🍦First look: J. Alexander's

Boat Show guide, new City Dock, Halloween costume exchange...

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Naptown Scoop
October 03, 2023

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. As of yesterday afternoon, 10 people had already completed their TGAPSCC2023 punch cards. It means so much to Natalie and me to see y’all using and posting the cards. Keep it up and stay caffeinated, Annapolis.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Who won the Western Shore Veterinary Hospital Great Naptown Scavenger Hunt?

  • Boat Show guide

  • New City Dock

Let’s get to it.

—Ryan Sneddon & Rebecca Kraybill

It’s Boat Show week!

Annapolis has 4 epic, huge, can’t-miss holidays: St. Patrick’s Day, Commissioning Week, EYC Lights Parade, and Boat Shows. But the Boat Show can be intimidating if you’ve never been. So we compiled all the most common questions we get into one helpful guide.

Btw, Annapolis has two different boat shows each fall. First up is powerboats. That’s this weekend. Next weekend all the powerboats leave and all the sailboats come in.

Helm stations at the 2022 Annapolis Powerboat Show

Boat Show Basics

  • What is a boat show? Basically the entire harbor turns into a gigantic shopping mall of boats, boat accessories, and businesses that like marketing to boaters.

  • Who goes to the Boat Show? Literally everyone. Tens of thousands of people.

  • How do I go to the Boat Show? Buy a ticket ($23), park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium ($20 in advance, $25 at the lot) and take the shuttle, then just walk around and look at the awesome boats!

  • What will I see at the Boat Show? First of all, boats (duh). From 10 feet to 66 feet and $25k to $4 million. But you’ll also see boat adjacent stuff like floating docks, boat lifts, clothing and life jackets, and tons of service providers. You’ll even see non-boat things like Realtors, home builders, and landscapers.

  • When is the Boat Show? October 5–8. That’s this weekend.

  • What time is the Boat Show? 10 AM–6:30 PM Thursday through Saturday. Sunday is 10 AM–5 PM. Thursday’s called Preview Day. It’s a little more expensive but less crowded so it’s Scoop’s favorite day.

  • Is the Boat Show rain or shine? Yes. Boaters aren’t afraid of bad weather.

Map of the show

The Experience

  • What can I eat and drink? There’s plenty of food onsite. The Fleet Reserve Club is open to the public selling beer, oysters, and their classic boat show pit beef. Choptank has a special outside bar and a stellar view of the show. And this is the only time of the year we drink Pusser’s painkillers before noon.

  • Is there water at the show? Yes. Annapolis Green’s Naptown Taps will be onsite providing clean drinking water all weekend long.

  • Can I ride on any boats? You bet. Check out the demo dock to sea trial your next boat.

  • What if I’m a big baller? Get a VIP ticket and access the LaVictoire Finance lounge with a full bar and catering by Julie St. Marie.

  • Are all the boats new? Nope. Bargain hunters and boaters who don’t want to wait for a new boat to be constructed can visit Brokerage Cove to see pre-owned boats. Note: you’ll have to take the water taxi.

Final questions

Do I have to take my shoes off? Not for every boat but slip-ons are always a good idea at a boat show.

Wait what if I like sailboats? Your show is next week. Or you could always join the dark side. . . .

What if you didn’t answer my question? Check out the official Boat Show FAQs.

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Visit 84 Lumber Annapolis’s virtual showroom to get a glimpse of some of our product offerings before your visit to our store at 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard.

84 Lumber has been a name you can trust for over 65 years, bringing you the exceptional service you expect and the quality products you deserve. Visit 84lumber.com for more information.

THE DIGEST

A look at the next City Dock

Plans for the new City Dock were revealed to the City Dock Action Committee for feedback a couple weeks ago. They include a $59 million Welcome Center to host the harbormaster’s HQ, boater’s lounge, and even a watermen’s co-op where local watermen could sell their catch.

Less visible but equally if not more important was a $29 million water pumping station under Compromise Street. The parking area from Craig St (where the current harbormaster’s building is) to Susan Campbell Park will become green space. Even with losing those 90 parking spots, the new Hillman Garage brings a net gain of 70 to the city.

It now heads to the Planning Commission for approval. Their next meeting is October 12. ($)

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Who won the Western Shore Veterinary Hospital Great Naptown Scavenger Hunt?

The results are in. Congratulations to C2 for an epic, blowout win in the Western Shore Veterinary Hospital Great Naptown Scavenger Hunt. They even did their own Naptown Scoop Crabcake Review!

C2 is about to enjoy $400 of gift cards to 4 local favorites (Mission Escape Rooms, Franklin’s Toys, Shades of the Bay, and Always Ice Cream Company). We’ll be in touch to get you the prize.

