Here at the Black Tomato
offices, we love talking about new and exciting destinations whether it’s an
adventurous safari, luxury weekend away or a trip to a beach paradise. A
personal favourite holiday destination of mine is Annapolis, Maryland, which is
a few miles from Washington DC and the laid back sailing epicentre of East
Coast USA.
In the summers, life
revolves around the water there, whether it’s a day out sailing or simply a
cocktail by the harbour. If you’re looking for a quaint coastal town, with a
buzzing nightlife, and rich history, Annapolis
is it.
If you’re in Annapolis, sailing is a
must. Take a cruise on The Woodwind I or
II, made famous in the film ‘Wedding Crashers,’ and explore the neighbouring
creeks or head to open waters on the Chesapeake Bay.
Tie up next to Pusser’s (my favourite bar) and step right from boat to bar for
a ‘Painkiller’ – Pusser’s signature cocktail made with British Navy Pusser’s
Rum.
Annapolis was one of the States’ first
capitals, and in the ‘downtown’ area, you feel like you’re back in colonial
times. The red brick Main Street
has some great little art galleries and is perfect for grabbing a cupcake (try
the Key Lime cake in Nostalgia, my favourite).
If you head out for
dinner then there’s no avoiding Maryland’s
favourite dish, crab. One of the most exciting culinary experiences is to hire
a boat (with captain) and head to Cantler’s to sit down for a Maryland
tradition, as your waitress dumps a dozen Maryland blue crabs onto your table
and hands you a mallet and a bib. If that all sounds a bit too messy, go for a
soft-shell crab dish. Delicious either way.
For a more elegant
evening, head over the bridge to Eastport – an extension of Annapolis, and go to the Chart House. Once a
boathouse, the fantastic two-storey windows offer the best views of Annapolis. The cocktail
lounge is the trendiest spot for a glass of champagne, and stay for dinner for
amazing crab cakes (you can’t escape crab here) and the mouth-watering chocolate
lava cake that I rarely have room for.
For sports fans - Annapolis is home to the
US Naval Academy whose games are always a great day out. I love going to
football games in autumn, the opening ceremony is worth the trip in itself. The
entire Academy marches onto the field while fighter jets fly over your heads. Quite
the spectacle.
I could go on, but I hope
that’s given you an idea of all the reasons I love Annapolis. One of the best spots to visit in
the States if you ask me.
If you want to check out more of our holiday destinations in North America then click here.