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The main attractions your group will enjoy
are . . .
The United States Naval Academy -
On your “Discover Annapolis” tour, we'll
drive along all sides of the 338-acre campus. We’ll
describe the academic and athletic programs, what they
do in the summer months, and their options and obligations
when they graduate. From across the harbor and from
the Severn River overlook, we'll describe all the buildings.
Your group will learn a lot about the Naval Academy
without driving onto the yard.
If time and interests allow, there are two ways to
enter the Naval Academy:
(1) If your group takes their guided
walking tour, your motorcoach may enter Gate
1 and drive in to their Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center.
(No riding tour is available through the Yard.)
Your motorcoach will wait and leave with your group.
(2) For more flexibility in your day, you can walk
in Gate 1, the main gate, on your own or as part
of a guided
tour. Visitors must show a photo I.D., and no
backpacks, please. The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center
is about one block inside Gate 1.
Plan to start your visit at the Armel Leftwich Visitor
Center. A free, 12 minute film explains what life
is like as a midshipman. You'll also find wonderful
exhibits, a gift shop, and a snack bar. If time allows,
take a guided walking tour to enter the Sports Hall
of Fame in the Lejeune Swim Center, the impressive
dormitory, and the beautiful Chapel.
The tour ends near Gate 3 and Preble Hall, which
houses the Naval
Academy Museum and the
Naval Institute bookstore.
Get out on the water - Take a harbor
cruise on a variety of motor vessels. Or for a feeling
of Annapolis when this was an international seaport
with "tall ships" coming and going, take
a schooner cruise!
Shop til you drop - The obvious shopping
areas are Main Street and around the City Dock. But
don't miss State
Circle and Maryland Avenue, which have some of the
better specialty stores, art galleries, and design shops
with something for every interest and budget.
Dine around! - From fine dining, to
carry-out, to a feast of steamed crabs. If you'd like
to stick together, these restaurants in the dock area
have banquet rooms (all on the second floor):
The
State House - Our capitol is the third
building on the highest point of ground in the city.
Dating from 1772, it is the oldest state house in continuous
legislative use in America. Allow 45 minutes to tour
the building and view the exhibits about what Congress
did while they met here for nine months in 1783-84,
making Annapolis the first peacetime capital of the
United States.
Colonial Mansions - There are two
18th century mansions open for group tours:
The
Hammond Harwood House - represents the
zenith of American Georgian style and houses an extraordinary
collection of period furnishings. The design and interior
woodwork were the work of William Buckland.
The
William Paca House and Gardens - belonged
to a Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Allow
45 minutes to tour the house and more time for the
two acre garden--a must-see for gardeners.
Sample One-Day Itineraries
Mix and match our trolley tour with
area attractions to fit your time and interests!
#1 - Arrive at City Dock. Meet guides
in colonial attire for walking tour of Naval Academy
(bring your photo I.D.), entering by Gate 1 and leaving
by Gate 3, where you meet your trolley for a one hour
riding tour, ending back at the City Dock for lunch.
Additional time for shopping, harbor boat cruise, visiting
the State House or colonial mansions. Meet your motorcoach
at City Dock or near the State House.
#2 - Arrive at the State House for a guided
tour (bring your photo I.D.). Then board Discover Annapolis
trolleys for a one hour city tour, ending at the City
Dock for lunch. Time on your own to see historic homes,
the Naval Academy, shopping, or take a boat ride around
the harbor. Your motorcoach will pick you up at the
City Dock.
#3 - Arrive City Dock. Meet Discover Annapolis
trolleys for a one-hour riding tour, ending at William
Paca House & Gardens. After your tour, enjoy lunch
on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Explore the
shops along Maryland Avenue on the way to visit the
State House. Then it’s time for tea and scones
at Reynolds
Tea Room. Meet your motorcoach nearby on College
Avenue.
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