This is my second trip to Annapolis. The first was several years ago. We took the train out to Maryland, and my buddy, Dirty Pat picked us up, and showed us around Annapolis and the US Naval Academy. This time, I get to spend a few days with the Dirty Pat family in Annapolis, after a day of cherry blossoms in the Tidal Basin.
Here are a few Annapolis facts for your entertainment:
The Maryland State House is the oldest State House in continuous legislative use in the nation. It’s also the only State House that has served as our nation’s Capitol. That’s right! Annapolis was our nation’s first peacetime capital! The Continental Congress met in the Old Senate Chamber from November 26, 1783 to August 13, 1784. During that time, George Washington came before the Continental Congress and resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. It was here that the Treaty of Paris was ratified, officially ending the Revolutionary War. During a self-guided tour, you’ll learn about the birth of a nation that took place here and see the House and Senate Chambers where Maryland lawmakers still meet annually from January to April in a 90-day legislative session.
Many buildings are adorned with the color-coded markers. The Historic Annapolis Inc. brochure outlines what each of the colors stands for. So, you can have an architectural field day as you make your way along the streets and alleyways of Annapolis. You won’t have look far to find a marker. They adorn more than 260 homes and public buildings in downtown Annapolis.
Red markers identify Georgian architecture of the 1700s to the 1820s. This is among the most long-lived styles of American architecture, and it dominated the British colonies for most of the 18th century. Blue markers indicate the Federal style (1780s-1840s). It’s a neoclassical form of architecture that is light and delicate in comparison to the Georgian style. Green markers draw your attention to Greek Revival architecture (1820s-1860s), a popular style for public structures after the War of 1812. Purple designates Victorian with its exterior decoration in brickwork, towers and elaborate cornice brackets. Gray markers identify the vernacular style of the 1830s to 1930s that is often used on the row houses and duplexes of Annapolis. Yellow markers call your attention to 20th Century Distinctive architecture from the 1900s to the 1940s.Founded in 1683 as Anne Arundel County’s seat, London Town’s heyday lasted about 100 years. The colonial tobacco port town bustled with activity as ships carrying trade goods stopped at the site of an active ferry crossing on the South River. When trade routes changed, the town all but disappeared. Rediscover this once vibrant town as you stroll through the gardens of a 23-acre park, tour the National Historic Landmark William Brown House and the reconstructed Carpenter’s Shop and Lord Mayor’s Tenement. London Town’s woodland garden features towering native trees, an extensive collection of magnolias, camellias, dogwoods, rhododendrons and viburnums, uncommon individual specimens of spring bulbs, woodland wildflowers, and shade-loving perennials.
But what you are really missing is the wit and charm of Dirty Pat. If you saw him walking down the street, you might arrest him!
An Annapolis institution for over 50 years, Chick & Ruth’s is the go-to local experience for great food and the best service anywhere in town.
Their menu has something for everyone, from creamed chipped beef on toast to personal pizza or jumbo lump crab cakes. All pies and breads are made fresh every day on the premises. No mixes, no preservatives, all handmade. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited everyday Monday through Friday 8:30 am, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am, since 1989. This is a colorful experience of quality food and fun!I will take the DC Metro out to Maryland. Let the fun begin!!!
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