Crab Cake in Annapolis, Maryland, USA
Annapolis is both large and small. The city limits itself is small, but with all the people moving through Annapolis, DC, and Baltimore, you don’t have to feel stuck in a small town. Everyone sees it as a sailing town where the Naval Academy is based, which is true, but there is much more to it than just sailors, Midshipmen, and sailboat photography. Just like any city or town there is an “underground” scene where you can run into some amazing artists and personalities. You can find some great food aside from your standard “Maryland crab cake” if you get yourself off the beaten path and out of downtown Annapolis. You’ll see a lot of people mulling around downtown in more crisp, proper clothing almost as if to match the Naval Academy midshipmen, but don’t be fooled, you can find your fair share of windsurfers, kite boarders, fishermen and women, bikers, skaters, and all sorts of other outdoorsy types coming off the docks in their wetsuits and rubber overalls if you look in the right places.
Place you live: Annapolis, Maryland, USA
Place your photos were taken: Annapolis, MD
Occupation: Artist/Designer
A Perfect Day in Annapolis? Ideally it would be a cool and breezy Saturday. I would sleep in, make a satisfying brunch, then enjoy the outdoors with my dog for a little while. Then I would spend some time with friends either exploring someplace new, getting coffee, or taking a short day trip to DC or Baltimore. Later we would either cook dinner together and invite friends over or head out to find some good food at one of our favorite restaurants (Joss, Paladar, Vin 909, Metropolitan).
For the visitor? Head into Eastport for some real crabcakes at Boatyard Bar and Grill and take a tour of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation building.
What is the best thing about Annapolis? The best thing about Annapolis is that you can get a variety of settings. If you want to live in a more urban setting that’s possible, you can live near a beach, you can live in the woods, or you can live on farmlands. There’s a place for almost anyone. And as far as food goes, there is a ton of local produce in every season and fresh seafood.
And the worst? When you’ve spent a long time in Annapolis you can feel like you’ve done it all. It’s a small city and it’s easy to get bored over time, but I think as long as you’ve got good people around, you can always have fun. You have to make an effort to explore and see what else there is to do.
A little known fact? You can find free parking in residential zones. Somehow tourists can never figure that out. But more interestingly, there is a croquet match against the Naval Academy that takes place on St. John’s College campus every spring. All the locals come and get dressed up in their derby-style dresses, hats, and suits and bring picnics. The St. John’s tem always has a different themed uniform and they always win. If you are planning to visit you have to come for the croquet match.
Where is your favorite place in the world? My favorite place so far is San Francisco. It’s relaxed, and unlike other cities it feels like a city build within nature, not a city with some nature built into it. I’ll probably be moving there within 4 years, but I’m going to explore the east coast for a little while longer.
Who are your three Favorite Photographers? I don’t have three all-time favorites. It changes often and I become intrigued by different photographers depending on what they are doing. I’ve always been a fan of Sally Mann and Emmet Gowin, which are classics. Lately I’ve liked a lot of Alexandra Valenti’s photography. She has a lot of amazing color and film quality. Lately she’s been drawing on the photos, which adds to the effect. It’s beautiful!