🍦Gather round for ghost stories! 👻

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop, the email that’s always a treat to open . . . just like your kid’s Halloween haul after bedtime. 🍫 👿 🍬 

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• AAEDC celebrates local business growth 📈 

• Bohemian Black now open👖👜 

• City Council proposes houseboat task force ⛴️ 

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Chelsea Harrison, & Ryan Sneddon

Ghosts and Ghouls of Annapolis 👻

Gather round, ye Halloween revelers! Today is a day for spookiness. And in a historic city like our Annapolis . . . You can hardly pass an old building or landmark without wondering what spirits from the past remain lurking around! In celebration of Halloween, we rounded up five of our favorite local ghost stories. Fun fact: Scoop writer Dylan used to lead ghost tours and considers himself an amateur enthusiast about local folklore.

The Gravedigger of St. Anne’s Church

There once was a gravedigger at St. Anne’s Church who took his macabre profession so seriously that he was feared among the city folk and referred to as “Joe Morgue.” When he ambled around town, most people avoided eye contact, because if they did, he would point his finger and whisper, “I’ll bury you one day.” This ended up being true for many people, as Joe lived to be well over 100 and dug graves until the day he died. Some claim they still see him lurking around the St. Anne’s cemetery or seated in the backmost pew inside the church. ⚰️

The Brice House

The Brice House, once the home of 18th-century politician and lawyer James Brice, is often called the most haunted building in Annapolis. During one of its many restorations, construction workers uncovered the remains of a young woman entombed inside the walls, purported to be a sickly relative that the Brice family kept hidden away. Some versions of the story even claim there were fingernail marks on the inside of the wall. . . Another time, a contractor excavating the cellar uncovered an opening he thought might have been where the Brice family kept hidden treasure, only to find himself confronting a monstrous spider when he tried to reach inside. Many people who’ve been inside the Brice House at night have attested to hearing screams, wailing, and pounding on the walls, as well as an overall sense of dread. 😱

Publisher’s note: Historic Annapolis is in the middle of a huge restoration of the Brice House right now. When they’re finished, it will be perfectly restored to its former glory.

Middleton Tavern

Middleton Tavern has seen lots of people come and go through its doors over the years, so it’s no surprise that some of them have, well, stuck around. The tavern is over 250 years old, and has served as an inn or tavern throughout most of its existence — it was even used as barracks during the Revolutionary War. In the modern era, many people claim to have seen a man known as Roland, dressed in 18th-century military attire and lingering around the tavern’s staircase. Most people agree that Roland is a friendly ghost and serves as a sort of protector of the historic building. 👤

Maryland Inn

Here’s a tearjerker for you: Navy Captain Charles Campbell and his young bride (never identified by name) were separated while Campbell was off at sea, and his bride-to-be waited for him at Maryland Inn. On the day they were to be reunited, Campbell was coming up Main Street when he was killed by a runaway horse-drawn carriage. His bride witnessed it from the fourth-floor window and threw herself out the window in despair. They died together right outside the inn, and to this day, their spirits are said to haunt it. The bride is often seen pacing the fourth floor while the captain, dressed in full Naval attire, has been seen in the basement. 👰

The State House

If you’re ever wandering around downtown Annapolis at night, pay close attention to the State House dome. Do you see a flash of light moving past any of the dark windows that encircle the dome? That very well may be the ghost of the plasterer Thomas Dance, who was completing some of the final work on the State House in 1793 when he fell from the scaffolding he was working on and plummeted 90 feet to the marble floor below. Some versions of the story go that his widow and children were denied any of the payment due for his labor and left destitute, and Dance haunts the State House as an act of retribution. ⚒️

SPONSORED BY U RELAX MOVERS

Built on Hard Work. Moving You with Heart.

At U Relax Movers, moving is more than a service – it’s a story of dedication. The founder, Ronald Calle, is a picture of the American Dream. He immigrated to the US from Peru at 18 and started working to make ends meet. But here’s where the story gets really good.

Ronald studied at night and worked tirelessly every day. Over a decade later, U Relax Movers has multiple crews and trucks moving people and businesses all over Maryland and beyond. Ronald still works hard every day and studies every night – public speaking is his new focus.

U Relax is also proud to give back, often donating their services to nonprofits and sponsoring community events in Annapolis.

So if you need a moving company you can trust, call U Relax Movers. They’ll take care of everything.

THE DIGEST

Houseboats May Be Back on City Council Agenda

What’s the difference between a houseboat and a housebarge? Would the presence of houseboats “destroy” the local sailing industry? These are some of the questions the city council is hoping to address with a proposed task force aimed at studying marine residential units.

The task force, proposed by aldermen Ross Arnett and Rob Savidge, would assemble stakeholders to spend a year looking at the benefits and drawbacks of the issue and who might be affected. There is a question of what work the task force could accomplish, however, as the council cannot leave legislation for the next city council to pass. And elections are next year. ($)

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @jarvinphotography | 📍Sandy Point State Park

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Ribbon Cutting: Peak Potential Chiropractic and Physical Therapy 🎀 ✂️

Peak Potential Chiropractic and Physical Therapy is back at it with a new owner. Formerly Kennard Chiropractic, Dr. Patricia Beall purchased the practice and expanded offerings to keep you in "peak" shape. Certified in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston technique, Dry Needling, and Kinesio Taping, Dr. Patti also treats pre and postnatal women. Join the ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, November 1 with refreshments and raffles. Open House from 4–6 PM, ribbon snip at 4:30 PM. RSVP. — 650 Ritchie Highway, Suite 106, Severna Park, MD

In this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

SPONSORED BY WARRIOR MEDICAL

Boost Your Winter Wellness with Warrior Medical!

