Virtual Literary Road Trip Stop Four: Annapolis

 Happy Fourth of July from one of America’s temporary capitals during the Revolutionary War! I’m back from my lovely California excursions, and will be in my home town of Annapolis until next month when I move to New York. Annapolis is certainly not the biggest or the flashiest of places to visit, but there are some lovely bookish spots I recommend checking out in between looking at sail boats and filling yourself up on crabs.

Stop One – The Kunta Kinte – Alex Haley Memorial: This statue is a must see, especially because it is right in the center of downtown Annapolis (it’s literally hard to visit the city with seeing the memorial). It commemorates the place of arrival for Alex Haley’s ancestor as he describes it in his book Roots. Take a picture with the statue and read quotes from the book on plaques all around the inner harbor.

Stop Two – The Annapolis Bookstore: This store is the other must see bookish stop in Annapolis. It’s a fantastic independent store specializing in rare and used books, but with some new books as well. I have spent many fun hours browsing through the stacks of books in their basement. They also have a good number of readings and events.

Other ideas of places to stop: If you’re going to spend more than just a few hours in Annapolis, these are some other places that I think you will enjoy.

• The Banneker Douglass Museum
• The Anne Catherine and Jonas Green House (Anne C Green was one of the first female newspaper publishers. I dressed up like her and delivered a report about her in front of this house when I was in the 5th grade)
• Afternoon Tea at Reynolds Tavern 
• The William Paca House and Garden (this isn’t particularly literary, but the gardens are beautiful!)

If anyone is visiting Annapolis in the non-virtual sense, let me know! I’d be happy to give more suggestions and tips. Also, if you are interested in writing a guest post for the virtual road trip project this summer please be in touch! I still have some slots open.