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🍦Mutt Madness is back

🍦Mutt Madness is back

AACPS graduation rates, checking in on the Shoppes at Riva, can't miss events coming up soon...

Naptown Scoop
February 26, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Today I want to praise an outstanding member of the Scoop team – Elle Ponado. She works incredibly hard behind the scenes to make this newsletter great and never seeks a word of recognition. Hip, hip, hooray for Elle! Scoop wouldn’t be the same without you.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

AACPS graduation rates
Checking in on the Shoppes at Riva
Can’t miss events coming up soon

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins, & Ryan Sneddon

A Brad Kappel Team Exclusive – Waterfront Luxury in Arundel on the Bay

Many homes offer waterfront views. This one offers a waterfront lifestyle.

Set on a spectacular 1.03-acre point lot with 280+ feet of shoreline, this private estate is a rare opportunity for true luxury living on Fishing Creek. With a deep-water pier, five slips, and a waterside pool with a charming crab shack, every day feels like vacation.

Inside, over 6,700 sq ft of thoughtfully designed space offers incredible elegance and comfort. The gourmet kitchen, open floor plan, and sun-drenched alcoves create an inviting atmosphere for entertaining. Upstairs, the primary suite stuns with water views, a private balcony, fireplace, and spa-like bath that even has a sauna.

The unique birds’ nest room is the ultimate retreat — perfect for quiet reflection with stunning South River views.

Waterfront estates like this don’t come around often. Contact Brad Kappel today for your exclusive first look at this one-of-a-kind home.

THE DIGEST

Ladies and gentlepups, we are back. After a 14 dog-year hiatus, it’s time for. . .

The rules are simple.

This is a multi-round vote to crown Annapolis’ favorite pooch. A $25 entrance fee (which supports the SPCA) gets your dog in. There are 6 voting rounds. Half the contestants will be eliminated each round.

Last pup standing earns a customer pet portrait from West & Willow (a $125 value) and a $50 gift card to Sea Dog Pet Boutique on Main Street.

Oh, and we’re thrilled to have the official vet of Naptown Scoop, Western Shore Veterinary Hospital, as the presenting sponsor of Mutt Madness. If you’re getting a new puppy, this is the place to go.

And speaking of dogs. . .

We honestly didn’t know how adorable the sound of snoring could be until we met this adorable package of cuddles. Meet Tokyo: an almost-three-year-old Frenchie with a brindle coat and a face that will make you request WFH into the foreseeable future. She has spunk. She has sassiness. She has a little bit of incontinence but honestly, who doesn’t? We should be normalizing that. This baby girl is looking to make fetch happen and will be the one to make you close down that Bumble profile for good. Act fast, Scoop readers.

Comparing AACPS’ 2024 and 2023 graduation rates

AACPS’ 2024 graduation rates just came out and as you can see, leadership is making a big push for progress. Of the 15 student groups with more than 10 students, only 3 declined. Some saw jumps of nearly 7%. AACPS is particularly proud of closing the gaps between minority groups and everyone else. Of the 15 student groups, just 6 graduated more than average.

Keep up the good work, AACPS. We’re rooting for these numbers to rise even higher next year. To see all graduation rates (including school by school), check this out.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Checking in on the Shoppes at Riva 🏬

One of the small joys in life (right up there with Christmas presents or a check in the mail) is seeing a “Now Open” sign on a new business in town. Or in this day and age, a “Now Open” post on social media. Now that Shoppes at Riva is coming along, you’ll see more and more of those as you walk around. If you haven’t been able to make your way over there yet just to see what’s open, don’t worry — we did it for you.

🛒 ALDI: The German discount supermarket where cashiers sit in chairs is OPEN

🍯 Honeygrow: The stir-fry/salad/honeybar specialty shop is OPEN

🥢 Quickway Hibachi: The Japanese restaurant just put up a sign to say it’s headed toward opening soon

✂️ Salon Lofts: The WeWork for beauty care professionals (minus the massive fraud and bankruptcy) just put up its sign and is subleasing now.

As always, we’ll share updates as we have them!

Fig & Flower Finds New Home in Annapolis 💐

Eastport is feeling some flower power! Fig & Flower, a boutique floral design studio, has a new home at 413 Fourth St. Specializing in home deliveries, subscriptions, corporate services, stem bars, and intimate weddings, each arrangement is rooted with a personalized and artistic touch. Chiropractor-turned-florist Denise Mills founded Fig & Flower and has a portfolio that includes designs for Gucci, Vogue, and Tiffany. The Annapolis location is ideal, as she lives close by. Like most Annapolitans, Denise enjoys boating and pickleball, plus spending time with her 5 kids. Hyatt Commercial’s George Shenas and Collin Mercier handled the lease. Which is cool because we went to the same high school #OneDeMatha

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.

Total Wellness, One Simple Membership

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At Warrior Medical, you get unlimited doctor visits, personalized treatment, super-fast text access to your provider, and exclusive discounts on cutting-edge services like EmSculpt NEO for fat loss and muscle building, Emsella for extraordinary pelvic health and other aesthetic treatments.

