Hotels USNA Annapolis 2016 I-Day PPW Parents Weekend Commissioning Week CVW

Following for I-Week discussion and tips (academy, sights to see, restaurants, etc.) as we get closer. My mom has rented a big house in town for that week. She’s determined to get her kids and grandkids together for a few days, and with the youngest starting at USNA who knows when there might be another chance? It gets more and more difficult as her grandchildren become adults and scatter for college/jobs/deployments/adult responsibilities.
 
@AggieTexan, know that your plebe-to-be may enjoy the festivities a few days out, but will probably prefer a lower-key environment the last couple days before I-Day.

As happy as the occasion may be, it’s also a very stressful time as he/she contemplates what lies ahead: separation from family, the unknown of plebe summer, anxiety over entering the military. My DD — as well as others I’ve read about here — just wanted to be around immediate family, doing simple things without much hoopla. And the night before I-Day was toned way down, knowing she would need to eat well, would barely sleep, and would have to report very early the next morning.

Not trying to discourage you or your mom from a wonderful sendoff. Just be very sensitive to the fact that your needs may differ very much from your plebe-to-be’s needs.
 
We actually went the opposite route. Didn’t even take any family or siblings to Iday. And would do that again. It’s so emotionally unpredictable. And we decided adding all those goodbyes to even more family would increase the uncertainty that’s there whether they are expressing it or not. It’s also important to remember this is difficult for siblings. We have a younger bro and didn’t want him ‘traumatized’ (a bit of an exaggeration perhaps but siblings are affected) by the process. That door slam is pretty intense!!

Your plebe to be may be on an emotional high....still euphoric from the excitement. But at some point, it “gets real”. Your P2B may not even know that low key may be how they may truly end up wanting things to be those last few days/moments.

Something to consider. From a couple people who have been through it recently @MidCakePa.

We did low key Iday, and saved the big family celebration time for PPW. Turned out that was a spot on decision for our family.
 
@AggieTexan, know that your plebe-to-be may enjoy the festivities a few days out, but will probably prefer a lower-key environment the last couple days before I-Day.

As happy as the occasion may be, it’s also a very stressful time as he/she contemplates what lies ahead: separation from family, the unknown of plebe summer, anxiety over entering the military. My DD — as well as others I’ve read about here — just wanted to be around immediate family, doing simple things without much hoopla. And the night before I-Day was toned way down, knowing she would need to eat well, would barely sleep, and would have to report very early the next morning.

Not trying to discourage you or your mom from a wonderful sendoff. Just be very sensitive to the fact that your needs may differ very much from your plebe-to-be’s needs.

We actually went the opposite route. Didn’t even take any family or siblings to Iday. And would do that again. It’s so emotionally unpredictable. And we decided adding all those goodbyes to even more family would increase the uncertainty that’s there whether they are expressing it or not. It’s also important to remember this is difficult for siblings. We have a younger bro and didn’t want him ‘traumatized’ (a bit of an exaggeration perhaps but siblings are affected) by the process. That door slam is pretty intense!!

Your plebe to be may be on an emotional high....still euphoric from the excitement. But at some point, it “gets real”. Your P2B may not even know that low key may be how they may truly end up wanting things to be those last few days/moments.

Something to consider. From a couple people who have been through it recently @MidCakePa.

We did low key Iday, and saved the big family celebration time for PPW. Turned out that was a spot on decision for our family.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! We REALLY thought long and hard about the timing for many of the reasons you mentioned. In the end, since this is the only time that works for most of the family we’re going ahead with it.

We’re a pretty low-key group and it’s a big house, so I think the plebe-to-be (and his parents) will have the space they need. Other than a nice family dinner the day we arrive, I think people will, for the most part, do their own thing during the days and relax/visit in the evenings. We’ll let the future plebe call the shots, and make sure what he wants comes first.
 
I've never been to Annapolis (DW has handled visits with DS and she is a DC native) but I was put in charge of making I-Day and PPW reservations (not sure how I was handed this end of the stick, given my lack of local knowledge). For PPW, I booked an Airbnb (first time ever!!!) not too far off of West Street and about a block west of Hotel Annapolis. I'm guessing this is about a mile west of USNA (give or take). Is this a walk-able distance, given congestion/traffic, possible weather, etc. or should I be planning on driving to pick up plebe/DS each day of PPW? Maybe put another way, is walking the better option or am I in no-man's land?

