Ego Alley, Annapolis (must see)

Ego Alley (Annapolis City Dock) is not an alley in the traditional sense of the word; rather than a walkway, it represents a small, narrow waterway that leads to the heart of Annapolis and spills out into Spa Creek. The name "ego alley" derives from the endless queue of expensive yachts parading through this dead-end canal, usually only to see and be seen, on evenings and weekends. Considering this is where all the boats must turn around, it is a great place to see them. Sometimes it can be quite fun too, since not all skippers are skillful enough to operate their vessels in such tight and crowded conditions. Other than ship-watching, this scenic marina also makes for an interesting place to meander, shop, and dine.

On one side, it has the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, complete with their famous "Pusser's Restaurant and Bar", whose outdoor tables are literally inches away from the water and provide an ideal vantage point. Close-by, on the same side, is a yacht club, a marine store, and then a concrete half wall that allows people to have a seat and take in the scenery. On the opposite side of Ego Alley, there are boat slips and several water taxi stands. The wall continues here as well, but the many docking boats often block the view. At the end of the canal is the dinghy dock where the visiting seafaring folks, who are either moored or anchored out in the harbor, take their smaller vessels into town for provisions, sightseeing, etc.

During winter holiday season, albeit cold, is yet another good time to take a stroll down here, since many of the boats are decked out in Christmas lights. There are just as many benches here as well, with many people enjoying their ice cream or some other edible delight from one of the local shops. You can regularly see Naval Academy midshipmen here in uniform on the weekend, coming down to relax and with visiting friends. Also on weekends, you can expect to hear various free musical performances from locals, such as the band Little Bird.