Annapolis has been selected as Google’s 2014 eCity, claiming the title of digital capital of Maryland as well as state capital. Thanks to its strong online business community, Annapolis was named over last year’s winner, Ocean City.

Google debuted the eCities program in 2013, when they partnered with research firm IPSOS “to analyze the online strength of local businesses in cities and towns across America. Businesses in these communities are embracing the power of the web to find new customers, connect with existing ones and fuel their local economies.¹”

Criteria for the award included use of social media, leveraging the digital domain for commerce and online business presence.

“Annapolis serves as a prime example of how innovation and growth in e-commerce can successfully contribute to bolstering economic progress and competitiveness,” said Emma Ogiemwanye, a representative from Google. “Google is proud to recognize Annapolis’s accomplishment and the role it plays in creating Maryland jobs.”

A local Annapolis business, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Annapolis hotel is contributing to this award-winning online business community by demonstrating sound ecommerce practices, actively participating in social media, and utilizing digital strategies for commerce with their Annapolis hotel website. Of hotels in Annapolis, the Holiday Inn Express is proud to contribute to the thriving online digital economy and to the local Annapolis community. Thank you to all of the local businesses whose hard work led to Annapolis receiving this honor from Google.

¹ Google - Official Blog “Congratulations to America’s eCities” August 21, 2013

The lights, the cheer, friends and family all make the holidays special. Annapolis, Maryland offers magical events each year to kick off your holiday season.

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade in Annapolis Harbor
Experience the magic of the 32nd annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade along the Annapolis Spa Creek waterfront. Boats are illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights and guided through the parade route by jolly crews. The best place to view the parade is from the decks of the Harbor Queen. The yacht is decorated for the holidays, and is open to the public. The admission to watch on the yacht is $5, as well as a canned good to donate to the local food bank. A portion of the admission will also be donated to the food bank.

The yacht is docked in its regular slip at the end of City Dock. Doors open at 5:30pm on December 13. 2014. The parade will end around 8:30pm.

Celebration of Christmas Downtown
The Celebration of Christmas is a spectacular way to celebrate the holidays in Annapolis. The event is held in the Main Theatre of the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, located at 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, Maryland. This year, you can enjoy holiday readings and carols sung by The Annapolis Chorale & Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, conducted by J. Ernest Green. Special guests at this year’s event are Soprano Marnie Breckenridge and Broadway performer Melissa McGowan.

This year’s event is being held on December 12, 2014. The doors open at 8pm, and the admission is $45.

Annapolis City Tree Lighting
This is one of the most popular celebration during the holidays in Annapolis. This year, your children can enjoy a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive in a horse drawn carriage.

This year’s event is going to be held on November 30, 2014, from 5pm to 8pm., in Market House Hopkins Plaza. This event is free to attend, and is sure to be a great time for all.

The Nutcracker Ballet
The most famous holiday ballet of all time will be performed by the Ballet Theater of Maryland. Sunday performances include a free Sugar Plum Party one hour prior to the performance. This year’s performance is located at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, on December 13, 14, 20, and 21. Tickets can be purchased at here.

Escape to Annapolis for a weekend getaway from D.C. and enjoy a fun-filled weekend of Holiday excitement. After a day of holiday celebrations and Christmas classics, relax at our family-friendly Annapolis hotel. Your stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Annapolis includes free on-site parking, free Express Start breakfast bar and internet access. Book our Annapolis shopping package and enjoy even more savings with a $25 gift certificate and VIP Coupon Book to Queenstown Premium Outlets or Arundel Mills mall. Our Annapolis hotel shopping package also includes a late check-out at 1:00 p.m. so you can enjoy the numerous sites and things to do in Annapolis. USNA midshipmen on leave – don’t forget to book our exclusive rates for US Naval Academy midshipmen and their families.

Fireworks and the Fourth of July go together like a glass of lemonade and a hot summer day. The city of Annapolis each year hosts an excellent Independence Day celebration fun for the whole family. Between the parade and the fireworks shows, you’re sure to stay entertained.

City of Annapolis Independence Day Parade
July 4th, 2013
6:30 p.m.

Route: Begins at Amos Garrett Boulevard, right on West Street, around Church Circle, down Main Street, left on Randall Street and ends in front of the Market House.

Immediately following the parade, and just prior to the fireworks display, the Naval Academy’s Concert Band swill perform on City Dock.

City of Annapolis Fireworks
July 4th, 2013
9:15 p.m.

The annual fireworks display is positioned to culminate overlooking the bay. Set up blankets and chairs down by city dock, or go for the alternative and reserve your spot on a bay cruise. Be sure to book the cruise early to ensure a seat. Cruises include light snacks and a cash bar. For more information, please visit this website.

Whether you’re an extreme outdoorsman (or outdoorswoman), a thrill-seeking kid looking for an epic playground experience, or a blushing bride-to-be seeking the perfect wedding destination, Annapolis’ own Quiet Waters Park is perfect. With a rich history that includes prehistoric aboriginal occupation, Quiet Waters Park is an ideal way to experience Annapolis’ natural side.

Walk, jog or bike more than 6 miles of paved trails through hardwood forests and lush fields, or have the band-aids and kisses on hand at the multi-level children’s playground (not that the playground is dangerous but we all know how the kiddos can be…). Tucked between South River and Harness Creek, Quiet Waters Park is also well known for expansive views along the South River promenade and 340 acres of thriving park lands, ideal for a romantic picnic. Make sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center and explore the formal gardens and art galleries. Rent a large pavilion for outdoor celebrations and cookouts or reserve space at the charming Blue Heron Center for weddings, receptions, corporate events and more.

Quiet Waters Park is Annapolis’ versatile outdoor-pursuit destination for all occasions. Visit the Anne Arundel County website for specific park information including location and hours of operation.

Annapolis Restaurant week is coming soon so get ready to fill your taste buds with variety of fine dining and cuisines in the participating restaurants in Historic and Greater Annapolis!

Downtown Annapolis and many of the participating restaurants are a short drive from out Holiday Inn Express Annapolis Hotel. Weather you are in town for a weekend get-away or on a business trip you wouldn’t want to miss this exciting seven –day week of restaurant deals. Some of the participating restaurants are featuring two-course dinners for $32.95! About 40 restaurants are expected to take part in the annual gastronomical event.

This is a great opportunity for local residents and out of town visitors to take advantage of these very affordable prices. Finally what you have all been waiting for the Annapolis Restaurant Week take place on the week of Monday, February 20^th thru Sunday, February 26^th

For information please visit www.AnnapolisRestaurantWeek.com