A Glimpse of Downtown Annapolis

Want to explore downtown Annapolis? I hope so, since it is one of the best and most unique downtown areas in Maryland. Park by St. John's College on King George Street -- free nine-hour parking! - and enjoy the walk to downtown past tiny private gardens and old historic homes.

During the summer, don't forget to attend St. John's College croquet match, between the Johnnies (St. John's students) and Mids (Naval Academy midshipmen).

Once you reach downtown, grab some coffe from City Cock Coffee, a local institution, and stop by the Kunte Kinte Alex Haley memorial by the water. Then, run across the street to the Museum Store, and check out the many nautical and historically- themed books, jewelry, and souvenirs, of which quite a few are locally crafted. Then, head up Main Street and pop into Hats in the Belfry,which is full of both traditional and quirky hats for men and women.

Don't miss Irish Traditions, which sells both Irish wares like Irish perfume, pottery, and clothing, as well as Irish-American, green doo-dads. If you are fortunate enough to come on a day when the manager is working, you will get a chance to hear a genuine Irish accent (County Wicklow, that is).

After leaving Avoca, walk right across the street to Francis Street, which will take you to State Circle. Enjoy the stroll around the circle until you get to Maryland Avenue, one of my favorite streets in Annapolis. 

Explore Evergreen Antiques is a tiny shop that sells carefully selected antiques, not junk, at reasonable prices. My favorite finds are an old secretary (the desk kind, not the human kind) and an old-fashioned silver tea set.

Farther down the street is the Annapolis Bookstore, which is a book worms dream, and the quintessential small-town book shop. (More details on it in my Alice in Wonderland post.)

Christmas garland on Main Street, Annapolis

By the way, Maryland Avenue, State Circle, and Main Street - and just about everywhere downtown - are decked out with live evergreen garlands and colorful wreaths, often of colonial inspiration, during the Christmas season. Each shop does it a little differently, some choosing thin, naturalistic pine garlands, while others hang thick branches heavy with ornaments and lights. Either way, a beautiful display that puts you in a Dickensian spirit right away.

For lunch, stop by Galway Bay Irish Pub on Maryland Avenue. The restaurant serves authentic Irish food in a setting that will transport you back to the little pubs from The Quiet Man. The pub even has gluten-free options: Molly Malone's mussels are delicious, if you can order them without getting tongue-tied. Each year, Maryland Avenue blocks off the road to host a charming Irish Festival, which includes street vendors and performers. It drives Maryland Avenue residents nuts, but what a show!

Later, head back to Main Street to spend a few hours at Clay Bakers to paint your own pottery. The pieces are already made, so you just have to slap on the paint. They take care of the kiln firing, and the pieces are ready in about a week. I am on a mission to paint a whole collection of eclectic dinnerware, which Clay Baker's large selection makes easily doable. My friends and I have a tradition of strolling over to 49 West for some great tea and coffee afterwards, serenaded by local jazz bands. The bar's street address is, incredibly, 49 West Street.

Later, enjoy a dinner cooked with locally-produced ingredients at Level on West Street, a tapas/small plates lounge with a delicious, ever-changing menu (including gluten-free!). Level inhabits a former townhouse, with brick walls, hip artwork and various cozy rooms. For your appetizer, you'll find artisan cheeses to savor, accompanied by sweet and savory garnishes. My favorite entrees are the cauliflower soup (seasonal) and the radish risotta. 

For a beverage, I love the blueberry gimlet (foreground). The drink tastes like a quenching ade, perfect for summer, and doesn't taste a bit like alcohol. Which can be a problem. 

After dinner, grab some more coffee and enjoy a beautiful nighttime stroll along the docks. Sit on the benches, or dangle your feet over the water and watch the boats drifting past. Or head back to Galway Bay for dessert and wine (I like the Montgras Sauvignon Cabernet and the Shiraz), a great way to end the evening.

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Still haven't kicked the shopping bug after wandering the downtown? Tomorrow, check out the Annapolis Town Center (pardon me, "Towne Centre"), a modern, preppy shopping center a short ways away. The stores include Anthropologie (gorgeous European-ish clothes, and worth the occasional splurge), Paper Source for scrapbooking and card-making fiends like me, a huge Whole Foods, and Menchies, a self-serve frozen yogurt stop with many refreshing flavors that you can heap altogether  in one bowl. I feel the sugar high coming on right now!