annapolis yacht club thanksgiving

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Annapolis Yacht Club

If you appear to be near Charles Carroll House , you can go to this restaurant. Tasty crab cakes , filet américain and salmon can make a favorable impression on you. Drink the delicious wine offered here.

There is a magnificent view from Annapolis Yacht Club . This place is recommended for the competent staff. The cool service is something these restaurateurs care about. You will definitely appreciate the nice atmosphere. According to the Facebook rating, this spot received 4.6 stars.

Best in the city This award is based on the analysis of multiple factors, including reviews, ratings, and user engagement trends on Restaurant Guru.

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Annapolis Yacht Club Annapolis

American • bar • pub • sit down.

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• Cuisine Gluten Free Options Bar Pub Vegetarian Friendly American
• Restrictions Gluten Free Options Vegetarian Friendly
• Meal types Dinner Lunch Breakfast

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Annapolis Yacht Club

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2 Compromise St

Annapolis, MD 21401

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What a great place for an event with amazing staff! The food in both the restaurants and events are so good. You can't beat the view!! 3 buildings all focused on sailing and fun!

See all photos from Amy B. for Annapolis Yacht Club

Full disclosure, my experience is solely based on trying to become a member of the club. I reached out to the email listed on their website to inquire about getting some information on membership. The response was professional and quick, but told me that I could not get any information without an existing member sponsor who would have to get the information from them and then send it to me. My wife and I are from out of town and don't honestly know anyone at the club, so I asked if there were meet and greets for potential members to network and find connections with existing members (a fairly standard practice at most clubs). I was told that there is not such a thing and that I should try to attend local sailing events to find someone who is a member so I can get the information. Frankly, this whole process is obnoxious. Anyone who would be willing to go around the sailing community begging someone to sponsor them so that they can pay to join a club is crazy. This is an extension of a college fraternity in adult life....who in their middle age is willing to be a pledge again? Not sure the target demo this place is looking for, but we're not willing to kiss the ring and beg for the privilege of someone taking our money. I have no clue how this place works and am shocked that people who can afford this are willing to subject themselves to this process.

What a great place to have a unique dining experience in the States capital. I was invited to dine with a colleague who is a member. The service was superb. The seafood was fresh and the mixed drinks were well balanced. The lobster I had was very good. It was fresh and very filling with the sides it came with. The decor of the restaurant is nautical. It ober looks a local marina. Great place for drinks and or dinner.

Lobster Dinner with sides

What goes on at the yacht club* stays at the yacht club, lol. The views and food are delicious; but don't even think of just pulling up or parking- It's members only.

Had a birthday lunch here with a fairly big table of 12. Service was good, but food came out lukewarm, probably due to our large party. Ordered the fried oysters to start and the crab cake sandwich. Oysters were OK, a little more breading on the smaller than normal oysters. Crab cake was good, not much filler. A little smaller than I expected, but tasty. The fries were just OK, probably tastes better hot. Some of the salads got rave reviews (peach/burrata and Chesapeake Cobb), so maybe that will be an option another time.

This place is the temporary home for the Annapolis Yacht Club. The original building at 2 Compromise Street several minutes away caught on fire Dec 12,2015, after a Christmas Tree with built in light set a blaze, and burned down. Right now it's being rebuilt. This is a private club, great for sailing . I came here for a 60th Anniversary Party. The room itself is long, with two levels. There was a bar at the far corner of the room , and there were two long tables with appetizers for the cocktail hour. Two steps down was the seating area with tables of 6 and 8. This was a sit down buffet dinner. For the Cocktail hour I started with Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Horseradish Cocktail Sauce. Next was the Baked Brie in Pastry with nuts and crackers, Raw Oysters with a Mignonette Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce. Hot hors d'oeuvres were being passed like Mini Stuffed Egg Rolls and dipping sauce, Mini Crab Cakes , Chicken Satay with dipping peanut sauce. My favorite was the Mini Crab Cakes and Oysters. Everything was so fresh. For dinner, at the first station I had Rare Prime Rib with a homemade Horseradish Sauce, Fresh Asparagus, and a Potato Galante. Next I moved over to the Pasta Station. I had a choice of Angel Hair, Penne, or tri-colored Tortellini.There was also a choice of veggies and fillers. You could have Alfredo Sauce or Marinara . I chose Angel Hair Pasta with sautéed Spinach, Onions, Mushrooms , Red and Yellow Peppers, Zucchini I had them mix the Alfredo and Marinara Sauce to make Pomarosa sauce. The portion was huge. My pasta was delicious and my prime rib was cooked perfectly. The Cesar Salad was served directly to each of us at the tables. There was an open bar, and a piano Player for music. Afterwards a large custom made Anniversary Cake, Coffee and Tea was served. All in all this was a beautiful event and the food was really good. I must say the staff was very professional, and very attentive. This is a lovely place to hold an event or party. Especially with views of Spa Creek and the boats. There is free parking in the lot for guests. During the week the Annapolis Yacht Club is open for lunch , and dinner. Friday's they have happy hour.

