{"id":32233,"date":"2018-04-25T11:59:23","date_gmt":"2018-04-25T15:59:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=32233"},"modified":"2018-04-28T21:45:00","modified_gmt":"2018-04-29T01:45:00","slug":"why-annapolis-is-a-must-see-destination-in-2018-part-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/why-annapolis-is-a-must-see-destination-in-2018-part-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Annapolis is a must-see destination in 2018 – Part One"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is the first part of a four-part mini-series on Annapolis, MD.\u00a0 The series covers Historic Annapolis<\/a>, Family Water Fun<\/a>, Places to Eat<\/a> and Places to Stay<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Pictures<\/p>\n

Annapolis, MD<\/h1>\n

Just about 30 minutes from Washington, DC; Annapolis, MD<\/a> is the perfect location for a weekend getaway. With history exuding from every street corner, and with hundreds of dining options, Annapolis draws us back repeatedly. If seafood calls your name and watersports are your game, Annapolis is a must-do this year.<\/p>\n

Annapolis for History<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Maryland State House<\/strong><\/a> is the oldest, continuously used statehouse in the country.\u00a0 Started in 1772 and completed after the American Revolution in 1779, it is also the only state capital building to ever be used as the peacetime capital of the United States. The impressive wooden dome, which was added in 1794, is the largest and oldest of its kind in the United States.<\/p>\n

\"Maryland

All roads lead to the Maryland Statehouse.\u00a0 Well, not quite ALL roads.<\/p><\/div>\n

Typically open from 9 am to 5 pm, the building is available for self-guided tours<\/a> which allows you to spend time taking photos and reading the well-documented history of the place.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Maryland Statehouse in Annapolis<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Stairwell

Beautiful marble stairs<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Ornate

Ornate marble column capital at Maryland Statehouse<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Maryland

Assembly room at Maryland Statehouse<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Tiffany

One of two Tiffany Glass ceilings in Maryland State House<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Tiffany

Second of two Tiffany Glass ceilings in Maryland State House<\/p><\/div>\n

Be sure to get a selfie with George, standing exactly where he did when he resigned his military commission before becoming our first president.<\/p>\n

\"Picture

Getting a selfie with George Washington<\/p><\/div>\n

If historic homes are your thing, two very famous ones are around the corner from each other and are just minutes from the State House.<\/p>\n

William Paca House<\/strong><\/a> (188 Prince George Street) was built in the 1760\u2019s by one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Lovingly restored by Historic Annapolis, this historic landmark is available for tours spring through fall.<\/p>\n

\"William

William Paca House<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Back

Backyard of William Paca House<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"

Wm. Paca House interior<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"

Wm. Paca House interior<\/p><\/div>\n

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Wm. Paca House interior<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Wm.

Wm. Paca House fireplace<\/p><\/div>\n

Equally impressive is the William Paca House formal gardens<\/strong><\/a>, presently undergoing maintenance. Hard to believe, but during most of the 20th<\/sup> century,\u00a0 this area was covered by Carvel Hall, Annapolis\u2019 finest hotel of the early 1900\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\"Wm.

Wm. Paca House summerhouse in the garden accessible by a small Chinese bridge<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Wm.

Wm. Paca House garden being renovated<\/p><\/div>\n

Around the corner, you can look and marvel at the James Brice House<\/strong><\/a> (42 East Street) \u2013 probably the largest and most architecturally important of all the homes in Annapolis. Check with Historic Annapolis for hard hat tour opportunities.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Exterior

James Brice House<\/p><\/div>\n