Farewell to Summer

With October just around the corner, I'm having to admit to myself that another summer is already come and gone. While I've already packed away most of the summer wardrobe, it's still not quite cool enough to feel like fall in the mid-Atlantic. Amidst this seasonal segue, I find it's nice to take the opportunity to make some small trips that help bridge the seasons. Yesterday, my wife and I revisited one of our favorite day trips with my brother and his wife who recently relocated to DC.

After a night cheering the Longhorns as they defeated Texas Tech 34-24, we met up early Sunday morning and hit the links for a quick 9 before driving out to Annapolis for lunch.

Annapolis is home to one of my favorite eateries, Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn. Cantler's has an atmosphere that is just about perfect for making me forget that eventually I'll have to return to the office. Situated right on the water away from downtown, it's easy to believe that you're far away from the Sisyphean world of workaday drudgery and morning commutes. Much of the staff appear to be local high school kids, which reminds me of the family restaurants where I grew up, making it all the more homey. Oh, and the food is fantastic. We plowed through a dozen large crabs with coleslaw, fries, and hush puppies. All washed down with cold beer in a warm September sun.

After lunch we walked around City Dock and downtown Annapolis. Much to our delight (the the chagrin of fellow tourists, no doubt) our wives permitted us to stop at the tobacconist for cigars. With Montecristos alit, we made our way down the boardwalk and ogled the boats in ego alley. A personal favorite, and one that duly impressed my brother, was the Manitou, JFK's presidential yacht. If GWB's Crawford ranch was "The Western White House," the Manitou was the White House on the Water.



Interestingly, the Manitou is for sale. Had I the means, I'd grab that baby up in a heartbeat. As it were, though, I hope it goes to an appreciative buyer.

Annapolis is also home to some great haberdashers. Laurence Clothing on Main Street is a standard bearer for traditional (what my brother still calls 'soulless', but I'm working on him) menswear, and a regular stop anytime I'm in town.

Another Annapolis tradition is Johnson on the Avenue. Sadly, the shop across from the Maryland State House is no more. Visiting Johnson's was always a treat. The shop was filled with dark woods, classic tweeds, and gentlemen browsing some of the finest clothes in town. Johnson's provided tailoring for officers and midshipmen at the Naval Academy, and stepping inside their State Circle store always filled one with a strong sense of tradition. I made my regular pilgrimage and attempted to describe to brother what he'd missed out on by taking so long to get there. I understand from their website that Mr. Johnson's granddaughters are maintaining the store as an online shop, and I wish them the best of luck.

It was a great Sunday outdoors, uninterrupted by petty distractions and life's frivolities. The four of us were able to concentrate on what's really important in life - family, food, and having a laugh. Here's to fond summer memories and looking forward to an equally adventurous fall.