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Where to stay at Annapolis boat show?

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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1916 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/02/2009 : 10:06:17

I finally was able to get the week of the Boat show off. I'm sure if one paid really big bucks you could stay at the Marriott across the street.
But for those of us who would rather buy boat parts, where is a good place to stay if one is going to th e Annapolis show?
I'm planning on driving up from Knoxville in my pickup. I would also like to go to some nautical second hand stores, junkyards etc. to see what I could find.
I'm also looking for the best crabcake places.

It should be fun looking at all the boats I can't afford. Or would I just go crazier?

Frank Gloss
Formerly 89WK/TR
85 Ericson 32-3 shoal draft "Molto Bene"

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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1771 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2009 : 11:21:45

I'll check with my wife, but we stayed a couple of times at a Best Western or something that was OK and cheap while we were getting our survey et al. Fridge in the room, not far from the waterfront...

Bacon Sales is a must. Best used nauti store anywhere, bar non... Bring your sail dimensions and see if you can pick up something really slick.

The Boatyard Bar & Grill IS THE sailors hangout, although Daveys pub is cool too.

sten

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5902 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2009 : 11:40:30

Frank, when I was looking for a boat, I stayed at the Homestead Studio Suites, Annapolis, 120 Admiral Cochrane Dr., Annapolis, MD, 21401, Phone: 410-571-6600, Fax: 410-571-6113
It's an Extended Stay hotel, but when I stayed there, about four years ago, I walked up to the desk and asked if they had a room for a day or two, and they rented it to me for about $75. a day. (It's probably more now, of course.) My guess is that they'll rent by the day if they're not full.

It isn't across the street from the boat show, but it isn't far, and traffic and parking are very difficult during the show, and I always park at the Naval Academy's football stadium. There are shuttle busses running very frequently all day. You pay for the parking, but not for the shuttle busses. The stadium is located at the intersection of Rowe Boulevard and Taylor Avenue in Annapolis.

The only good second hand chandlery I know of in Annapolis is Bacon's. It's located at 116 Legion Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401; Telephone 410-263-4880; hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm EST If you're looking for a sail, they have many used sails on consignment, but they're not on display. They'll check their computer, and, if they find one, they'll spread it out on a long table for you to inspect. Bring your boat's IJPE measurements.

Phillip's Seafood Restaurant is very good, and located about a block from the boat show, but will probably be very crowded during the show. Telephone 202-488-8515 ext 55

There are several restaurants within a block of the boat show, and most of them are very good, if you can get seated.

Pirate's Cove is also good. It's located at 4817 Riverside Dr, Galesville, MD. Telephone (410) 867-2300

IMHO, some of the best restaurants are on the eastern shore, but that's a long drive just for dinner.

To be honest, I haven't boarded a boat that's for sale at the show in years. I love to go from booth-to-booth and talk to the vendors about their merchandise. I also ask about how to repair or make adjustments to their products that I have on my boat. This year, for example, I asked a Forespar vendor how to rig the topping lift and downhaul for my spinnaker pole. It's an opportunity to get great information from experts.

Also, there are lots of fascinating and helpful free seminars offered at the boat show, often taught by people like John Kretschmer or Gary Jobson. The same seminars are presented every day of the show, so, if you miss one, you can see it the next day.

If you need something pricey for your boat, all the vendors offer good boat show pricing.

Oh yeah, and bring your credit card!

Edited by - on

Even Chance
Captain

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USA
393 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2009 : 18:09:15

Frank, we're old hands at "doing" Annapolis, though only a couple of times at the boat show. We especially love the week after Christmas, when the town is beautifully lit.

Our favorite place to stay is found on the net at Historic Inns of Annapolis. The Calvert House is nicer than the Maryland Inn. They're not cheap, but cheaper than the Marriott, and you can walk to the dock. Less expensive hotels and motels are out near US 50.

Crabcakes: in Maryland, who has the best (or better) cakes is an ongoing war. Phillips' uses no blue crab -- all theirs comes from Indonesia. Overpriced and overrated, Phillips' started fifty years ago with a great little restaurant in Ocean City serving fresh catch from their Tilghman Island packing house. It's been a tourist trap for about twenty years now. Our favorite newer restaurant is across the Spa Creek bridge in Eastport at the first light: Rockfish. Pricey, but just amazing food. Harry Browne's on State Circle (next door to the Calvert House) is an old favorite. If you want to drive a little, cross the Bay Bridge to Kent Island and go to Harris' Crab House at Kent Narrows. Great food in a classic crabhouse atmosphere right on the Narrows. Watch the bridge open every half hour. The Bay Bridge toll is only one way (I forget which, east or west). Harris' will get you away from the boat show mob.

Edited by - Even Chance on 02/04/2009 04:26:50

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