The Annapolis Insider
Mary Ann Treger shares news and views from around town.
Getting Reacquainted with an Old Friend
Most Annapolitans know the William Paca House and Garden (186 Prince George St.,) is a great place for a wedding. And that the garden is gorgeous. But many folks like me walk by this historic landmark without knowing what else is going on behind that handsome brick wall.
Did you know…on July 4 at 9:30 a.m. approximately 50 immigrants will become American citizens at a Naturalization Ceremony at the William Paca House and Garden and everyone is invited? And, it’s free?
Did you know…after the ceremony from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Paca House will host Fourth of July activities including live musical performances, tours of the colonial house, 18th century history re-enactors, a kid’s garden scavenger hunt and a chance to put their John Hancock on a copy of the Declaration of Independence with a quill pen? And, it’s free?
Did you know…Summer Art in the Garden Classes are scheduled for kiddies (grades K through 4)? Using sponges, construction paper and stencils, children will make paintings or colorful collages. Just $6 a child covers the cost of all materials. Registration is a must and little ones must be accompanied by an adult.
Did you know…games were a favorite pastime of the American colonists? Saturday, August 1 is Colonial Gaming Night at the Paca House. Light fare, wine and ales will be served during a fun night of Colonial gaming. Instructors in historical dress will teach everyone to play the most popular games of the day. If you’re 21 years old or older, call to make a reservation. $30 admission.
Paca House and Garden events are constantly evolving. From time to time even yoga classes are offered in the garden. Ah, yes. These times they are a changing. For a full schedule of what’s happening at this old friend or to make reservations click on http://www.annapolis.org Or call 410 267-8146
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Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/24/09 at 10:21 AM
One of the many joys of living in Annapolis is that it is so easy to leave. Don’t get me wrong, I love this town. But when my yen for travel revs up, I head to BWI, a no- hassle 35-minute drive from the heart of town.
Yup, I’m a blatant cheerleader for BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
And, I’m not alone.
Recently BWI led the nation when compared to all major US airports for the number of on-time arrivals. It ranks among the top ten according to Smarter Travel Readers’ Choice Awards and it’s the second healthiest airport according to Health Magazine. But it isn’t just positive press that makes me a fan. The International Terminal is an airport rarity: it is calm.
Ten days ago my husband and I hopped on British Airways non-stop flight to London. After a pleasant 7 hour flight—just an hour and 15 minutes longer than it would take for us to fly to Seattle—we were transported to the land of oversized taxis, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and proper afternoon tea. (Another BWI perk: because this airport doesn’t have lots of international flights, getting through customs and immigration is a breeze. No long lines a la Dulles where many flights arrive at the same time. And, since London may be the best place to connect to anywhere in the world, BA’s direct flight from BWI means we can easily jaunt to any place that strikes our fancy.
Despite the recession, our plane was fully booked. No wonder. BA was offering a round trip ticket for a little over $500! (Savvy traveler tip: ask about last minute upgrade possibilities when checking in at the BA counter. We upgraded to World Traveler Plus for just $250 each. While that doesn’t provide all the bells and whistles of Business Class, it does offer more leg room than in coach.)
Our plan was to shed jet lag at The Stafford Hotel, a small hidden London gem with details designed to spoil every guest including heated bathroom floors. The central St. James location makes it easy to reach London’s best sights—Westminster Abbey, the Victoria and Albert Museum or a whirl on The Eye (the giant ferris wheel introduced to the London skyline in 2000).
Our time in London was a prelude to the real motivator for crossing The Pond: a cruise from Southampton to the Norway Fjords on Cunard’s posh new Queen Victoria.
To be honest, I never thought of myself as a “cruise person” but the comforts are convincing. Especially on this snazzy ship, a floating five-star hotel that dazzled us with fine wines, gourmet food and a fabulous fitness center so we could work off the calories we were consuming. Several port stops reminded us of Annapolis—small waterfront towns with the Norwegian version of Ego Alley, Main Street and City Dock Cafe.
We were never bored on board. Not with a classy wood-paneled library packed with 6,000 books, an Internet center, oodles of lectures and all sorts of things to learn including a fencing class. We did plenty of oohing and aahing over the two story ballroom, complete with private viewing boxes. How cool is that?
Since pictures do speak louder than words, take a look at where that short 35-minute drive to BWI from downtown Annapolis led us:
The Grand Staircase on the Queen Victoria is truly grand.
The on-board conservatory has a retractable roof and moveable glass wall so in good weather, the roof comes off and walls open up to the swimming pool.
Geiranger is a jaw-dropper. The only sound we hear is the sound of water from the towering waterfalls crashing into the fjord.
Norway’s version of Ego Alley. The locals seem to enjoy cruising in and out of the harbor in Alesund, just like in Annapolis.
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Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/09/09 at 03:59 PM
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