🍦Glow Big or Go Home at EYC Lights

Foodie Friday: Holiday Market Edition, Annapolis Blues Women's Coach announced, 5k coats for community

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Naptown Scoop
December 13, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop, the newsletter that passes through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, past the sea of twirly-swirly gumdrops, and over the Spa Creek Bridge to get you your news.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Foodie Friday: Holiday Market Edition 🥧 ☕️ 

  • Annapolis Blues Women’s Coach announced ⚽️ 💙

  • 5K coats for the community 🧥

Let’s get to it.

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

P.S. Happy early birthday, Robert Morabito! 🎂

New Year. New Memories. Same Perfect View.

Choptank’s New Year’s Eve rooftop party is back — and it’s the best ticket in Annapolis. Think open bar with signature cocktails (yes, there’s an Espresso Martini bar), a stunning buffet featuring signature dishes, and an unbeatable raw bar and carving station.

But here’s the real star: the view. At 9 PM, watch fireworks light up the harbor from the only public waterfront rooftop in town. A live DJ will keep you dancing all night long and a champagne toast will ring in the new year in style.

Bringing friends? Groups of 6 or more save big with discounted tickets — because the more, the merrier!

THE DIGEST

Major Stories of the Week

Good deeds, football games, and cookies — this is a combination of high-interest topics you could probably only imagine if you’re a Naptown Scoop reader. Here are the three major stories of this week:

💗 The Kid Kindness Grant recipients were announced, and Anne Arundel County Public Schools had 7 youth-led projects among the 47 project organizers to be accepted from a record 282 applications!

🏈 Everyone is buzzing about the “greatest rivalry in college football” coming up this weekend. Navy faces Army tomorrow at 3 PM at Northwest Stadium, marking the 125th time the Mids compete against the Black Knights.

🍪 We announced the winner of our inaugural Great Naptown Bake Off, dubbing Maryalice Brady’s Fudgy Salty Peanut Butter Bar Cookies the best holiday baked good in town. Black Market Bakers (155 Mitchells Chance Rd in Edgewater), our collaborators on the contest, will be selling the bars until Monday (12/16). (Or you can make them at home!)

Top clicks of the week 🏆

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Where were we Wednesday? 📸

ANSWER:

We happened to be having breakfast with the Big Guy in Red when we spotted this lovely nautical montage . . . in the hallway off the lobby of The Graduate Hotel.

Thanks for playing and congrats to @kimbawp and @thawkey for being the first to answer correctly. 🎉

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

5K coats for the community 🧥

Here’s some news that will warm you up inside: Admiral Cleaners — which organizes a Call for Coats every winter for people in need — successfully collected, cleaned, and distributed 5,100 coats this year. Over the 30 years that Admiral Cleaners has done this program, it has helped give away a conservative estimate of 100K coats. 3rd-generation owner Whitney Kerridge and the rest of the Admiral team express their thanks for the community’s support in this effort.

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.

Did you know 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size?

Discover the perfect fit with a complimentary, expert bra fitting at our boutique at 152 Main St. in the heart of Annapolis! Enjoy a personalized shopping experience in a warm, inviting space. We offer a curated collection of luxurious yet affordable brands, including UGG and PJ Salvage, along with exclusive pieces you won’t find in department stores. Every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful—visit us today and find the perfect fit that’s all about you!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

EYC Lights Parade: Tomorrow! ❤️⛴️ 💚

Annapolitans will find any excuse to get down by the water, and this is resoundingly true when it comes to the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, one of our most beloved traditions. You’ll find dozens of boats lit up like floating Christmas trees going back and forth around the harbor. And hey - if you are a true fan of the Lights Parade, you’ll vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be posted on their Facebook page starting at 6 PM Saturday. Watch the parade, see which display is your fave, then vote to help decide the winner!

Foodie Friday

The Annapolis Holiday Market opened yesterday. Don’t forget to wander over to City Dock for 100+ artisans and specialty food vendors today (12/13) and Saturday (12/14) from 11 AM to 9 PM, then Sunday (12/15) from 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free!

🍕Timber Pizza: There’s good reason why everyone is yelling, “Timber!” Their pizza is delish. With classics like Pretty in Pepperoni or Margherita to unique blends of pesto, jalapeños, cured chorizo, green onions, and lots of cheese (aka The Shirley), Timber never disappoints. Remember, you can also find them at 192 West St in Annapolis.

🍫McGowan Chocolate: “Life is like a box of chocolates,” so why not embrace it? From corporate or family gifts to party favors — McGowan has you covered. Their hand-crafted truffles, bonbons, confections, and desserts are made with the finest, natural ingredients. Can’t make the market? Order online.

