BUDGET
Getting there
Annapolis is 33 miles east of Washington, D.C., and 30 miles southeast of Baltimore. Frequent one-way sale rates from $84; from $107-$127 with 21-day advance; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay
The Doubletree Hotel Annapolis, just a few miles to the historic waterfront district, offers advance purchase rates from $95.20 per night, double, including guest room Wi-Fi and shuttle service to local attractions; www.doubletreeannapolis.com, 210 Holiday Court, 410-224-3150.
Eat
Downtown Galway Bay has the right blend of authentic Irish atmosphere and good food to make it a must stop. Wide ranging menu items from corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie to crabcakes; from $14. Or visit for the Sunday jazz brunch; www.galway2006.com, 63 Maryland Ave., 410-263-8333.
Experience
Stand in the same room where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe stood in the Old Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House. Request a free guided tour of the State House built in 1772 and the nation’s oldest in continuous legislative use; http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html, 410-974-3400.
MODERATE
Getting there
Rates from $167 each way require a one-week advance purchase notice; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay
The Loews Annapolis Hotel is steps from the Chesapeake Bay, the second largest estuary in the world. The “Get to Know the Yard” package includes Admiral class VIP Premium accommodations, access to the exclusive Commodore Lounge, guest room Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, complimentary parking and two tickets to the U.S. Naval Academy (www.usna.edu) from $239 per night, double; www.loewsannapolis.com, 126 West St., 410-263-7777.
Eat
Cantlers Riverside Inn is one of the few restaurants serving the freshest local Maryland blue crabs year- round. Platters from $11-$25; www.cantlers.com, 458 Forest Beach Road, 410-757-1311.
Experience
Annapolis boasts about 1,300 buildings of at least a century old, representing 15 different architectural styles. A one-hour trolley tour provides a narrated overview of the Naval Academy, State House, St. John’s College, the City Dock and the handsome colonial mansions and Victorian homes. Weekends December to March; daily other months; $18 adults; www.discover-annapolis.com, 410-626-6000.
SPLURGE
Getting there
One-way, walk-up Business Class rates from $408 to Washington, D.C., or $428 to Baltimore; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay
The Annapolis Inn is in the heart of the historic district and within walking distance to fine shops and restaurants. Built in the late 1700s, this inn features three suites priced from $299 for Thursday-Sunday stays. The Rutland Suite, from $399 per weekend night, features a wood burning fireplace; www.annapolisinn.com, 144 Prince George St., 410-295-5200.
Eat
The 18th century Reynolds Tavern is known for traditional afternoon high tea (from $7.90 per person) and romantic evening meals in the historic dining room (entrees $14-$30). The Sly Fox Pub is also open for daily lunch and Sunday Brunch; www.reynoldstavern.org, 7 Church Circle, 410-295-9555.
Experience
The Chesapeake Bay Museum offers an “apprentice for a day” with a hands-on experience to learn traditional boat building. One session (Saturdays or Sundays every weekend) is $45; $75 for more in-depth classes. View the permanent displays and interpretive exhibits 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $13 adults; www.cbmm.org, 213 N. Talbot St., 410-745-2916.
Maerz is a retired travel consultant. Look for her daily deals on ajc.com/travel.
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