Weekend Guide: Annapolis, MD

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Historic Inns of Annapolis, a trio of storied houses, gets our stamp of approval for a weekend. Completely redecorated in 2006, these three inns pair the elegance of yesteryear with today's modern amenities. Completely redecorated in 2006, these three inns pair the elegance of yesteryear with today's modern amenities.

Note: Annapolis is a popular weekend destination. If you don't plan ahead, you may not get a room at one of the prime downtown or West Street properties. A number of chain hotels line nearby Riva Road, located just a few miles west of downtown. Try Courtyard Annapolis or Doubletree Annapolis.

Active Pursuits

If this is your first trip to Annapolis, start with a tour of the city. Many companies schedule guided excursions. Capital City Colonials counts a fabulous food-and-history tour among its offerings.

One of our favorites is the sunset tour aboard the schooner Woodwind, which leaves from the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel across from City Dock at 6:30 p.m. Watermark also offers dozens of excursions, from a 40-minute narrated cruise of Annapolis to a Day on the Bay trip to St. Michaels. Adventuresome souls can learn to chart their own course at Annapolis Sailing School, the country's oldest, or Womanship, which has programs for women and individual couples.

You'll see young midshipmen around town in their dress whites, but the U. S. Naval Academy is also a must-see for visitors. Tour the grounds, see a sample room, and visit the chapel where legendary John Paul Jones's crypt lies. Enter on foot at Gate 1, and show your government-issued ID. During the school year, time your visit to coincide with noon formation, which begins at 12:05 p.m. in front of Bancroft Hall.

Shop Nonstop

Main Street offers the best selection of T-shirts, souvenirs, and gifts with a nautical theme, but you'll also find some real gems here. At , the colorful tableware and linens are imported from Europe. Even if you're not shopping for art, take time to stroll through to see exquisite paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Anticipate autumn with a visit to , an Irish store filled with handwoven blankets, sweaters, and scarves.

On State Circle, watch potters work at The Annapolis Pottery, a pretty store brimming with earthenware created by a wide range of artists. Shop for Fido and Fluffy at Paws pet boutique, where gourmet treats, hand-painted bowls, and fancy collars fill the shelves.

Even the windows at Johnson's On the Avenue, an old-school haberdashery at the corner of Maryland Avenue and State Circle, are well dressed. Open since 1926, the shop has outfitted generations of naval officers and the city's most stylish men.