When I was first was invited away for a weekend getaway in Annapolis I thought to myself, okay surely they mean Indianapolis or Minneapolis because I’d never before heard of Annapolis. Had you? Thought so. But knowing it or not, I quickly snatched up the opportunity to go!

Unless you know that Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, there’s probably a slim chance that you know much more – but to my pleasant surprise there is actually a lot of different ways to have an amazing weekend in Annapolis, Maryland.

My girlfriend and I packed our carry-on bags and headed off to our flight to Philadelphia and from there took an Uber through the rural farmlands of Pennsylvania, Delaware and finally, Maryland. We had no idea what to expect but ended up having an incredible weekend getaway in Annapolis and here’s how you can, too.

What to do on a Weekend Getaway in Annapolis, Maryland

Take a boat through Chesapeake Bay to Pusser’s Caribbean Grille

Shortly after arriving (and celebrating with a couple margaritas) we all piled into our hosts boat and sped away through Chesapeake Bay to have dinner and drinks at Pusser’s Caribbean Grille. We pulled the boat right up to the edge of the restaurant and climbed on board the wharf – which also happened to be right at the bar, score! For dinner I tried the crab balls and the jerk chicken + pineapple quesadilla – both of which were really delicious!

Go for a spa day at Bella’s Nails

Before we attended our friends pool party birthday bash, we had to get our mani/pedis done! Hello, you can’t show up to a party lookin’ a hot mess when there is the potential of handsome men attending. (I say potential, but it was more of a fact.) Bella’s Nails was recommended to us and we loved it. The services were quick, thorough and the staff were actually hilarious. My whole manicure was spent hysterically laughing – it’s a wonder my OPI “Miami Beet” polish went on without a spot out of place!

Have a pool party with DJ Panda

What kind of summer weekend getaway would be complete without a pool party? We were celebrating the 50th and 30th birthdays of the two gentlemen we were staying with and let me tell you, these guys know how to party! We had a full service bar, all the food you can imagine and a special set performed by Dj Dirty Panda. I wore one of my favourite summer dressed from Kookai and my handmade head chain from Kanvas Jewelry.

Grab lunch at Potbelly Sandwiches

We were starving when we stumbled across Potbelly Sandwiches at Westfield in Annapolis. We had been looking for healthier options and this seemed to be the one! The sandwiches we tried (chicken salad on regular bread and turkey breast on flat bread) were delicious and the chilli we added on the side was really satisfying too. They also had a live musician playing guitar inside which added to the fun atmosphere.

Head up to Washington, D.C. for a political tour

You’re so close to Washington that it would be a shame not to go see where the president lives (well, at least while Obama is still president and hopefully where Clinton will be next). We were insanely rushed when we were in Washington and almost missed our flight but it was still pretty cool to be able to say we’ve now been there, done that.

WHAT I’M WEARING:

LOOK 1

black dress | KOOKAI
gold sunglasses | QUAY AUSTRALIA
black velvet choker | DIY
lipstick | ‘BOYFRIEND’ BY DANILEA

LOOK 2

white one-piece bathing suit | BOUTIQUE IN CROWS NEST, AUSTRALIA
fringed kimono | KINIGLAM
gold sunglasses | QUAY AUSTRALIA

LOOK 3

white dress | KOOKAI
head chain | KANVAS JEWELRY
gold sunglasses | QUAY AUSTRALIA
lipstick | ‘BOSS’ BY DANILEA