Another neophyte question. I'm (finally) getting back into shape and I run. Is running in DTA an acceptable practice (or should I consider an alternative)?
 
I've never been to Annapolis (DW has handled visits with DS and she is a DC native) but I was put in charge of making I-Day and PPW reservations (not sure how I was handed this end of the stick, given my lack of local knowledge). For PPW, I booked an Airbnb (first time ever!!!) not too far off of West Street and about a block west of Hotel Annapolis. I'm guessing this is about a mile west of USNA (give or take). Is this a walk-able distance, given congestion/traffic, possible weather, etc. or should I be planning on driving to pick up plebe/DS each day of PPW? Maybe put another way, is walking the better option or am I in no-man's land?

Another neophyte question. I'm (finally) getting back into shape and I run. Is running in DTA an acceptable practice (or should I consider an alternative)?

Will you have a car? If so, I would personally park at the stadium and drive for pickup on day one. It was SOOOOO hot and the buses are air conditioned. You will enjoy your time with your plebe no matter where you are. And probably enjoy it more in the a/c. And I bet your plebe will appreciate not having to walk.

And on the return, in the cool of the night, I would opt for a nice leisurely stroll back to the yard with my Mid. And if you Mid would prefer a ride? Drive around the block towards gate one and let them jump out of the car.

And the remaining days, do as your Mid would like! A mile is close enough, but also so far on a hot, humid day.

We actually stayed at Hotel Annapolis Iday, it was a long walk. Doable, but long. Did I mention hot? And humid?? And we also booked our first ever Airbnb PPW!

We did not notice any runners DTA. Either event. I think it’s just plain too congested during Iday and PPW. People and cars. I know there is a nice trail over the bridge. Or I bet you could find a nice path on the yard, back side around the cemetery. Others will have good ideas about that.
 
Another neophyte question. I'm (finally) getting back into shape and I run. Is running in DTA an acceptable practice (or should I consider an alternative)?
I guess 'downtown' is a relative term. DTA is certainly not Midtown Manhattan. It is very quaint and beautiful. I get jealous thinking about it. No problem running (except for the heat...)
 
I guess 'downtown' is a relative term. DTA is certainly not Midtown Manhattan. It is very quaint and beautiful. I get jealous thinking about it. No problem running (except for the heat...)

Running during Iday would have to be very early AM. Think about 1200-ish plebes, plus parents or more, checking out DTA. Makes for a very tightly packed downtown. I have read that locals actually leave town to avoid us [emoji23]
 
That's the spirit. While you're at it, The Federal House always has 20 beers on tap.
O'Brien's has a really good Cuban sandwich (get it with tater tots).
Breakfast at Chick-N-Ruth's Delly is pretty awesome.
The Iron Rooster makes their own pop tarts.
 
That's the spirit. While you're at it, The Federal House always has 20 beers on tap.
O'Brien's has a really good Cuban sandwich (get it with tater tots).
Breakfast at Chick-N-Ruth's Delly is pretty awesome.
The Iron Rooster makes their own pop tarts.

Oh man. The FOOD! Probably not the best time to stop running [emoji23]
 
Okay, so my plebe to be has an idea that sibs and friends around for I-Day is okay, but for PPW has heard *Parents Only* from some current mids. I am a little bemused. I imagined that PPW it would be nice to chill in a condo including sibs and best friends (the ones you don't have to "on" for and are also friends with your sibs), and hear the stories from the summer, movies, cook out, etc.
 
Okay, so my plebe to be has an idea that sibs and friends around for I-Day is okay, but for PPW has heard *Parents Only* from some current mids. I am a little bemused. I imagined that PPW it would be nice to chill in a condo including sibs and best friends (the ones you don't have to "on" for and are also friends with your sibs), and hear the stories from the summer, movies, cook out, etc.

Actually your P2B is backwards. It’s more opposite from my observation. Also from my own personal experience and opinion. Iday is full of emotion, uncertainty and anticipation. Your P2B is euphoric now, but those last days and moments it ‘gets real’. For all of you. We even left younger bro home so he wouldn’t experience the ‘trauma’ of mom and dad crying, brother marching away with a big ‘ole final door slam. We did this event in a close to the yard hotel.

