Where to go - what to do - DS alone in Annapolis

Laurantwins

Laurantwins

5-Year Member
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Feb 4, 2015
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He's going to CVW, Nov 2-4. His flight arrives in Baltimore at 10 am, he'll take a Super Shuttle to USNA - so probably arriving around 11 am. His info says that CVW starts at 5:15, and he'll need to eat dinner prior.

Any recommendations of places to eat within walking distance of USNA - that would be okay for a 17 year old traveling alone - would be appreciated! I just want to make sure that he has a game plan ready.

Also, where could he hang out for the afternoon? Is there a Starbucks or other coffee shop close by?

He's not worried about this at all - but I sure am!
 
Yes, Starbucks is downtown out the visitor’s gate. Tons and tons of places to eat. He can do super casual like fast food to one of the local bar/restaurants that has crabs and other local items. Chick and Ruth’s is an old school deli type place that is a legend and been there for decades. He can get a sandwich and shake. More than likely he will meet other candidates flying into the airport and at the super shuttle spot and they link up to explore. Between walking around downtown and doing coffee and random Internet searches, he can explore the USNA visitor’s center (if he hasn’t before) and walk around the yard himself.
 
Laurantwins said:
He's going to CVW, Nov 2-4. His flight arrives in Baltimore at 10 am, he'll take a Super Shuttle to USNA - so probably arriving around 11 am. His info says that CVW starts at 5:15, and he'll need to eat dinner prior.

Any recommendations of places to eat within walking distance of USNA - that would be okay for a 17 year old traveling alone - would be appreciated! I just want to make sure that he has a game plan ready.

Also, where could he hang out for the afternoon? Is there a Starbucks or other coffee shop close by?

He's not worried about this at all - but I sure am!
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Tons of places to eat and a Starbucks for hanging out. I would suggest he also take one of the Boat Tours on the main pier in DTA. He can either take one of the big ferries or take one of the water taxi type tours..... He will spend about an hour doing that so should kill some time and you get to see Annapolis and USNA from a different vantage point!
 
@Laurantwins

Looks like you may be in TX. Water tours can be a bit brisker, air-wise, than in the Lone Star State.

A good place to hang out on the USNA Yard is The Drydock, the snack bar and grill open to the public, in Dahlgren Hall. Pizza, sandwiches, burgers, salad, grilled cheese. Easy to camp out there - go through line, get food, find a table or booth, hang out. Public restrooms right there. It’s a quick walk from the Gate 1 Visitor Access. And inexpensive!

http://www.usnabsd.com/naval-academy-dining/drydock/

Walking around DTA, Downtown Annapolis, is easy and pleasant, lots to see, eat, explore.

And - a milkshake from Chick ‘n’ Ruth’s Delly (local spelling) or a walkie cup from Annapolis Ice Cream or a Kilwin’s anything is good to sample.

https://www.usna.edu/_files/documents/USNA_Visitors_Map.pdf
 
Timmy's ? (long gone....bad pizza and cheap beer...)...Just kidding..those days are over :(

Seriously, downtown Annapolis is great, and there is a lot to see and do. Really nothing to worry about .... can't get in too much trouble mid-day.
Can't go wrong with Chick & Ruth's -- an Annapolis classic. I stop there at least once each visit. Also, I have heard that the USNA Museum has been redone and worth checking out.
 
Downtown Annapolis is literally right across the street from one of the USNA gates. I appreciate what you are asking as some colleges are located in places where you really shouldn't be walking around. Annapolis is not like that and very safe to walk around. While there are places on the Yard to eat, walking to downtown Annapolis is safe and nearby.
 
Drydock is always a good choice. Good food and good TV screens. To wander around downtown is very safe. Good Luck.
 
Laurantwins said:
He's going to CVW, Nov 2-4. His flight arrives in Baltimore at 10 am, he'll take a Super Shuttle to USNA - so probably arriving around 11 am. His info says that CVW starts at 5:15, and he'll need to eat dinner prior.

Any recommendations of places to eat within walking distance of USNA - that would be okay for a 17 year old traveling alone - would be appreciated! I just want to make sure that he has a game plan ready.

Also, where could he hang out for the afternoon? Is there a Starbucks or other coffee shop close by?