🌶️ MadFlava: MadFlava is bringing authentic Jamaican flavors our way. Their Hot “peppa” Sauce is a fiery concoction with several types: salty, sour, or sweet but never without that familiar heat. Use it as a condiment or add it to your favorite sauces! 🔥

Christmas Wine Night 🍷🎄

It’s time to stop and smell the rosé. Curate Annapolis is hosting a sommelier-guided wine tasting on December 18, 6–8 PM, perfect for anyone ages 21 and up. Savor their favorite wines paired with house-made food creations, including a charcuterie table, specialty holiday foods, and festive cookies. Attendees enjoy 10% off wine purchases (can’t be combined with Wine Club member 10% discount). Tickets: $35 for Wine Club members, $45 for non-members. So wine not grab a ticket?

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

⚖️ County Council meeting

On the agenda for Monday’s County Council meeting:

  • Mixed-use district zoning

  • Home occupations — requirements for conditional use

  • Master plan for water supply

  • See full agenda

The meeting is at 7 PM in the Arundel Center. The public is welcome to attend. Click here to submit testimony or watch online. — 44 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Find Your Perfect Christmas Tree at Homestead Gardens

Make Christmas unforgettable with a tree that’s just right for your family. Need strong branches for heavy ornaments, excellent needle retention, or that classic holiday fragrance? Homestead Gardens offers six unique varieties, ranging from 3-14 feet, to suit every style.

While you're here, explore the area’s best selection of seasonal houseplants, including over 20 stunning poinsettia varieties. Bring the family and beat cabin fever by visiting our locally famous train display. It’s a fun way to make holiday memories while picking out your perfect tree.

Thank you for making us part of your holiday traditions. Visit homesteadgardens.com to learn more.

A Message from 84 Lumber

When it comes to quality building materials and exceptional service, 84 Lumber stands at the forefront of the construction industry. Known for its dedication to craftsmanship and reliability, 84 Lumber is the preferred choice for builders and homeowners who expect nothing less than the best. Visit us at our Annapolis showroom, located at 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard, where our expert team is ready to assist with all your project needs.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Friday

41 🌡️ 27 | ⛅ | 3% | 💨 ENE 5 mph (4 knots)

Saturday

38 🌡️ 32 | ⛅ | 1% | 💨 ENE 7 mph (6 knots)

Sunday

45 🌡️ 42 | ☁️ | 24% | 💨 E 7 mph (6 knots)

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

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

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

Saturday

49 West | The Redd Brothers and Sue Matthews | 7:30–10:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | The Slip Hippies | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Lauren and Rusty | 7–10 PM
Coconut Joe’s | The Cover Up | 9 PM
Dark Horse | Rickshaw Lizard | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Gage Rhodes | 12:30–3:30 PM
Killarney House | Ciaran Quinn | 7:30–10:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Moran Tripp | 10 PM
Pirates Cove | Hyland Brothers | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 3:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 8:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Sandra Dean Band | 9 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Rebound | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Dunns and Drummer | 9:45 PM

Sunday

49 West | The Befuddlers | 4–7 PM
49 West | Dream Punch | 7:30–10:30 PM
Galway Bay | O'McPub Band | 4–8 PM
Great Frogs | Charles Kavoossi | 12:30–3:30 PM
Market House | Micheal Miller | 5–7 PM
Pirates Cove | Aaron Hawkins | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 1 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Alisa Amador with Eliza Edens | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | West St Revival Christmas | 7 PM

🎙 LISTEN: The 125th Army-Navy Game

In this latest episode of the Navy Football Podcast, hosts Bill Wagner, Eric Kettani, and Keenan Reynolds preview the 125th Army-Navy Game, being held at Northwest Stadium in Landover. They’ll also hear from Alexander Teich, who played a prominent role in helping Navy beat Army the last time they faced off in the same stadium. Listen.

Annapolis Blues Women’s Coach announced ⚽️ 💙

After sharing that Colin Herriot will return as the Annapolis Blues men’s head coach, many of you (us included) wondered—who will lead the women? Meet the first-ever Annapolis Blues women’s head coach, Ashly Kennedy!

Some fast facts about Coach Ashly:

  • The St. Mary’s High School alum was the Maryland Soccer Gatorade High School Player of the Year, plus the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun’s Player of the Year.

  • Despite being a defender, the former Terp, scored 5 goals, 3 assists, and started all 72 matches she appeared in, and earned NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Team and ACC All-Freshman Team honors.

  • Head coaching stints include the Christos Women’s USLW team, Archbishop Spalding High School, and Elite Clubs National League.

Welcome, Coach Ashly!

Don’t forget to reserve your 2025 season tickets! 🎟️

Upcoming Navy games & matches

Football (8-3)
12/14  vs Army | 3 PM

Men's Basketball (3-7)
12/15 @ Virginia Tech | Noon

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves the Peanuts Christmas album. ❤️