October 31, 2023 • 6 mins
On this week's episode of Where To Next, it's all about Maryland's capital city with Kristen Pironis, Executive Director of Visit Annapolis. We chat about Annapolis being named among the best small cities in America by Conde Nast, their great culinary scene, Annapolis' popular events, and what's to come in 2024!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back to Where to Next,a travel podcast with me. Your host.
My name is Francesca Presty, andtoday I'm here with Kristin Peronis,
the executive director of Visit Annapolis.One of my most favorite places in all
of Maryland. Kristin, welcome,well, thank you. It's one of
my most favorite places too, AndI can only imagine why Anapolis is so
beautiful, so gorgeous. I amactually from New England, but I've been
(00:20):
here for the last six years.My boyfriend's from Annapolis, so we have
spent many, many a nights downin Annapolis. And there's so much to
get into. So why don't wejust dive right in. Let's talk about
Annapolis. Kristin absolutely. I thinkwhat's really interesting about our organization in particular
is we're not just about Annapolis,We're about the entire county that surrounds it.
So a lot of times people thoughttalk about Maryland being, you know,
(00:41):
America and the United States in miniature, and I think that Annapolis and
Nabando County are Maryland in miniature.We have a lot going on there.
So from North County with the airportand arts and the casino down to South
county with farms, we just Ithink have something for everybody. Absolutely,
I would totally agree with that,and I do want to say a big
kings on Annapolis's most recent alcolade beingnamed number nine on the best small city
(01:04):
in the US according to Condon NAStheir prestigious twenty twenty three Reader's Choice Awards
came out. I'd love for youropinion on what makes Annapolis such a special
small city. I think what makesAnnapolis special are the people. First of
all, it is a small community, it is a small town. They're
about forty thousand residents here, andthey're what make us so special. It
is a destination surely that is sortof deep in history, but they are
(01:26):
not stuck in the past. There'snot a time capsule here. The people
in the community and our elected officialsall push us forward. So we really
are respectful of that history and traditionthat we have, but we push forward
in new and exciting ways. Kristin, I'd love to talk about the culinary
scene down in Annapolis, because ifI'm going anywhere, I don't care if
it's three towns over. I'm researchingwhere I'm eating, I'm checking out the
(01:48):
restaurant scene. So let's chat aboutthe food in Annapolis. So we keep
saying there's something for everyone, andI hate that phrase, but I know
it's true. I think what's interestingis people first think of Annapolis because we
are our a town on the wateris seafood, and there is plenty of
seafood, and there are lots ofoptions from like the dive bars here to
really high end experiences. But Ithink you can even talk beyond the crabcake
(02:10):
with some of the new stuff that'sgoing on here. And so we have
a couple of new places with ParleyRoom and Chop Tank that really bring a
different culinary experience, and I thinkthat that's what's so exciting here. It's
not just the same. They keeppushing forward. They're great about bringing the
farm to table into town. SoI mentioned the farms earlier in agro tourism.
They are great about highlighting about whatis fresh and what is available just
(02:31):
locally, just down the street inthe restaurants here. So lots of things
to do as far as food,but even more so is the drinking.
We always joke that Annapolis is asailing town with a drinking problem or a
drinking town with a sailing problem arethe worst categorization, to be honest with
you exactly, as it really dependson who you're talking with. But I
(02:52):
think just the craft cocktail, craftbeers, and the different things that you're
going to experience as far as sortof theater goes, but also the taste.
It's pretty fun to have a littledrink tour right before you have that
dinner tour. Absolutely, and there'sso much innovation happening at Annapolis as while
you mentioned the Top Tank, whichof course is opened by Atlas Restaurant Group
primarily here in Baltimore, but they'rereally expanding into Annapolis. I know that
(03:12):
they're going to be developing a coupleproperties right down there and you know,
downtown Annapolis on the waterfront. That'sgoing to be pretty exciting for you guys.
It's really exciting because I think thatyou know, at least because I
hear all the time, it's alwaysfun to try new things. So I
can't wait to see what they donext. They've been such good partners to
the community here and certainly to ourorganization. Absolutely. I'm on with Kristin
Peronis, the executive director of VisitAnnapolis today. Visit Annapolis dot org is
(03:36):
where you want to go to learnall about Maryland's capital city and to start
planning your trip today. And Annapolisis one of my favorite places for many
reasons. But I just am soobsessed with the sheer amount of events that
happened throughout the year. There's somany different things to choose from. If
you're bored, head to Annapolis andthere's always something going on. And the
Boat Show just wrapped up, whichis a major event down there every year.