Warrior Medical is all about empowering you to feel your best with top-notch care and a commitment to health. Celebrate their 2-year anniversary with the Winter Wellness Celebration on November 21—a perfect chance to kick-start your winter health journey. There will be raffles, giveaways, live-stream demos, local partners, and event-only pricing on services. Don’t miss out on expert tips, fun activities, and a supportive community focused on well-being.

Click here to learn more and be part of the festivities as you join the movement toward a healthier you!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

We’re in the holiday triangle where we’re celebrating Halloween with more holidays creeping up. Any way you slice it, we’re feeling festive! 🎃 🦃 🎄

Thursday

🎃 Great Pumpkins (cont.): Snap a pic or video with the mega-gourds. Post on social media for a chance to win prizes from local businesses. Tag #GreatAnnapolisPumpkins and @VisitAnnapolis to enter. Last day to post is today (10/31)! Pumpkins hang out til 11/3.

Friday

🎄🚂 Homestead Holiday Preview Party: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with tree and model train displays, twinkling lights, festive music, and refreshments at all Homestead locations from 6–9 PM. Kick off your holiday shopping. Garden Rewards members get 25% off during the event. First 100 visitors at each store get a Christmas ornament.

🛍️ Annapolis Night Market: Think of it as part farmers, vintage, and art market — the ground floor of the new Hillman Garage will be converted for a night of shopping and live entertainment from 4­–9 PM. Stroll by all the Great Annapolis Pumpkin jack-o-lantern carvings too! Parking info.

🎷AACC Faculty Jazz Ensemble: Jazz fans won’t want to miss the performance by AACC's Faculty Jazz Ensemble (all AACC instructors) at 7:30 PM. Besides the traditional repertoire, the ensemble focuses on music composed by its members. Score (music score that is) tickets!

Saturday

💪 It's time to Tug: One of the most-anticipated events and playful grudges between Annapolis and Eastport begins at the crack of noon. Gather at 2nd Street to watch (or pull) the 1,700-foot, 850-pound rope across Spa Creek and cheer for your side.

📚B.I.G. Book Sale: Dear book lovers, the B.I.G. (Books for International Goodwill) Book Sale is from 8 AM-2 PM. Peruse gently used books at 451 Defense Highway in Annapolis. Profits go toward shipping books to underserved populations around the world. You can also donate books at the same location.

🌽🐶 Maryland Corn Maze, Dog Weekend: Get lost in all things fall: a corn maze, corn pits, hay rides, and more. It’s also bring your dog weekend! No dog, no problem. Visit the petting farm to get your animal fix. Tickets.

Sunday

🌽🐶 Maryland Corn Maze, Dog Weekend: Woof! Woof! 🐾 Dogs are welcome again. Tickets.

🎨 First Sunday Arts Festival: West Street fills with over 100 local artisan vendors from 11 AM–5 PM. Bonus this month: it’s the Holiday Market! Get the scoop on the live entertainment.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

A Message From 84 Lumber

There is nothing spookier than an unfinished home project! Let the experts at 84 Lumber help you revamp your living space with the materials you need and the service you deserve. From windows and doors to cabinets and trim, 84 Lumber has the materials you need to get the job done right. From our 84 Lumber family, we wish you and your family a Happy Halloween!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Thursday

77 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ | 8% | 💨 SSW 11 mph (10 knots)

Friday

74 🌡️ 50 | 🌧️ | 41% | 💨 WSW 11 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 65ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

49 West | Skribe! | 8–10 PM
Dark Horse | The Hallow Truths | 10 PM
Killarney House | Andrew Janosek and Friends | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Rams Head Tavern | George Evans | 5 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

Friday

49 West | Tom Mitchell & Friends | 8–11 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Nate Finn and All You Need | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4-7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Michael McHenry Tribe | 9-12 PM
Brian Boru | Poehemia | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Hunter Rich | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Dwayne Wilson | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Next of Kin | 8:30 PM
Great Frogs | Alexander Peters | 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Killarney House | Greg Kneller | 7:30–10:30 PM
Old Stein Inn | Eddie Pasa | 7 – 10 PM
Pirates Cove | Mike Tony Scoglio | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Crack the Sky | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | The Freebyrds | 5 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Joey Fitz | 10 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Remedy | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Tommy McGee | 9:45 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Good game, Pat O’Malley ⚾️

If you’ve followed the local sports scene over the past few years, you’ve probably read the words of Pat O’Malley. The spirited sports reporter for The Baltimore Sun recently passed away at age 78, leaving a legacy of humorous, hard-hitting journalism marked by quips that won him a lot of admirers and maybe even a few critics.

Pat came to The Sun in ’78 and became a media figure in newspapers, radio, and TV. When he wasn’t writing about sports, he was an active participant, dedicating years to coaching youth teams and serving as a scout for MLB. He was inducted into the Anne Arundel County Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. That’s a career you can put in the win column! ($)

Past results

Women's Soccer ()
10/30 @ Lafayette | T 0-0

Upcoming games

Men’s Hockey
11/1 @ Villanova | 7:40 PM

Men's Soccer (4-6-4)
11/1 vs. Boston | 7 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who will start listening to holiday music tomorrow and not a minute earlier.