Anne Arundel Businesses Expect Travel Spike In Spring, Summer

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A winter storm is approaching Maryland, but business owners have their eyes set on the spring. As coronavirus metrics start to fall and vaccine rollout begins, the hospitality industry is eager for visitors to return to Annapolis.

City leaders already have several distanced events planned as early as March. Entrepreneurs hope these attractions, an improving health situation and warmer weather will soon drive visitors back to the state's capital.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This week's guest contribution comes from the Downtown Annapolis Partnership. Here's what Executive Director Erik Evans wrote about travel and event planning in 2021:

"COVID numbers are starting to drop from their holiday highs and the vaccine rollout is expanding. The next group of people ages 65 and up will soon be receiving the vaccine and the federal government is promising that vaccine production will be ramped up.

If all goes to plan the ability to travel and host events will pick up this spring and summer. With many people choosing to not travel last year there is a pent-up demand for people to take a vacation or attend a family event like a reunion or wedding.

For the first half of this year destinations within driving distance from major cities will have an advantage as well as locations where you can spend most of your time outdoors. Mini-vacations for 3 or 4 days for those vaccinated will likely be popular before the summer season due to the flexibility many families have by working from home and with hybrid-learning.

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, it may be the first time many people leave their homes since the holidays. A romantic weekend getaway is an easy way to test the waters of local travel. In downtown Annapolis, you can pick up flowers, cards, chocolate, wine, and diner within a short stroll from any hotel or inn.

Last year many people delayed their weddings or family reunions to this summer due to a wide range of restrictions. A likely scenario for this year is receiving an invite to a wedding or reunion that says if you have been vaccinated you are welcome to attend. These types of events are also likely to have a smaller number of attendees this year as social distancing and social gathering size limits will likely remain for the near future.

Annapolis is poised to take advantage of these travel trends. Visitors from Baltimore, Washington DC, and Philadelphia areas have always enjoyed driving to Annapolis for a getaway. Locals also continued to visit downtown Annapolis during the pandemic for outdoor dining and live music.

Part of the reason for visiting Annapolis in the past year is that it is safer to find locations where you can spend a large amount of time outdoors. As a downtown designed for walking to shops, restaurants, historic sites, gardens, or attending a Naval Academy football game, the outdoors has always been a major part of the Annapolis experience. As a sailing capital, being on the water has also been a big draw for Annapolis. It is easy for people to get out the water with a tour from Watermark Cruises, Schooner Woodwind, and the Wilma Lee.

The city is also becoming known as a culinary destination and more dining has moved outdoors in the past years with events like Dinner Under the Stars, Market Space Outdoor Dining, and city recovery zones. Popular events like First Sunday Arts found a safe way to operate last year and plans to return in May.

Other events are likely to return this spring or summer as more people get vaccinated. The first of these events will be Maryland Day Weekend. This event which returns March 19-21 will be a hybrid event of both in-person and virtual events. With restaurant capacity expanding again the dates of this year’s Annapolis Restaurant Week is also expected to be announced shortly.

Annapolis can also accommodate small weddings and reunions outdoors at Annapolis Maritime Museum, the Charles Carrol House Gardens, the Paca House Gardens, and MTPA/Stage One. For indoor events, you can book intimate spaces for smaller events at LightBox, Prism, and any of the downtown hotels and inns.

Another idea is to book private rooms at local restaurants for small and medium-sized dining events, gatherings, and meetings. Blackwall Hitch, Boatyard Bar & Grill, Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, Federal House Bar & Grill, Harry Brown’s, Iron Rooster, Latitude 38, McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar, Metropolitan Kitchen, O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Rams Head Tavern and Reynolds Tavern all have sections of their restaurants that can accommodate private dining.

Annapolis is also looking to improve the outdoor experience in the years to come with a complete makeover of its City Dock area. This prime waterfront area is scheduled to be converted from mostly parking to an area that has more green space and recreational options.

Work on this project will start with replacing Hillman Parking Garage with a larger capacity parking garage in 2022. This will free up parking to start implementing the new waterfront design in the following years.

For those that choose to travel today, most bookings are done at the last minute as people check travel restrictions, COVID numbers, and travel deals. Travelers are also seeking out smaller cities and towns to avoid crowds.

With larger numbers of people ready to travel this summer now is the time to make reservations for the best deals. As business travel will rebound a bit slower than leisure travel the best travel deals for this spring and summer will be for those that can get away Monday through Thursday.

When planning to visit Annapolis for leisure or business the Downtown Annapolis Partnership has a wide range of locations and events for you to explore on their website.

Erik Evans
Executive Director
Downtown Annapolis Partnership
Annapolis Arts District"

To see when you'll be eligible for the inoculation, read Patch's explainer. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot. Catch up on the latest coronavirus infection and vaccination metrics in Anne Arundel County by heading to our latest numbers update.

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