Anniversary trip - Annapolis?

[Schmoodle]

When I was growing up there, Annapolis still had the feel of a small town, although I guess folks from a very rural area would still have considered it city even back then. And while many parts still do feel small town, other parts have changed a lot since then, and there is an area (Camp Parole and Bestgate Road/Annapolis Mall area, interesting civil war history if you want to google it), that has gotten built up with some commercial development and condo/apartment buildings. I wouldn't really consider them "skyscrapers", but they are tall buildings. http://visitatc.com/ This is just around that one area, basically a few blocks, and this is not in the downtown area. However, it's still not a city like Baltimore or DC are cities. And if you stay in the historic downtown area, you can park your car and have plenty of things to keep you busy for days within walking distance and not have to worry about traffic. Since you are not going in the height of summer/tourist season, it should be quieter, unless one or more of the big fall events are going on, as I posted earlier. So I'm not sure what to tell you, as I wouldn't consider it big city, but it's what I'm accustomed to, although I now live in a very small town (less than 2K people), so I do have something to compare it to! But I work in Northern VA/Arlington, across the river from DC and that is city to me.

Now there are some lovely spots on the Eastern shore, as other posters have described. These are much smaller towns and will be much quieter, but there will be much less to do. But good restaurants and nice scenery to enjoy. So it just depends on what you're looking for. Wherever you go, I hope you enjoy your getaway!

 

[vicki_c]

I consider Annapolis "proper" (which is how I consider the historic district and maybe even West Annapolis) tiny and quaint. I live not far from the Parole area described above with the tall condos, but even though that is Annapolis in name, it's not what most people think of when they say they're coming to Annapolis. Before I lived here, I thought Annapolis was just the downtown historic district and didn't realize how spread out Annapolis is if you go by zip codes or the name Annapolis. If I was visiting for a weekend with my spouse, I don't think I would ever leave the historic district and Eastport unless it was for a visit to the Eastern shore. It's a nice place to live, but outside of downtown it's not that different than any other area that has a few malls and a lot of restaurants.

We do however have an abundance of retail and dining in the greater Annapolis area. Pretty much every chain clothing store, department store and restaurant seems to have at least one location in Annapolis. It's very convenient from that standpoint.

 

[CMW0021]

I don't know I guess it just depends on where you come from. I am from a rural area so when I think of Annapolis it is a city even in the historic area. No it is not a skyscraper NYC area but it is a city none the less. When I am within minutes of a mall, tall commercial buildings, a highway that gets atleast 16+ mile beach traffic backup every Friday afternoon I don't consider it peaceful. Both towns I had mentioned are small quaint TOWNS both have become popular with tourists in the summertime but you will still never be at the mass of people in Annapolis. To me more people equals less peace. But again I think that is a personal difference between people. Annapolis is going to have more variety, nightlife, etc.

I would just check out pictures and links online and see which you would prefer personally.

As far as accommodations in this area there won't be a large amount of choices but you can find options for Oxford here http://portofoxford.com/business.php and St. Michael's here http://historic.stmichaelsmd.org/list/category/hotels-resorts-121

If you do choose Annapolis over anywhere on the Eastern Shore side of MD I would recommend taking a day to visit the shore and the waterfront towns. This cruise to the area for the day would be a great way to great here and back http://cruisesonthebay.com/annapoli...ises/annapolis-cruises/cruise-to-st-michaels/ Whatever you choose enjoy your trip.

Great information, thank you! Especially the cruise link. Definitely wanted to do something on the water, that potentially kills 2 birds with one stone!

 

[CMW0021]

I consider Annapolis "proper" (which is how I consider the historic district and maybe even West Annapolis) tiny and quaint. I live not far from the Parole area described above with the tall condos, but even though that is Annapolis in name, it's not what most people think of when they say they're coming to Annapolis. Before I lived here, I thought Annapolis was just the downtown historic district and didn't realize how spread out Annapolis is if you go by zip codes or the name Annapolis. If I was visiting for a weekend with my spouse, I don't think I would ever leave the historic district and Eastport unless it was for a visit to the Eastern shore. It's a nice place to live, but outside of downtown it's not that different than any other area that has a few malls and a lot of restaurants.

We do however have an abundance of retail and dining in the greater Annapolis area. Pretty much every chain clothing store, department store and restaurant seems to have at least one location in Annapolis. It's very convenient from that standpoint.

thanks for taking the time to reply, I'm leaning towards the Eastern Shore, it's only 3 days and 2 night, the eastern shore is pushing 5 hours for us though. I'll let you know what we decide,

 

[CMW0021]

When I was growing up there, Annapolis still had the feel of a small town, although I guess folks from a very rural area would still have considered it city even back then. And while many parts still do feel small town, other parts have changed a lot since then, and there is an area (Camp Parole and Bestgate Road/Annapolis Mall area, interesting civil war history if you want to google it), that has gotten built up with some commercial development and condo/apartment buildings. I wouldn't really consider them "skyscrapers", but they are tall buildings. http://visitatc.com/ This is just around that one area, basically a few blocks, and this is not in the downtown area. However, it's still not a city like Baltimore or DC are cities. And if you stay in the historic downtown area, you can park your car and have plenty of things to keep you busy for days within walking distance and not have to worry about traffic. Since you are not going in the height of summer/tourist season, it should be quieter, unless one or more of the big fall events are going on, as I posted earlier. So I'm not sure what to tell you, as I wouldn't consider it big city, but it's what I'm accustomed to, although I now live in a very small town (less than 2K people), so I do have something to compare it to! But I work in Northern VA/Arlington, across the river from DC and that is city to me.

Now there are some lovely spots on the Eastern shore, as other posters have described. These are much smaller towns and will be much quieter, but there will be much less to do. But good restaurants and nice scenery to enjoy. So it just depends on what you're looking for. Wherever you go, I hope you enjoy your getaway!

More great info, sorry for the multiple posts, not sure how to quote more than one in one post! I'll report back but I think I'm leaning towards the Eastern Shore. I appreciate you taking the time.