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A Dog-Friendly Annapolis Day Trip

Chesapeake Bay - Maryland· Maryland· Washington DCPosted by Kacy

17 Aug

Annapolis is one of the most popular day trips from DC, and for good reason. It’s beautiful location on the Chesapeake Bay, a reputable dining scene and a boatload of history provide something for everyone. A few weeks back, we decided to take the dog along and see what pet-friendly adventure we could get up to in Maryland’s state capital.

Tips for Your Dog-Friendly Annapolis Day Trip

Dog-Friendly Annapolis Day Trip

Have Brunch at Iron Rooster

Dog-friendly restaurants are not hard to come by in Annapolis, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better brunch with your pup than at Iron Rooster. Waits are long for this popular restaurant, but having Ashton with us actually worked to our advantage. A table had just opened up on the small patio when we arrived and we were seated right away. Service was excellent and catered to our canine companion by bringing him a bowl of cold water.
We humans enjoyed some adult beverages, delicious bacon bloody Marys with killer garnishes – pretty much a meal in and of itself.
Iron Rooster bloody marysThe food was excellent as well. I ordered a watermelon and arugula salad, but kept stealing bites of Tom’s smoked brisket benny with a jalapeno cornbread waffle, fresh tomato salsa and caramelized onion.
Iron Rooster brisket benedictA long day of exploring calls for plenty of fuel, so of course we had to try a house made tres leches pop tart. While there was perhaps a bit too much crust and not enough filling for my liking, you can’t go wrong with all that gooey caramel.
Iron Rooster pop tart

Take a Stroll Down Ego Alley

Ego Alley is the place to see and be seen in Annapolis.
Annapolis ego alleySince we don’t have a boat to show off, our dog was the next best thing.

Annapolis day trip

Go for a Boat Ride on the Bay

Looking at boats is nice, but in the summer heat it’s far preferable to be on one. Luckily, Watermark Cruises on the Bay offers dog-friendly Annapolis cruises at reasonable prices.
Watermark Cruises Cabaret IIWe chose to embark on the Chesapeake Bay Bridges cruise, which departs weekend days at 2:30 and Fridays and holidays, too, during the peak season.
on the Chesapeake BayThis cruise has a lot going for it. The boat is spacious and air-conditioned and the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. It did feel a bit crowded at times, but the relaxation that comes with being on the water was definitely worth it.
Annapolis boat rideThe cruise features a narrated history of the area, which was hard to hear at times but quite interesting. We ambled along for a while taking in the sites before coming to the main event – spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Bay Bridge MarylandIf you live in the area, you’ve driven over the massive bridge many times. If you’re like me, you’ve white knuckled it the entire way every time. I have a major, irrational fear of bridges and just the thought of driving over this thing upsets my stomach.
Under the Bay BridgeHowever, riding under it in a boat with a Corona in hand is the opposite of scary. I love getting new perspectives of familiar sites, and this really delivered in that aspect.
Note: In addition to being dog-friendly, this particular cruise was also very family friendly. A full bar is provided, but if you’re looking to get wild and crazy you may want to try another boat.
sailboats

Get Lost in the Endless Scenery

Annapolis is beautiful. After our cruise, we simply wandered around taking in all the breathtaking views.
sitting on the dock of the bayA storm was about to roll in, so we were treated to pastel skies in addition to the calm waters and natural beauty of the city.
Annapolis dock
baby ducks in Annapolis

See the U.S. Naval Academy

It was actually too hot for us to do this during our trip, but if you’re in Annapolis on a nice day a trip to the Naval Academy is a must. Your dog will enjoy the exercise as much as you enjoy the sites.

Enjoy a Casual Dinner at Davis Pub

Avoid the ample touristy restaurants along Ego Alley and head to Davis Pub, a local favorite in the charming Eastport neighborhood.
Davis Pub AnnapolisThere’s so much to love about this unpretentious little bar. Prices are great, food is delicious and they even have a special menu for pups.
Ashton in AnnapolisWe weren’t too hungry, so we shared a delicious crab cake platter and house salad, all very tasty.
Davis Pub crab cakeI’m sure there are some non-dog people out there who probably think we’re insane for taking Ashton with us to so many places, but it’s what works for us. Besides, he’s incredibly well-behaved and about as cute as they come.
AshtonBut I’ll be the first to admit that, yes, I’m a crazy dog lady and I have no intention of changing that anytime soon.
For more tips about traveling with your pet, check out this post.
What’s your favorite day trip from your city? Do you ever take your pet along?
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Dog-friendly Annapolis Day Trip

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4 Comments

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Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    August 17, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    Cute post! It’s sometimes hard to take my dog places with all the restrictions, but we end up doing similar things in Boston too. BTW, that jalapeno cornbread waffle looks insanely good!

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      August 29, 2016 at 11:33 am

      It’s definitely difficult at times, but always more fun with the dog along! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ray says

    August 18, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    Niagara Falls is probably the most popular day trip from Toronto, but considering I grew up just outside of the Falls area, I must plead some bias on this. 😉

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      August 29, 2016 at 11:46 am

      I definitely need to visit Niagara soon! It would be a logical first foray for us into Canada, since it’s possible to drive from DC and I always hear the Canadian side is the best!

      Reply

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