Annapolis One Of Prettiest Small Towns In US: Travel Site

ANNAPOLIS, MD — From historic buildings like the Maryland Statehouse to colonial homes and the vibrant downtown district of shops and restaurants, there's lots to love in Annapolis. Not to mention views of Chesapeake Bay and a stroll on the grounds of the Naval Academy. So it shouldn't be a surprise that the city has been named to another best list.

Recently the travel website Tripping ranked Annapolis one of its 15 Prettiest Small Towns In the U.S. The website urges readers to "Shake up your next vacation with a visit somewhere off the beaten path. There is a seemingly endless number of charming, quaint towns across America that offer an unforgettable getaway. These towns boast a more laid-back experience compared to other tourist destinations, as well as fascinating historic attractions and one-of-a-kind landmarks."

Water and mountain views figure prominently in the list.

The top five small towns are:

• Mystic, Connecticut
• Homer, Alaska
• Abingdon, Virginia
• Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
• Stowe, Vermont

About No. 12 Annapolis the website says: "Once you’ve had your fill of lobster in Bar Harbor, come to Annapolis for the crab. This postcard-worthy, waterfront town will take you back more than 300 years as you stroll down its cobblestone streets admiring the Colonial architecture. Meander through Historic Annapolis and Ego Alley, and visit the United States Naval Academy, the alma mater of notable politicians, such as former President Jimmy Carter and Senator John McCain."

Read the full list on the Tripping website.

Just last month Coastal Living magazine named Annapolis one of the 20 Best Places to Live on the Coast in 2018. Communities on the list ranged from little beach towns to humming coastal cities, from sweet domestic islands to expat escapes. They included Santa Cruz, California, ranked No. 1; the Kennebunks of Maine, ranked No. 2; storied playground of the rich, Newport, Rhode Island at No. 7; and seashell-hunters paradise Captiva Island, Florida at No. 10.

Here's how the magazine described Annapolis: "There are historic cities, and then there is Annapolis. All it takes is a short walk along the brick sidewalks that circle the capitol (the oldest state house in legislative use in America), amid the storefronts and hotels, to feel that breathing connection to the Revolutionary era. And one need only walk a few short blocks to City Dock to feel the salty influence of Chesapeake Bay, from sailboats and crab joints to those scrubbed midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy in their dress uniforms. For maritime-history fans, there is no better place to call home."

SEE ALSO:

• Annapolis Ranks On Top 100 Best Places To Live
• Annapolis Among 20 Best Coastal Places To Live: Magazine

Image courtesy of Visit Annapolis