🍦A new view inside USNA⚓️

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop –  the newsletter that gives you the grown-up table info with a kid table vibe. 

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Plaid Friday on Maryland Avenue 🛍

• Park Books and A Likely Story Bookstore announce merger 📚

• Undressed book launch 📖 🚀 

Let’s get to it.

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

A look inside USNA with influencer Sam Eckholm 🎥

How much do you know about the Naval Academy? Sure, you live in (or near) Annapolis, but have you really had a chance to take an up-close look at the Yard or what life is like for the mids who are studying there?

YouTuber Sam Eckholm recently recorded a 24-minute video “What’s Inside the United States Naval Academy,” which gives you (and his 872K subscribers) a look inside Bancroft Hall, a breakdown of traditions, an explanation of midshipmen uniforms, and more info than you ever thought you’d know about the military academy right in our backyard. We think even Bill the Navy mascot would agree this is the GOAT — that’s “greatest of all time” — of looks inside the Naval Academy.

SPONSORED BY ANNAPOLIS MALL

Shop Big or Shop Local at Annapolis Mall this Black Friday and Small Business Saturday 🛍️

Got an overwhelming Christmas shopping list? Annapolis Mall is here to help you check it off with unbeatable Black Friday deals and fantastic Small Business Saturday specials.

🛍️ Black Friday, November 29: Hunt for amazing gifts and let the festive Elves on Duty surprise and delight you — they’ll be spreading cheer all the way through Christmas Eve!

🎶 Small Business Saturday, November 30: Enjoy a special performance by Outlet Dance Complex at 12 PM in Crate & Barrel Court, then explore over 20 locally owned shops.

From big-name brands to hidden gems, Annapolis Mall is your holiday headquarters. Browse the directory online to find locally owned stores and plan your shopping spree.

🎄Celebrate the season, support your community, and shop with joy!

THE DIGEST

Honoring Admiral Leggett ⚓️

The Annapolis community mourns the loss of Vince Leggett, an honorary Admiral of the Chesapeake and the founder of Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, which celebrates the contributions of African Americans to the maritime industries in the bay region.

Leggett was also the author of the history book The Chesapeake Bay Through Ebony Eyes and recently had undertaken a project to restore public access to Elktonia Beach and Carr’s Beach, two historically Black beaches. His accomplished life also saw him working in roles of educator and chaplain, as well as for government, public affairs, and urban planning.

Joel Dunn, president and CEO of the Chesapeake Conservancy, called Leggett “a visionary leader who championed the preservation of Black history, culture and contributions to the Chesapeake Bay region.”

Undressed book launch 📖 🚀 

Annapolis native Greg Vetter has decided to romaine calm and write on. 🥗 The Tessemae’s all-natural salad dressing founder, along with his brothers Matt and Brian, left the company after selling it for $4.5 million to Panos Brands earlier this year. Last year, Tessemae’s filed for Chapter 11 to restructure debts and halt costly litigation by a former lender.

Greg wrote the book, Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success. Here’s what Greg—who oversaw the No. 1 organic salad dressing in the U.S. for 15 years—told us about Undressed: “It’s the book any person who has ever thought about following their dream should read. What does it actually take to make something work? And then what do you do if it doesn’t?” Order your hardcover copy today. ($)

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @pov.txny | 📍United States Naval Academy Chapel

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Park Books and A Likely Story Bookstore announce merger 📚

Two literary powerhouses are co-authoring a new chapter! Severna Park’s Park Books and Sykesville’s A Likely Story are merging to create a novel destination for book lovers. The merger — official on January 1 — will combine Debbie Scheller’s expertise (owner of A Likely Story for 18 years) with the creative vision of Park Books Owner Melody Wukitch. Together, they’ll create an expanded regional literary hub. Expect a rebranding storyline that reflects their unified vision—because this tale is just beginning!

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.

SPONSORED BY BLOOMSTONE JEWELERS

Unwrap the Christmas of Your Dreams

✨ This Black Friday, enjoy 30% OFF on our in-store collection of lab-grown diamond jewelry! ✨

💎 Treat yourself or find the perfect gift that’s ready to shine this holiday season. But hurry—this special offer applies only to in-stock items and excludes special orders, online exclusives and custom designs.

📅 Mark your calendar: Sale opens online Thanksgiving evening at 8 PM EST and closes Cyber Monday at 11:59 PM.

🛍️ Visit us at Annapolis Harbour Center to shop the pieces you’ve been dreaming of!

Bloomstonejewelers.com

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Theater Tuesday 🎭

Why not spend Thanksgiving weekend seeing a show with friends or family? There’s a great holiday option opening this weekend:

❄️ Classic Theatre of Maryland presents White Christmas
This stage adaptation of the 1954 classic film brings together all your favorite Irving Berlin songs (including the title number) and runs at Classic Theatre of Maryland Nov 29–Dec 19.

