Things to Do in Annapolis in August

Things to Do in Annapolis in August

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or you’re seeking some adventure, Annapolis Maryland is the ideal vacation spot. During August, the beautiful city, known as the sailing capital of the world, hosts many outdoor events which highlight its strategic location on Chesapeake Bay. Schedule a cruise of the Chesapeake Bay, rent a kayak, or fish on one of Annapolis’s many docks. During the summer months, it is also beneficial to take advantage of the William Paca House and Gardens in Annapolis. This restored eighteenth-century mansion, which was owned by William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, offers tours of its impressive house and gardens. Another must-see when visiting is the Annapolis waterfront. Lined with boats and people fishing, Annapolis offers an unequaled view of the Chesapeake Bay.

There are many things to do in Annapolis, including visiting its many museums. Some of special interest include the Annapolis Maritime Museum, the Historic Maryland State House, the Banneker-Douglas Museum of African-American Life and History, and the Chesapeake Children’s Museum. The Annapolis Naval Academy, USNA, offers tours of its grounds as well as the adjoining United States Naval Academy Museum, which features the naval history of the United States.

Downtown Annapolis offers many sites as well, including multiple shops and restaurants. Some signature Annapolis restaurants include Aqua Terra, located on Main Street, where visitors can sample some of the famous Annapolis seafood, as well as Cantler’s Riverside Inn, which features crab cakes, oysters, and clams. Other exceptional restaurants include Les Folies Brasserie, which immerses patrons in a French atmosphere complete with quality French cuisine, Brio Tuscan Grille, and The Main Ingredient.

Annapolis shopping is as varied and convenient as its dining. There is something for every type of shopper, be it visiting the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market, which features many homemade items, shopping at the Historic Savage Mill, a restored cotton mill containing antiques and crafts, or something more modern such as Park Place, Annapolis’s newest plaza, or the Marley Station Mall, which contains many popular retail stores as well as restaurants and a movie theater.

For travelers hoping to spend some time in this beautiful city, there are many Annapolis hotels from which to choose. If you’re looking for comfort, try the Loews Annapolis Hotel. This four-star hotel is both beautiful and luxurious and located minutes from Church Circle. The Westin Annapolis, located on Westgate Circle at the entrance to the City from the west. For a more quaint experience of Annapolis, visit the Georgian House Bed and Breakfast. This home, which was once used as a club by signers of the Declaration of Independence, contains much history from the Revolutionary period. The Annapolitan is a B&B a little further out West Street, very close the the Annapolis Library. Finally, the Marriott Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, the only waterfront hotel in Annapolis MD, has a boat dock for guest use, as well as many modern conveniences such as “pure” rooms for those with allergies.

Although it’s tempting to spend an entire vacation simply soaking in Annapolis’s history, one must not ignore the many Annapolis events. There are many things to do in Annapolis, and one August must-see is the Annual Rotary Club of Annapolis Crab Feast, where crab-lovers of all ages and backgrounds gather to feast on the Bay’s bounty. Another event in August is the Maryland Renaissance Festival. At this second-largest Renaissance Festival in the country, one can view jousting, enjoy Renaissance food, and admire the crafts of the period. Finally, August is the best time to admire Annapolis’s artists during the Annapolis Art Walk, a free event where viewers can watch artists at work with many different mediums.