Who wouldn’t want to drive a little over 80 miles from Gettysburg to be in America’s Sailing Capital — Annapolis — even if it’s just for a couple of days? After all, if you’re from East Tennessee as we are, the lure of the open sea, and the chance to see sailboats, historic 18th century buildings, and crab served in more ways than you can count was enough to put Annapolis, Maryland, on our Road Trip 2020 list.
To our good fortune, we had booked what unknowingly was a superb venue for two nights lodging — the Governor Calvert House, one of the Historic Inns of America. Tasteful furnishings and close proximity to the harbor make it a highly recommended stop if you’re going to be sightseeing Annapolis.

From the hotel, it was a quick stroll through a charming residential section to the waterfront, where makeshift open-air seating allowed social distancing and a view of the Chesapeake Bay while dining morning, noon, or night.


Leading to the harbor, street shops put out their best Maryland and U. S. Naval Academy shirts and souvenirs.

And not to miss: the Kunte Kinte – Alex Haley Memorial honoring a beloved Tennessee author. In a beautiful harbor setting, the memorial promotes strong family connections and mutual respect for all.
But Annapolis, for everyone who lives and visits there, is known for boating. That’s what we came to see. And we weren’t disappointed.
From sailboats on the open waters . . .
to boats big and small, tethered and moored. Boats were ever-present — and gorgeous. Yes, we had boat envy!



An afternoon tour took us beyond the harbor and out to sea, moving past the U. S. Naval Academy where we watched the recruits going through their paces.

If you’re headed to Annapolis, we have several recommendations to pass along:
- Stay in or near downtown and the harbor for easy access to shops, restaurants, and views of some of the prettiest boats in the world.
- Drive or Uber over to the Eastport section for great dining, especially if you have a hankering for local seafood. Boatyard Bar & Grill lived up to its pick by the Baltimore Sun for Best Crab Cake, but add a cup of Maryland Crab Soup to your order, and you’ll be smiling all night.
- Make time for a boat tour — daily, sunset, any time. There’s nothing like seeing Annapolis from the water! (We like Watermark tours, but there are many to choose from.)

While planning Road Trip 2020, we thought we’d focus on back roads, small towns, and historic sites. But we’re glad we added a visit to the big city of Annapolis in the middle of it. So much to enjoy!
Travel Annapolis,
Rusha & Bert
For more in our Road Trip 2020 series, check out these posts:
- New series coming — Road Trip 2020: Gettysburg and the Eastern Shore
- Farms, barns, city life, too: Hwy. 11 Knoxville to Staunton — Road Trip 2020
- A day in the country: Pebble Hall Wildflowers — Road Trip 2020
- Strolling Harpers Ferry — Road Trip 2020
- Gettysburg: Coming away changed — Road Trip 2020
- Houses and barns of Gettysburg — Road Trip 2020
lulu
I enjoy Annapolis and what it has to offer though I’ll take boating in Maine any day over the Chesapeake!
Oh, the Places We See
Ah, boating in Maine. Much calmer waters and prettier scenery. But Annapolis is a pretty good place to visit for other reasons — the harbors, history, and food are all pretty good!!! (But I, too, like Maine better.)
The Wandering RVer
What a great stop on your trip. Wouldn’t you love to tour the yachts? Maryland crab cakes, mmmmm!
Oh, the Places We See
We’d love a ride on a yacht!!! Have never been on one, so we might not know how to act!
CompassAndCamera
A perfect city to explore outside!
Oh, the Places We See
So true! And so many restaurants set up tables outside so patrons could enjoy. We loved this city. Could visit again!
kzmcb
Lovely detail.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. It’s a beautiful city.
pam@ichoosethis
I would LOVE to have a big sailboat! However, living in CO limits the opportunities to use it!
Oh, the Places We See
I’d just settle for a few rides per month!!!
WanderingCanadians
I’ve always found it interesting to see what people name their boats. Looks like a charming spot to stop and explore during your road trip.
Oh, the Places We See
I love boat names as well!! And wouldn’t you like to know what!/ behind some of them?!
WanderingCanadians
Yes, I’m sure they all have a story! That would be neat.
anotherday2paradise
Beautiful boats for sure, but the mention of crab cakes and Maryland crab chowder really grabbed the attention of my taste buds. 😃
Oh, the Places We See
I had crab every day. We rarely get it in Knoxville, so I ate as much as I could afford!!! Would love some right now. Thanks for commenting!!