Walking Around Annapolis

Annapolis is an incredibly walkable city. The architecture beautifully melds the centuries along the Chesapeake Bay. On both of our visits, we meandered in and out of alleyways always discovering a new treasure.

"Freedom Bound: Runaways of the Chesapeake" at the Historic Annapolis Museum and Store

While exploring we discovered the Historic Annapolis Museum and Store. The store is full of Annapolis mementos including locally made items. The two floors of the museum feature the exhibit "Freedom Bound: Runaways of the Chesapeake" telling the personal stories of slaves and indentured servants and their attempts at freedom pieced together from historical record. Overall, the exhibit is incredibly moving. As you move through the exhibit you introduced to each individual and learn their story.

Learning about Jack an escaped from Mount Vernon

First, we learned about Jack, a runaway slave from George Washington's Mount Vernon. While the displays look simplistic in manner, I think that they help you engage with the emotional side of each piece of history. I felt more involved in this exhibit than I often do at other museums. We learned about Jack's escape attempt and whether or not he was successful through historical record.

Henry Smothers escaped slave and Union Army soldier

We also learned about Henry who escaped from slavery and joined the Union Army to fight for freedom and end slavery. Each story gives incredible detail on the dangers and risks escaped slaves encountered.

We also met Candis who escaped slaved and assumed another identity to make it to freedom.

The exhibit is incredible. I enjoyed how multimedia and snippets from primary source documents were used to piece together history. The exhibit brought each person to life and we were moved by each and every story.

Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial

While walking along the dock, we discovered the Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial. The message of the memorial is to honor those that came in bondage and helped forge the backbone of the nation. The memorial serves to remind us about the triumph of the human spirit and celebrates a nation of ethnic diversity.

Looking at the Chesapeake Bay from the docks

Walking further, we enjoyed views of the Chesapeake Bay. In the warmer months, there are options for taking boat tours. But, we just liked walking along the docks and marina.


U. S. Naval Academy:

While walking in Annapolis, you can also visit the US Naval Academy. You will need valid ID to enter. You can talk guided walking tours and visit the US Naval Academy Museum and even have lunch at Drydock Restaurant.

Love this incredible seascape street art at the U. S. Naval Academy

Admiring Historic Homes:

If you pick up a map from the Visitor's Center, you can easily make your own little walking tour and see several of the historic homes in Annapolis. Annapolis also has a system by which homes are designated by era with a plaque. We found a brochure depicting this at the Historic Annapolis Museum and Store.

William Paca House and Gardens

One of our favorite homes to walk by is that of William Paca signer the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Maryland.

The Chase-Lloyd House was initially constructed by another Declaration of Independence signer, Samuel Chase.

As we wove in and out of the alleys, we admired the row houses each with their own character.

Maryland State House:

Maryland State House

The Maryland State House is a focal point of the city. The grounds are beautiful and dotted with memorials. You can a tour inside and even see where George Washington resigned his military commission.

Enjoying Treats:

Books, books and more books at Old Fox Books and Coffeehouse

During our walk, we stopped at Old Fox Books and Coffeehouse which is a book wonderland full of books old and new. There is also a coffee shop serving locally roasted coffee.

We also meandered to Chick and Ruth's Delly. Chick and Ruth's Delly was featured on Man Vs. Food with a challenge of drinking a 6 lb shake and eating a 3 lb sandwich. I can't even fathom eating that much! Fortunately, the Delly has more manageable sandwiches, breakfast items, crab cakes, salads, dinners and so much more. Chick and Ruth's also has a huge list of homemade pies and ice cream concoctions.

What a sundae!

I went for a hot fudge sundae with cookie dough ice cream. Huge and yummy! However, I could have easily split it with a couple of people.

My daughter and husband both with shakes. Somehow, they finished theirs!

Chick and Ruth's Delly

Chick and Ruth's has been an Annapolis staple since 1965. The atmosphere is fun and has a community feel. A lot of the menu items are named for local and national officials which adds to the fun. Chick and Ruth's is a unique Annapolis experience, so one for your list!

Shop Local:

In addition to the Historic Museum and Store, Local By Design is a perfect spot for picking up a locally made gift. The store looks rather small from the outside but it is quite a bit larger inside and full to the brill with items made locally including paintings, prints, jewelry, candles, pottery and even painted crab shells! Don't miss this store!

Charming Local By Design

Annapolis is a beautiful city and one of our favorites to walk around. Historic buildings and water views beckon for exploring. Interesting shops and eateries along the dock provide for interesting asides. Annapolis is a very approachable city and offers the perfect blend of history and charm inviting moments relaxing with tea or strolling along the water. We can't wait to return!

More in Annapolis:

• Maryland State House
• Historic Reynold's Tavern
• Afternoon in Annapolis

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.