Lodging in a Nutshell |
Ron Callari |
 In addition to being the capital of Maryland, the home of the United States Naval Academy, and an internationally celebrated maritime community, Annapolis’ rich history, sailing, restaurants and attractions have a lot to offer visitors, business travelers and families.
Founded in 1649 by the Virginia Puritans, who were attracted to America because of its religious tolerance, the town of Anne Arundel became the capital city of Maryland in 1695. Later it was renamed Annapolis, in honor of Princess Anne, heiress to the English throne. Here you can still see the original Old Senate Chamber where General George Washington resigned his commission and where Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris.
From 1694 until the Revolution in 1776, Annapolis prospered. It was not only the center of political life in America, but also the focus of a very elegant social milieu. Many beautiful houses were built here even before the Revolution.
With more than 500 rooms in the historic district, visitors can tour the streets of Annapolis, and breathe in its rich historical heritage. The surviving colonial buildings, the greatest concentration than any other city in the U.S., is like a walk back into the past. The Maryland State House is the oldest in the nation that's still in continuous, legislative use. Annapolis was home to the four signers of the Declaration of Independence. Tour their homes: William Paca House and Gardens; Charles Carroll House; Chase-Lloyd House. The fourth, Thomas Stone, whose home is on Hanover Street, is now a private residence.
Today, with 33,187 residents, Annapolis welcomes visitors with its 20 downtown galleries, Children's Museum, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, yacht cruises, boat excursions, parks, public swimming pools, historic tours, museums, concerts and golf courses. New to the city’s offerings is Horizon Organic Dairy, an 875-acre, organic farm offering a fun, hands-on experience for the whole family.
The United States Naval Academy is of course a must see when you visit Annapolis. Founded as the Naval School in 1845, the United States Naval Academy, with its magnificent buildings and tree-lined walks, is a National Historic Landmark. "The Yard," as Midshipmen call the campus, is now 338 acres and the brigade of Midshipmen is 4,000 strong. Group tours are available.
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