Annapolis, Maryland

August 6, Wednesday: Hired Michele, our dog walker, again today. She charged us only $10.00 per dog; really is not too bad. We are off to Annapolis.

Started at the Visitor's Center after taking a "few minutes" to find a parking garage only to find out they had one right behind the Center. Ahhhh the joys of traveling. We decided to do the trolley ride around the town for a little history lesson and sights. These are always nice because it enables Larry to be able to look and not worry about driving. Our trolley time was for 1:30pm so walked across the street to have lunch at an old tavern. We both had a Chipolte Chicken Salad... very good. The tour was about 1 1/4 hr long. What can I say...this town is old and has a lot of history. Annapolis was a charter city in 1708. It was also used as our first peacetime Capital of the USA in 1783 & 1784. The city has the highest concentration of Georgian Style buildings in the Nation about 1300. All four of the Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence homes are included. No wonder the city is called"a museum without walls". We were unable to visit the Maryland State house, the oldest State Capital in continuous legislative use. It is being renovated. The city has two roundabouts. One around the Capital and one around the St. Anne Church.

Besides the Naval Academy Annapolis is also the home of St. John College. Our tour guide told us that out of the 400 students enrolled, 85% go on to get their Masters and 75% receive their PhDs. Now if you or someone you know is interested in attending the yearly cost is just about $45,000.00 a year.

We made a stop at the Veterans Memorial which over looks the harbor. Very impressive. Walked around the area after our tour just looking at buildings. Of course, now it is time to fill our tummies. So off to the marina to eat by the water. We chose to eat at "The Pusser's" a restaurant that sits on "Ego Alley". They call the waterway "Ego Alley" because people with boats of all sizes parade up and down to show off. While we appreciated the show, we dined on Nachos and Crab & Corn Chowder. No I did not get that wrong when you are in Maryland you have Crab Chowder NOT Clam Chowder.

6:00pm time to head home. Traffic not too bad. Great day... great town.

Goodnight!