Whether you’re optimizing your health, transforming your body, or regaining control, Warrior Medical makes it easy. Join today and experience a better way to see the doctor.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Introducing the CMECUS 📆

Here at Scoop, we love annoyingly long acronyms. Remember TGAPSCC2024? Good times. Allow us to introduce you to the CMECUS. AKA the Can’t Miss Events Coming Up Soon.

☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Weekend (or strictly speaking, the weekend before) is always a time we feel lucky to be Annapolitans, with the parade on March 9 at 1 PM and the Shamrock the Dock music festival starting at 2:30 PM.

🦪 Welcome in the spring season (and boat shoe weather) with the annual Oyster Roast and Sock Burning at the Annapolis Maritime Museum on March 22, noon–4 PM. (Get tickets soon, because VIP has already sold out!)

🐢 Celebrate our great state with Maryland Day celebrations the weekend of March 21–23, including tours, exhibits, performances, and other activities focused on our culture and heritage.

👟 Lace up your shoes for the Annapolis Running Festival on March 22, where you can run a 5K, 10K, or half marathon course through the city followed by a sweet afterparty at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

🎥 Film buffs, take note: the Annapolis Film Festival returns for a 13th year on March 27–30 with a varied lineup of full-length and short films, both narrative and documentary, along with plenty of talk-back sessions.

Restaurant Week: Lauren’s picks 🍽️

Hey Scoop! It’s “always hungry for a bargain” Lauren. With Annapolis Restaurant Week in town until March 2, here’s what I’m craving. Now if I can just find a babysitter for my 3 little ladies . . . #DateNight

🇫🇷 Café Normandie: There are so many great options with this special menu. Grab a 3-course lunch for $22.95 or 3-course dinner for $44.95. My pick? I’d go with my two Café Normandie standbys and try a new dessert!

Première: Cream of Crab Soup
Seconde: Roast Chicken with Rosemary Au Jus and French Fries
Troisième: Crème Caramel

🐟 Carrol’s Creek: Usually reserved for special occasions like my Rehearsal Dinner, Anniversaries, and other celebrations, I relish a prix fixe menu at this waterfront restaurant!

Lunch menu: $19.95 (appetizer or dessert + main course)
Dinner menu: $44.95 (appetizer + main course + dessert)
Appetizer: Carrol’s Creek Salad (baby greens, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, blue cheese, and raspberry tarragon vinaigrette)
Main Course: Oven Roasted Sesame Crusted Local Jumbo Rockfish (Confession: I can’t go to Carrol’s Creek without getting the Rockfish.)
Dessert: Lemon Sorbet with fresh berries

See what’s calling your name. All the Restaurant Week menus are right here!

Winter is almost over. So is AMM’s Winter Lecture Series

The end of winter is officially less than a month away and we couldn’t be more stoked. And the end of winter means the end of the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s beloved winter lecture series. The final speaker? Renowned local wildlife photographer Jay Fleming. He’s sharing stories and photos of the invasive blue catfish in our Chesapeake Bay. And because lectures are always better with snacks, Jay’s bringing Chef Matthew Lego from Leo. He’ll discuss the culinary qualities of this invasive species and yes, there will be samples.

We aren’t going to say AMM saved the best for last because this winter’s speaker lineup was stellar but they’re definitely closing the series with a bang. Come on down to Eastport on Thursday, 2/27 from 7–8:30 PM. Registration is $10 unless you’re a First Mate AMM member. Then it’s nothing!

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

First class temporary restroom solutions, available next-day

At Royal Flush, we’re proud to rent the best restroom trailers in Maryland. Whether it’s a few week renovation or a six-month semi-permanent solution, we have what you need. Our luxury restroom trailers are air-conditioned, heated, and boast running water. We stock them with brand-name soaps, lotions, and amenities and keep them cleaner than anyone else. So when you need temporary restrooms (even if you need them tomorrow), call Royal Flush.*

Support Pediatric Mental Health Services in Our Community

Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Denim & Diamonds Bash supports pediatric mental health services for our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. Together, we can ensure the best possible care for children in our community. This event sells out every year – guarantee your spot by becoming a sponsor.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Wednesday

60 🌡️ 46 | 🌤️ | 7% | SW 8 mph (7 knots)

Thursday

60 🌡️ 40 | ☁️ | 22% | SW 11 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 38ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

Thursday

NAVY SPORTS

Past results

Baseball (2-5)
2/25 vs. Manhattan | W 7-4

Upcoming games

Women's Basketball (16-10)
2/26 vs. American | 7 PM

Men's Basketball (11-18)
2/26 @ American | 7 PM

Women's Lacrosse (3-1)
2/26 @ Virginia | 5 PM

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THANKS!

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🍦Mutt Madness is back

AACPS graduation rates, checking in on the Shoppes at Riva, can't miss events coming up soon...

TOGETHER WITH

SPONSORED BY BRAD KAPPEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE