Annapolis: Historic Wonder, Current Gem
This world is filled with wonders. Anyone who disputes that has their head in the sand. Across the planet, from region to region, city to city, even town to town, there are hidden gems awaiting discovery! Treasures like the Fortress of Suceava in Romania offer endless intrigue, fascinating those who have travelling spirits and inquisitive souls. There’s no end of the wonders we can unlock if we look beyond our local environments… and Annapolis, Maryland is one such noteworthy example!
Annapolis, Maryland, United States of America (USA). Image source: www.pixabay.com
Annapolis. What a beautiful place to be! It’s a wonderful, entrancing city, capital of the state, with an enormous amount to offer enthusiasts who might happen to pass through – and at almost any time of year, you’ll find things to marvel over here. Learning a little about the history that has sculpted this place, plus the cool things you can see and do on a visit, is the perfect way to unlock Annapolis and enjoy it to the max!
What Lies In Annapolis’s Footprints?
Annapolis got its unusual name in 1694, when the third Royal Governor moved the capital of the royal colony to a town named Anne Arundel’s Town – and at the same time, bestowed the newer name upon it. However, the site goes back far, far further. It was founded by Puritan exiles way back in 1649 – so Annapolis has quite an extraordinary history to glance back across. The settlers did move the town in 1683 to take advantage of a better-protected harbour, and at this point, named it “Town at Proctor’s,” followed by “Town at the Severn”, and finally (a few years on, in 1694), Anne Arundel’s Towne. Indecisive, maybe, but interesting to learn that it went through so many titles in its early years!
It also saw a fair bit of conflict, with Parliamentary forces taking control of the Maryland colony in 1654 and exiling the governor, who then returned and fought the Battle of Severn – which he soundly lost. Various other governors came and went before the town got its current name – and status as capital. It was then made into a city in 1708, despite the fact that it was a pretty tiny place! It did its best to fill those big shoes, though, growing swiftly, until it had a newspaper and a theatre, as well as an important harbour that served various trades – including oyster-packing and sailmaking.
A lot more followed in the decades that came, and Annapolis played key roles in the revolution. There’s tons to learn at the Museum of Historic Annapolis, where you can unlock more about that proud history, still just there under the surface, waiting to be discovered!
What Should You Do There?
So, that’s the past, but what about the present? If you’re choosing fun things to do in Annapolis… well, the good news is that that choice is going to be plentiful! We’ve already mentioned the museum, but we couldn’t begin this section with anything save the water activities. After all, that’s what attracts many visitors every year – the chance to get out on the waves with a boat, paddleboard, or kayak underneath you. There are some incredible shorelines waiting for you to unlock them, and this is such a peaceful, gorgeous way to spend your time. Goodbye, stress! Hello, relaxation!
And don’t forget to check out the City Dock, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, where you can lose yourself in the beauty of the sun on the sea, or explore the Naval Academy. Just want to sit and relax? It’s perfect! Prefer to wander around and watch street artists perform incredible feats to thrill the bystanders? Equally easy!
If you’d like to go on a magical walk, you should certainly head to Snowflake Alley. Year-round, this picturesque place offers twinkly lights to be enjoyed whether the sun is up or the moon is high! You’ll have an amazing stroll, certainly one for the photo albums!
And speaking of strolling, the William Paca House & Garden calls the name of visitors everywhere! It’s a National Historic Landmark, meaning you’ve really got to check it out – Georgian-style architecture and a stunningly restored interior help guests step back in time to envisage the life lived by Declaration signer William Paca. It’s nothing short of luxurious and the 2-acre garden is so worth seeing!
For those who want to shop? Well, Main Street offers a beautiful blend of modernity and history, plus shops galore, with almost everything you can imagine in terms of wares. The architecture is a feast for your eyes, while there are plenty of literal feasts in the array of restaurants lining the streets – and you can even feed your soul at the art galleries scattered around here, so there truly is some of everything!
And, not for the faint of heart, you might choose to round it all off with a ghost tour! After all, with such a rich history, how could Annapolis not have its fair share of ghosts? Whether you fancy a walking tour or a haunted pub crawl, you’ll find it – and enjoy it, we don’t doubt!