PPW on the other hand is joyous and celebratory. Happy. Wonderful. IMO, more for celebrating family. LOTS of families present. In fact, USNA has lots of family activities. We did this event in an Airbnb with beach access. Swimming. Grilling. Netflix. The NEX. Chilling.

Your thoughts on the two events are spot on, in our family experience. We would do as we did again without question. Your P2B will appreciate friends and family like they never have before during PPW. It’s an amazing few days.
 
IMHO, based on years of observing PPW from sponsor mids and their families, a central point to consider is what the Plebe desires and fits best with their needs, wants and personality. This is his or her mini-break after an intense few weeks. If they tend to introversion, they may re-charge and relax much differently than the extrovert who says “the more, the merrier, let’s go go go.”

Allow, too, for the scenario despite every hope, dream and excited anticipation of the last 2 years, they are deeply unhappy and loathe the place, and it’s not clear whether it’s transitory or permanent, with discussions tending to leaving, transferring, whatever. Most don’t, but some do attrite after PS.

Be flexible, listen to what your Plebe is saying and NOT saying, and choose the people and activity load mindfully.

They will be anxious about the pending return of the Brigade, moving to Company spaces, realizing PS will be over but a hard 4-year grind is beginning. They knew exactly who they were in HS - top of the heap in all kinds of categories, they knew how to navigate their system and their social groups. Now, they will be competing with people with just as impressive resumés, and they don’t know where they will fall on the bell curve. It’s going to be a new kind of real crashing down on them after an exhausting summer.

What kind of break do they need on PPW? Time for thoughtful conversations. Whatever other mids may have said, that was their lens, and may or may not be useful.
 
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I have some crazy questions. My son is really having a decision between USMA and USNA. We know the USMA expectations but I’ve been eyeballing housing for a potential I Day and PPW at USNA. Cadets are expected to be in uniform when in public during A Day weekend with no swimming at public pools. Is t the same for Mids? Is the parade after PPW not to be missed? It was an amazing experience on A Day to see the Plebes move into the Corps. We have been able to attend big events the entire Plebe year culminating in run back last summer and are 3.5 hours closer to USNA. Staying neutral and supportive. My advice to him is to make a decision and look forward without second guessing.
 
I have some crazy questions. My son is really having a decision between USMA and USNA. We know the USMA expectations but I’ve been eyeballing housing for a potential I Day and PPW at USNA. Cadets are expected to be in uniform when in public during A Day weekend with no swimming at public pools. Is t the same for Mids? Is the parade after PPW not to be missed? It was an amazing experience on A Day to see the Plebes move into the Corps. We have been able to attend big events the entire Plebe year culminating in run back last summer and are 3.5 hours closer to USNA. Staying neutral and supportive. My advice to him is to make a decision and look forward without second guessing.
I've never heard of any issue with Mids swimming in Hotel pools or at Sandy Point State Park during Parents Weekend.
To me, the parade is "meh" but its a tremendous big deal to many. FWIW, the parent's weekend parade during my plebe summer was the last parade that I marched in until the final parade when I graduated.
 
To me, the parade is "meh" but its a tremendous big deal to many. FWIW, the parent's weekend parade during my plebe summer was the last parade that I marched in until the final parade when I graduated.

Copy that....went to first one on PPW to see DS. Glad I did but it was the last one (see one parade you've seen them all) and like you, DS will match your "achievement" by doing the same.
 
@Love4monsters, plebes can go swimming during PPW, as long as they’re wearing regulation plebe swimsuits. Because they must be in uniform at all times in public. As in, no sneaking down to the hotel snack shop in civilian shorts and shirt.

As for the parade, I believe they’re always cool if your mid is in it. Wouldn’t go out of my way to see one, mind you, but if on the Yard anyway and your mid is in it, why not?
 
Thanks for the replies. I found reservations that can be canceled for I Day and PPW. He loves to swim. My 2021 USMA cadet slept a lot on A Day weekend but he had a stomach bug the day before. We visit USNA 3/22-3/24 so I am hoping for a decision but staying low key.
 
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