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Just sitting in the airport in Baltimore after spending the last 6 days in Annapolis with my son attending Navy Lacrosse(Spring Football) Camp. Got to visit a few hotels in the area and thought I would give a few thoughts and observations on the surrounding area:

Navy Marine Corp Stadium - Just off of Exit 24 and easy access to Higway 50. It is about a mile away from the Annapolis Town Center and the Naval Academy. Nothing real spectacular but pretty nice turf.

Naval Academy - Loved hanging out at this place. A vaild government issues ID(Drivers License, Passport, or Astronaut Application) and you are allowed to walk the grounds. Everything is well manicured and has great historical sites all over the campus. I recommend you visit the cemetary on the campus if you have the time.

Annapolis- The main town is very quaint and scenic. We kept going into town every day for lunch and dinner.

Some of the better places we ate at:
Buddy's Ribs and Crabs - Ribs ain't so good but the crabs were exactly what we were looking for.
Chick and Ruth's- Great local joint that has monster shakes and good burgers and snadwiches. They also serve breakfast.
More places that serve sushi in a 100 yard radius than they have in Japan. Never ate at one but if you like sushi it is everywhere.
Mcgarveys- Great local joint that had awesome Prime Rib hash. The prices are reasonable, the beer is cold, and the food was really great. It is real popular with Naval Academy crowd and owned by a former fighter pilot I was told.
We kept going back to Storm Ice Cream every night. Really great local ice cream place.

Where to stay in Annapolis-
The Loews, Westin, and Marriot all looked nice and are really pricey.
The Maryland Inn is right in town and though the rooms are small the location can't be beat if you are not going to spend much time in your room. There are other hotel chain hotels outside the downtown area and if you don't mind a short drive you can stay in Bowie for a whole lot less than what we paid in Annapolis.

I wish I could find some way to get to the game in October but my son's football team will probably be playing an afternoon game that day and I will have to just watch the game on TV with my assistant football coach(he is the Navy Grad).

BrianTinBigD wrote:Some of the better places we ate at:
Buddy's Ribs and Crabs - Ribs ain't so good but the crabs were exactly what we were looking for.

I seem to remember having a not so fond experience there back in 2001 when I was in DC for the Inaugural Parade. I know I wasn't the only one but I think I was lucky enough not to have gotten sick that night. Oh well, maybe the food has gotten better since then.

When are tickets going on sale for that game?

Lady told me on the phone the other day that single game tix become available "1st or 2nd week in August."

BrianTinBigD wrote:More places that serve sushi in a 100 yard radius than they have in Japan. Never ate at one but if you like sushi it is everywhere.

Are you sure those are not bait shops?

Sushi is good

smu diamond m wrote:Sushi is good

YUCKKO

How many of you people that "don't like" sushi are just people that "don't eat" sushi? If you've actually had sushi and still think "YUCKKO", then fine.

And not all sushi is raw fish either.

smu diamond m wrote:How many of you people that "don't like" sushi are just people that "don't eat" sushi? If you've actually had sushi and still think "YUCKKO", then fine.

And not all sushi is raw fish either.

Argh, now I have to pick up some eel sushi on the way home...

I just like the idea that someone said "hmmmmm, I bet I could make even more money if I did not have to cook the fish before I serve it. Now how do I get people to eat it? I know, I will open up fancy eatin' places, install some sneeze glass, serve some sake. When they get drunk enough I will serve them the raw fish and eel." Probably began with some Long John Silvers spin off who could not afford a deep fryer.

For those uninitiated in the art of eating Chesapeake Blue Crabs, they are steamed with Old Bay seasoning, and then cracked open and you pick out the meat and dip it in butter. You end up with lots of cuts on your fingers, but the meat is heavenly. Make sure you eat only the meat, there are portions of the crab that you shouldn't eat and they'll make you sick. The best crab places are shacks with newspapers on the tables and pitchers of beer to drink. And don't dress up, because its a messy meal. Prepared crab dishes are such a waste of good crabs.

I think that's pretty much how you eat ALL kinds of blue crabs, n'est pas?

Went to Annapolis on business a few weeks ago and went to the Chart House. The food was amazing and they had a great salad bar that rivals Texas de Brazil.

http://www.chart-house.com/

I more than recommend

mrydel wrote:I just like the idea that someone said "hmmmmm, I bet I could make even more money if I did not have to cook the fish before I serve it. Now how do I get people to eat it? I know, I will open up fancy eatin' places, install some sneeze glass, serve some sake. When they get drunk enough I will serve them the raw fish and eel." Probably began with some Long John Silvers spin off who could not afford a deep fryer.

Are you suggesting sushi, sake and other elements of Japanese cuisine are a result of post-WWII American consumerism? Bravo.

BrianTinBigD: any comments on The DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis? That's the hotel where folks who bought the Mustang Club's SMU v Navy travel package are staying.

Also, how would McGarvey's or Chick & Ruth's rate on the 'Burger Wars' thread?

Thanks for the report! I can't tell you how excited BornRed&Blue and I am about attending the SMU v Navy game in Annapolis! This will be my first visit to the Naval Academy which I've heard has just an amazing atmosphere year-round.