Annapolis Day Trip

When my parents told me a few weeks before my birthday that they decided to come up and visit me I was thrilled. A few minutes later I started to worry about what new places I could take them to on this trip to DC. Even before my move to DC my parents have been to the city many times since their first visit for Clinton's inauguration in 1992 and many of my dad's work conferences in the following years. So they have seen all the major tourist sites and I wanted to take them somewhere new for this upcoming visit.  The husband and I had not yet visited Annapolis in Maryland despite it being only a 45 minute drive from the city. So we all decided to grab a birthday seafood lunch in Annapolis and have ourselves a relaxing day trip.

I researched local seafood restaurants in the area and found great reviews for Boatyard Grill and Bar near the marina. Maryland is known for its crab cakes and this place didn't disappoint. The motto on the menu was no filler, all killer crab cakes and it held up to those words.

After our delicious lunch we walked into the quaint downtown area to window shop and explore. We stumbled upon the Kunta Kinte- Alex Haley memorial that pays tribute to the enslaved Africans who come to the United States.  It is definitely a unique memorial right in the middle of Annapolis.

We also strolled along the State Capital grounds which was founded in 1649 and is drenched in historical charm. I enjoyed being close to the water for a few hours and the energy is much more laid back than the hustle of DC.

I Heart Charlottesville

One of the best parts of living up here is the proximity to so many cool day trips. I love my Florida and all, but it is a big state which means long drives. Charlottesville is just a 2 hour drive away from Northern Virginia, but it feels like a different world. The DC metro area is full of busy people, lack of space, and the infamous traffic that clogs the roads at all hours. The drive into Charlottesville is almost a visual reminder to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life.


You are greeted with sleepy little mountain towns that seem to know nothing of the hustle and bustle just up state. The biggest attraction in Charlottesville is Thomas Jefferson's Monticello which is the reason why we ventured down south that Saturday morning. For the price of admission ($25 per person) you get a tour of the inside of the house and the grounds. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take pictures of the interior of the house.  It is no secret that we are both history nerds so we knew this place was a must-see while we are living in Virginia. Walking along Jefferson's homestead it was clear to understand why he loved living in Virginia so much. Seeing Monticello in the fall with the leaves changing colors was especially a treat for us Floridians. Fall doesn't exist in the Sunshine State.



After working up an appetite from our tour of Monticello we made our way into the city limits of Charlottesville. I had only heard good things about this artistic college town before our trip, so I was looking forward to exploring it. Also I have a soft spot for college towns in general. I think it comes from my years living in Tallahassee when attending Florida State. I just love the vibe found in college towns. We found a mom and pop diner called Mel's Cafe to have lunch and it did not disappoint. Their fried chicken is authentic and the best I've had in ages. So good I forgot to take pictures. We walked around the downtown mall and found the bar where Dave Matthews Band was formed back in the 1990's. They don't advertise it and you wouldn't know it from anything inside the bar, but if you are a fan (like me) it is a must visit.

Harpers Ferry National Park

One of the differences in now living in the Mid-Atlantic region versus Florida is the proximity of other states to you. Orlando is right smack dab in the middle of the state which means it takes four hours north you are still in the state and you can drive six hours south and still be in the same state.  Harpers Ferry was just over an hour drive and located in West Virginia. This was my first time traveling in West Virginia and I had no idea the beauty held in that state until I saw it with my own eyes.



Harpers Ferry holds quite a few special distinctions in American history. It is here that welcomed the birth of the American railroad, witnessed the biggest surrender of Union troops during the Civil War, and one of the first schools to educate former slaves in the country. You can explore the town of Harper's Ferry and watch a short video that gives you the history of the town's beginnings, importance in history, and its struggles. After walking through the old, classical streets of Harper's Ferry you want to cross the bridge for the perfect view of the point. The Point is where the two rivers meet and you get a beautiful view of the Potomac River and the Blue Ridge. I haven't been to many national parks in the past but this trip has made me want to explore more of my own country's natural landscapes.