By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
A couple weeks ago, my wife and I took a quick trip to Annapolis, Maryland. We weren’t
on a strict schedule; we just wanted to spend some time checking out the capital city’s
unique atmosphere. And we had the perfect guide—my work colleague, Cathy Spain.
Having lived in Maryland for over thirty years, Cathy is very familiar with Annapolis,
making her an ideal tour guide for our weekend adventure.
Annapolis, with its rich history and stunning waterfront views, immediately greeted us
with a sense of charm. As we strolled through the downtown section, the historic
buildings stood as reminders of the past, their colonial-era architecture next to the
quaint, modern shops and cozy cafes. It’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to
this city—it feels like stepping back in time, while still offering the conveniences and
excitement of the present.
However, no trip to Annapolis would be complete without a visit to the U.S. Naval
Academy, which sits on the banks of the Severn River. On Saturday morning, we
embarked on a tour of the Academy, and it was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of
our weekend. The Academy’s grounds are meticulously maintained, the landscaping an
impressive blend of natural beauty and military precision. As we walked through the
campus, the grandeur of the French-inspired architecture was striking. From the stately
Bancroft Hall to the magnificent chapel, every building exuded a sense of history and
purpose.
A special moment on the tour was witnessing a wedding at the Naval Academy chapel.
The bride and groom walking down the steps beneath an arch of swords held by
uniformed midshipmen was a beautiful scene. It was as if we had stepped into a scene
from “Top Gun”, with the combination of military tradition and romantic elegance.
The Naval Academy tour also took us to the crypt of John Paul Jones, the celebrated
naval hero of the American Revolution. Located beneath the chapel, this crypt is a
must-see for anyone visiting the Academy. Jones is entombed in a grand sarcophagus
made of marble and bronze; his legacy immortalized in this serene, hallowed space. As
we stood there, the weight of history was palpable—this was the resting place of the
man often credited as the father of the U.S. Navy, whose contributions to our country
are immeasurable.
Beyond its history, Annapolis is also a city deeply connected to the water. Whether it’s
the views of the Chesapeake Bay or the crowds of tourists walking around City Dock,
water is an essential part of life here. The boats in the harbor were a reminder of
Annapolis’s long-standing maritime tradition, and it was easy to imagine the sailors and
merchants doing business in these same waters.
We went to Cathy’s beautiful home in Columbia and had a wonderful dinner and dessert
on Saturday evening and closed out our trip with a morning visit to the Bagel Bin in
Ellicott City, Maryland for some fresh bagels and coffee and conversation with one of
Cathy’s friends who joins her often for breakfast. The Bagel Bin is owned by Cathy’s
son, Jake, who has a booming business in another beautiful city, not far from Cathy’s
home in Columbia.
Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of maritime culture, or just someone looking to soak
in the charm of a beautiful city, Annapolis has something for everyone. And if you’re
lucky enough to have a knowledgeable guide like Cathy Spain, you’ll find that this
capital city holds even more surprises than you might expect.