Let's sail away to Annapolis

Let's sail away to Annapolis

While New York continues to pummel us with snowballs, I'm digging up untold tales from warmer, sunnier days of summer 2013. For my last trip for the season, some friends and I piled into a car and drove down to picturesque Annapolis, Maryland.

Annapolis is a charming seaport city, with its lovely 18th century buildings and sailboat-ringed marinas, plus scores of strapping young men and women in uniform milling about from the Naval Academy.

Annapolis has been called the Sailing Capital of the US and if you're not one to get seasick, I highly recommend getting your sail on. We took a 2-hour sailing tour on Woodwind II, which took us on a lovely little journey through Cheasapeake Bay, with views of the Naval Academy, some gorgeous waterfront homes, lighthouses, and even a view of a regatta. When they ask for volunteers to hoist the sails, raise your hand stat! It's quite an experience.

If you'd rather relax shoreside, there are plenty of opportunities to do so, too. Put your name down for a table at the popular Cantler's Riverside Inn and if the wait is long, do a little bit of exploration down by Mill Creek.

Don't get too comfortable down there though because the dock is actually out of reach for their handy buzzer system. You do not want to miss your turn because some delicious things await inside! We gorged ourselves on trays full of Maryland crabs, which alone were well-worth the 3-hour drive from New York.

For dessert, head back into the city center, where all-American treats like caramel apples, caramel popcorn, fudge, and ice cream are plentiful.

Before you leave, pay your respects at the World War II memorial. It is solemn and serene, and offers a beautiful view of the Severn River Bridge and the US Naval Academy.