🍦Dashing through the snow in a Speedo

Red Red Jingle Bell Bar, East of Maui to close, Welcome back Head Coach Colin Herriot

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Naptown Scoop
December 12, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop, and just like Santa’s elves, we work around the clock to bring you the news in fun trinket form.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Red Red Jingle Bell Bar pop-up 🔔 🎄 🎅 

  • East of Maui to close 🏄️ 

  • Welcome back Head Coach Colin Herriot ⚽️💙 

Let’s get to it.

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

Penny for your thoughts? Try $500

We’re so curious. . .  What do you think of Annapolis Mall? Actually, we’re not curious. Annapolis Mall is. And if you’re willing to share your opinion, you may just get a $500 gift card to your favorite mall retailer. Here’s how it works.

You take this short survey telling Annapolis Mall what you like (or dislike) about its stores, amenities, and overall atmosphere. And then tomorrow, they’ll pick one random survey taker to get a $500 gift card to any Annapolis Mall store. I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely picking The Container Store if it’s me.

Good luck! We truly hope you win.

And don’t forget about Santapolis at Annapolis Mall! It’s open for family photos every day through Christmas Eve.

THE DIGEST

Annapolis City Council bans new drive-thru windows

At its final 2024 meeting, the Annapolis City Council banned new drive-thru windows for fast-food restaurants, banks, and pharmacies in a 6-3 vote. The legislation seeks more “pedestrian-focused” development set by the Annapolis Ahead 2040 plan.

Other meeting updates:

  • Tenant Funding Bill Withdrawn: A bill to create a fund for residents in uninhabitable rental units was withdrawn. Alderman Gay plans to revise it, shifting financial responsibility from the city to landlords.

  • Maritime Economic Development Fund: Mayor Buckley's bill charges fees to maritime property owners not reserving space for maritime uses. Funds will support maritime industrial parks and promote Annapolis' maritime industry.

  • Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Penalty Delay: The council voted to delay fines for the gas-powered leaf blower ban from January 1 to April 1, giving time to develop a voucher program for electric alternatives.

🗓️ The next meeting is January 13, 2025. ($)

AACPS Elementary Winter Wonderland Art Exhibit ❄️🧑‍🎨

More than 275 Anne Arundel County elementary school students are spreading joy through their masterpieces! From now until January 2, The Annapolis Mall is home to their Winter Wonderland Art Exhibit, showcasing everything from picture-perfect snowy scenes and penguins to abstract snowflake designs through mediums like watercolor, collage, and mixed media.

See the art in all its winter glory in the mall’s corridor from The Container Store to Tropical Fish Tank. Meet the student art stars at a reception on December 12 at 6 PM! 🌟

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Under Armour 🤝 Navy

Did you know Under Armour and the Naval Academy Athletic Association have had a partnership for 10 years now? The Baltimore-based athletic attire brand has been the official outfitter of the service academy’s varsity intercollegiate athletic programs since 2014. And that partnership has just been extended: Under Armour and Navy announced this week they’ve renewed that agreement, so Navy athletes will continue to have access to industry-leading apparel, footwear, and accessories.

Catch you on the next swell, East of Maui 🤙

Local board shop East of Maui announced it will be closing its doors after more than 45 years in business, (21 years with the current owners). The owners posted to Facebook to express their thanks to their customers, employees, and friends, and said they expect to close up shop in mid-February. According to the post, “THE GOOD NEWS everything is going to be marked down like crazy until then, so get it while you can.” 🛍️ 🏄‍♀️

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.

Perfectly curated gifts at The Cottage on Main! 🎄 

The holidays are in full swing and The Cottage on Main is your one-stop shop for finding the perfect gifts. From unique treasures to thoughtful favorites, we’ve got everything you need to make their season merry and bright.

✨ Discover:

  • Handpicked jewelry

  • Charming home decor

  • One-of-a-kind gifts for even the pickiest on your list

  • And a little something for yourself!

You’ve got 13 days to sleigh your holiday shopping—don’t wait!

🎉 Join us for Midnight Madness in Annapolis!

📅 This Thursday
⏰ 4 PM–Midnight
🥂 Enjoy bubbly and 15% OFF your purchase!
(*Some exclusions apply.)

📍 Visit us at The Cottage on Main in downtown Annapolis
💻 Shop online from the comfort of your couch.

Let’s make your gift-giving as special as the season itself! 🌟

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

So many holiday festivities and markets, so little time. 🎅 🛍️

Thursday

🛍️🎄Midnight Madness: There’s no better place to shop local or feel like you’re in a Hallmark Christmas movie! Visit 90 stores and 80 restaurants in DTA from 4 PM until midnight.

🛍️🕯️🥖🍕Annapolis Holiday Market: During Midnight Madness, don’t forget to wander over to City Dock from 4–10 PM for 100+ artisans and specialty food vendors.

Friday

🛍️🕯️🥖🍕Annapolis Holiday Market: City Dock from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Saturday

⛵️✨EYC Lights Parade: Witness one of the brightest, most festive nights of the year when boats cruise the Annapolis Harbor during this beloved tradition. Check out our Journal for what to know before you go.

