Today, we are taking a trip to Annapolis, MD with Amy. Amy and I first met back in college. My first memory with Amy is the day I ambushed her at the dining halls freshman year. Fast forward to today. Amy is living in the opposite side of the country in Annapolis, MD working in Real Estate finance. So let’s visit Amy and learn how to travel her ‘hood like a local!

I live in Annapolis, MD. The greatest perk of living in Annapolis is that DC, Baltimore and Northern Virginia is just a short trip away. However, I do need to warn you that Annapolis is a family oriented town. For a twenty-something, this definitely isn’t your typical “happening” neighborhood. #adultlifeproblems.

Best times to come visit are in the spring or fall for the lovely weather and the summer for all the events and festivals. If you do decide to come in the summer, be prepared to brave the humidity!

So you’ve decided when you want to visit. Let me share with you my favorite spots. Let’s go exploring!

Cantler’s Riverside Inn (Annapolis, MD)

This place is next to the water and it’s a great place to go in the summer. You can choose to either sit inside or outside on their porch.

This is the go to place to eat crabs the way it should be eaten…getting down and dirty. You are given a wooden hammer, crabs, and a bucket. It’s a great way to spend time on a hot summer afternoon with friends.

Bread Corner (Rockville, MD – aka where all the Chinese people live)

This is by far my favorite Asian bakery in the area.  They have an assortment of breads, desserts, and bubble milk teas. My favorite is their bread with red bean paste and mochi. I do wish this place were a bit larger with sit down space. But, it’s still a great place to stop by to get breakfast or a mid day snack. A definite “must visit!”

Oriental East (Silver Spring, MD)

DIM SUM!!! This is the best dim sum in the area and gets packed pretty fast. You need to get there an hour before it opens to get a seat with the first wave of people. If you miss the first wave, try back around noon so you don’t wait too long. This place is known for great food at a very affordable price.

Georgetown Cupcakes (DC)

I know…a cliché…everyone says to go here. But seriously these are some amazing cupcakes. Is it worth the line? That decision is up to you. I prefer to go down to Sprinkles since their icing is more flavorful.

W Hotel DC (DC)

Ah yes the hotelie in me has pushed me to put this as a go to place. While I am not the biggest fan of W hotels,  I have to say that everyone needs to check out the rooftop bar at the W Hotel DC. It has the best view! Best time to go is right during sunset. It tends to be difficult to get a table there.

Honey Pig (Annandale, VA)

YESSS. Growing up in Dallas, I never really had Korean food until college where half of the restaurants in Collegetown were Korean. So in my four years at college I was really only familiar with barley tea, budae jjigae, seafood pancake, and kimchi…until I moved to MD!

Being only about 30-40 minutes away from DC…Annandale, VA is also known as Korean Town. This is a great place to go with a group of friends. However, be warned that your clothes will smell of bbq smoke! The best part of going to a Korean restaurant is getting unlimited side dishes…which are the bomb.

Brewer’s Art (Baltimore, MD)

Ah Baltimore and its eclectic feel that draws you in! Unlike DC where it can be a bit snobby, pretentious and preppy, Baltimore provides the opposite. Great place to chill, go casual, and meet some really awesome people who are into the arts, music, etc.

Brewer’s Art is a restaurant (never ate there but hear it’s pretty good) with a basement bar. This place has been voted as one of the best bars in the US and is by far one of my favorite places to go out in Baltimore since they’ve got great beers and that authentic “casual bar” feel.

Outdoor Fun (DC)

If you’ve had enough of eating and museum hopping, try some fun outdoor activities! DC has been voted as one of the happiest place to live. Why? Because you get the hustle and bustle a city has to offer and a plethora of outdoor activities. DC has some awesome bike trails where you can ride to Maryland or to Virginia. Other great things to do in the summer are kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, etc.

Thanks Amy for sharing tips on how to travel like a local!

Get out there and explore!

Image Sources: cupcakes/dim sum / crab / bread / brewer’s art / beer / bbq / W hotel