Visiting Annapolis this weekend (houses, garage, parking)

[leighland]

Any advice on where to park, what to see with my hubby and toddler? We've never been there (we are new to NoVA) and are new to the East Coast. Thanks!

[DrSarno]

there are multiple parking garages. the easiest one to find is on main street, about half way up towards the circle, turn left at the ben and jerry's. that will place you right out front of the garage, and right in the middle of the district you'll want to walk around in.

if that garage is full (which i very well might be on a weekend afternoon, there is a garage on Northwest street, one of the streets off of church circle. the garage is only about a block down from the circle. very close to everything too.

walk around, walk down to the dock. hopefully people have some better ideas for families.

[PenguinSix]

You'll find a space on the street if you try. It's really not that hard. There is the big garage at the Ben and Jerry's and then there is a lot down in by 'Ego Alley' / City Dock. I also like this little side street near the new pedestrian / visitor entrance to the Academy (it's one way and not trafficked much so you can get lucky).

See the Academy. You will need a photo ID to enter but go in, check out the Chapel, and go into Bancroft Hall (the main dorm) and you can walk up the stairs to the main ballroom (where they have dances and the Annapolis Peace Conference was held). There is a museum at the academy but I think it is under repair. If it is open GO TO THE BASEMENT and see an incredible collection of model ships. Some amazing works of art.

In the city walk up and down the main street, around church circle and the Capitol building. There is a quirky side street called Maryland Avenue that most folks don't know about but which has some fun stores.

If you want to drive, head down to Bay Ridge (go over the Eastport drawbridge from city dock, turn right the second street after the Mercedes dealer and follow that road for about a few miles until Forrest Drive, turn left and follow that a few miles until it dead ends in Bay Ridge, some beautiful houses on the water. Look it up on google maps to get a clear picture.