All things bustling in downtown Annapolis give way to the bucolic in the intimate, waterfront community that is West Annapolis.
“Living in West Annapolis is like being on a vacation year-round,” longtime resident Heidi Petras said recently. Petras, who is president of the West Annapolis Civic Association, added, “It’s amazing how much there is in such a compact area.”
Indeed, West Annapolis is a neighborhood of Zen-like balance. It is folksy enough to feel like a village, with its Mom’s Club and Cooking Club, yet metropolitan enough to access major highways, like Route 50 to Washington, D.C. There are equal parts antique shops to upscale boutiques. And the view of the water is matched only by the changing of the mature foliage this time of year. It is what drew in Petras, 10 years ago.
“My husband and I both grew up in the suburbs of D.C.,” she said. “We decided we wanted to raise our family in a more town-like atmosphere and West Annapolis suited our needs perfectly.”
The community of roughly 350 homes welcomes you on Annapolis Street, where its commercial district boasts nearly 40 colorful shops and eateries. Most storefronts resemble houses, which add to the small-town, mostly franchise-free feel. Independent businesses are supported here, from the adorable dog boutique and bird store, to the bead shop and hair salon. Petras’ favorite stop is the Annapolis Gourmet and Deli, where the ever-smiling owner, Gus Leanos, regularly treats her family to ice cream cones.
Tucked behind Main Street are rows of delightful, 1950s cottage-style homes nestled on quiet, tree-lined streets — many named for local World War II veterans. “The neighborhood is not cookie-cutter. There are all types of houses and all types of people living here,” Petras said.
Neighbors who boast a West Annapolis address enjoy easy access to the water, year-round. Dan Buan, a 13-year resident, rattled off nearby Weems Creek as one of his favorite places in his neighborhood. Buan and many of his neighbors enjoy canoeing and kayaking there. Many of the homes on the edge of the community have boat slips, so it is common to see a neighbor set sail or catch up on some crabbing.
The idyllic setting makes it difficult for Petras to name a favorite place. After a little thought she finally decided, “I think … my neighbor’s home on a weekend night for dinner. We take turns cooking together at one of our homes every weekend.”
It does not get any better than that.
10 Things West Annapolis
Graul’s Market
Everything seems locally owned in West Annapolis, and Graul’s Market is no exception. Family ownership of this quaint market and deli has been passed down for four generations, since 1920. Check it out at 607 Taylor Ave., at the corner of Rowe Boulevard.
Weems Creek
This area is a West Annapolis resident favorite. You can catch neighbors canoeing and kayaking in the water, or jogging or biking alongside it. About 75 volunteers work year-round to conserve the creek’s beauty and wildlife. To volunteer or help clean up, call 410-263-2102.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
On a quiet night, cheers from the downtown stadium can be heard on West Annapolis’ main drag. Find tickets to games online at NavySports.com.
Jonas Green State Park
Cross the U.S. Naval Academy Bridge from West Annapolis, over the Severn River, to this beachfront state park. It is a great place to catch up on crabbing and fishing, with its convenient piers. The park is named after Benjamin Franklin’s cousin.
b.b. Bistro
Residents love to come here for a leisurely cup of coffee. Located at 112A Annapolis St., this colorful shop is equal parts healthy and delectable. Salads, sandwiches and healthy snacks for kids abound.
The Giant Peach
Moms love this adorable shop for children’s clothing. Owners Mary Slidell and Jean White moved the store from downtown Annapolis to 17 Annapolis St., in West Annapolis, for a cozier feel. The shop, in its 25th year of business, is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Annapolis Gourmet and Deli
This lovable spot is the hands-down favorite among residents. Affectionately known among locals as Gus’s, after the owner, children often stop here after school for ice cream cones and other snacks. It’s at 116 Annapolis St.
Cottonseed Glory Quilt Shop
If quilting is your hobby, this shop should be your first stop. It is the largest quilting supply store in the Washington Metropolitan area, and it has been around since 1978, when it got its start as a crafts store. Don’t know the difference between stippling and stitching? Call 410-263-3897 to sign up for a class.
Morgan-Gerard Salon & Spa
Who said exclusive spa services are reserved for city-dwellers? Todd Morgan August and Michael Gerard Curry, owners and namesakes of this upscale spa, think pampering is for everyone. A staff of 40 is ready to wait on you, hand and foot. The shop is located on the corner of Annapolis Street and Giddings Avenue.
Art Things
This family-owned shop has been open since 1966. It feels time-honored and homey, especially with its running community art showcase, “500 States of Mona.” Over the years, resident artists have created their own version of the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece, “Mona Lisa.” Stop by 2 Annapolis St. and vote on your favorite one.
