Parole - Annapolis, MD Area Guide

Named for its original role as a parole camp in the 1800s, Parole served as the location to exchange Union and Confederate prisoners during the Civil War. Industrialization in the 1940s brought an influx of residents who hoped to establish a community with a suburban identity. The Naval Academy also helped attract military-associated commercial enterprises, which resulted in job opportunities for residents. The military identity can still be felt today, as residents head to the nearby Annapolis Maritime Museum for a glimpse into the past. The culture and charming art scene of Annapolis does not transcend through Parole boundaries, but locals appreciate easy access to creative outlets such as the Maryland Hall for Creative Arts and the countless galleries in Annapolis. Locals also look to Annapolis for annual festivals, such as the First Sunday Arts Festival, Maryland Renaissance Festival and the Craft Beer and Music Festival, to name a few.

Like the retail hubs in Parole, the area’s restaurants and cafes congregate just south of the John Hanson Highway. Cuisine options in Parole range from Latin American and Indian to savory steakhouses and popular delis. Start with Sin Fronteras Cafe, a Latin American restaurant specializing in authentic ropa vieja and an esteemed Peruvian saltado steak. Locals recommend attending for lunch or dinner, since affordable prices allow everyone to sample a variety of items off of the menu. Order chili relanos with a side of fried plantain chips for a blast of flavor that will leave you speechless. Delectable dips such as housemade guacamole and chili con queso make perfect appetizers or late night snacks to go.

Locals in need of hearty steakhouse classics stick to The Chop House for the selection of juicy meats, such as the famed encrusted ribeye and signature cowboy steak. Seafood lovers appreciate the Chilean sea bass, while everyone agrees the a la carte sides are life changing. Pair your entrée with three-cheese macaroni and cheese that is topped with roasted chiles or sautéed wild mushrooms in a creamy broth. Either way, locals say this dining experience is top the list for miles.

The nightlife scene in Parole does not see as much action as downtown Annapolis. Locals frequent a few bars, such as Union Jack’s British Pub, that offer beer specials and live music. The Heroes Pub on Riverview Avenue operates as a true local gem, since its location prevents it from seeing large tourist crowds. Beer mavens say Heroes sells the best selection of draft beer in all of Annapolis, and the late closing time and happy hours make this pub an all-around winner. Patrons in need of excellent mixed drinks and seafood appetizers head to Towne Center Boulevard to drink and dine at the Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar, which lives up to its name with a lengthy drink list. Ask for the fish tacos, and wash them down with an authentic mojito or Pisco sour.

Residents in Parole depend heavily on cars for transportation. Since the area is primarily residential, most destinations are too far away to walk to. Residential subdivision and large plazas mean parking is relatively easy to find, but locals say the downtown areas are more limited for parking. Some roads in the area are bike friendly, such as Housley Road, Bestgate Road and Jennifer Road. Cyclists looking for designated lanes stick to the Medical Parkway and Admiral Drive, which extend nearly the whole way to the Annapolis city center.

As a mainly residential area it's recommended that residents call ahead for cabs or an Uber. Though 87 percent of residents choose driving or carpooling as their primary means of transportation, three MTA bus lines serve the area or provide routes to nearby towns. Commuting to the city by car takes roughly half the time it does with public transit by accessing Interstate 97 from Jennifer Road. Additionally, the Generals Highway runs as far north as Millersville from Annapolis.

In addition to the Severn River cradling the eastern side of Parole, residents appreciate the scenic landscapes of Waterworks Park off the Defense Highway. The public woodland provides miles of winding trails, picnic spots and catch-and-release fishing. A monthly permit runs $10 and allows locals to hike or jog along the dirt paths with stunning views of a dam and small steams. However, the park stresses the importance of conservation, so pets and cyclists are not allowed.

Outdoorsmen interested in bringing their furry friends head to the free Broad Creek Road for hilly paths along the creek that double as excellent swimming areas. No playgrounds or parks with exercise facilities exist, so families with children and athletes head south to use the city’s amenities. Likewise, no major events or fairs are hosted in Parole parks.

The cost of living in Parole is about 13 percent higher than in Annapolis and about 24 percent higher than in Baltimore. However, this difference is the result of an expensive housing market. With the majority of residents choosing to own the average monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment runs about $1,415. Locals face similar prices to Baltimore’s for standard goods and services, such as groceries or health care. Fuel prices sit fairly even with or a few cents below the national average. However, the two-hour public transit commute to Baltimore costs at least $3.50 for a one-day pass, but major train routes can inflate the daily cost. Affordable prices overall help ease the expensive housing market, especially since locals can enjoy a pint of beer for $7 to $8 in local pubs.

Local shopping options lie mainly along West Street and its intersections with Jennifer and Bestgate roads. Large shopping plazas such as Festival at Riva Shopping Center and the Annapolis Towne Center at Parole provide locals with dozens of big-name retailers and popular chain brands. For a more local selection, residents head into downtown Annapolis, but a few small shops still manage to compete in Parole.

If you fancy yourself an avid reader, head to Maryland Avenue to find the Annapolis Bookstore. This magical bookshop has books strewn everywhere. It also showcases fairy homes, a piano, leather chairs, large seating areas and a large patio. Spend the entire day here drinking coffee and reading.

South Moon Under sells high-end clothing and apparel on the pricier side. However, locals praise the steep discounts on seasonal items and men appreciate the stylish threads available to them in a boutique atmosphere. Residents with an affinity for thrift shopping head to Bestgate Road to peruse the high-end brands without the high prices at Fancypants Consignment.

Another routine stop on thrift shoppers' lists, New to You on Forest Drive features a huge inventory of clothes for men, women, and children. Regular visitors recommend checking the household aisles since seemingly brand-new home goods have been known to appear.

Locals pick up groceries from chain stores such as Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. However, non-specialty grocery stores such as Shoppers Food Warehouse, Safeway, and Savemart also operate in the area.

Locals interested in a more farm-to-table approach head to the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market on Solomons Island Road. The market features inexpensive foods in every category, but locals recommend the smoked meats, stuffed pretzel rolls or decadent baked donuts.