Did you know that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average American family hasn’t taken a real vacation for 3 years now? While we all love a great vacation, with rising gas prices, a vacation can be a fun alternative!
On the occasion of our 15e Anniversary, we want to continue showcasing all the things we love about being in Anne Arundel County. That’s why this month we want to share with you 15 places we love in the region that you can visit this summer! (…and no, these are not tourist traps)
Let’s go!
Calm Waters Park
Let’s start with something everyone in the family will love. At this 340-acre county park nestled between the South River and Harness Creek, you’ll find everything from waterfront picnic areas to scenic trails and walkways and even multiple playgrounds! Plus, there are evening outdoor concerts and pavilion rentals if you want to take that picnic to the next level.
Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park
This riverside museum is dedicated to the ecology, maritime history, and arts of the Chesapeake Bay. Take a skipjack tour or relax at the museum’s popular summer Tides & Tunes concerts on Thursday nights!
Truxtun Park Pool
No swimming pool in your garden? Carefree! Anyone can enjoy the state-of-the-art swimming pool at Truxtun Park in Annapolis. The Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool is open 7 days a week and has a lap pool, leisure pool and children’s wading pool. It’s affordable too! See prices for residents and non-residents of the City of Annapolis here.
Have a drink on the water (NOT downtown)
Everyone knows the popular spots in Ego Alley for a drink, but what about where the locals go? Try places like The Point, Broken Oar, Rams Head Dockside or Donnelly’s Dockside. You can’t beat a local happy hour with a less crowded water view! (And you can’t forget the FREE parking!)
Festivals at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds
The rodeo is coming! And that’s not it! Events like Irish Fest, Culturefest Caribbean Fest, This is Africa Festival and Soca Wine Festival will take place this summer at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville. Plus, you can’t miss Fair Week in September!
A must in Maryland: picking crabs
Like everything else, buying crabs can be expensive. But not if you find the perfect local spot. Places like Mike’s Crab House sometimes offer all-you-can-eat crabs for just $38 per person. Other popular places in the county are Pit Boys, Crabtowne USA, Cantler’s, and Wild Country Seafood.
Play a round of golf
Ready for an 18-hole course? There are many beautiful courses with a view of the water that you can discover. From championship courses to historic courses, you won’t play the same game twice in Anne Arundel County. We recommend the Severna Park Golf Center for a quick round of putt and for its conveniently located driving range, and the Compass Pointe Golf Course for a full round! They even have two 18-hole golf courses that span 800 acres.
Discover local breweries and wineries
Support the locals and check out some of our favorite county breweries and wineries. Just down the street from our office in Eastport, you’ll find Forward Brewing, where you can always find some sort of fun event going on. Our other suggestions are Pherm Brewing in Gambrills, Crooked Crab Brewing in Odenton and Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery in Crofton. And for wine lovers, try Great Frog’s Winery in Annapolis. If you are looking for a night pub crawl or a tavern visit, there are also a few options for you!
Take your pup to the beach
It’s your pup’s turn to go out! Try dog-friendly beaches like Downs Park in Pasadena, Mayo Beach Park in Edgewater, and of course, Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis!
Take a sailing lesson
Annapolis is dubbed the sailing capital of the United States. So, live the Annapolitan way and take a sailing lesson (or if you’re looking more to relax, book a Chesapeake Bay sailing tour). There are plenty of local companies, like Annapolis Sailing School or SailTime Annapolis, that will get you out on the water and sailing like a pro! If sailing isn’t your thing, try Capital SUP for paddle board and kayak rentals.
Songwriters Festival
Okay, this one might be a downtown activity, but it’s after the summer rush when the kids are back in school. This 1st Annual festival features artists like country singer Jake Owen and singer-songwriter Amos Lee. Tickets are on sale now!
Arts Festival
On the first Sunday of every month, attend the First Sunday Arts Festival on West Street in Annapolis! Browse pottery, jewelry, garden sculptures and more! There are over 100 vendors, shows and food.
Food Truck Fridays
Who wants to cook on Friday anyway? From pizza to poke bowls to tacos, there is a food truck that will satisfy all your cravings! Food Truck Fridays take place every Friday until October 28e at the Anne Arundel County Farmer’s Market (located at the intersection of Harry Truman and Riva Road). Check their Facebook page each week to see which trucks will arrive and serve!
ALL Annapolis Festivals
When we say there’s a festival for everyone, we really mean it. From Blueberry Fest to Eastport Fest and you can’t forget the Pirate Fest! A quick Google search will give you all the information you need to plan a fun day!
Thomas Point Lighthouse
Formerly called Thomas Point Shoal Light Station, this historic lighthouse sits in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay. Refuel the boat and go take a selfie with Maryland’s most recognized lighthouse!
Ready to go? U.S. too ! Let us know if any of these local favorites make your summer vacation list! Chances are you’ll meet one of our crew members there! Good summer !
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