(03:57):
What do you think are some ofthe most popular events in Annapolis that
really bring out the crowds. Andthen maybe you know, is there anything
new in the works as far asthe events go that you could maybe give
us a little preview of. Yes, definitely. We are known for our
events, our festivals, our paradesin Annapolis and of course throughout the county.
And I think some of the mostexciting things right now are the Annapolis
Songwriters Festival. We just in Septemberwrapped up the second one and it is
(04:21):
just incredible. The entire I willsay the entire town transforms into a stage.
You have music just on the streets. It's very cool because you have
all these musicians coming from all over, mostly Nashville, but all over to
come here to play. We're introducingthem to our town and then introducing our
residents to these amazing performers. Soit brings in a big mix of people
(04:43):
visiting just to hear the music,but also our local residents love it because
it really changes us into this bigstage in Annapolis, which is wonderful.
So much of what we do isaround music and around arts and around culture.
And also knew this year was theBaygrass Festival and that was held at
Sandy Point. Was able to gothere and just seeing these musicians have these
master classes but also these performances ona big stage as you're overlooking the Chesapeake
(05:08):
Bay. It was magical. Itfelt like it just felt so good to
be there. I mean, Icould have stayed all two days, and
most people did. I almost stayedone, but it was an amazing experience,
like walking on the beach at SandyPoint, but hearing the music in
the background and just the vendors there, the vibe there, everything was just
so good. And so I'm reallyglad that they're going to be back next
year. Oh so exciting. Goodto hear, and I know that Annapolis
(05:30):
is always kind of moving and grooven, and like you said, you know
a couple new things like the Songwriter'sFestival and the Big Grass Festival. Big
Success is what are you guys lookingforward to in twenty twenty four. So
one of the things I'm really,I think most excited about is in Annapolis,
we typically have an Arts Week andit's really grounded by our Plenario Arts
Festival, But in June of twentytwenty four, we're going to have an
(05:53):
ana Rendo County Arts Month, andeach week it will highlight a different section
of the county with the arts,and so they'll be of course like just
different people painting and performing and doingall of that, but there'll be an
opportunity to meet those artists. SoI think that that's something that's really special
in Annapolis, and to have allthose arts organizations work together to promote something
for a month across the county ispretty outstanding. One thousand percent. Kristin
(06:15):
pronis executive director of Visit Annapolis onwith me today talking all about Annapolis.
Of course, if you'd like moreinformation, you want to start planning your
trip and learn about Annapolis You cando so at visit annapolis dot org.
Kristin, I want to thank youso much for taking some time for us
today to chat all about Annapolis.I loved it. I really appreciate it.
Welcome back to Where to Next,a travel podcast with me. Your host.
My name is Francesca Presty, andtoday I'm here with Kristin Peronis,
the executive director of Visit Annapolis.One of my most favorite places in all
of Maryland. Kristin, welcome,well, thank you. It's one of
my most favorite places too, AndI can only imagine why Anapolis is so
beautiful, so gorgeous. I amactually from New England, but I've been
(00:20):
here for the last six years.My boyfriend's from Annapolis, so we have
spent many, many a nights downin Annapolis. And there's so much to
get into. So why don't wejust dive right in. Let's talk about
Annapolis. Kristin absolutely. I thinkwhat's really interesting about our organization in particular
is we're not just about Annapolis,We're about the entire county that surrounds it.
So a lot of times people thoughttalk about Maryland being, you know,
(00:41):
America and the United States in miniature, and I think that Annapolis and
Nabando County are Maryland in miniature.We have a lot going on there.
So from North County with the airportand arts and the casino down to South
county with farms, we just Ithink have something for everybody. Absolutely,
I would totally agree with that,and I do want to say a big
kings on Annapolis's most recent alcolade beingnamed number nine on the best small city
(01:04):
in the US according to Condon NAStheir prestigious twenty twenty three Reader's Choice Awards
came out. I'd love for youropinion on what makes Annapolis such a special
small city. I think what makesAnnapolis special are the people. First of
all, it is a small community, it is a small town. They're
about forty thousand residents here, andthey're what make us so special. It
is a destination surely that is sortof deep in history, but they are
(01:26):
not stuck in the past. There'snot a time capsule here. The people
in the community and our elected officialsall push us forward. So we really
are respectful of that history and traditionthat we have, but we push forward
in new and exciting ways. Kristin, I'd love to talk about the culinary
scene down in Annapolis, because ifI'm going anywhere, I don't care if
it's three towns over. I'm researchingwhere I'm eating, I'm checking out the
(01:48):
restaurant scene. So let's chat aboutthe food in Annapolis. So we keep
saying there's something for everyone, andI hate that phrase, but I know
it's true. I think what's interestingis people first think of Annapolis because we
are our a town on the wateris seafood, and there is plenty of
seafood, and there are lots ofoptions from like the dive bars here to
really high end experiences. But Ithink you can even talk beyond the crabcake
(02:10):
with some of the new stuff that'sgoing on here. And so we have
a couple of new places with ParleyRoom and Chop Tank that really bring a
different culinary experience, and I thinkthat that's what's so exciting here. It's
not just the same. They keeppushing forward. They're great about bringing the
farm to table into town. SoI mentioned the farms earlier in agro tourism.
