This time of year, one comes to realize that Annapolis is so special because it holds events in the current dreary weather and during spring, summer, and fall. Hotels offer special packages for much needed getaways, Annapolis restaurants offer live music combined with wonderful food, galleries display masterful pieces of artwork, and theater companies put on acclaimed performances. Whether you want to dine, shop, stay, or be entertained, Annapolis, Maryland is catered to you.

Annapolis, Maryland Hotels

If you’re like me, one day to celebrate love is not enough. And though Valentine’s Day is less than one month away, romance, breakfast in bed, and massages can still be enjoyed now. Fortunately, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Annapolis offers a “Romance Package” for the those who think romance should not be confined to one day. The package deal includes a gift bag complete with foam, a bottle of wine, and massage oil. Also included in this luxurious package is a late 1 p.m. checkout and complimentary breakfast. No, the deal does not include breakfast in bed, but still, a complimentary breakfast is hard to come by! There are five types of rooms to choose from, but book early to ensure your room preference. Although you can’t put a price on love, Holiday Inn Express has put a price on this package: $150 per night. Let love bud before Valentine’s Day. Visit annapolismdhotel.com to reserve.

The Westin Hotel in Annapolis also offers special deals during the off-season. Their “Quiet Invigoration” deal is sure to please and relax guests. The deal runs through February 29 and includes a one hour couples massage, a one hour facial for her, and a men’s facial/massage. The room suites are conveniently nestled between the hotel’s delightful restaurant, Azure, and the in-house spa. Boutiques, art galleries, and golf clubs surround the hotel, offering guests the chance to relax while at the Westin and indulge while in the area. If you need some relaxation or indulgence, head to starwoodhotels.com and find the Westin to book your stay.

Annapolis Entertainment–Music

As always, 49 West Coffeehouse promotes the delightful harmony that stems from mixing food, drinks, and music. This Monday, 49 West features music from Machaya Klezmer Band from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Machaya Klezmer Band is known for their international tunes–anything from Israeli, Swing, Yiddish, and Classical music.The music event this Monday is educational, International, interesting, and entertaining, which is definitely worth the $10 cover charge. On Tuesday, Unified Jazz Ensemble plays from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. This music group specializes in acoustic jazz–perfect for sipping music and swaying in your seat. The cover charge is only $6. Wednesday night, January 25th, The DC Experience plays from 8 to 11 p.m. The group features a guitarist, drummer, and bassist, so you know the coffeehouse will be rocking that night. Wednesday the cover charge is $6. Thursday, Cafe Scientific offers coffeehouse goers a learning experience about life in extreme environments. Dr. Mary Voytek, a senior scientist at NASA will be at 49 West to share how life on earth is interdependent and complex. There is no cover charge for this event. If you would like more information on Mary and her work, or simply want more information on 49 West Coffeehouse, visit their website: 49westcoffeehouse.com. Thursday, Susan Jones Trio plays from 8 to 10 p.m. Susan, a violinist, will grace the crowd with her classical jazz tunes interlaced with rock, country and mariachi music during the performance.The cost for this event is $10. Saturday, Her, Him & I plays acoustic music from 9 to midnight. The cover charge is $8. Daytime Sunday welcomes Jonathan Stone from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stone is a Brazilian guitarist. There is no cover charge. Sunday night, Pillowbook shows its audience the collaboration of a violinist and a guitarist. They man the stage from 8 to 11 p.m. The cover charge is $6.

Ram’s Head Tavern also offers a week full of great music. On Tuesday, Steve Earle plays at 8 p.m. Earle gives listeners a beautiful collection of country and rock. If you enjoy John Mellencamp or rock music, you’ll enjoy listening to Earle’s talented music and singing. The cover charge is $49.50. The next night at Ram’s Head, Griffin House takes the stage at 8 p.m. Griffin offers listeners heartfelt lyrics with the sounds of indie pop music. The cover charge is $10. Thursday, Jane Monheit sings a mixture of jazzy and pop tones. Listeners can choose to have an package deal with this performance that includes a 3-course meal. Check out ramsheadonstage.com for information. Friday, January 27th, Jimmy Webb is on stage at 8 p.m. He sounds much like Elton John but composes his own music. The price for this event is $25. On Saturday, Iris Dement sings folk/country songs on stage with Pieta Brown at 8 p.m. The cost to see these talented women is $29.50. Sunday, Tinsley Ellis plays blues music at 8 p.m. The cover charge is $22.50. Each of the artists on stage at this Annapolis restaurant has their own website which can be navigated to via Ram’s Head’s website. Those interested in these musical performances can purchase tickets on the Ram’s Head site too.

Sly Fox Pub in Annapolis also has live music most nights. Tuesday, Damion Wolfe plays. Thursday, Eddie Pasa plays. Friday, Timmie Metz is on stage. On Saturday, Sly Fox offers its patrons and visitors different musicians that typically begin their acts around 8 p.m. Before you go on Saturday, call 443-482-9000 to learn what musician is on that night.

Annapolis Entertainment–Art

The Annapolis Collection Gallery offers its town a combination of oil paintings, watercolor paintings, and photographs that depict historic moments. The gallery will be open to the public from now until April 15th, 2 to 6 p.m. The gallery is located at 55 West Street in Annapolis. Check out the website, marionwarren.com, for inquiries and contact information.

Annapolis Entertainment–Play Performances

The Bay Theatre Company, Inc. begins a new play, Love Letters, on January 27th. The plays will run through March 4th. The play displays how love, or in this case, love letters, can trump fate. The main characters are opposites yet their love remains strong through the exchange of love letters. Love Letters was written by A. R. Gurney and was performed on Broadway. Part comedy and part romance, this play is sure to get all in the mood for the fast-approaching Valentine’s Day. Purchase tickets online at baytheatre.org.