Annapolis Entertainment

There is a good choice of leisure pursuits in Annapolis and the surrounding areas. Evening entertainment includes some lively bars, restaurants, clubs and performing arts venues.

Eating out

When you've finished exploring the city's attractions, youll find plenty of dining choices in Annapolis, whatever your taste. You can eat in colonial dining rooms, bistros, taverns and attractive waterside restaurants. There are the usual American burger and steakhouse restaurants in the city centre, and most of the familiar fast-food chains can be found everywhere you look.

There are some excellent, upscale restaurants, and many of the choice dining spots are found in the city's hotels and inns. Reservations should be made in advance. There are some good family-style eateries clustered at the intersection of routes 50, 301 and 450, about four miles from downtown, near the Annapolis Shopping Plaza.

Local cuisine

Maryland is well-known for its quality restaurants serving fresh seafood caught in Chesapeake Bay. There is a wide choice of seafood and the crab cakes are meant to be some of the best anywhere.

One of the most popular places is Cantler's Riverside Inn, about 15 minutes drive outside of town, near to Chesapeake Bay. You can reach it by boat or car, but be prepared for a long wait during the summer months. This family-run institution is an authentic Maryland seafood restaurant where you can sit outside at park benches near the waterfront. The restaurant is famed for its steamed Maryland blue crabs, but there are many other choices such as clams, oysters, shrimp and fish.

Theatre and music

Annapolis features a thriving performing arts community. The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, located at 801 Chase Street in Annapolis, hosts many performing arts events throughout the year. Performing arts organisations that are based in Annapolis include: the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Opera and the Ballet Theater of Maryland.

There are also two venues in the historic district; the Colonial Players on East Street produces approximately six shows a year at its small theatre and the Annapolis Summer Garden Theater presents three shows during the warmer summer months.

There are many small venues around the city featuring live music, with everything from classic rock to blues and funk. The Capital newspaper has weekly listings of concerts and other entertainment events in the city. Inside Annapolis is a free bi-monthly publication with summaries of entertainment venues and upcoming events.

Shopping

Shoppers will find plenty of variety in Annapolis. Many of the shops in the tourist areas are filled with nautical merchandise. The classic Navy T-shirts are a popular souvenir and can be bought everywhere. The City Dock area has some fashionable boutiques and antique shops housed in historic buildings. Nearby, the Harbour Main and Maryland Avenue/State Circle area offer more shops and restaurants.

West of downtown, Annapolis Harbour Center is laid out like a maritime village with over 40 shops including nine cinemas. Just opposite is the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market, which is a great place for homemade Amish foods and crafts. The Annapolis Mall, located north of Route 178 on Defense Highway, has four anchor stores including JCPenney and Hechts as well as more than 160 other shops and boutiques.