Thank you to everyone who participated this year. See you next year :)

LOCAL BUSINESS

First Look: J. Alexander’s at ATC

J. Alexander’s opened at Annapolis Town Center yesterday. Luckily, we had a meeting with one of our advertisers (Kevin from Lawn Doctor) so we had a perfect excuse to try it.

The food was tasty and done super fast. The atmosphere was dark and elegant (perfect for a date). And the service was phenomenal.

Overall it was a well-executed opening and definitely worth a try. They even had specials on the first day!

📍 J. Alexander’s is located at 1906 Town Center Blvd, Suite 155, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 (in the former Gordon Biersch spot)

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 ST. ANNE’S SCHOOL

Messy play is critical for young children’s sensory development. But as busy parents know, it can be a pain to set up, and an even bigger pain to clean up, which makes saying “Yes!” to the mess challenging. However, research shows there are boundless benefits to messy play. What are they? Read this article written by St. Anne’s School of Annapolis educator, Vicky Hiller, to find out.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

👻 More local hauntings

Did you catch yesterday’s boo-tiful list of local Halloween happenings? Read it here and consider these new events:

Friday the 13th at the Paca House. Join a candlelit tour of the William Paca House & Garden. 10/13, ages 10+. Tickets.

Historic Hauntings tours. Watermark and Historic Annapolis team up for special historic haunted tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in October. Tickets.

Halloween Costume Exchange. Macaroni Kid’s solution to those costumes your kids outgrew after just one year. Show up with gently worn costumes and accessories and swap for new ones. 10/7 & 10/14 outside of Wimsey Cove framing. Learn more.

Theatre Talk Tuesday 🎭

Opera: Annapolis Opera is hosting a free presentation about The Magic Flute, letting you peek behind the magic of Mozart’s final opera. This Saturday (10/7) at Maryland Hall. Tickets.

Theater: The Children’s Theatre of Annapolis dives into Disney’s The Little Mermaid, featuring 25 young local performers. 10/20 through 11/5. Tickets.

More Theater: Now that Tartuffe is over, The Colonial Players of Annapolis are making final preparations for the second show of the season: Wit, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a brilliant English professor. 10/20 through 11/11. Tickets.

And More Theater: Compass Rose Theater’s Sylvia is about a stray dog and the couple who adopts her. It’s full of funny and sweet moments. Shows run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through 10/29. Tickets.

Music: Up next in Live Arts Maryland’s “Broadway in Annapolis” series is They’re Playing Our Song. It’s a timeless musical from Marvin Hamlisch and Neil Simon. This Friday (10/6) and Saturday (10/7) at Maryland Hall. Tickets.

It’s a pARTy!

The Maryland Federation of Art is hosting its annual Collector’s Choice fundraiser soon. It’s like playing the lottery but there’s more. . . actual winning. When you show up, you get a number. When your number is pulled, you pick a piece of art and take it home! You can attend in person (at Volvo Cars Annapolis) or join online on 10/22. Tickets.

P.S. Collector’s Choice is also unique because one ticket gets two people in. And although Scoop is solidly not a fan of participation trophies, we do like that everyone takes something home.

5k Fundraiser: PRO-Vision Memorial Run

The PRO-Vision Memorial Foundation was established this year to honor Paul Robert Overton, a Severna Park resident who passed away far too early at the age of 32 in 2021. Its first 5k and 10k runs are happening October 14 at Severna Park High School. Proceeds support the Orphan Grain Train. Click here to register.

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

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Join the 10th annual Heartoberfest & Texas Tailgate on October 15th!

This event is all about having a good time while supporting a great cause. Through the Heart is a nonprofit based in Edgewater that helps those affected by pregnancy loss. You'll be helping them provide Comfort Kits, educational materials, and support to parents who have lost their pregnancies. And to sweeten the deal, Bayside Bull is generously donating a delicious BBQ lunch and they’ve got other great food sponsors like Chick-fil-A and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Don't miss out!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Tuesday

78 🌡️ 63 | 🌥️ | 9% | 💨 SSE 5 mph (4 knots)

Wednesday

79 🌡️ 59 | ☀️ | 9% | 💨 S 6 mph (5 knots)

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Copper Creek Pub & Ale House | Jazz Jam | 8–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Walter Trout | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | b.en | 7 PM

Wednesday

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Larry Lay | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | Alex Cooper | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Chris Diller | 6–9 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Tuck and Patti | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Royal Flush | 9 PM

SPORTS

Upcoming Navy games

Men’s Soccer (5–4–1)
10/3 @ UMBC | 7 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who lives in a house built in the 1800s.