Plaid Friday on Maryland Avenue 🛍

It sounds like plaid is the new black, at least on Maryland Avenue. This Friday after Thanksgiving is Plaid Friday for participating local businesses. Let yourself sleep late, put on some comfy plaid, and stroll the festive downtown streets for holiday shopping. Participating local small businesses have special offers for anyone who is wearing plaid:  Be Home, Mango & Main, Annapolis Juice Shop, Welcome Home, Brice Interiors, Local by Design, Mantovani Moda, Evergreen Antiques, Cezanne Jewelers, and Roberta Bell Vintage.

Ready for your Snowflake Alley selfie? ❄️

It’s that time of year: the Midnight Madness Thursdays in December, when all of DTA turns into the set of the greatest Hallmark Christmas movie ever. Stores are open until midnight; anything standing still is decorated in lights; carolers (and steel drums) collect on every corner. And don’t just hang out on Main Street: the celebration extends from City Dock to West Street, Church Circle to Maryland Avenue. On the second Thursday (12/12), the Annapolis Holiday Market will be set up at City Dock. It certainly is the most wonderful time of the year. 🎄

🎵 Annapolis Blend Holiday Performances

The Annapolis Blend women’s chorus is taking their show on the road this holiday season. Hear their four-part a cappella barbershop harmony at one of four performances in December throughout the greater Annapolis area:

🗓 Homestead Gardens (Severna Park): Dec. 1 at 11:30 AM
🗓 Unity by the Bay Church: Dec. 10 at 7 PM
🗓 Homestead Gardens (Davidsonville): Dec. 14 at 11:30 AM
🗓 Michael Busch Library: Dec. 17 at 6 PM

Get info.

How do you take your cocoa? ☕️

No matter your cocoa style, you need to grab tickets for the hugely popular Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival happening December 1 on the first block of West Street. Chocolatiers from around the state will help you indulge your sweet tooth with top-quality confections.

And if your dentist asks, there are other vendors there selling all sorts of cool handmade gifts that won’t cause a sugar crash. Check out the Great Annapolis Gingerbread House Contest at the visitor’s center while you’re at it.

Annapolis Holiday Market 🎨 🖼️ 🥨 🧀 🍕

The Annapolis Holiday Market is coming to town on December 12–15! With over 100 artisan vendors, specialty foods/drinks/treats, twinkling lights, and festive storefronts. It’s the perfect place to shop local and bask in holiday cheer. Home décor, jewelry, and pottery are just a few of the handcrafted items to expect. Held at City Dock, the market coincides with a holiday extravaganza of events like Midnight Madness, the Eastport Yacht Club's Lights Parade, and the Annapolis Santa Speedo Run. No wonder Annapolis is one of “America’s Top 10 Christmas towns”. Admission is free. See hours, parking details, and more.

Bykes 2 Tykes 🚲

A bike for Christmas?! Talk about one of the best gifts a kid can get, and Bicycle Advocates of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County makes it happen for underserved families in the community. But to get the wheels turning on this effort, they need support from volunteers. Join them as a bike assembler or a helmet fitter at one of their upcoming Bikes 2 Tykes events Dec. 13–15. All you need is basic wrench-turning skills. Bring your own tools if you have them.

🔧 Dec. 13: Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis (121 S Villa Avenue, Annapolis), 7–9:30 PM — sign up.
🔧 Dec. 14:  Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis (121 S Villa Avenue, Annapolis), 11:30 AM–1 PM — sign up.
🔧 Dec 15:  Greene Turtle Waugh Chapel (1407 S Main Chapel Way #115, Gambrills), 11:30 AM–1 PM — sign up.
🔧 Dec. 15:  Freetown Elementary (7904 Freetown Road, Glen Burnie), 3:30–5 PM — sign up.

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

Make a Difference This Holiday Season 🎀

Want to spread cheer and make an impact? Sponsorship with Bosom Buddies Charities is the perfect way to support a meaningful cause while showcasing your brand. From empowering community events to impactful programs, your sponsorship helps change lives while building connections. Join us in creating a brighter, healthier future! Check out our sponsorship levels and find the perfect fit for your business. Learn more here.*

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WEATHER

Tuesday

59 🌡️ 38 | 🌧️ | 64% | 💨 WNW 14 mph (12 knots)

Wednesday

53 🌡️ 47 | ⛅ | 4% | 💨 SSE 5 mph (4 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 54ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Nighthawks w/ Sol Roots | 7:30 PM | Tickets

Wednesday

Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Shawn Owen | 6–9 PM
Old Stein | Fat Whiskey Band | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan | 5–8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mr. VCR | 9:45 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Past results

Men's Basketball (2-4)
11/25 vs Washington College (Md.) | W 94-43

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who will have sauerkraut on the table Thursday.