🍦Annapolis' best orange crushes

How many businesses opened in Anne Arundel YTD, AACPS graduations, Annapolis bought a new office building...

Author

Naptown Scoop
May 29, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. A man with no sailing experience, a cat, and “the spine of somebody who’s like 115 years old” just sailed from his home state of Oregon to Hawaii (2,000 miles) in 24 days. And you still can’t find the time for Wednesday Night Races?

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • How many businesses opened in Anne Arundel YTD

  • AACPS graduations

  • Annapolis bought a new office building

Let’s get to it.

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

From Studio Moves to Massive moves — uRelax Does It All

Moving doesn’t have to be a pain. Whether it’s a one-bedroom apartment, a full house, or just getting that old treadmill out of the basement, U Relax Movers makes it easy.

U Relax is Led by Ronaldo Calle — a Peruvian immigrant turned entrepreneur nominated for this year’s Maryland Investor Network Hustle Award. From small moves to big clean-outs, they’re the crew Annapolis counts on to get the job done fast and without stress.

Plus, they don’t just move stuff — they build connections. U Relax works with everyone from first-time renters to seasoned real estate pros and business owners.

Need help moving or clearing space? Let Ronaldo and his team handle it while you, well. . . relax.

THE DIGEST

AACPS Graduation Season 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

Oh, the places the Class of 2025 will go! But first, high school graduation at Live! Event Center (7002 Arundel Mills Cir #7777 in Hanover). Don’t forget to arrive early and to bring your tickets! Here’s the schedule for Scoop’s neck of the woods.

🎓Broadneck: Monday, June 2 at 6 PM
🎓South River: Tuesday, June 3 at 9 AM
🎓Severna Park: Tuesday, June 3 at 6 PM
🎓Annapolis: Friday, June 6 at 9 AM

See the full list of AACPS commencement ceremonies (including Crofton High School’s first-ever class of graduating seniors). Scoop writer Lauren says, “Hi Jackson!” He’s her nephew 🥰

Community Scoop: Joe Toolan on Pride, Purpose, and Showing Up 🏳️‍🌈

In this episode of Community Scoop, hosts Jared Littmann and Vincent Moulden sit down with Joe Toolan, Chair of Annapolis Pride. Joe shares his personal journey from Pasadena to leading one of the region’s most impactful LGBTQ+ organizations. From creating safe spaces for queer youth to organizing one of Annapolis’ biggest events, Joe talks about visibility, equity, and the power of community. Plus, lightning round favorites — including fried chicken and grandma wisdom. Watch now.

🎧 Access all episodes in one place at community-scoop.com!

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Our Picks for an Orange Crush 🍹

Despite deep political divides, Maryland’s lawmakers came together for an important piece of bipartisan legislation: declaring the Orange Crush our state cocktail. This drink originated in Ocean City at the Harborside Bar & Grill, where a few genius drinkmakers had the good sense to combine orange vodka, triple sec, fresh orange juice, and lemon-lime soda (originally Sierra Mist, but Sprite’s an acceptable substitute). The bill, which Gov. Moore signed into law this month, goes into effect on Sunday.

The best part: You don’t have to make the trip downy ocean to enjoy an Orange Crush. In the 30 years since it was invented, it’s become a bar staple. Here are some of our favorite spots around Annapolis who do the drink justice:

*Those marked with an asterisk are boat-friendly, because dock-and-dine (or dock-and-drink) is the Annapolis way to enjoy an Orange Crush experience. Unless you’re the captain. No drinking for you.

Where else is the Orange Crush the state drink? Last fall, Delaware declared the Orange Crush their official state drink — they claim that even though it was invented in Ocean City, it was perfected in Dewey Beach. Whatever, Delaware. 🙄

How many businesses have opened, expanded, or relocated in Anne Arundel County in 2025?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

That’s right. It’s 121.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t cover everything, just the info AAEDC can get its hands on.

As entrepreneurs ourselves, we know how hard, exciting, and scary starting something new is. So congratulations to all and godspeed.

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.

Elevating Annapolis

It’s often said that there’s nothing new under the sun. And in some ways, that’s true. Four Seasons service isn’t new. Isadore Sharp pioneered it with the first Four Seasons in 1961. But it is new in Annapolis.

