For three hundred years Annapolis has been a maritime center. Chartered by Queen Anne in 1708, Annapolis is known for its elegant homes, sailing culture and vessels, unique charm and the US Naval Academy – an important part of Annapolis’ personality. Also an integral part of Annapolis life, the upscale antique shops, which include stores oriented to decorators. Across the bridge, on the opposite side of Chesapeake Bay, are more multi-dealer shops and malls, which feature everything from Federal period furniture to Colonial Revival items. In mid-January, the Historic Annapolis Foundation holds its annual antiques show – which showcases dealers from around the world displaying fine American, English, and Continental period furniture, as well as decorative accessories.

Beyond antiquing, Annapolis has several historic house museums worth visiting including: the William Paca House and Gardens; the Charles Carroll House; the Chase-Lloyd House; and the Hammond-Hardwood House, which exhibits Charles Wilson Peale paintings and John Shaw furniture. Head on over to Edgewater, and you can visit the William Brown House at London Town & Gardens, as well as the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the Naval Academy Museum.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore, although more rural and quieter than Annapolis, is also worth visiting, due to its strong ties to the sea and history. Here you’ll discover the charming Carpenter Gothic Church – and if you travel the distance from Annapolis to Cambridge, you’ll discover myriad of antique shops all along the way. Offering everything from great maritime history, culture, a bevy of interesting antique shops, fine dining, festivals and performing arts, Annapolis is an area that pampers the antiquer both physically and visually.