By Emily Rust
Several years ago, due to a temporary closing of the Spa Creek Bridge, the tight-knit Eastport neighborhood staged a mock secession from downtown Annapolis.
And thus began the Eastport Home & Garden Tour designed to bring the community over the Spa Creek Bridge together.
Seven homes will be available to tour in the neighborhood surrounded by Burnside Street, Back Creek, Chester Avenue, State Street and Chesapeake Avenue.
Both old and new homes will be on display. Highlights include a classic Eastport shotgun house, a 1920s Sears’ Catalog house and an original cottage style house.
The ninth annual festival will run from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. The tour starts at the Eastport Democratic Club on the corner of State Street and Chester Avenue.
Head back over the Spa Creek Bridge into downtown Annapolis for the Hammond-Harwood House’s Secret Garden Tour. From noon-5 p.m. on June 7 and 8, several gardens in Annapolis’ Historic District will be on display.
Although the featured gardens are a closely held secret, visitors can expect a varied taste in style and design. Traditional and modern gardens will be featured, with exclusive access to an “extremely private” historic garden. Three pre-revolutionary home gardens will also be spotlighted.
Handpicked by a team of landscape architects each fall, the stops represent Annapolis’ premiere gardens. Docents will be available at each stop to answer questions on this self-guided tour and to provide insight into the individual gardens.
The gardens are in southeastern Annapolis from Charles Street to Shipwright Street.
Local Eats
Carrol’s Creek Cafe Enjoy traditional seafood and steak entrees at this waterfront restaurant in Eastport. 410 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland.
Joss Cafe & Sushi Bar Indulge in Japan’s wine-like sake while savoring a crawfish roll. 195 Main St. Annapolis, Maryland
Travel Tip
Discover Annapolis’ rich history right on your phone with the Annapolis Walking Tour – Steps Through Time app free on iTunes.
Eastport Home & Garden Tour
June 8, 1-5 p.m.
Eastport Democratic Club
525 State St.
Annapolis, MD 21403
Tickets: $25
www.eastportcivic.org/home—garden-tour.html
Hammond-Harwood House Secret Garden Tour
June 7-8, noon-5 p.m.
124 Charles St.
Annapolis, MD 21401
Tickets: $25 before the event or $30 the day of
www.hammondharwoodhouse.org