There are a number of B&B's in the historic area, but they tend not to advertise (lots of business from visiting Naval Academy parents etc.). Try the local Convention & Visitors Bureau or Chamber of Commerce for a list.

For hotels, there are several right in the heart of the historic area, all run under the umbrella "Historic Inns of Annapolis." The largest (not very large) is the Annapolis Inn on Church Circle, which I think takes bookings for all of them and can provide info, website addresses, etc. There's a Hilton right on the waterfront, and a Loew's a few blocks west of the historic area.

For November, make reservations early, especially on Navy football home-game weekends.

Restaurants are not nearly as good as one might expect. The Washington/Baltimore Zagat book has a section on Annapolis. For upscale, Harry Brown's in the historic area has a good rep. Stay away from Phillips, at all costs.

Carroll's Creek Cafe, just across Spa Creek from the historic area, is not bad, and has a good view of the harbor. For simple traditional Bay seafood (crabs in season, which is just ending, and similar stuff), the local favorite is Jimmy Cantler's a mile or two west of Annapolis just off Rte. 50 toward the Bay Bridge.

I believe there's a water taxi for the boat owners who moor out in the harbor, but landlubbers don't need it -- from City Dock, just walk across the Spa Creek Bridge to Eastport and there you are.

Thanks for the detailed info. I live in northern VA and am embarrassed to say I hardly know Annapolis at all. I'm especially grateful for the restaurant information.

Scott

Glad to help. Annapolis is a nice place to visit, and the nearby communities around the Bay might as well be on a different planet than NoVa. You'll enjoy getting to know it (usually it's the Marylanders who're afraid to cross the Potomac).

If you are looking for something different, try a ghost tour - they do them all year round. We did the haunted pub crawl and it was a blast -learned about Annapolis'history and had fun.... I think that they are at www.ghostsofannapolis.com -

Hi! Well by now you've had your weekend in Annapolis! My husband and I are thinking about heading North from Richmond and thought of the city...never been there either. I was wondering how your trip went and any suggestions you may have - things to do, restaurants, lodging, etc. Thanks

Debbie