The day began with a brief ride on the GW Parkway, at the end of which lies Mt Vernon. I wish I’d had time to stop and visit George’s home, but even though I try to remain spontaneous on the annual bike trip, I knew I had to get on down the road.
Just a few words about the George Washington Memorial Parkway: The almost 40 mile long road, maintained by the National Park Service, is a scenic, commemorative route that features historical monuments of national significance. The GW Parkway provides protection and habitat for many species that are endangered.
The Parkway curves along the Potomac River and I just had to stop to shoot some photos. And THIS is when I wish I had a better camera and more skill. It was an overcast morning and the DC haze made photography challenging (at least for me).
I was only on the GW Parkway for 14 miles, but it was a lovely way to start the day.
The first challenge upon arriving in Annapolis was trying to decide where to eat! I arrived in time for lunch and the downtown historic area was packed with restaurants. Finding parking nearby was the real concern since all my belongings were strapped to the back of the bike. The Federal House, established in 1835, fit the bill for food and parking, and their award winning Cream of Crab soup and a pint of the Federal House Golden Ale hit the spot perfectly!
Next up was to find a place to stay so I could get the bike and my gear off the street. Since this was to be my only night of the trip to have to pay for a room, I let myself splurge a bit. Len, at the Visitors Center, directed me to Gibson’s Lodgings of Annapolis, a beautiful B&B with off street parking, located right in the heart of the historic area.
The innkeepers could not have been more welcoming! Within moments of stepping in the door, I had a cold bottle of water in my hand and was tasting a fresh, homemade sweet treat. Each encounter with these folks made me feel cared for.
Summaring Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, in one blog post is challenging. It’s 350 year history, architecture, dining, and waterfront made for some fun times with the camera. I walked for hours, exploring much of the 8 square miles of the city, and still left much to be discovered on my next visit.
The United States Naval Academy
The Annapolis National Cemetery, one of 147 cemeteries nationally, a system of cemeteries established in 1862 for soldiers who have died in the service of the country.
The Maryland State House, built from 1772-1779, is the oldest state house still in legislative use, and is a Registered National Historic Landmark.
Annapolis is just full of beautiful sights to photograph, especially along the waterfront.
And then there is all the brick! What is it about brick that appeals to me? The color? That it ages so beautifully?
Brick even makes my dirty bike look better!
The day ended with a meal on the dock. Black Bean soup, Crab Cake, and red wine. Music in the background, and the lights of this small city reflected on the water made the evening just about perfect.
A final walk back to the B&B and it was pure contentment in Annapolis!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Great collection!
Thanks! It was hard to narrow the photos down to just these (and I know there are many in this post!)
I really hope we can come back to this area sometime. We didn’t get up to Washington, DC but I’d really love to tour there and Annapolis being on the water is really my kind of destination. I find all the history so interesting.
Hazy days do make it hard to get good photo’s, yet you’ve made it interesting by framing your view with the trees, great composition. I loved all the waterfront photo’s too, especially the one with the reflection of the yellow haul in the water. Your simplistic view in black and white at the cemetery is very quiet and still, just like being there.
I still remember driving down the highway from Charlottesville to Irvington and we were amazed at how close the forest is to the roadway, it was like being in a giant maze. So pretty there. Thanks for the tour!
Glad you liked it! I loved that one of with the yellow reflection in the water, too.
Each day of the 7 that I rode was punctuated by history, architecture, and GREEN.
My folks like to stay at a place in Irvington called The Tides Inn. I’m not sure how long you were there, but I wonder if you saw it?
OH YES, The Tides Inn is a heavenly place. We sailed from there and also watched 4th of July fireworks there. AMAZING…..the best I’ve ever seen. It was just up the street from our b&B, The Hope and Glory….wonderful, just cute as can be. The whole town.
Your photographic work is always interesting, LB, but your picture of the yacht made me think of the artist James E. Buttersworth. Like your on the edge capture of this craft too!
I just love sightseeing with you!
Lynda, I had to go view some of Butterworth’s paintings (isn’t the internet wonderful?). I love his use of color! Thanks for letting me know about him and for your comment. Next up, is my tour of Southern Maryland.
I love accompanying you on this adventure. Where too next? 🙂
Southern Maryland and the historic St Mary’s County! I am so glad you are enjoying these travel posts … truly!
Beautiful photos LB, I love the way your first shot it framed with the leaves. There is something special about red brick or anything that ages better than us humans. Love the tailpipes with the red brick also. Have a great day 😀
Thanks Joe! Who else but me would take a photo of the pipes against the bricks? ha!
A beautiful tour, Laurie. Thanks!
Janet, thank you … so good to see you on Thursday!
Fine collection of photos here 🙂
Thanks! And collection is a good term … I came home from a 7 day trip with over 600 photos between camera and phone. As I write each blog post, I delete and edit. I’ve got alot of work still to do but have culled the photos down to 430 … more will go tomorrow 🙂
Its the deciding bit which is hard 🙂
B & B’s they all have their own character…they are like a box of chocolate…you just never know what you are going to get☺ Sorry had to throw that one in…red wine and crab cake…wish I was sitting there enjoying it with you. PS…Tell Honey Boo Boo…she is looking pretty fine on the brick driveway…
Ha! Oh you should see HBB now … filthy and in need of a bath!
You are so right about B&Bs! What was so nice about this one was that I had my own private bath. It was more like a hotel and it was lovely. In fact, I wish I was there now 🙂
This looks like a great trip! You’ve spurred me on to explore a bit of Annapolis one day.
Mae, what’s not to like: historic buildings, waterfront restaurants, very walkable. Certainly a touristy component, but I was able to get off the beaten path a bit, and I still only saw a small part of this neat city. Hope you get to go!
Oh! Oh! Too many beautiful photos to pick one out for special praise. I don’t envy your task of having to find only a few to add to your post. I really appreciate the old buildings, and I’m glad you captured so many beautifully. (I particularly liked the Federal House shot, because of the Blue Moon advertising in the window. Arno and I just celebrated the blue moon last night with some Blue Moon beer.) Ok, I do have a fave. Your eye for detail is irresistible: I am drawn to the image of the brick wall beside the brick street, with weeds in the cracks. Thanks for sharing your exploration.
You know what’s so funny, Crystal? I didn’t see the Blue Moon sign until long after I took it. I love that you and Arno celebrated the blue moon! It makes me happy to know that you are following along!
I never realized the city was so beautiful.