A weekend in ... Annapolis

Stay

Family-owned and operated Scotlaur Inn Bed and Breakfast overlooks picturesque Chesapeake Bay. Ten colonial-style guest rooms have private baths. Rates, $110-$140, include breakfast. 165 Main St., 410-268-5665, www.scotlaurinn.com.

Eat

Expect the best of Irish hospitality and an authentic pub scene (no TVs) at the Galway Bay Irish Pub. Starters, salads and sandwiches $3.99-$15.99 and Irish specialties $12.99-$23.99. Besides a full selection of imported draft beers, this public house serves its own brand of lager and ale brewed locally. 63 Maryland Ave., 410-263-8333, www.galwaybayannapolis.com.

Experience

The Banneker-Douglass Museum inside historic Mount Moriah Church documents the history of African-Americans in Maryland. The museum offers free admission and a research facility. 84 Franklin St., www.bdmuseum.com. Located on the harbor, the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley memorial commemorates the arrival of Alex Haley's African ancestor, Kunta Kinte (from Haley's book "Roots"). www.kintehaley.org. Established in 1779, the State House is topped by the largest wooden dome in the country built without nails. Daily free tours, except major holidays. 410-974-3400, www.mdsa.net.

Moderate

Getting there

Nonsale rates to Baltimore start at $127 each way with a two-week advance notice; $167 with one week. Valid on AirTran or Delta, nonstop.

Stay

Once personal residences of lords and governors, the Historic Inns of Annapolis feature 124 guest accommodations. Each of the three inns is furnished with original and reproduction antiques. Two face the state Capitol, where the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1784. Weekend rates run $159-$209. 58 State Circle, 410-263-2641, www.historicinnsofannapolis.com.

Eat

The Reynolds Tea Room and Tavern is the oldest tavern in Annapolis and one of the oldest in the United States. Enjoy this historic and charming setting for lunch (selections to $12) or high tea, which ranges from tea with scones at $7.90 to Colonial High Tea (tea plus a choice of soup, salad or quiche) at $20.95. 7 Church Circle, 410-295-9555, www.reynoldstavern.org.

Experience

Visits to the U.S. Naval Academy and Museum begin at the Armel-Leftwich Center with a film and a 75-minute guided walking tour. Try to catch the noon formation as the Brigade of Midshipmen gathers for uniform inspection before lunch. $9.50 adults (visitors age 16 and older must present a photo I.D.). 52 King George St., 410-293-8687, www.navyonline.com.

Splurge

Getting there

One-way, walk-up Business Class rates start at $408 to Washington; $428 to Baltimore. Valid on AirTran or Delta, nonstop.

Stay

The luxurious Annapolis Marriott is walking distance to restaurants, historic attractions and the U.S. Naval Academy. Spacious guest rooms (some allergy-friendly) have balconies with bay views. Guests enjoy complimentary use of Trek Cruiser bikes to tour the cobblestone streets of the historic district. Rates from $369. 80 Compromise St., 1-888-773-0786, www.annapolismarriott.com.

Eat

For more than three decades, the Annapolis Seafood Market has been selling the highest quality, freshest and best seafood available along the bay. The market will cook your purchases. Backfin crab cakes are $18.99 (including two cakes, fries, coleslaw) or $35.99 for jumbo lump crab cakes. Other choices run $8.99-$16.99. 1300 Forest Dr., 410-269-5380, www.annapolisseafoodmarket.com.

Experience

Take in the sights of Annapolis, "America's sailing capital," aboard the Woodwind, a 74-foot wooden schooner. Through the month of October, a two-hour cruise sails past the Naval Academy and into the Chesapeake Bay. $37 adult; Pusser's Landing, 410-263-7837, www.schoonerwoodwind.com.