Top 3 Annapolis, MD Landmarks Every Local Should Visit at Least Once

February 04, 2022 · 3 min read

Located along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the city of Annapolis, MD, is a popular day-trip destination among residents of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and other urban areas in the northeastern United States. Maryland's state capital features a charming downtown area, tourist attractions, as well as a vibrant cultural and gastronomic scene that attracts visitors of all ages. If you are looking for the best spots to visit while in the city, these are some landmarks you should not miss.

1. Maryland State House

Considered the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, and the only state house to have also served as the national capitol, the Maryland State House is one of the first spots you should visit while in Annapolis. Built between the years 1772 and 1797, this beautiful building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1966. Between November 26, 1783, and August 13, 1784, the place was the meeting venue of the Congress of the Confederation. Located on the western end of Annapolis' historic downtown area, the Maryland State House can be easily reached on foot from most of the city's other attractions. The building is open to the public year-round between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and guided tours can be booked in advance. In the Old Senate Chamber, you can see the exact place where the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1784 marking the end of the American Revolutionary War.

2. Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park

The city of Annapolis is famous for its rich maritime heritage, and there is no better place to learn about it than the Annapolis Maritime Museum, located right along the banks of the Severn River. Welcoming visitors of all ages, this museum features a permanent exhibition and regularly hosts programs, community events, and exhibits that bring together locals and visitors. The museum is staffed by about 350 volunteers and is one of the main cultural attractions in the city. The Annapolis Maritime Museum is located a little over a mile away from the city center, making it possible to reach it in about 20 minutes on foot, or seven minutes by car. Open Tuesday through Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., this museum charges an admission fee of $7 for adults and $5 for senior, military, and young visitors. The museum's large park is a popular spot for weddings, cultural events, fairs, and other outdoor activities.

3. Main Street

Linking the St. Anne's Parish and the Annapolis City Dock, Main Street is considered the core of the Colonial Annapolis Historic District and is the best place to go for a walk in the city center. Lined with photogenic colonial buildings, charming cafés, and local restaurants, Main Street is one of the places you should visit at least once while in the area. If you are planning to buy a new or used car in the Annapolis area, visit us at Koons Annapolis Toyota. We have an extensive inventory of vehicles, as well as flexible financing plans and a team of friendly agents who will be happy to help you find the best deal. Image courtesy of Pexels

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Apr 24, 2023 in Annapolis things to do

4 Spring Activities You Can Drive to Near Annapolis, MD

Wake up from your winter slumber, get off the couch, and head out in an all-electric Toyota bZ4X or a Corolla Cross Hybrid to all the exciting spring events and festivals happening around Annapolis, MD. Invite your family and friends, and celebrate the season by joining all the festive spring activities listed below. 1. Maryland Day Celebrations Every year Maryland celebrates its birthday on March 25 with a giant weekend-long festival at the end of the month highlighting the state's heritage, culture, and art. During the celebrations, there's free admission to the county's parks, museums, and historical landmarks. Over the weekend, pop in at the Annapolis Visitors Center at 26 West Street for information about the Maryland Day Weekend, and dress up in historical garments for a photo. Walk down the scenic trails and enjoy the beginning of spring in Quiet Waters Park on Quiet Waters Park Road and Historic Goshen Farm and Educational Center at 1420 Cape St. Claire Road. Visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum at 723 Second Street, and go on a guided tour from City Dock through the Annapolis Downtown Historic District to St. Anne's Church. 2. Swing Into Spring Head to First Block of West Street on April 22 between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. to learn all you want to know about electric driving directly from the drivers of over 50 electric vehicles, from cars and pickups to motorcycles and e-bicycles. Join the Dinner Under the Stars at one of the restaurants afterward, listen to swing music by the Bayside Big Band, and watch dance performances by Arthur Murray Dance of Edgewater and the Ballet Theatre of Maryland. 3. Spring Boat Show If you're a sailor or just an enthusiast who wants to peek at the latest and greatest boats, head to the annual Spring Boat Show at Annapolis City Dock on Dock Street from April 28 to April 30 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the biggest boat show in the city attracting over 150,000 thousand visitors each year. The show features catamarans, monohulls, racing boats, inflatables, and pre-owned yachts. You can also shop for the latest boating equipment, accessories, and clothing. 4. The May Day Celebration The first day of May is the Annapolis Downtown Historic District's most beautiful time of year. This year the district marked the 68th anniversary of the beloved and colorful May Day celebrations, an Annapolis tradition since 1956 when home and business owners throughout the district place blossoms and blooms along the streets. Stroll down the Downtown Historic District's streets from 11 a.m. on Monday and delight in the explosion of color from thousands of baskets and arrangements full of fresh-cut flowers of every variety imaginable adorning doors, fences, and sidewalks. Take advantage of free admission to the beautiful parks in the city to admire the spring blossoms, learn more about electric driving, look at hundreds of boats on the Chesapeake Bay, and stroll down the Downtown Historic District's streets to look at the colorful flower displays. Also, add a stop at Koons Annapolis Toyota to your exciting spring itinerary and take an all-electric or hybrid Toyota for a test drive.