It started with 134 Prince, a meticulously restored 1849 Dutch Colonial home steps from City Dock. Thoughtful transformation of the Flag House Inn came next, followed by the magnificent 1313 West. And now, Severn Grove Hospitality Group has opened its grandest hotel yet, 86 State Circle.

From their first hotel to their most ambitious yet, Severn Grove Hospitality Group is working tirelessly to elevate Annapolis. Please, step inside and have a look.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview 🗓️

🇬🇷 Annapolis Greek Festival Saturday 11 AM–9 PM, Sunday 11 AM–7 PM. Celebrate Greek culture (whether you’re Greek or not) at Saints Constantine and Helen Parish.

🎶 First Sunday Arts Festival Sunday 11 AM–5 PM. Enjoy live music, outdoor dining specials, and artisan shopping with more than 100 local vendors along West Street.

⚽️ Annapolis Blues Home Opener Double Saturday @ 5 PM. Both the men’s and women’s teams play their first home games of the season in a double header at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Shower thought: Most soccer games could be called double headers. Think about it. . .

🏳️‍🌈 Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival Saturday 11 AM–5 PM. Celebrate Annapolis’ LGBTQ community with a parade through downtown and a festival to follow at Maryland Hall.

🐶 Pints 4 Paws Saturday 2–6 PM. Taste some of the best local craft beers while supporting the Anne Arundel SPCA (yes, there will be four-legged friends in attendance).

🛍️ Local by Design May Market Friday 10 AM–7 PM, Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 11 AM–4 PM. Check out what local artisans and vendors have to offer at this monthly market.

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.

CIVIL NEWS

City Staff Moving to Shaw St. This Summer 📦 🏢

The City of Annapolis plans to move more than 30 employees from its Central Services and Finance departments to a newly purchased 8,230-square-foot building on Shaw Street later this summer. The $2.1 million purchase will help ease long-standing space shortages across city offices. The building (a former commercial space) will be retrofitted for office use. Once complete, the move will free up much-needed space for other city departments.

Btw, Annapolis reinstated the Department of Central Services last year, more than a decade after removing it from the City Charter in 2011. ($)

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Join the historic Hammond-Harwood House This Spring

Explore Presidents Hill, which has never been featured on the tour before, as well as Murray Hill. Both areas of Annapolis are rich with history, varied architecture, and beautiful spring gardens. You will visit intimate and charming outdoor spaces featuring gardens both large and small, ranging from formal, old boxwood to informal perennial, from secluded retreats to quiet oases off busy streets. Want the unique chance to peek behind these walls, get your tickets today! The self-guided garden tour runs 12–5 PM June 7–8 *

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Thursday

73 🌡️ 65 | 🌤️ | 9% | SW 7 mph (6 knots)

Friday

73 🌡️ 62 | 🌧️ | 57% | 💨 SSE 7 mph (6 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 66ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

Brian Boru | Aidan Ewald | 6:30–9:30 PM
Cafe Mezzanotte | The Ahmed Warshanna Trio | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | O'McPub Band | 6–9 PM
Market House | Troll Tribe | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Aaron Hawkins | 6 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Ray Weaver | 6 PM

Friday

49 West | Rik Ferrell & Hall Williams | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Sidewalk Soul | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Timmie Metz Band | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Aaron Hawkins | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Ryan Cobb | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | TBA | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | The Loop | 8:30 PM
Galway Bay | Ray Weaver | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Alexander Peters | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | Peter James | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Andrew Bell | 8–11 PM
Market House | Matt and Ben | 7–10 PM
Market Space | Russell Jacobsen | 6–9 PM
Maryland Hall | Blood, Sweat & Tears | 8 PM | Tickets
Middleton Tavern | 3 of A Kind | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Will Schmidt | 5 PM
Old Stein | Fat Whiskey Band | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Doug Segree | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Josh Radnor | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Boroy | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Nate Finn | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | The Shore Thing | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Nate & Jim | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Chris Button | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Bond & Bentley | 9:45 PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s going to see Dave Matthews Band at Merriweather this weekend.