See all photos from Donna R. for Annapolis Yacht Club

No manners. I contacted the event coordinator, Roberta, to inquire about hosting our wedding there. I was told - quite coldly - that the space is for members only. One website indicated that the club offers weekly memberships - so, naturally, I responded with an inquiry about said membership. The response was, "we ABSOLUTELY do not have weekly memberships. There is a 5 year wait list." Yikes . . . how dare a mere mortal such as myself make such an inquiry? I suggested that she approach such inquiries with a bit more grace and patience. Let's hope she takes heed.

My family has been members for years! Always a beautiful evening! Thanksgiving was wonderful my Father, mother, boyfriend as well as myself enjoyed the wide variety of food! Cooked to perfection! With every bite, explodes of flavor! With a wide variety of deserts, from little one bites to a whole peace of pie to choose from. Young and old will be sure to have enjoyed this lavish thanksgiving!

I walked in there because my husband had a corporate party at this place same day, few hours earlier. I talked to three people, got a table and even a chair for my 7-month old when they announced that I need to be a member to dine there. I complained to the manager and they kicked me out with an infant on my hands anyway!!! No apology, no empathy. Never been so embarrassed. Shame on you, the yacht club!

So, armed with a Letter of Introduction from my home yacht club (also listed in the Yachting Clubs of America, just like the Annapolis Yacht Club), I was told that reciprocity would not be honored for a day pass just for dining. I couldn't even get a phone call returned from the manager asking about the situation. Bad form. If you can get past the front door of this place, you'll be doing better than I did. Hard pass.

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The holiday season has arrived and our cozy coastal charm should be on your winter weekend bucket list! Consistently ranked one of the best cities in America during the holidays, Annapolis is a great place to spend the winter holiday enjoying time with family and soaking in the holiday spirit. Here's a list of holiday events to help plan your next getaway to Annapolis. 

Midnight Madness

Don't miss Midnight Madness on Thursdays, December 5, 12 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until Midnight and December 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. , where select stores in downtown Annapolis along Main Street , Maryland Avenue , and West Street will remain open until midnight giving bargain-hunters and last-minute shoppers an excuse to get out and shop well into the night. The stores pull out all the stops with holiday displays, treats, special discounts, and sales for holiday shoppers. 

Parking Information

Spectacular Holiday Light Display Comes to Sandy Point State Park

There's no better way to get the whole family into the holiday spirit than cruising along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay during Lights On The Bay,   November 28 through January 1 . Weather permitting, the electric wonderland will be fully displayed nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at  Sandy Point State Park  (1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409). Take a night - or a couple of nights - to enjoy the electric show from the warmth of your car.

If you visit Annapolis for the holidays, you will not want to miss this singular event. More than sixty animated and stationary displays dazzle onlookers, young and old. Driving through the park, you'll see a collection of Old Time Annapolis, a colonial village, and the North Pole, along with some regional staples like Midshipmen throwing their hats at graduation, the  Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse , and a Maryland Blue Crab ; however, the most anticipated sight is the sixteen-foot teddy bear lighting up the Chesapeake Bay. 

With all proceeds going to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County , you'll be treated to a spectacular show while contributing to a good cause.  

Christmas Tree Lightings

Two different tree lightings kick off the holiday season in Annapolis. Join Annapolis Town Center for its annual event on November 21, 2024 , as visitors enjoy all-day entertainment, sidewalks overflowing with merchandise, Santa's workshop, hot chocolate on the Paseo, carriage rides, and so much more. 

The Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree will be held on December 1, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. , with a special visit from dancers, musical performances, and the big guy himself, Santa! With the most enormous tree yet, enjoy a display of ornaments and lights downtown at Annapolis' City Dock. Make it an evening with a historic pub crawl and shop the garland-lined streets of boutiques to find the perfect gift for loved ones. 

Chocolate Binge Festival

This year's Chocolate Binge Festival returns to West Street on December 1 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Shop for sweet and delectable treats, enjoy hot cocoa and coffee specialties, and a unique Gingerbread House display at the Visit Annapolis Visitor Center on West Street through December 11th. For details on the Gingerbread House Display or to participate, click HERE . Stay until 5 p.m. for the Grand Illumination of West Street and watch the holiday canopy of lights illuminate West Street from Church Circle to Madison Place! Learn more about the event and purchase tickets  HERE .  

