Annapolis, MD

The first settlers arrived in Annapolis in 1649. The settlement, first known as Providence and then later as Anne Arundel's Towne, became the provincial capital of the area due to its central location. Annapolis influenced political, economic and cultural aspects of the emerging United States, and evidence of its history remains scattered throughout the city.

The Historic Annapolis Museum showcases the city’s history, and the Annapolis Maritime Museum highlights the lives of local fisherman and the fishing industry of the area. The National Electronics Museum in Annapolis houses the first American radar system. Art-lovers enjoy more than 20 art galleries throughout Annapolis, many within walking distance of downtown.

The Annapolis Arts, Crafts and Wine Festival takes place every June. Residents and visitors savor wine from over 25 local wineries, jazz music and a juried art show.

The city of Annapolis has a wide variety of restaurants and eateries for residents and visitors to the area, many of which can be found near the Chesapeake Bay.

Situated behind the Maritime Museum next to the water, Wild Country Seafood serves up the freshest seafood in town. The owner fishes every morning to catch the best-tasting crabs, perch and oysters for his restaurant. For a favorite menu item of the locals, order the oyster platter, served with French fries and coleslaw.

VIN 909 supports local, sustainable food sources and prefers to use organic produce in its menu offerings. The menu changes according to the seasonal availability of ingredients. The fresh, warm mozzarella plate usually can be found on the menu, served with basil-olive-almond pesto, sriracha-pickled shallots and Berkshire pig.

Latin and Mexican food lovers head to Sin Frontera Café when they’re in the mood for authentic cuisine. For fresh food not battered or fried, try the Pollo Tropical, a grilled chicken breast marinated with Caribbean spices and topped with curry-mango salsa. Ropa Vieja, another local favorite dish, combines shredded, marinated beef with red wine and fresh vegetables, served with casamiento and plantains.

Davis’ Pub has a friendly neighborhood pub feel. Locals who come to grab a beer with friends highly recommend the crab cake sandwich. The jukebox has great tunes, and during baseball season, the bar can be full with plenty of fans watching the games.

For live music, the locals hang out at Rams Head On Stage. The musical groups change frequently and can include country, rock and tribute bands, such as an Elvis impersonator. It features a full-service menu and bar, making this a great place for a night out on the town.

Residents find getting around Annapolis easy. Parking garages and off-street parking sites provide several options for residents, but residents need to obtain residential parking permits through the city. Residents traveling outside the Annapolis-Baltimore area can take Maryland Route 450 to connect to the surrounding areas.

When parking for the day in certain parking garages, residents can ride the circulator bus for $1 to continue to their downtown destination. Over 50 bus routes operate in the Baltimore/Annapolis area, making commuting by bus a convenient option. Residents can also choose the light rail and subway systems for commuting to work or shopping.

Annapolis promotes bicycle commuting to its residents as a way to reduce automobile traffic. The Bicycle Commuter Tax Provision, enacted in 2009, allows employers to reimburse employees who commute by bike for reasonable expenses such as new bike purchases and repairs. Cyclists can take advantage of many bike trails and bike lanes throughout the city.

Water taxis as well as 12 cab companies provide convenient services to locals and Uber operates here as well.

The city of Annapolis has over 40 parks on more than 200 acres for residents and visitors to enjoy. Truxtun Park features a swimming pool, tennis courts, a skate park and boat access for taking a ride on the water.

Downs Park, situated on Chesapeake Bay, features more than 5 miles of paved hiking and biking trails, a children’s playground, basketball courts and two ball fields. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided nature tour or rent a pavilion for large family gatherings.

Residents with pets enjoy Quiet Waters Park, which has two areas set up for off-leash dogs. If your pet gets a bit muddy while playing, take him to Bark 'n' Bean Dog Wash and Coffee Shop, located right next to the park.

The cost to live in Annapolis runs 25 percent higher than the national average and 8 percent higher than the rest of Maryland, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month. You'll pay about the average for a gallon of gasoline, and the base cost for a bus pass runs only $2. Grabbing a beer at a local bar runs about $4 to $5.

Annapolis features boutiques, one-stop shopping and outlet stores, making the city a shopper's paradise. Shoppers can find upscale retail stores at Towne Centre and Westfield Mall, as well as places to dine.

The historic district, which includes the Eastport, City Dock and Main Street areas of Annapolis, features speciality shops and retailers. Lil' Lamb Boutique specializes in children's clothing, accessories and toys, making this shop a great place to find the perfect baby gift.

Zachary's Jewelers sells award-winning designer jewelry and imports diamonds directly from overseas markets. Shoppers can find a wide variety of watches, pendants and rings to suit any taste.

Accessorize every outfit beautifully after you take a trip to Lou Lou Boutique. This fun shop carries everything from scarves and handbags to jewelry and glasses in casual and upscale styles, making it a great place to shop for yourself or for gifts.

Find fruits, veggies, meat and local honey at the Anne Arundel County Farmers Market. The market operates from April through December on Saturday mornings. Other grocery stores in the area frequented by residents include Fresh Market, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.