On Location: Further Afield

Annapolis, MD and “Little” Washington, VA

Annapolis, Maryland

By Erin Washington

Annapolis is one of those idyllic towns that when you step foot there, you feel like you’re in a movie (and it’s featured in several). Maryland’s capital is great in any season: the fresh blooms in spring, the Naval Academy full of midshipmen and football in the fall, and seasonally-decorated shops in the winter. But, my favorite time to visit is in the summer. 

Last July, we had a few friends visiting us in DC and wanted to show them the “hidden gem” that is Annapolis. And while it might not truly be a hidden gem, I’m surprised at just how many Washintonians have never been there, even with its close proximity to DC and Baltimore. For such a small town, it has a lot to offer. 

We started our day with a tour of the Naval Academy, my husband’s alma mater. It’s great to tour independently, but to get the inside secrets and first-hand recollections of what it’s like to attend the one of the most selective and difficult universities in the country is so special. The grounds have that magnetic energy you feel on most college campuses in the US with their beautiful buildings and manicured lawns, but there’s something about knowing the dedication and discipline it takes to be successful that gives the campus its unique and storied atmosphere. We were sure to stop into the Midshipmen store to stock up on our family supply of Navy gear. 

The location of campus is the ideal starting point for the rest of our day. In the main downtown area we found no shortage of shops and restaurants. Whether looking for a gift or in need of an ice cream fix, the cobblestone streets of this small downtown pack a punch. After a bit of afternoon shopping, we departed on our boat tour. It’s incredibly easy to rent a boat while in Annapolis and it makes for a great way to see the coastline (and incredible houses hidden in the coves). But, the best part about being on a boat in Annapolis is cruising up to one of the many dockside restaurants for their fresh catch of the day and iconic crab feasts. There is also an option to take a larger boat on a group tour (it’s actually the boat featured in ‘Wedding Crashers’), but we wanted to tube and ski so we rented our own this time around. One thing that surprised us during this particular visit was the amount of jellyfish in the water! We were tubing and noticed some mild, stinging pain – luckily, they were small and didn’t interrupt our day. 

After arriving back on land, we ended the day in Eastport, an eccentric neighborhood of cute, coastal homes and fun, quirky restaurants. Nearly every bar (and house) in the city is decorated with Naval Academy memorabilia and everyone has a story that they are willing to share, a reminder of how integral the Academy is to Annapolis. It's a friendly place to be and even after many visits, I always look forward to going back for a relaxed afternoon escape. 

Annapolis is 50 minutes East of DC

Eat: Cantlers - an institution serving fresh crab daily

Eat: Vin 909 - Farm to table restaurant featuring pizza in a lush garden

Shop: No visit to Annapolis is complete without a visit to the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market on your way back to DC. They make incredible, homemade groceries and treats. Great for pantry staples and unique offerings.

The Inn at Little Washington

by Gray Shealy

I remember hearing about The Inn at Little Washington way back in the 90s as this chic dining room that was a must for my bucket list. It had all the mystery that a place did before the age of information, when our visions of an acclaimed restaurant was limited to what little hearsay we had bumped into, or that one magazine article we happened upon. Even then, it had been open for nearly two decades and was the stuff of celebratory milestones. 

I finally visited the first time back in 2012–and we did it the “expeditious” way – forgoing the nearly $1000-a-night room, in lieu of JUST the nearly $800 dinner for two. (My husband and I sat in the garden amongst the stars, sobering up for a few hours before we drove home). Since, we’ve learned from our mistakes: investing in the plush, overly lux rooms not just as a dinner retreat, but as a place to rest in the afternoon before dining, and a place to wear a kimono for breakfast, in anticipation of chef Patrick O’Connell’s scrambled eggs (and those are really some wonderful morning eats).

In fact, each of the - now - 3 times I have visited the Inn, it has been a bit of a celebration: either commemorating an important moment, or honoring those close to us. This most recent visit was another wonderful, indulgent occasion. We stayed with two of our dearest friends in the Inn’s 2-bedroom cottage, a 2-story home wrapped in rich wall coverings, comfy sofas, and a dining room crowned with a lamp that felt more like a fantastical hot-air-balloon than chandelier. I have come to anticipate the ritual of dressing for dinner and being enshrouded by the draping velvets and brocade that decorate the dining room. Adjacent to us, there will always be that couple celebrating their 50th anniversary, or a special birthday. I love the spiced, dried pineapple and truffle-sprinked popcorn that comes in red-striped paper boxes, served alongside pre-dinner cocktails. Of course there is a tremendous showing of delicious food, and the star of the show appears post-entrees (and I’m not talking about Chef Patrick) – but a cheese cart shaped like a cow named “Faira,” whose coconut-milk gouda sends me into orbit. The best part, however, is not dinner, and it isn’t the room either – but it is breakfast, which feels uniquely lavish – as there are very few places to have such morning wake up call. Beyond the eggs, don’t miss the hot chocolate – which feels more European in style, almost like a melted chocolate bar being poured from a silver tea kettle.

Stay & Eat: The Inn at Little Washington, 90 minutes SW of DC

Syllogi’s ‘On Location’ is a series of trip reports reflecting on our personal travels, as we research and experience the bounty the world has on offer.