Annapolis Holiday Market

Enjoy shopping in person from 50 artists in the open air along City Dock in downtown Annapolis. Enjoy Café dining and live entertainment to fill your afternoon before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear! Dates soon to be announced!

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

Magic happens on the water of the Annapolis Harbor on Saturday, December 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. , as boats suddenly appear out of the cold winter night illuminated with thousands of colored lights and crewed by jolly revelers. Families and friends gather along the waterfront at their favorite viewing spots to see this yearly spectacle and celebrate the holiday season. The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is one of Annapolis' signature events, and we invite you to join us as a participant in the parade or as a spectator cheering on the decorated boats and their crews. Find many options to safely enjoy the annual lights parade on our event calendar.

Downtown Annapolis Lodging

Downtown Annapolis offers a wide array of accommodations, from nautically- and colonially-themed hotels to historic inns and bed and breakfasts.

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County offer a host of hotels, from historic colonials to modern luxuries, to satisfy all tastes and budgets. 

Inns & Bed & Breakfasts

Accommodation options abound in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, but staying at one  their many inns or bed and breakfasts will guarantee a true taste of the region’s colonial past.

Vacation Rentals

Want to really live like a local? Vacation rentals run the gamut, from historic townhomes located right in downtown Annapolis to waterfront properties throughout Anne Arundel County. 

Plan Your Holiday Weekend in Annapolis!

Browse our full event calendar  for a directory of holiday happenings. Start planning your stay at one of the area's hotels , a  historic inn, or a B&B .

Holiday Event Parking 

Enjoy FREE holiday parking in downtown Annapolis this season at various locations. Additionally, eligible parking meters will be free for the first three hours for everyone between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. A bonus free hour at the meters is available by using the code ParkDTA on the Parkmobile App. Visit Annapolis Parking for more information.

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USA TODAY 10Best

10 most festive and fun holiday parades across the US

Best Holiday Parade (2023) December 8, 2023

Holiday parades across the country bring plenty of cheer in the form of creative floats, marching bands, Santa and his sleigh, and millions of twinkling lights.

To determine which events offer the best and most festive experiences, we asked a jolly panel of experts to nominate their top picks for holiday parades throughout the U.S., then readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best holiday parades across the country.

No. 10: Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights - Oceanside, California

Boats of all shapes and sizes deck out their decks in sparkling lights for the annual Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. Many of the crews dress up as well, so you’re sure to see a few Santas along the parade route.

No. 9: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights - San Diego, California

Each year, the San Diego bayfront fills up with more 100,000 spectators awaiting the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Taking place for more than 50 years, the event features around 80 elaborately decorated boats that match the year's theme, which is "Christmas Traditions Around the World" for 2023.

No. 8: The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival features a day of holiday events leading up to the grand finale: a tree-lighting parade down North Michigan Avenue to kick off the holiday season. The parade features marching bands from around the country, helium-filled balloons, decorated floats, and an appearance by Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

No. 7: Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade - Calistoga, California

Calistoga's Lighted Tractor Parade is a quintessential small-town celebration of the holiday season, inspired by the community's agricultural heritage. During the annual event, vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks, and construction equipment decked out in twinkling lights parade down Calistoga's Lincoln Avenue to usher in the holiday season.

No. 6: Reston Holiday Parade - Reston, Virginia

The Reston Holiday Parade, a day-after-Thanksgiving tradition since 1992, travels along Market Street and features antique cars, musicians, dancers, and floats carrying special guests. The hour-long event also welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.

No. 5: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Each year, over 1 million people turn out to watch the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade live in Fort Lauderdale, while millions more watch on TV. Decorated vessels of all sizes, from small boats to mega-yachts, make their way along the 12-mile route.

No. 4: Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade - Annapolis, Maryland

The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade takes place each year on the second Saturday of December. Annapolis Harbor fills with boats illuminated by thousands of colorful lights as spectators gather along the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the festivities. Many docks and balconies are decorated as well, adding to the holiday fun.

No. 3: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - New York City, New York

Each Thanksgiving morning, more than 25 million people across the country tune in to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, while 3.5 million-plus watch live from New York City. Taking place since 1924, this traditional holiday season opener is famous for its giant inflatable balloons depicting popular characters like Charlie Brown, Hello Kitty, and Elf of the Shelf. Live performances along the parade route highlight music icons, as well as the Rockettes.

No. 2: America's Thanksgiving Parade - Detroit, Michigan

Detroit has been hosting America’s Thanksgiving Parade (presented by Gardner White) since 1924. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest and most popular parades in the country, complete with marching bands, helium balloons, and colorful, larger-than-life floats making their way down historic Woodward Avenue each Thanksgiving morning.

