Candidate Visit: USNA

2025!! said:
DS is coming in this Friday March 26th for the visit. As I read the email details concerning the visit, it looks as though ONLY the candidates will be allowed on tour and visit activities, no parents. Is this how everyone else that has received the email invite understands?

Also, we will be flying into BLT Wednesday evening landing 7:30 pm. What are the best transportation options getting to downtown Annapolis from the airport? Is Uber or Lyft reliable from airport and is one of those more active than the other?
Thanks for the insight everyone!
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I'm renting a car to give us a bit more freedom (because I want to meet a friend for lunch) and to explore the area. Not sure how the parking will be since it's out first trip. We'll be staying at the Courtyard.
 
Navy2025 said:
I'm renting a car to give us a bit more freedom (because I want to meet a friend for lunch) and to explore the area. Not sure how the parking will be since it's out first trip. We'll be staying at the Courtyard.
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We have also never had a problem parking. There are meters around, at city dock, a couple blocks away from USNA, a nice little stroll to the yard. There are also a few (free) spots AT gate #1 for drop off. A bit beyond city docks is a parking garage. Also walkable to usna. Lastly, you can sometimes (especially during Covid less than busy shopping) snag a spot on the streets. But pay attention to signs.

Your hotel will have parking as well. Not sure if a fee or not. They may also shuttle to usna, if desired.

You may have to you around a block a time or two. But we have never had issues parking. I miss it all so much ♥️
 
That's out on Riva Road. It's a good spot to be. You will drive by The Double T Diner on your way to The Yard (if you go via West Street). Make sure you stop there at least once, if you like breakfast (and/or pie). Your trip from the hotel to DTA will take 10 minutes at the most. It's only 4 miles.
 
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IMHO BWI's rental car set up is sub-optimum. You have to take a shuttle from the terminals to the facility - no way to walk there. Give your self some time (especially on the return back to the airport) because the shuttles are not running as frequently as before - could be a half hour from car to terminal.
 
justdoit19 said:
It was a culture shock for our family, from the Midwest. We had never been out East. Imo, if you want a feel for the community, you could still get that presently. Although, as @MidCakePa already stated, things like indoor dining are off the table, so to speak. But, you could still get a flavor for the area. Good weather allows for lots to do outdoors. And you can see how the academy is hugged by Annapolis physically, which is quite different than USAFA and USMA. It’s for sure a different vibe. USNA is PART of the Annapolis community.

DC of course is neat, a favorite to visit any time we go...the Malls. Not sure if they are open or not. But even doing a drive by is pretty cool. If you have never been.

If you are considering attending, and want a flavor of the community that will also be part of your 47 month USNA journey, I would recommend going (if easy to do and not a financial burden). And who knows, by the time you go, perhaps USNA will again be open to the public. You do not have to have an admissions visit to attend. They ‘normally’ have self guided tours you can take. And just walking the yard is amazing. There are placards explaining monuments, statues, etc about the yard. And a very nice museum. There is so much history to explore at USNA and surrounding area.

Of course driving to the ocean, through Arlington, Baltimore are all things that you could do. And on Instagram, if you search #maryland, lots of cool outdoor parks and spaces pop up. Geo tagged. Many on my own bucket list!!

I do believe you will get a good representation of how integrated usna and Annapolis are, as well as the beauty of the community, visiting even now. Imo. I miss it, that’s for sure! Hoping for an Easter visit myself...to see my guys. Doubtful it happens, though. *sigh*
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Same here! I'll wait until this Sunday to decide if we are cancelling our visit for Easter weekend. It is not looking good...
 
Navy2025 said:
Done. Along with chicken and waffles. That’s my 2500 calorie quota for the day.
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I was going to recommend the roos tart and the chicken and waffles but then I thought perhaps service academy forum folks eat a lot healthier than I do lol. On our last visit, we cut back by sharing. The time before that was just ridiculous. Jealous of your breakfast!
 
CkzErz said:
I was going to recommend the roos tart and the chicken and waffles but then I thought perhaps service academy forum folks eat a lot healthier than I do lol. On our last visit, we cut back by sharing. The time before that was just ridiculous. Jealous of your breakfast!
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Eat the tart first, no matter what. Servers won’t raise an eyebrow.
 
Another firestorm on FB about these visits. It's actually popcorn-worthy. I am amazed that parents think it is wise to call USNA leadership 'irresponsible' on a non-anonymous forum.

I hope your children get the most out of their visits. It's a big decision to make.
 
Lucky for those of you who have tours! We are here in MD, visiting Annapolis this afternoon, DS has LOA, only awaiting waiver, but has not been offered tour. Admissions officer repeats no tours allowed. DS asked specifically last Friday. So for those of you whose prospective mids are getting on the Yard - consider yourselves lucky! Any other recommendations from anyone currently in Annapolis as to good views of the Yard? We are going to walk gate 3 to gate 1, and are doing a boat ride - but that only gets us to about the Sailing Center. Also - looking for good dinner spots - I think it has drastically changed since the late 80's when we were both there!
 
abrandicourt said:
Lucky for those of you who have tours! We are here in MD, visiting Annapolis this afternoon, DS has LOA, only awaiting waiver, but has not been offered tour. Admissions officer repeats no tours allowed. DS asked specifically last Friday. So for those of you whose prospective mids are getting on the Yard - consider yourselves lucky! Any other recommendations from anyone currently in Annapolis as to good views of the Yard? We are going to walk gate 3 to gate 1, and are doing a boat ride - but that only gets us to about the Sailing Center. Also - looking for good dinner spots - I think it has drastically changed since the late 80's when we were both there!
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Walk from Gate #3 over to Navy-Marine Corp stadium .... Your DS will be on that walk Saturday’s this Fall.
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abrandicourt said:
Lucky for those of you who have tours! We are here in MD, visiting Annapolis this afternoon, DS has LOA, only awaiting waiver, but has not been offered tour. Admissions officer repeats no tours allowed. DS asked specifically last Friday. So for those of you whose prospective mids are getting on the Yard - consider yourselves lucky! Any other recommendations from anyone currently in Annapolis as to good views of the Yard? We are going to walk gate 3 to gate 1, and are doing a boat ride - but that only gets us to about the Sailing Center. Also - looking for good dinner spots - I think it has drastically changed since the late 80's when we were both there!
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The Yard is locked down more than it ever has been. Usually, until recently, credentialed people (military, sponsors, DBIS holders) could still go through gate 8. For a drop off, visit, etc.

Presently, they are being directed to gate 1, for a quick exchange outside the gate under watchful eye. No admittance. So that’s just how it is at the moment.

It was always a beef, that SOME people could get on, and SOME couldn’t. Apparently none can now.

One neat thing you could visit, is the Memorial. Not sure what the address is, but it’s just over the bridge to USNA.
 
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