Annapolis, Maryland

When I think of Annapolis I'm instantly thinking of sailing and sailors!  Since the U.S. Naval Academy is there, anywhere you walk around the beautiful brick streets of Annapolis, you are sure to run into some sharply dressed men and women in uniform;)

First stop, brunch at Steve and I's favorite place to eat!  Red Red Wine Bar!  Brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between, this place is amazing!  Do try the Crab Benedict, its pretty awesome!

Walk off your brunch by visiting The State House and if you have time, the beautiful Hammond-Harwood House Museum, considered the jewel of Annapolis.     

When your touring is through, walk the brick streets and pop in and out of some beautiful stores.  This city is so full of charm you'll melt wherever you look!  From the colorful Row Homes, the the snuggled up shops, to the narrow brick and cobblestone streets, there is a picture just begging to be taken around every corner!

In the late afternoon, when the sun isn't as strong, is the perfect time for a sail on the Schooner Woodwind!  A sail out on the Chesapeake Bay is an Annapolis staple during any visit!     

From the water, you can check out the cadets at the Naval Academy out on the field!

Views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the distance.

Grab a picture of you and your date while you're out on the boat, and if your really lucky, you'll grab a photo of the passenger driver too;)

Heading back to shore gives you some fantastic views of the whole city!

Once you return to dry land, enjoy an evening walk about town and definitely grab some ice cream!!!

There are so many amazing restaurants here, check menus and take a peak inside the place before deciding on where to grab dinner!  You'll find everything from classic American to Farm to Table like Preserve, Coastal Italian like Osteria 177 and everything in between!!!  If you're craving the cuisine of the French Countryside, take a nibble at Cafe Normandie and if you're a lover of gourmet tacos, hit up Vida Taco Bar!!!  There is literally, something for every taste and palette!

When your sweet tooth kicks in, Annapolis is known for having the best ice cream EVER!!!  :)  Whichever shop you choose, is sure to delight but here are my favorites!!!

Annapolis Ice Cream Company, Kilby Cream and Kilwin's for Homeade Ice-cream as well as other delicious confections!  Grab a cone of your favorite and walk the bustling streets or take a seat and people watch!

There's no better way to walk off your dinner than to shop!  Annapolis is full of shops, local goodies as well as big brand names, so get ready to take home a treasure or two!  Tyler Boe , is a beautiful boutique filled with designs for the modern woman and is based out of Bedford Village NY. 

For the lovers of Lilly Pulitzer, and all things colorful, swirly and vibrant, look no further than The Pink Crab!    

Blanca Flor Silver Jewelry is like stepping into an Art Gallery, where the owner travels the world in search of beautifully, hand-made pieces each unique and ultra interesting! 

Maryland Ave. is the street where the absolute best antique shops make their home!  These can be a great way to start your day or a great way to break in the middle of the day, just keep in mind that most of these shops close around 5pm, while the other bigger name boutiques stay open much later.

Funny Fact, I actually went into all these shops earlier that day and was so busy antiquing, I forgot to take pictures for you guys, so before the ride home, I returned and snagged a few, by this time the shops were closed, but you get the idea;)

Blue Crab Antiques and Evergreen Antiques are my two favorites on this street!  My most memorable finds include a Victor Victrola, a Whiting and Davis Mesh Evening bag, and lots of other great jewelry, furniture and china:)  

Another area of fantastic shopping just minutes away from Downtown is in the West Annapolis Shopping District.  Also riddled with Antiques and other curious and beautiful boutiques, this area is a must stop while visiting Downtown!  My favorite shop here is Retropolitan!!!  This place screams exquisite!  From the gorgeous vintage clothing and accessories you'll find, to the amazing furniture pieces they bring in, you'll be delighted at every turn!

Whether you head to Annapolis for the day or decide to make a weekend getaway out of your trip, you'll fall in love with everything the area has to offer.  There are several Bed and Breakfast's and Inn's to stay at in the Downtown area.  The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is just a short drive away and if you decide to make the drive, head down to Sandy Point Beach to take in some amazing views of the Chesapeake, or cross the bridge for dinner on the water at a nearby restaurant on the other side!

Maryland is Calling;)