No. 1: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Mummers Parade - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Mummers Parade is one of the longest-running traditions in the nation, with the first parade taking place in 1901 as a celebration of the New Year in Philadelphia. The colorful procession along Broad Street features performances by comics, string bands, and fancy brigades in their spectacular costumes.

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NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The...   Read More

NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com , a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on  YouTube  or listen to her podcast.

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Annapolis Yacht Club

Play in the heart of downtown baltimore, marina info.

A fire in December of 2015 destroyed the Annapolis Yacht Club building and they are in a temporary location until a new facility can be re-built.World class racing, extensive cruising, championship junior sailing, and fantastic facilities. That's what you would expect from one of the oldest yacht clubs in the country. Founded as an informal canoe club in 1883, the Annapolis Yacht Club has built a tradition of excellence. Our mission is to encourage and support a wide range of boating activities, and to provide and maintain a suitable clubhouse and associated facilities for the recreational and social use of its members. This is a private club for members only but does have short term dockage available for non-members. Does not offer fuel.

2011 Rates:Non-member short term dockage: $2.50/ft/day, includes water and electric

Can only make reservations 7 days in advance.

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Open Daily 10am - 5pm | 365 Thames Street, Newport RI, 02840 Plan Your Visit

Open Daily 10am - 5pm  Plan Your Visit

Yacht Clubs

Annapolis Yacht Club

Founded as an informal canoe club in 1883, the Annapolis Yacht Club has built a tradition of excellence.  Our mission is to encourage and support a wide range of boating activities, and to provide and maintain a suitable clubhouse and associated facilities for the recreational and social use of its members.

Stories from Annapolis Yacht Club

AYC beginnings were in 1883 as an informal canoe club. A building was constructed two years later on a pile of oyster shells at the foot of Duke of Gloucester Street, which, in 1886, became the Clubhouse for the formally-organized Severn Boat Club. This oyster pile was rented from St. Mary’s Church and was next to a rickety wooden bridge across Spa Creek. In 1897 a new clubhouse was built and was enlarged in 1912.

In 1904, the first records of meetings indicate a membership of 30. In 1910, the first wharfs were built, and the first club manager was hired in 1911 at a salary of $15 a month. Members began to acquire small sail boats and organize club regattas. These were uncomplicated affairs held on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Shell and canoe races started up Spa Creek at Old Woman Cove and ended at the Eastport Bridge. There were also swimming races and diving competitions. The club owned several single and double shells, two four-oared shells, and was given an eight-oared shell in 1911 by the US Naval Academy.

World War I and the depression slowed boating activities until the mid-30s. A hurricane damaged the clubhouse; the wharf was reduced to pilings in 1933 and it was difficult to keep the club’s quota of 100 resident members. By 1936, there seemed to be little interest by members in the club and changes were needed. With renewal in mind, in 1937 the Annapolis Yacht Club was incorporated and the first formal regatta (Annual) was held that year. The Fall Series first year was in 1940 with five boats competing. World War II interrupted organized racing, but in 1946 the Spring Series was started with three classes – 30 Square Meters, Stars and Chesapeake 20s. By 1948, Moths, Comets and Hamptons were also taking part. The Annapolis to Newport Race (Newport to Annapolis back then) started in 1947 and has been run every two years since. A dining room was added to the club in the late 1940s and in 1948, the first Smoking Lamp newsletter appeared as a single page mimeographed sheet. The junior fleet started in 1948, and the first junior trophy was presented in 1953. The first junior boat, Dolphins, were replaced by Penguins, which were next followed by 420s which the junior fleet still races. By 1959, membership had risen to 1000 and a new club building was badly needed. This was opened in 1963, with the first deck left unfinished due to lack of funds. Frostbite and Wednesday Night Racing soon demanded more club social space, and the Skipjack Lounge was finished in 1969.

The land across the Eastport Bridge where the junior fleet building is now (Holden Property) was purchased in 1969. The junior fleet was established there and a new building for them was completed in 1995. In 1989, women were welcomed as members, and the White Rocks Marina property (now the Harborside Sailing Center) was added in 1990. The club’s first official one-design fleet, the J/22, was started in 1991 with a crane added to Harborside for launching of the boats. The clubhouse again underwent a major renovation in 1995.

Today, AYC is at full membership with very active social, racing, and cruising programs.  Large international events such as the Star Class World Championship, Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship, and many North American championships are hosted every year at AYC. Harborside is filled with one design boats (J/22s, J/24s, Etchells, Stars, Melges 24) while the in-the-water boat slips are in high demand. AYC is known worldwide thanks to the members who are prominent in participating in, promoting, and organizing the sport of sailboat racing, as well as those who opt to leisurely cruise the waters of the Chesapeake and beyond.

Michael R. Krissoff

AYC Foundation President

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