find unusual items for the home. Owned by interior designer Alex Clymer, the shop is filled with items to make your home stand out. It also carries glass pens. Stop by and take a look. For home furnishings and gifts from casual elegance to whimsical, visit Be…Home. There you will find fun and whimsical gifts along with a selection of leather and upholstered furniture. Don’t forget to check out The Peake House as well for home décor items. If you are drawn to art, be sure to visit Aurora Gallery, Dawson Gallery, La Petite Gallarie and Maria’s Picture Place. For women’s clothing and shoes, you can stop by Sitting Pretty, which is near the Inn at 30 Maryland; Gina Fitz; Sondra Kaye Footwear; and Baileys, which carries modern classic style clothing and accessories. If you need flowers, Flowers by Donna will be happy to oblige. 

Eat on Maryland Avenue

If all that shopping makes you hungry, you are in luck because there are two places to eat on the Avenue. City Dock Coffee offers coffee any way you like it and to go with the coffee, you can satisfy your craving for sweets with pastries and more. City Dock makes its own pastries from scratch along with other delicious treats, including sandwiches, salads, quiche and soups. Teas and summer icy drinks are also available. This is also a free wireless hotspot. City Dock Coffee is open Monday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

If you are looking for a comfortable, family friendly restaurant with an Irish flavor and a Maryland twist, Galway Bay is the place for you. Open for lunch and dinner, Galway Bay offers traditional Irish food, such as corn beef and cabbage, shepherds pie and fish and chips, and an assortment of beef, chicken, pork, lamb and seafood dishes. Sandwiches and salads are also on the menu. Locals love the excellent food and outstanding service. If you are there on a Tuesday, don’t miss the weekly Pub Quiz. Test your knowledge and raise money for your favorite charity. Meet the locals and become a regular.  

Tour on Maryland Avenue

If this isn’t enough to keep you busy, visit the historic homes on Maryland Avenue: the Hammond-Harwood House, where you will see what architectural historians describe as “the most beautiful doorway in America,” and the Chase-Lloyd House, where Francis Scott Key was married. The Hammond-Harwood House, built in 1774, is a National Historic Landmark and contains a premier collection of Early American furnishings and art. Call 410-263-4683 for information. The Chase-Lloyd House, also a National Historic Landmark, is a Georgian mansion built 1769 – 1774 by Samuel Chase, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house is open on a limited basis. For information, call 410-263-2723. 

For information on Annapolis, visit the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Visitor’s Bureau at www.visitannapolis.org.