Annapolis

Annapolis is the capital of the state of Maryland in the United States. Annapolis is located in the mouth of the Severn River, that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis is about 35 miles from Washington DC. Annapolis is nicknamed "The Sailboat Capitol of the World".

The capitol building, the Maryland State House, is located in Annapolis. Construction began in 1772 and was completed in 1779. The building is topped off with a large wooden dome. The dome of the state house is featured on the Maryland state quarter. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1968.

The Maryland Renaissance Festival takes place near Annapolis in the town of Crownsville. The festival is a recreation of a 16th century fictional English village. The festival is the second largest Renaissance Festival in the U.S. It runs annually from the third week in August to the third week in October in celebration of the autumn harvest.