by – Alex McCarty, Tour Manager, North America

A deep and rich maritime heritage casts a large shadow over this Capital city of Maryland. A population of about 35,000 makes Annapolis one of America’s smallest capitals, which includes, among others, the Midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy. (Go Navy!) And because of its close proximity to the water, the seafood in this small city is always fresh and great! You’ll also find in the downtown area a cozy collection of coffee shops, pubs, and department stores, as well as America’s oldest wooden dome atop the State Capital Building.

Attractions

Make a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy and have a look at the space capsule Alan Shepherd rode into orbit on the first manned flight into outer space. On display, also at the campus Visitor Center, is the mascot of the Midshipmen, Billy! He’s a goat. (The one on display is a stuffed version of the real thing.)

Make sure you have your passport with you because guards will be checking at the entry gate.