Last weekend, I was in Baltimore for my annual ‘girls weekend’, which includes three dear friends from years gone by. We appreciate our Balto friend hosting because she has enough room, so that we can each have our own room. This makes it nicer for everyone concerned as sine we are all in our 50’s, we each enjoy a little down time. The weekend was a blur of wine, food and chatting about a myriad of subjects. We visited three outstanding food establishments, including Cosima, Parts and Labor and Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant. 

 Early morning at Mobile Airport.

My ride to Atlanta. 

We all flew in on Friday afternoon and waited for each flight to arrive, we set up home base in the Azure observation bar.  After retrieving everyone and luggage 

 On our ride from the BWI.

Cosima, an Italian eatery, is situated in an old Mill and was our Friday night stop. The setting was cozy and the food outstanding. The service was splendid and the cannoli’s were yummy.

Saturday morning we drove to Annapolis for a visit to the US Naval Academy, ‘the Yard”. Parking was a challenge as we drove the streets near the Academy but finally found a spot several blocks away.  There is visitor parking near the site, in a parking deck but we opted for street parking. The Academy was founded in 1845 is a beautiful and impressive campus. We took a guided tour of the yard which was walk of about a mile. Classes were to start the following Monday so many of the midshipmen were preparing for the start of a new year. It was a warm day of walking but well worth the time spent. 

Hall used for multiple events

 A midshipman crossing in front of the Chapel

Don't step on the Seal! 

The mascot, Bill the Goat!  

We visited Cooper’s Hawk after our Academy tour. This is a chain of restaurants in Florida, Maryland and the Midwest. The wine list is extensive as is the menu.  One of my travel mates is a member of the wine club and had some good recommendations on selections. It was good spot to rest our tired feet and have a light lunch. 

We returned to base camp for some more girl talk and wine. Then we headed out to dinner. We had visited Part’s and Labor on our trip last year and all enjoyed it, enormously, so reservations were made again. Granted it’s an odd name for a butcher shop and restaurant, but it is based on their use of locally sourced whole animal butchery. The food is marvelous and the service, top notch.  The wine list is extensive and they are knowledge of pairings is excellent.  Everything is better with some pig. 

Our starter.

Pig! 

The visit quickly came to end and we were back at the airport but we are already making plans for next year. The flight home got interesting after an unanticipated three hour delay in Atlanta. Thank goodness for airmiles. 

A shot of storm clouds from the plane.  (that was not the reason for the delay...) 

Next week, I'll be heading bank to Tennessee and the mountains....