An aerial shot of Maryland’s state capitol with the Chesapeake River in the distance. | Photo by: Visions of America/Joseph Sohm/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Head to the bayside capital city for a taste of Chesapeake crab, preserve-packed New American cooking, and historic inn fare With postcard-perfect views of the Chesapeake Bay and a constant parade of United States Naval Academy midshipmen marching around in dress whites, Annapolis, Maryland, is an idyllic capital city full of prime dining options and iconic crab houses like Cantler’s and The Point. The historic town is located about 30 miles away from the District, making it a roughly 45-minute drive up U.S. 50 East (on a good day). For those wanting to leave the car at home, Maryland Transit runs a convenient bus line for a few bucks near Union Station. Annapolis welcomes an extra surge of visitors this month. Its fall sailboat show runs October 10-14, and the Maryland Renaissance Festival is a sold-out success on weekends through October 20. The Annapolis dining scene recently got a big boost with the anticipated arrival of D.C.’s top-rated Timber Pizza and opening of polished taco spot the Goat. This map highlights a few standbys in the quaint downtown district, but some of the best cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are actually located in Eastport — a quick walk across the bridge.