The Capital & Chesapeake
Guidebook
Four cities, four rooms, one home base. Everything I’ve learned exploring this corner of Maryland since I moved here in 2021, covering sightseeing, food, and the spots that keep pulling me back.
Each bedroom in this house is named for a city I fell for after moving to Maryland, and each one has its own charm that tends to leave guests wanting to come back. This guidebook is my running list of what to see, what to eat, and where I actually go. Treat it as a starting point, then make it your own.
Hi, I’m Grace.
Five years ago I moved to Maryland and fell in love with exploring everything within reach of it: Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, and my personal favorite, Old Ellicott City. Each place has its own charm and character, and this house is my way of sharing that with you: one themed room per city, and a home base close enough to explore all four.
I’m a remote worker, which means I get to chase the things I love most: experiences, people, cultures, and food. Wherever I live or visit, I tend to fully immerse myself in it, and I genuinely love sharing the things I fall for with the people around me (always by choice, never by force!). This house, and the four cities it’s built around, is really just an extension of that.
I’m always just a message away if you need anything during your stay, and if you try any of my picks above, I’d love to hear what you thought. I’m always happy to share more advice on food and things to do around any of these cities, so don’t hesitate to ask.
A quick tip for those not from Maryland or the East Coast: you’ve got to try a delicious crab cake from Lexington Market, or Maryland blue crabs in general. Our family goes to Harris Crab House (we just started going here and loved it), but you can find many closer options too.
Washington, D.C.
Monuments, world-class free museums, and the energy of the nation’s capital, just 45 minutes from the door, or hop the train from BWI straight to Union Station.
Sightseeing
- The National MallLincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Capitol, all walkable in one stretch.
- Smithsonian MuseumsFree entry. The Air & Space and Natural History museums are guest favorites.
- Tidal BasinEspecially stunning during cherry blossom season (late March through early April).
- Georgetown WaterfrontCobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and river views.
Famous Foods
- The Half-SmokeDC’s signature sausage, best known from Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street.
- Mumbo SauceA sweet-tangy local condiment found at corner carryouts across the city.
- Ethiopian CuisineDC has one of the country’s largest Ethiopian communities. U Street and Shaw are the spots to try it.
Grace’s Pick: DC
My go-to spot for taking friends or family out for a special night is Shia. Chef Edward Lee, a James Beard Award-nominated chef and a finalist on Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars, brings real creativity to the menu while staying rooted in traditional Korean cooking. From a tourist perspective, I love finding tours on Groupon and taking tours. I highly recommend following around cool and interesting people who are passionate about the history and experiences within DC!
Baltimore
A working harbor city with real character: crabs, rowhouses, and a waterfront that never feels touristy for long. The Light Rail is a block from the house.
Sightseeing
- Inner HarborThe National Aquarium, waterfront promenade, and historic ships all in one walk.
- Fort McHenryThe birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner, right on the water.
- Federal HillA hilltop park with the best skyline view in the city, surrounded by bars and rowhouse streets.
- American Visionary Art MuseumWildly creative, self-taught outsider art, unlike any museum in DC.
Famous Foods
- Maryland Blue CrabCrab cakes and steamed crabs dusted in Old Bay: the region’s signature dish.
- Pit BeefA Baltimore cookout classic, thin-sliced and piled high on a kaiser roll.
- Berger CookiesA thick shortbread cookie drowned in fudge icing, a true Baltimore original.
Grace’s Pick: Baltimore
Check out Fell’s Point. Two places I love for a relaxed brunch or lunch (and some ice cream after) are Pitango Bakery & Cafe and Pitango Gelato & Coffee. Get the Earl Grey gelato, it won’t disappoint.
Annapolis
Sailboats, brick sidewalks, and Naval Academy heritage on the Chesapeake Bay. As Maryland’s capital, it’s one of the most walkable waterfront towns on the East Coast.
Sightseeing
- U.S. Naval AcademyGuided walking tours through the campus grounds and chapel.
- City DockThe heart of downtown, with boats, waterfront restaurants, and easy strolling.
- Maryland State HouseThe oldest state capitol still in legislative use in the country.
- Sailing on the BayCharter a boat or catch a sunset cruise right from the harbor.
Famous Foods
- Chesapeake Crab CakesAnnapolis takes its crab cakes seriously: jumbo lump, light on filler.
- Chick & Ruth’s DellyA downtown institution known for towering milkshakes and a daily morning pledge of allegiance.
- OystersFresh from the Bay, often paired with a local Maryland brew.
Grace’s Pick: Annapolis
Visit and tour the Naval Academy. It’s worth the time. For a delicious waterfront meal with a beautiful vibe, check out Armada Dockside Cantina.
Old Ellicott City
My personal favorite. A restored 18th-century mill town with cobblestone charm on one end of Main Street, and Maryland’s own Koreatown on the other.
Sightseeing
- Historic Main StreetAntique shops, art galleries, and 100+ year-old granite buildings you can wander for hours.
- B&O Railroad MuseumThe first railroad terminus in the country, a National Historic Landmark.
- Patapsco Valley State ParkTrails, waterfalls, and river views just outside downtown.
- Ellicott City Antique RowA four-story shop packed with pieces from dozens of Maryland small businesses.
Famous Foods
- The O’Crab MasonCrazy Mason Milkshake Bar’s Old Bay-dusted, Berger cookie-topped signature shake.
- Manor Hill Tavern PizzaWood-fired pies with local twists. Try the honey blue crab.
- Tersiguel’sElegant French country cooking inside a 19th-century Victorian house.
Grace’s Pick: Old Ellicott City
Check out Korean Town for Korean bakeries and restaurants if you’re in the mood for something delicious. For Korean BBQ, Chosun Hwaru. For solid Korean food court-style eats, Siroo. Get the bingsoo for dessert, it won’t disappoint if you’ve never had it. And for a beautiful historic walk, head to the Ellicott City Historic District for cute shops and restaurants.