Amber & Justin
Things To Do
William Paca House & Garden
A beautifully-preserved home in DTA (Downtown Annapolis) with gorgeous gardens. A great thing to do on Friday or Saturday afternoon! Visits can be booked ahead of time, and since the house is often used for weddings, we recommend checking the availability and booking your ticket before you go.
Hammond-Harwood House
This is Amber's favorite historic site downtown. The home features rather unusual architectural details, and the docents are remarkable. It's not as popular as the William Paca house, but perhaps that adds to its appeal...
Maryland State House
This is JP's favorite historic site in Annapolis. It's open every day and admission is free. Did you know that Annapolis was once the capital of the United States?
Naval Academy
We'd be remiss not to include the Naval Academy on our list of things to do whilst you are here. The Academy is an integral part of the Annapolis community and visiting the campus is another must-do event to add to your itinerary.
Eastport
If the weather is fine, why not take a stroll over the bridge to the Maritime Republic of Eastport? While there, check out some local dining establishments such as Boatyard Bar & Grill, Davis' Pub or Lewnes Steakhouse, if you're feeling fancy. If you're looking for a great place for breakfast or lunch, a must visit is Eastport Kitchen. It's a bit of a walk from DTA, so we recommend driving. If you go, be sure to tell Tony that Amber and JP sent you. You'll be welcomed like family! We've also included the link to the Maritime Museum, which is a fascinating place to tour on a brisk afternoon, and offers a clear view to the Bay Bridge. For those visiting us from out of town, it's a great way to learn a bit more about our community.
Midnight Madness
One of Annapolis' most beloved events, each December the downtown shops stay open until midnight on the first three Thursdays of the month. Visitors and locals alike come dressed in their festive best to patronize the charming stores and stock up on holiday gifts from local businesses. The shop owners serve drinks (boozy and non), and sometimes even have snacks. Restaurants get quite busy, so we recommend booking a reservation now, or trying to eat early (before 5pm) or later (after 8pm). For those staying in Parole or outside of downtown, it's also a good idea to eat near your accommodations before heading downtown. Parking is challenging, so we recommend walking or taking a car service, like Uber.
Lights On The Bay Md | SPCA of Anne Arundel County
For those looking to stay out of the cold, Lights on the Bay offers a delightful Christmastime experience in Annapolis. Each year, the local SPCA puts on a spectacular light show to benefit the shelter animals. It's a drive-through experience at Sandy Point Park, so you never have to leave the warmth of your vehicle. Lines to enter can be long, so be prepared to wait a bit, especially in December. Directions are found on the website.
Cantler's Riverside Inn
You can't come to Annapolis and not go pick some crabs, and Cantler's is our #1 pick! The restaurant is a local institution, with beautiful water views and delicious food. If you're not a fan of crabs, the non-seafood offerings are quite extensive (which is why we love it, since Amber doesn't like seafood...).
Quiet Waters Park
If you're traveling with a dog, Quiet Waters should be at the top of your "must do" list. There is a dog park and a dog beach (though December weather might make that less appealing). And if you're not traveling with a dog, we still recommend taking a stroll through this gem of a resource in our community. It's a great place to get in a run or walk, though we recommend you go with a partner, since it is heavily wooded. And definitely check out the South River Overlook. The views are incredible! The park is open from dawn to dusk, every day. Parking is $6.