Daytrip to Annapolis from Wilmington (Dover, Middletown: homes, beach, train station) - Delaware (DE) - City-Data Forum

doctorjef · 07-16-2009, 06:03 AM

Can anyone tell me how long I should count it taking to drive from Wilmington to Annapolis? Also, anything of interest on the DE side of the trip; any backroads or shortcuts that would be good? I was thinking of doing this as a day trip, leaving in the a.m and starting back home in the late afternoon.

virgode · 07-16-2009, 07:29 AM

Plan on 1.5 drive time, you could do 95 or 301, coming back in the
afternoon on a weekday, work traffic. It's been a while since I made
the trip. You'll love Annapolis.

SXMGirl · 07-16-2009, 07:58 AM

301 is a much more pleasant ride. Not too much traffic as compared to the interstate, and the stretch of 301 in Maryland just before entering into Middletown is usually almost empty. And, there is a nice rest area if you need it. I agree that you will really enjoy Annapolis.

doctorjef · 07-16-2009, 08:12 AM

Thanks -- I wasn't planning on 95 at all. I've seen signs for the way to Annapolis when I'm down in Kent County, but didn't pay any attention to what road it was. My DE experience has been limited to north New Castle County, Kent along Rt 1 and in Dover, and the Sussex County coastal towns. I haven't been into the "interior" of the state at all -- that vast, mysterious land west of Rt 1!

I haven't been to Annapolis for 30 years now -- hard to believe. I loved it back then. I guess I was last there in early 1979.

We have a friend coming over from London tomorrow (Fri 17th for 2 wks). We're going down to Rehoboth for 4 days and will stop off for lunch in Lewes. Friend has been both of those places before. I thought we'd take him over to North East, MD to eat at Woody's this time and to Lancaster, PA (he was thrilled last time to see an Amish couple in the Wilmington train station when we took the train up to NYC). Last time we went down to old New Castle and out to the SE PA horse country (around Unionville and Cotesville). He's been to Winterthur and Hagley last time. I thought we'd go to Nemours this time around. I know he's going to want to make the most of his time at Rehoboth, but I'd like to drive down to Chincoteague Island and also maybe make a trip over to Milton. I've also thought about stopping in at the DE State Fair in Harrington.

Any reactions to any of the above? Other ideas? What about places to have lunch in Annapolis, especially on the harbour?

SXMGirl · 07-16-2009, 08:27 AM

It's been years since I've been to Annapolis and the only place that I have eaten is Buddy's. It was good, but I just check the reviews and they were average. Apparently their buffet is very good, but I don't like buffets. You might want to check Trip Advisor for suggestions.

virgode · 07-16-2009, 09:42 AM

Lancaster is a great spot to visit, love getting on those back roads.
The food, oh my, I may have to take a trip myself.
Annapolis, like I said in the earlier post, has been some time, but you
know, Maryland is known for there crabs and sea food, have fun!

virgode · 07-16-2009, 10:19 AM

doctorjef
Ferry from Lewes to Cape May is worth while, about 1hr, victorian era
homes in Cape May are beautiful.

doctorjef · 07-16-2009, 10:32 AM

Thanks -- I'd considered that and it's a possibility.

Does anyone have any opinions/experience RE: Chincoteague Island, VA?

SXMGirl · 07-16-2009, 11:13 AM

I have a friend who vacations every year for the past 20 years in Chincoteague. They like the quiet and the wildlife. Her husband and kids like to fish and she likes to relax on the beach with a book. I think the pony swim is coming up the beginning of August.

doctorjef · 07-16-2009, 11:46 AM

I know I'm tacking more questions onto here that aren't related to the Annapolis topic, but it seems silly to start a new thread. I thought we might drive into Dover for a look at the capital complex (I've seen it, of course) and wondered if there were anywhere good for a meal or drinks in the old centre of Dover. Maybe Anniebleu would know, among others.