🎅☕️Wildberry Vintage Christmas Market: Shop 60+ unique small businesses at Wildberry’s outdoor Christmas market from 2–6 PM. Expect hot foods/beverages, plus a roaming Santa, and live music. Admission is free. — 1047 St Stephens Church Rd, Crownsville

💖Give Back Saturday: Decorate bags for kids in transitional housing and support Comfort Cases and Foster Love. Attendees will enjoy cocoa, a DJ, s'mores, DIYs, and more! Goes 1–3 PM at 2323 Forest Dr in Annapolis.

🛍️🕯️🥖🍕Annapolis Holiday Market: City Dock from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Sunday

🎅🛍️🍪Christmas at The Station: Expect treats and special gifts to shop, plus Santa visits, face painting, and Christmas Carols from 9 AM to 2 PM. Black Market Bakers, Bohemian Black, and Sparks Woodworking are just a few vendors to expect. – 45 West Earleigh Heights Road, Severna Park

🎅🧸Annapolis Santa Run: This event brings together volunteers and generous donors to gather and deliver toys to underprivileged children in Annapolis. Starts at 3 PM at 421 Rowe Blvd.

🛍️🕯️🥖🍕Annapolis Holiday Market: City Dock from 11 AM to 5 PM.

Ongoing

✨🌊Lights on the Bay: There’s still time to partake in the holiday lights display along the Chesapeake Bay—all in support of SPCA! Open every night (including holidays) until January 1, Sunday–Thursday from 5–9 PM or Friday/Saturday from 5–10 PM.

🎨Holiday Artisan Market, Artistic Gifts of the Season: There’s no shortage of artwork to buy and take home: ceramics, paintings, oyster shells, ornaments, jewelry, and so much more. The Galleries of Quiet Waters Park in the Visitor Center are opened until January 5, weekdays 9 AM–4 PM and weekends 10 AM–4 PM. The park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.

Red Red Jingle Bell Bar 🎄

One of our favorite downtown restaurants is getting a holiday makeover! Red Red Wine Bar gets bedazzled, bejeweled, and be-tinseled for Red Red Jingle Bell Bar, a festive portal to the North Pole, if the North Pole specialized in wine flights and flatbreads. There are great events all month long, with DJs, ugly sweater contests, and free wine tastings. Get there soon, before Rudolph polishes off all the pinot noir.

Santa Speedo Run 🩲

Who out there is ready to sleigh in their bathing suit in this December cold? The Annapolis Santa Speedo Run is this Saturday (12/14) in downtown Annapolis—and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Get ready to run a festive 5K through downtown Annapolis in just your jingle trunks to benefit Toys for Tots. Check-in, same-day registration, and donation drop-off begins at 11 AM at O’Brien’s with the race starting at 12:30. Once you cross the finish line, enjoy an after-party with the Timmie Metz Band featuring Tambo. Get info and register.

A photographer + author will be HERE. 📸📖

Local photographer Jay Fleming and author David Gendell will be at HERE. a pop-up shop tonight during Midnight Madness 6–8 PM to sign copies of their respective books — Jay will sign Island Life and Working the Water, and David will sign Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse and The Last Days of the Schooner America. HERE. is currently operating at 14 Church Circle for the month of December. Get info.

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

Thank You for Supporting the Jingle Bell Run!

The DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation (DPCF) wants to say thank you to everyone who participated in the 13th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk of Annapolis. 500 participants lined the trails of Quiet Waters Park to bring light to the fight against lung and ovarian cancers.  We are 100% volunteer-driven and proud to report that over $100,000 was raised this year, which will directly support our mission. Our DPCF Race Committee thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Save the date for the first Saturday of December 2025 to jingle again in Annapolis‘s healthiest holiday tradition!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Thursday

43 🌡️ 29 | ⛅ | 3% | W 13 mph (11 knots)

Friday

40 🌡️ 28 | ⛅ | 1% | 💨 NE 4 mph (3 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 46ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

49 West | The Annapolis RoundUp | 7:30–10 PM
Brian Boru | Ciaran Quinn | 6:30–9:30 PM
Dark Horse | Local Souls | 9 PM
Killarney House | Dave Tieff | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Screaming Orphans | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

Friday

49 West | Scott of The Andes | 7:30–9 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Starbelly | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Rick & The Revolving Doors | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Meg & Bryan | 7–10 PM
Coconut Joe | JJ Billings Band | 9 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Shatners | 10 PM
Old Stein | The Dan Heely Ban | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Peter James | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 8:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Boroy | 8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Sara & the Igniters | 7 PM
Severna Park | Red Betty & the Ruckus | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Hot Fun | 9:45 PM

🎙 LISTEN: Previewing the 125th Army-Navy Game

In this latest episode of the Anchors Aweigh podcast, hosts Bill Wagner and Pete Medhurst kick off a huge week of Army-Navy Game coverage by previewing this year's game held at Northwest Stadium in Landover. They’re joined by Mike James of The Mid Report to breakdown the matchup, then talk to Navy senior captain and fullback Daba Fofana to get a player's perspective. Listen.

Coach Colin Herriot returns

Annapolis Blues FC announced Colin Herriot will return as the head coach of the men’s team for the third year. If you’re looking forward to another great year with the Annapolis Blues as a season ticket holder, be sure to pick up your scarf tonight 6-9 PM next to Market House during Midnight Madness downtown.

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who is planning an epic holiday crawl downtown later tonight.