They are great about highlighting about whatis fresh and what is available just
(02:31):
locally, just down the street inthe restaurants here. So lots of things
to do as far as food,but even more so is the drinking.
We always joke that Annapolis is asailing town with a drinking problem or a
drinking town with a sailing problem arethe worst categorization, to be honest with
you exactly, as it really dependson who you're talking with. But I
(02:52):
think just the craft cocktail, craftbeers, and the different things that you're
going to experience as far as sortof theater goes, but also the taste.
It's pretty fun to have a littledrink tour right before you have that
dinner tour. Absolutely, and there'sso much innovation happening at Annapolis as while
you mentioned the Top Tank, whichof course is opened by Atlas Restaurant Group
primarily here in Baltimore, but they'rereally expanding into Annapolis. I know that
(03:12):
they're going to be developing a coupleproperties right down there and you know,
downtown Annapolis on the waterfront. That'sgoing to be pretty exciting for you guys.
It's really exciting because I think thatyou know, at least because I
hear all the time, it's alwaysfun to try new things. So I
can't wait to see what they donext. They've been such good partners to
the community here and certainly to ourorganization. Absolutely. I'm on with Kristin
Peronis, the executive director of VisitAnnapolis today. Visit Annapolis dot org is
(03:36):
where you want to go to learnall about Maryland's capital city and to start
planning your trip today. And Annapolisis one of my favorite places for many
reasons. But I just am soobsessed with the sheer amount of events that
happened throughout the year. There's somany different things to choose from. If
you're bored, head to Annapolis andthere's always something going on. And the
Boat Show just wrapped up, whichis a major event down there every year.
(03:57):
What do you think are some ofthe most popular events in Annapolis that
really bring out the crowds. Andthen maybe you know, is there anything
new in the works as far asthe events go that you could maybe give
us a little preview of. Yes, definitely. We are known for our
events, our festivals, our paradesin Annapolis and of course throughout the county.
And I think some of the mostexciting things right now are the Annapolis
Songwriters Festival. We just in Septemberwrapped up the second one and it is
(04:21):
just incredible. The entire I willsay the entire town transforms into a stage.
You have music just on the streets. It's very cool because you have
all these musicians coming from all over, mostly Nashville, but all over to
come here to play. We're introducingthem to our town and then introducing our
residents to these amazing performers. Soit brings in a big mix of people
(04:43):
visiting just to hear the music,but also our local residents love it because
it really changes us into this bigstage in Annapolis, which is wonderful.
So much of what we do isaround music and around arts and around culture.
And also knew this year was theBaygrass Festival and that was held at
Sandy Point. Was able to gothere and just seeing these musicians have these
master classes but also these performances ona big stage as you're overlooking the Chesapeake
(05:08):
Bay. It was magical. Itfelt like it just felt so good to
be there. I mean, Icould have stayed all two days, and
most people did. I almost stayedone, but it was an amazing experience,
like walking on the beach at SandyPoint, but hearing the music in
the background and just the vendors there, the vibe there, everything was just
so good. And so I'm reallyglad that they're going to be back next
year. Oh so exciting. Goodto hear, and I know that Annapolis
(05:30):
is always kind of moving and grooven, and like you said, you know
a couple new things like the Songwriter'sFestival and the Big Grass Festival. Big
Success is what are you guys lookingforward to in twenty twenty four. So
one of the things I'm really,I think most excited about is in Annapolis,
we typically have an Arts Week andit's really grounded by our Plenario Arts
Festival, But in June of twentytwenty four, we're going to have an
(05:53):
ana Rendo County Arts Month, andeach week it will highlight a different section
of the county with the arts,and so they'll be of course like just
different people painting and performing and doingall of that, but there'll be an
opportunity to meet those artists. SoI think that that's something that's really special
in Annapolis, and to have allthose arts organizations work together to promote something
for a month across the county ispretty outstanding. One thousand percent. Kristin
(06:15):
pronis executive director of Visit Annapolis onwith me today talking all about Annapolis.
Of course, if you'd like moreinformation, you want to start planning your
trip and learn about Annapolis You cando so at visit annapolis dot org.
Kristin, I want to thank youso much for taking some time for us
today to chat all about Annapolis.I loved it. I really appreciate it.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.