Traveling to Annapolis is a bit like traveling back in time, without having to give up your smartphone. The region is a prime destination for gaining perspective on America’s past. Here, groups will find a charming and vital small town where history continues to unfold.
Annapolis doesn’t simply stop at the city limits—or the water’s edge. According to Susan Steckman, vice president of communications for Visit Annapolis, the CVB’s primary focus in recent years has been inviting meeting planners to experience the nation’s first peacetime capital as well as its two linked regions in Maryland.
“We talk about three distinct regions of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County: Annapolis City, the Annapolis Countryside and Annapolis-Baltimore, which is the BWI community,” Steckman explains.
Annapolis City
Described as “A Museum Without Walls,” downtown Historic Annapolis offers Old-World charm on its cobblestone streets and a wide range of opportunities to explore America’s colonial roots.
All four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence made their homes in Annapolis, and each of their four estates has been preserved. Three of them, including the Chase-Lloyd House, The Charles Carroll House and the William Paca House, are open to the public.
Tucked away behind the Paca house is a two-acre 18th century pleasure garden brimming seasonally with abundant varieties of flowers, holly and heirloom fruits and vegetables. Reconstructed from the background of a 1772 portrait of William Paca by Charles Willson Peale, the garden is the only one of its kind in Maryland.
One of the city’s most significant landmarks, the James Brice House, was acquired by the state of Maryland in 2014 and is now the headquarters of Historic Annapolis, the city’s primary conservation and history organization. The 18th century five-part Georgian mansion, built over the course of seven years after the death of Brice’s father in 1767, has opened the property to the public for the first time since the 1950s.
Annapolis’ architecture is a highlight of the destination. Visitors can engage with it on several levels, through up-close and personal explorations with a tour, or by simply wandering the cobblestone streets and taking it in.
“It’s 17th century architecture, but it’s 21st century living,” Steckman says. “You’re walking down the streets, observing these beautiful historical buildings that have been so wonderfully preserved, but you’re going about your 21st century business.
“It’s active and alive and energy filled, but there’s also this sense of peace that comes with it,” she continues.
Annapolis isn’t only about history, though, and no traveler should neglect the destination’s contemporary amenities. For foodies, Annapolis offers hip comfort cuisine at the Iron Rooster, fresh takes on old standards at Preserves or classics at major Annapolis institutions like Chick & Ruth’s Delly. The deli, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer, offers six-pound “colossal” malts and milkshakes as well as an invitation to join in the Pledge of Allegiance every morning.
The United States Naval Academy, on the other hand, provides a glimpse of history in the making. Weekdays throughout the academic year, visitors can watch our nation’s future leaders at noon formation, one of the largest draws to the Academy.
Its well-loved sports venue, Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium, opened the doors on its Akerson Tower project last year, combining premium meeting space with a great view of both the game and the city skyline.
And don’t forget the water. As many residents say, “All roads lead to the water,” reflecting Annapolis’ reputation as one of the nation’s best boating towns. Sailing enthusiasts have a broad range of options. The wooden 74-foot schooner Woodwind is available for everything from two-hour tours to overnight private cruises.
Landlubbers can enjoy the Wednesday night sailing races and other nautical ventures from waterfront establishments all over the city, including the newly renovated Annapolis Waterfront Hotel.
The Annapolis Maritime Museum in Eastport provides not only a glimpse into Annapolis history as the last remaining oyster packing plant in Annapolis, but a truly unique venue for meeting planners.
“It’s a no-frills, wonderful, on- the-water, down-to-earth, rustic facility,” Steckman explains.
Annapolis Countryside
Crossing the South River Bridge and leaving the city limits puts travelers into the Annapolis countryside, a quiet, rustic setting that offers further insight into the life and times of colonial settlers.
Visitors can come by land or sea to Galesville, one of the last maritime villages in Maryland. Or they can explore the Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater, a 23-acre park and museum featuring a colonial town and its ongoing archaeological investigation. Those interested in efforts to preserve the Chesapeake Bay can visit the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
Sprinkled throughout the region, attendees will find produce stands, restaurants and shops serving up local atmosphere.
Though not technically in the countryside proper, meeting planners seeking a unique venue can investigate the boutique hotel that recently opened at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, in Stevensville.
In the works for 20 years, nearby Hidden View Farm, in Crownsville, recently made a variety of event space available on its 100 acres of forest and exquisitely cultivated gardens.
Annapolis-Baltimore
Highlighting the BWI community, Annapolis-Baltimore offers the widest variety of group accommodations as well as easy access to the Baltimore vicinity.
“We’re moving right now to let people know that Annapolis-Baltimore is an equally vital part of our destination,” Steckman says.
Visit Annapolis recently launched TheHotelsAtBWI.com, a planning resource covering nearly every aspect of a stay, whether it’s a large-scale event venue, comparison shopping for the region’s 11,000-plus hotel rooms, or an intimate evening out on the waterfront.
Renovation is the key word for Annapolis-Baltimore, as several venues are reopening their doors with fresh new looks. For example, Best Western recently acquired the Sleep Inn and Suites BWI property for a major facelift, resulting in the Best Western Plus BWI North Inn & Suites.
