Shops in Annapolis's Historic District are filled with all kinds of gifts and nautical-themed merchandise. Navy T-shirts, the classic souvenir, are everywhere. You could redecorate your house from the shops on Maryland Avenue. This town is picturesque in December -- with greenery draped around every window and white lights on the trees, it's a delightful, old-fashioned place to buy those last-minute items. Finish your day with a drink at McGarvey's or a meal at one of the casual restaurants.
In the historic district, the main shopping streets are: Main Street, which runs from Church Circle to the City Dock, has many apparel and gift shops; Maryland Avenue has shops in the block just below the State House and State Circle, where you might find home accessories and antiques; West Street has added lots of new shops and restaurants; and the shops around the City Dock itself are mostly nautical in nature. Most stores are open Monday through Saturday from 10 or 11am to 5 or 6pm, Sunday from noon to 5pm. Many stay open until 8 or 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
At Plat du Jour, 220 Main St. (tel. 410/269-1499; www.platdujour.net), you'll be convinced you've walked into Tuscany or Provence. It's filled with tableware, linens, toiletries, and a cookbook or two. Lovers of the Emerald Isle should head for Avoca, 141-143 Main St. (tel. 410/263-1485; www.avoca.ie), for its Irish clothes, linens, and decorative items.
Handmade arts and crafts are available in several places. American Craft Works, 189B Main St. (tel. 410/625-1583), features the handiwork of the League of Maryland Craftsmen. Annapolis Pottery, 40 State Circle (tel. 410/268-6153), sells wares made on the premises; you can even watch the stock being made. Easy Street, 8 Francis St. (tel. 410/263-5556), focuses on art glass.
For home furnishings, head for Maryland Avenue. Peake House, 76 Maryland Ave. (tel. 410/280-0410), sells new stuff, including Mottahedeh, Quimper, and Herend. Interior designers display some of their finds at Alex Clymer Interiors, 86 Maryland Ave. (tel. 410/263-0992), and Be Home, 82 Maryland Ave. (tel. 410/280-8616).
For artwork to hang on the walls, check out McBride Gallery, 215 Main St. (tel. 410/267-7077; www.mcbridegallery.com), or the juried exhibits at the Maryland Federation of Art's Circle Gallery, 18 State Circle (tel. 410/268-4566; www.mdfedart.org). For something most definitely nautical, check out Annapolis Marine Art Gallery, 110 Dock St. (tel. 410/263-4100; www.annapolismarineart.com). Over in Eastport, Howard L. Rogers carves teak boat signs and displays his marine paintings at his Raven Maritime Studio, 130 Severn Ave. (tel. 410/268-8639).
For gifts and collectibles, stop by the Annapolis Country Store, 53 Maryland Ave. (tel. 410/269-6773; www.annapoliscountrystore.com): It has Pooh, Raggedy Ann, and Curious George items. Pick up your Navy T-shirt at Peppers, 133 Main St. (tel. 800/254-6289 or 410/267-8722; www.navygear.com). For gifts for your favorite teen, see Brown Eyed Girl, 10 Francis St. (tel. 410/990-4475). Get something stylish at Diva, 30 Market Space (tel. 410/280-9198; www.modadiva.com). Earth-friendly and fair-trade gifts with pizazz are available at Mixed Greens, 48 Randall St. (tel. 410/216-9830.) Next door, Re-Sails, 42 Randall St. (tel. 410/263-4982; www.resails.net), stocks bags refashioned from old sails.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
