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Annapolis' Hidden Gems
Most visitors to Annapolis think Chesapeake Bay, boats, crabs. But beyond this trinity is a wealth of lesser-known treasures. Thinking it a shame—and a bore—to always stick to the familiar, we offer the first in a continuing series about the area's hidden gems.
Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, 580 Taylor Ave., off Rowe Boulevard behind DNR.
Helen A. Tawes may not be a household name, but the garden honoring this avid horticulturist and wife of former Governor Millard Tawes (1959-67), should be. On the grounds of the Department of Natural Resources, just off busy Rowe Boulevard, are five acres devoted to Maryland's diverse geography and plant life, labeled for easy identification. A path meanders through groves of mature trees and past a picturesque pond and seasonal gardens, awash with color.
Tranquil and shaded, with benches and nearby picnic tables, the garden is an ideal spot for decompressing. Step right up and try to identify various plants and herbs by their texture, fragrance and taste. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk. Weekdays, when the DNR Building is open from 8am to 5pm, pick up a brochure in the lobby and check out the local "stuffed" birds. (If you're looking for the Orioles, head north to Baltimore.) Weather permitting, Thursdays at noon, local musicians serenade visitors in this lush setting. A small lobby gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm, and a cafeteria with strictly government-issue food is open from 7:30am to 3pm.
 | | Beth Rubin | | Maryland Avenue's boutiques invite browsing--and shopping. |
Maryland Avenue, between State House Circle and Prince George Street.
I have nothing against T-shirts. Just check out my closet. But I detest what the glut of T-shirt and souvenir shops has done to the appearance and ambiance of Main Street. For a more authentic Annapolis experience, and some fine shopping to boot, head for the bricked streets of Maryland Avenue, one of the spokes radiating from State House Circle.
From the circle to Prince George Street are two blocks of fine shops brimming with quality, one-of-a-kind merchandise. Besides the many upscale interior design boutiques and antiques shops, I recommend checking these out. (You're sure to discover your own favorites!)
Dawson Gallery, 44 Maryland Ave.
Fine 18th, 19th and 20th century paintings by European and American artists.
Annapolis Country Store, 53 Maryland Ave.
Kitchen/dining/bath furnishings, accessories, paper goods, gifts.
 | | Beth Rubin | | The Annapolis Country Store on Maryland Avenue |
Aurora Gallery, 67 Maryland Ave.
Paintings, fine crafts (glass, wood, clay), jewelry, wearable art.
Briarwood Book Shop, 66 Maryland Ave.
Broad selection of used and out-of-print books at reasonable prices.
Galway Bay, 61-63 Maryland Ave.
When you've had it with shopping, drop in to this Irish-owned and -staffed restaurant and pub for authentic fare and imported draughts. (Insider's Tip: Try the Irish Reuben or corned beef and cabbage.)
Banneker-Douglass Museum, 84 Franklin St., just off Church Circle.
In a neighborhood of mostly Georgian and Federalist architecture, the Victorian-Gothic structure just off Church Circle evokes some interesting comments from passersby. Named for Benjamin Banneker, the Maryland-born mathematician and surveyor who assisted in laying out the nation's capital, and Frederick Douglass, the brilliant orator and abolitionist leader, the building (originally Mt. Moriah AME Church) was built in 1874 by free blacks.
On the National Register of Historic Places, the museum showcases the African-American experience in Maryland, drawing from its rich repository of historical documents, oral histories, books and tapes. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and Saturday from noon to 4pm. Admission is free.
Quiet Waters Park, Hillsmere Drive, 1 block from Bay Ridge Avenue.
Regardless of their origins, out-of-towners and first-timers are wowed by the park's many offerings and natural beauty. Situated on 340 acres between the South River and Harness Creek, the park is a mere 10-minute drive from City Dock.
Six miles of paved trails wind through scenic groves that invite walking, biking, birding and in-line skating. A promenade and panoramic overlook front the South River, with benches and gazebos. One could pass an hour or two just gazing at the water and boats. Some of us do. Speaking of boats, you can rent kayaks, canoes and pedal boats April through October, for an hour or longer, through Amphibious Horizons (see below).
Dog owners congregate with their pooches on the doggy beach and at the doggy park. Even if you're dogless, it's a hoot and a definite photo op. A huge playground with multi-level equipment appeals to kids (especially those from 18 months to about 8 years). The adjacent field is ideal for kite flying.
In winter the ice skating rink attracts Hans Brinker types. Exhibitions by local artists change periodically in the gallery, where you'll also find a cafe offering tasty sandwiches and light fare to enjoy indoors or carry to a picnic table. While it's free to enter on foot, a fee of $5 is collected per vehicle. (Don't quote me, but you can park for free at the Bay Ridge Shopping Center at Bay Ridge Avenue and Hillsmere Drive, cross the street and walk a short distance to the park entrance.)
Special events include the SPCA's annual Walk for the Animals and Earth Day celebration in April. A summer concert series features local and national talent as well as the Annapolis Symphony and Annapolis Opera. The park is open from 7am to dusk, every day but Tuesday and major holidays.
Resources:
Amphibious Horizons 410-267-8742; www.amphibioushorizons.com.
Annapolis Country Store 410-269-6773; www.annapoliscountrystore.com.
Aurora Gallery 410-263-9150; www.artinannapolis.com.
Banneker-Douglass Museum 410-974-2893; www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net/bdm.
Briarwood Book Shop 410-268-1440.
Dawson Gallery 410-269-1299; www.artinannapolis.com.
Galway Bay 410-263-8333; galwaybayannapolis.com.
Quiet Waters Cafe 410-267-8742.
Quiet Waters Park 410-222-1777; www.aacpl.net/rp/parks.
Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden 410-260-8189; www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/tawesgarden.
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Other Stories by Beth Rubin
A Boat Show Survival Guide
Chick and Ruth's: An Annapolis Classic
In Annapolis, Special Events Abound Year-Round
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