Apr 03, 2023 in Annapolis things to do

5 Popular Wedding Venues in Driving Distance of Annapolis, MD

With a beautiful natural waterfront shoreline and elegant historical colonial inns, it's little wonder Annapolis, MD, was ranked as one of America's Most Romantic Towns by Travel + Leisure magazine. This charming city is full of unique, cozy spots that create lovely memories. Here are five popular and stunning wedding venues you will fall in love with at first glance. 1. Historic Ogle Hall Built between 1739 and 1742, Ogle Hall sits at 247 King George Street and is a showcase of 18th-century craftsmanship. The historic building is on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. The one-time Governor's Mansion features an elegant ballroom and casual taproom inside. Outside you'll find a picturesque courtyard and an enchanting "Juliet" balcony. 2. The Atreeum at Soaring Timbers The building gives the charming, rustic feel of a barn wedding and features exposed wooden beams, an indoor balcony, a staircase, wood floors, and a chandelier. The 4,000-square-foot open floor plan can accommodate up to 375 guests. The Atreeum is located at 610 North Bestgate Road. 3. Whitehall Built in 1764, Whitehall stands as an example of the pinnacle of timeless colonial architecture. At 1915 Whitehall Road, the estate sits on over 135 acres of gardens and fields bordered by Whitehall Bay and two creeks. This historic landmark is one of Annapolis's few waterfront wedding venues and can hold 600 guests. The waterfront, historic home, old fences, fields, and garden ensure the perfect wedding backdrop. 4. Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Set along the shores of Back Creek with views of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis Maritime Museum can hold 50 to 150 of your closest friends and family for your unforgettable ceremony and reception. The venue offers the Bay Room picturesque views, a beachfront area for cocktails, waterfront docks and piers, the Barge House, and a catering kitchen. 5. 134 Prince You'll find this luxury boutique hotel at 134 Prince George Street. 134 Prince is the perfect venue for an intimate ceremony and reception with 20 to 75 of your closest friends and family. The space offers indoor and outdoor options, including an elegant dining room, parlor, and brick terrace. The unique and historic space is a blend of modern and traditional that will charm you. Any of these venues make your wedding day magical and create lasting memories for years to come. The fuel-efficient, reliable Toyota Corolla is the perfect car for you and your spouse as you move into this life milestone. The spacious Corolla will be with you both through life's journey for yours to come. Visit Koons Toyota Annapolis today to find the perfect vehicle that will take you through life with the ones that matter most.

Mar 24, 2023 in Annapolis things to do

4 Sweet Spots for Dessert Just Down the Road in Annapolis, MD

When you have a craving for something sweet, you want it as fast as you can get it. You won't have to drive far from Annapolis, MD to find truly impressive desserts. Hop into your Toyota Corolla LE, enjoy easy downtown parking with your rearview camera, and try these local treats. 1. Annapolis Ice Cream Company This shop is located at 196 Main St. It's a great location for families, friends, or for treats all on your own. The name lets you know that they're most proud of their ice cream, but you can also come here for coffee, sundaes, or shakes. They have very unique ice cream flavors for the brave eater. They are often inspired by cakes and pies. For example, the sweet potato pie ice cream is surprisingly really good. Don't miss the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake ice cream. 2. Sweet Hearts Patisserie This sweet spot is located at 1410 Forest Dr. It's a great stop if you want to pick up treats to bring home or to a professional gathering. They have a spot to hang out but note that the location has an upscale feel. It's great for small groups of friends to have fancy cupcakes. Some of their must-try cupcake flavors are strawberry cream and red velvet. 3. The Red Bean If you want a more casual sweet shop to hang out in, you'll find it at 220 Main St. The Red Bean has ice creams with homemade waffle cones. They also serve coffee if you enjoy your sugary treats with a side of hot caffeine. The ice cream flavors here lean toward candied treats, like Butterfinger, or classics like pistachio. They serve a coffee float that is a true delight. 4. Main & Market If you want a place to enjoy a healthy meal and have your treats as well, Main & Market is your local stop at 914 Bay Ridge Rd. Here, you'll find standard bakery fare and full meals like fish and chips. This is served alongside cheesecake squares, mini cannolis, eclairs, and other sugary treats that are available all day long. If you want an eclair at 11 AM on a Wednesday they won't judge you here. This sweet spot has a very casual feel but with fairly high-end results. So you can feel comfortable hanging out here for a while but still have an upscale treat. Everything here is made fresh and in-house. This varied list of local sweet spots should take care of your cravings. We're fortunate here in Annapolis to have plenty of eateries that can handle all kinds of needs. Similarly, the options for 2023 vehicles have made it easier than ever to find a car to fulfill your needs. Visit Koons Toyota Annapolis to see our new vehicles today.