Showing posts with label Naval Academy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Naval Academy. Show all posts

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Weekend Wanderings: The Naval Academy in Annapolis

Another wonderful place to visit as you wander through Annapolis is the Naval Academy. Although the architecture reminds me a lot of Paris (apparently the architectural style got around), it's a place to feel the roots of America. From the row of Officer's housing bedecked with American, Naval and/or Marine flags to the rows of future Naval Officers marching through the Yard, it's a place to feel proud of your country and the women and men who serve to protect our freedom.

If you've never been, I'd suggest trying to catch one of the public walking tours, which can be arranged through the Visitor's Center. A schedule of tours can be found here about halfway down the page. The tour takes a little over an hour, but it gives substantial history of the architecture and history of the Academy. Of course, there are special tours for members or former members of the armed services available as well.

If you don't have time or the inclination to take the tour, it's lovely to just walk through the campus. You'll have to show ID to get on the grounds, but once through security you can walk at will during the day - we had no trouble as we wandered.

The Naval Academy Chapel is at the heart of the campus and the dome of the Chapel can be seen across historic Annapolis. The chapel has incredible stained glass windows and the John Paul Jones - one of America's first Naval heroes - crypt lies inside. You can visit the Chapel from 9-4 Monday through Saturday and then Sunday afternoon except when services, weddings or other special events are being held.

There are many other structures and monuments to explore - including the oldest American military monument, the Tripoli monument. The architecture is a photographer's dream. And during the school year, there's a sea of white uniforms worn by a new generation of Americans committed to our future. "Oh beautiful, for Patriot dream, that sees beyond the years..."

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Weekend Wanderings: Sailing in Annapolis

Annapolis is a great place to explore. You can tour the Naval Academy (fantastic to tour!), you have your pick of specialty shops and the seafood is amazing. But if that's not enough to lure you to Annapolis, sailing the Woodwind or the Woodwind II should.

Piloted by a husband and wife team, the Woodwind or Woodwind II will take you from Annapolis's historic waterfront, past the banks of the Naval Academy, into a two hour tour of the Chesapeake Bay. They leave several times a day from the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel. The crew is jovial as they invite you into the action of raising the sails or chanting to "pull" while others do the work. And most every cruise, someone is chosen to help pilot the vessel through the cresting water... or sometimes past an egret nest or two.

The Woodwind is a 74 foot schooner whose mahogany gleams in the sun. It was custom designed for the owner to sail these waters. Their past life as teachers shine through as they explain the basics of sailing the waters, wildlife you see on the tour as well as sights of interest. Though I've only been on the day cruises, I hear their sunset cruises are wonderful too!

Tour prices are reasonable and you can easily make a day of sailing, shopping and dining in this wonderful city by the Bay.