Annapolis Harbor & US Naval Academy Boat Cruise

This is just yet another quick way to catch up a nice relaxation by the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis cruises depart at City Dock. There are few small cruise boats from the City Dock that offer 40-minute narrated cruises equipped with beverage and snack service available on board except for water taxis.

This short cruise talks about historic Annapolis, the culture and fun of the Chesapeake Bay region and the history of the US Naval Academy.

You will get to enjoy seeing downtown Annapolis from the water and even getting the chance to catch a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge while cruising the Annapolis Harbor and the banks of the US Naval Academy.

I and my husband enjoying the cruise ;)

A Visit to the Maryland State House

The Maryland State House is the oldest state house in America still in continous legislative use, and the first peacetime capitol of the US, and the only state house ever to have served as the nation's capitol.

There are many thins to see and learn about inside, history wise.

I visited the Senate and the House Chambers, the stairwell rooms and did a quick glimpse of the Rotunda (unable to take a photo) and the newly restored Old Senate Chamber with a statue of George Washington.

inside Old Senate Chamber

On November 26, 1783, the Congress started meeting in the Old Senate Chamber until August 13, 1784. Gen, George Washington at that time came to the Congress to render his resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and so the Treaty of Paris was ratified which marked the official ending of the Revolutionary War. 

Congress then appointed Thomas Jefferson minister to France, the first diplomatic appointment by the new nation.

The Maryland State House became a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior, the year 1960, the same day as Mt. Vernon and Monticello. It was the first state house to win such designation.

Tours are self-guided mostly, although they can also help you provide a tour guide depending on your preference.

A valid ID with photo is required if you are visiting...part of security measures!

Guided Tour of the US Capitol

This tour starts at the US Capitol Visitor Center. Please be aware that security screenings are done prior to going in. You are not allowed to bring liquids (including water), food, pointed objects and other potential weapons.

It starts by watching a 13-minute film called "Out of Many, One" in one of the visitor center's orientation theaters, It shows a journey through our country's struggle to establish the world's first truly representative democracy and introduces you to the magnificent building which houses the Congress. The parts that will be visited are the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall.

The Crypt

At the Rotunda is a captivating painting on the ceiling

The US Capitol Visitor Center is the newly added building to this historic complex. It almost measures 580,000 sq. ft., considered to be the largest project in the Capitol's more than 2 century history and is approximately 3 quarters the size of the Capitol itself. This entire facility is located underground on the east side of the Capitol.

The US Capitol is considered to be a symbol of the American people and their government and the meeting place of the nation's legislature. It also houses an important collection of American art and is among the most architecturally symbolical and impressive important building in the world.

It functions as a working office facility as well as a tourist attraction visited by millions of tourists every year.