Annapolis—with its cobbled streets, eighteenth-century homes, and storied history—has long charmed visitors. But the food scene? Let’s call it a late bloomer. Aside from a handful of beloved stalwarts, pub fare long dominated downtown. But all of that’s changing as locals and newcomers open stylish spots that make the most of the town’s quirky Euro vibe and rich bounty at its doorstep. The blue crabs of Maryland make up a huge staple ingredient in area’s cuisine. Annapolis restaurants greatly incorporate this resource in an array of uses. Main & Market, for example, serves traditional, purist style crab cakes, and the forty-plus-year-old institution Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn still sources crabs from local watermen. On West Street, great food, drink, and company can be found. Step into Naptown, as the locals call it, and enjoy this developing and delicious food scene.

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Seats at the bar inside an Irish Pub
In the Field

9 Irish Pubs to Get Your Green On

Catch a little luck of the Irish any day of the year at one of these iconic Irish pubs from Dallas to Annapolis.

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On the Road

12 Historic Southern Hotels

From eighteenth-century mansions to swanky, Prohibition-era hotels, all of these destinations have been refurbished and updated with plenty of amenities for a modern-day traveler.

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In Season

Chesapeake’s Salty Spice for Brackish Blue Crabs

A Chesapeake fishing family created a seasoning in 1945 to complement their crabs. 75 years later, their team produces 30,000 of their bestselling original blend used at Maryland's most popular crab houses.

CITY GUIDES

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For a city only recently coming into its culinary prowess, Washington DC restaurants and markets serve as ambassadors to global flavors.

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Easton

Easton is filled with top-notch restaurants, thriving farmers markets, and a full slate of year-round festivals.

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Baltimore

Hometown pride abounds in Baltimore so much so that it oozes into the city's dining experiences, which capture the flavors of Chesapeake.

The Local Palate Marketplace Ad: I'm Just Here for the Snacks

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Discover the Local Palate's thoughtfully curated selection of regional food products.

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