A small town called Annapolis…?

Admittedly, as the capital of Maryland, Annapolis does not seem appropriate for my Smalltown, USA, category. However, with a population of only about 40,000, the city proper is not as big as you may think. Furthermore, once you get downtown, everything in the town is in walking distance. There is definitely a great, small town historic feel to this place. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed my evening in this east coast city. So, lets broaden the definition of Smalltown, USA. And, please allow me to tell you about a small town called Annapolis.

As much as I liked the city, I did not like getting there. Clearly, the townsfolk do not want visitors. First, some river and the Chesapeake Bay surround most of the city. You can only approach the city from the west. But, they strategically placed Washington D.C. and Baltimore right in the way. If you are 45 miles west of Annapolis, allow 2-3 hours to get into the city…at any time of day. Furthermore, if you manage to run that blockade, next you will find a shortage of lodging in the city. And, as this is an east coast tourist kind of place, most of the lodging is grossly over priced. However, keep the faith. If you want to stay in the fun, historic part of the city…AND get some local flavor…AND not pay an arm and leg…I give you Chick and Ruth’s Delly.

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Admittedly, Chick & Ruth’s is a delicatessen. But, upstairs is the Scotlaur Inn B&B. To check into your room, you go to the deli counter. Then, you actually get a key, not a key card. Yes, a real key that goes into an old door lock. There was not much to the very small rooms, but I think they were clean. But, be fore warned, I do not really care when traveling alone. Chick & Ruth’s Delly is a local favorite. This landmark has been around for over 50 years. It was actually featured on the TV show “Man vs Food” when he was searching for the best crab cakes. I did not sample the crab cakes, but I did have a fine breakfast in the delly…included with the price of my room. Chick & Ruth’s Delly is an interesting, affordable, no nonsense place to stay.

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The main motivation for my side trip to Annapolis was the Middleton Tavern est. 1750, the oldest bar in Maryland. The Middleton Tavern is among my favorites of the east coast, oldest bars. Of course, the tavern is rich in colonial history. Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, and all the biggies conducted business here and threw back a few. However, unlike many of the east coast, oldest bars…there was nothing uppity and pretentious about the Middleton. I felt comfortable on my bar stool. Furthermore, I enjoyed several hours drinking draft beer, eating oysters, and playing Trivia Night with some fellow travelers. Put the Middleton Tavern on the approved drinking places list.

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As for the rest of the city, what’s not to like. Annapolis is fully integrated into the Chesapeake Bay water system. Subsequently, most of your view will include beautiful marinas and picturesque waterfront properties. The Maryland Statehouse is nearby on a well maintained wooded lot in the middle of a roundabout. This is the oldest statehouse still in use in the USA. The Maryland Statehouse was the site where George Washington resigned his commission in 1783. Additionally, at this statehouse, the principles signed the Treaty of Paris in 1784 to officially end the Revolutionary War.

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Beyond that, I also learned that Annapolis was the site where Kunta Kinte arrived in America. Of course, Kunta Kinte was the ancestor and subject of Alex Haley’s acclaimed book, Roots. Also, on my way out of town, I drove across the Chesapeake Bay bridge. Wow! Its huge and magnificent. So, as I am sure you gathered, I liked Annapolis. If you are willing to run the traffic blockade, PugsleyTonks recommends a visit to Annapolis. PT

p.s. And, I did not even mention my visit to the Naval Academy. The Academy is another fascinating topic in Annapolis. Perhaps, that’s a blog post for another day.

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