He's not worried about this at all - but I sure am!
Click to expand...


As mentioned there is not a shortage of things to see and do in Downtown Annapolis. Lots of stores. lots of history, and first class eating establishments. Right outside the Academy entrance is Sofi's crepes. It is always my kids first destination when we visit and must eat!!
 
Don't be worried mama! Ince je gets to DTA he will be good to go. Be sure he studies a map of both the Yard and DTA so he has some familiarity with the area - knowledge is power!
 
Thank you all for your responses and advice! It sounds like Annapolis is a safe place for a solo teenager. I think Drydock will be a good game plan for him, and exactly what I was hoping find - somewhere that he can eat and hangout while waiting to check in. Even if he wants to walk around a bit, Drydock seems like the perfect "home base". I'm really excited for him!
 
Laurantwins said:
Thank you all for your responses and advice! It sounds like Annapolis is a safe place for a solo teenager. I think Drydock will be a good game plan for him, and exactly what I was hoping find - somewhere that he can eat and hangout while waiting to check in. Even if he wants to walk around a bit, Drydock seems like the perfect "home base". I'm really excited for him!
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Would love to hear all about it!
 
My DS went to a CVW last month (Sept. '17). He got to Gate 1 a couple of hours early and saw three other guys who looked like fish out of water and went over to talk to them.
As it turns out, they were there for the same reason, and the four of them struck up an instant friendship and walked into town together.
Instead of eating at one of the restaurants I had already suggested, they all ended up at Jimmy Johns.
Since teenage boys are what I like to call "skin wrapped around an appetite", that made perfect sense to me. If your DS is even remotely outgoing, he may very well end up doing the same thing.

Believe me, I understand your trepidations. He will be fine, and he will not have time to be "alone" or "bored". He will no doubt want to talk your ear off when he gets home, and then sleep for 12 hours.
My DS's first text to me after he spent his first night in Bancroft Hall was (at 0528) "going out to PT, woo hoo!"
After that, it was one text update a day (which was more than I expected, considering the schedule) and before I knew it, he was back home.
 
It sounds like your DS had a great time! I'm glad to hear that it's not uncommon for kids to travel to CVW alone. I think it's going to be a great and exciting experience!
 
If you end up at I-Day, I suggest breakfast (served all day) at the Iron Rooster. It's a short walk from the USNA Pedestrian gate South of Gate 1, down Randall to (past Prince George St.) 2nd right on Market Space.
I am told that the current Mids have an affinity for Chipotle as well, which is only a block Southwest of the Iron Rooster. There's a lot of stuff around there.
 
He leaves tomorrow! How are you holding up, Laurantwins ?
 
I am in complete over-organizing mode! I have printed out a map of USNA, highlighted Gate 1/Drydock/auditorium - labeled each in numerical order w/time frames
- while fussing at him to download the Southwest Airlines and Super Shuttle apps
- while pulling up his flight and shuttle info on my phone, taking screenshots, and texting them to him
- while searching this forum for what he should wear/take/ask/see

And realizing that he will only be gone for a weekend - I am in awe of the parents on this forum who pull everything together to send their sons and daughters to service academies. I am glad DS is taking it all in stride - I am not!
 
Laurantwins said:
I am in complete over-organizing mode! I have printed out a map of USNA, highlighted Gate 1/Drydock/auditorium - labeled each in numerical order w/time frames
- while fussing at him to download the Southwest Airlines and Super Shuttle apps
- while pulling up his flight and shuttle info on my phone, taking screenshots, and texting them to him
- while searching this forum for what he should wear/take/ask/see

And realizing that he will only be gone for a weekend - I am in awe of the parents on this forum who pull everything together to send their sons and daughters to service academies. I am glad DS is taking it all in stride - I am not!
Click to expand...

If your DS is anything like me, he is ignoring approximately 85% of what you are sending him and anxiously awaiting his flight :) .
 
DS had the privilege of attending CVW in September. Traveled there by himself over an ocean and across the US (nearly 5,000 miles one way). He loved his time as a 'drag' and thanked us for giving him the opportunity to 'grow'. Secretly wish I could have gone with him, but hopefully in June....fingers crossed!!!

Great experience all around.
 
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