Photos and Text by Ann Augunas

Remember the movie “The Four Seasons?” One of my favorites, it features four couples who celebrate each of the seasons with a vacation to various places, usually within driving distance of their homes in New York City, the one exception, a trip to the US Virgin Islands where they rent a yacht; each trip is made memorable by ensuing but amusing misadventures. Lots of fun to watch but how about us?

While most of us probably wish we could get away each season, there are some alternatives, such as places close to home that are 4-season resorts in themselves, opportunities that nicely fill the bill for the wanderlust in all of us. One of our favorite spots is nearby Annapolis, MD, where just being by the water is half the fun of being there at all.

We fell in love with Princess Anne’s city many years ago during my husband Alex’s 27-year stint with TV Guide that continually took him up and down the Eastern seaboard. An ex-Navy man, anything on the sea (rivers, lakes!) or by the sea is a big draw. Mention Annapolis, suggest a visit to “the Yard” (U. S. Naval Academy), and we’ve a win-win for both of us.

A recent business trip back in early August gave us the chance to see things at the height of summer’s hustle and bustle. Thing were in full swing; the Severn River filled with all manner of sailing vessels and weather, of course, summertime perfect.

Folks already familiar with Annapolis are well aware of its allure, primarily because it does rest by water’s edge, and again, because it has everything the avid traveler could hope for in one place. A taste of the sea along miles of waterfront; fabulous seafood from the bounteous Chesapeake; history enough to please even professional historians; a bit of adventure for the curious; historic pubs and other charms not given to every small town.

Round out this almost picture-perfect locale with a host of charming B & B’s, lovely Inns and fine hotels, elegant boutiques, funky emporiums, and absolutely-everything type shops and you have an idea of just some of what’s in store for visitors.

Getting around in Annapolis is not only easy but it’s possible to experience most of it in a matter of two or three days. Stop at the Visitor’s Bureau on West Street for brochures and directions, you’ll find it a time-saver. Some things we’ve found helpful and interesting are to take a bus tour from the Center, which allows for a great overview of the city and its history. Another is to take a walking tour with a costumed guide who, you’ll find, is privy to lots of information you’ll not find in history books. To add a bit more spice to the history lesson, you might even consider having “Squire Frederick” the Town Crier as your guide.
(http://squirefrederick.com)

There are a number of things one simply should do when in Annapolis. Moseying around town is one of them. A walk down its main street to the City Dock, the town’s ‘front door’, is another. Sit a spell at an historic pub, enjoy crabs at Phillips, or lobster at the Chart House, or try any of the other terrific restaurants around town. Take a photo by the Alex Haley Memorial located dockside where his ancestor, Kunta Kinte, came ashore as a slave.

Depending on the season, hundreds of sailboats and pleasure craft are anchored in the harbor and along the Severn River, helping explain Annapolis’ designation as “America’s Sailing Capital.” You might try a boat tour or a sunset cruise yourself; it’s a fun way to get a taste of how the boating class lives. It also affords a great shot of the Naval Academy, a chance for an expanded view of Annapolis, or is just a relaxing way to spend some time.

While Annapolis is also known for the largest concentration of 18th century buildings in the country, it wasn’t long ago that many of them had fallen into disrepair. Thanks to an intense restoration effort to bring them back to their former glory, the city received the prestigious designation as a National Historic Landmark. A visit to some of these grand houses such as the William Paca House, and the home of John Carroll, offer a glimpse into life as it was lived back in that era.

Whatever else you do, give yourself at least a day to visit the Naval Academy. Start at the Armel-Leftwich Visitors Center, view the film, Leaders of Character, visit the gift shop, tour Bancroft Hall, home to 4,000-plus midshipmen, and view some pictures of former residents such as a very young Jimmy Carter and John McCain. Finish with a tour of the beautiful Naval Chapel; admire its gorgeous Tiffany window above the altar; and visit the crypt of John Paul Jones beneath the Chapel.

There are a host of accommodations from which to choose in and around Annapolis. Along with various B & B’s we’ve enjoyed over the years, we’ve also enjoyed stays at the attractive, 4-Diamond, Loews Hotel at 126 West St. (410-263-7777), and the handsome, year-old Westin Hotel located at 100 Westgate Circle. With 225 guest rooms, a heated in-door pool and High-speed Internet service, it’s already very popular with visitors. (410-972-4300). Contact the Visitors Bureau at 410-280-0445 for lists of other lodgings. You can also visit www.VisitAnnapolis.org or call 888-302-2852.

From its attractive waterfront setting to its tidy little streets with quaint homes that echo its colonial past, to its history I haven’t even mentioned, to its nearby neighbors with their own unique virtues, Annapolis and all of Anne Arundel County offer travelers a unique, anytime getaway. Be it a spring fling, a summer sail-away, leaf-peeping in the fall, or just cozying up to a fire with a hot drink at a lovely bed and breakfast, Annapolis, MD offers four seasons of choices. And it’s only about 2 hours from home.