🍦Annapolis’ New Poet Laureate

New public water access, meet Bohemian Black, COVID-era outdoor dining gets extended again. . .

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Naptown Scoop
November 01, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Thank goodness for smartphones that change automatically because I never could quite get the hang of daylight saving time.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • New public water access

  • Meet Bohemian Black

  • Covid-era outdoor dining gets extended again

Let’s get to it.

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

Got New Year’s Plans?

No? Allow us to make a suggestion – The Choptank’s Second Rooftop Gold Party. Imagine this. . . 

Your whole crew is on The Choptank’s famous rooftop overlooking Ego Alley. Tickets include a full open bar (plus the midnight champagne toast and espresso martini bar). When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll have the best view of the fireworks over the harbor.

Hungry? The Choptank’s impressive culinary team has created a New Year’s Feast like no other – butler passed hors d'oeuvres, an all you can eat buffet, as well as an impressive raw bar and carving station. All inspired by The Choptank’s most popular dishes! You definitely won’t go hungry. And there’s more.

Dance the night away with the DJ, capture the memories in the photo booth, and arrive with ease with valet parking. Tickets are available now and very limited.

Will you be there when the clock strikes midnight?

THE DIGEST

Major Stories

Brb, we’re listening to jazz, searching for fall foliage and comets, and pondering houseboats.

🎶 Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival: A two-weekend journey through jazz’s cultural roots! From November 1–3 and 8–10, groove through Eastport with performances and lectures celebrating influences from Africa to Asia and beyond. Don’t miss a beat — grab tickets.

🍁 ☄️ Fall Foliage & Comet: Central MD’s peak season for leaf peeping is here, per the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Plus, a Halloween comet might appear in the eastern sky near the Andromeda Galaxy if conditions hold. With warm weather and a waning moon, it’s the perfect time to enjoy fall colors by day and stargazing by night.

⚓️ Houseboats May Be Back on City Council Agenda: The Annapolis City Council is considering a task force to study marine residential units, including houseboats, and their impact on businesses and city services. There’s a question of what the task force could accomplish with elections next year, as the council can’t leave legislation for the next council to pass. ($)

Top clicks of the week 🏆

Maritime Museum Campus Expands on the Waterfront

While the Annapolis Maritime Museum is perhaps best known for their summertime Thursday night concert series (and hosting Naptown Scoop’s anniversary parties), the 12-acre campus across Spa Creek is quickly becoming a standout feature. Recently, AMM completed a boardwalk opening up public water access to Back Creek. This is in addition to the paddle launch, more than a mile of clamshell hiking trails, and the stunning new Merrill Pavilion. If you haven’t yet checked out AMM’s Park Campus, grab a leash (for either a pup or a SUP) and get ready to explore this hidden gem of Annapolis.

Charting Careers receives Drug-Free Communities grant 🚫

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy awarded Charting Careers with a 5-year $125K Drug-Free Communities grant. Charting Careers, a local nonprofit focusing on Annapolis youth and families, joins a handful of other Maryland communities to receive an award this grant cycle. The funding will support their goals of advocating policy changes and preventing and reducing youth substance use.

Poet Laureate Jefferson Holland 🖋

Annapolis says a new poet is named: Jefferson Holland, a wordsmith acclaimed. (Okay, okay, we’ll leave the poetry to Jefferson because he’s the one who’s actually good at it.) Mayor Gavin Buckley recently named him the new Annapolis Poet Laureate following the Art in Public Places Commission’s recommendation. He brings experience as not only a poet but also as a songwriter and essayist — and of course, as an Annapolis resident. In his new role, Jefferson will promote the literary arts and literacy in the Annapolis community by conducting readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in public settings across the city.

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Where were we Wednesday? 📸

ANSWER:

Thanks to friend of the Scoop Steve Adams for submitting this seasonal, Naptown pride scene that he spotted on Prince George Street.

What’s that? Wasn’t WAWW’s answer Prince George Street last week too? Yes, it was, good catch! Gotta keep y’all on your toes. Also – congrats to Prince George Street residents for having such a photogenic street to stroll.

Thanks for playing and congrats to @kate22tags, @briaannee_19, and @daviddri86 for being the first 3 to answer correctly. 🎉

LOCAL BUSINESS

Bohemian Black store now open 🛍️

There’s a new shop in town giving elevated bohemian vibes for all. In late September, Bohemian Black opened across from Yoga Barn at 45 West Earleigh Heights Rd in Severna Park. Owner Rose Walker — formerly with Anthropologie — curates apparel, accessories, and home decor for women, men, and kids. They sell products with diversity of sizing in Regular, Curvy, and Tall. Hours are Tuesday–Thursday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM; and Saturday/Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Closed on Mondays. Stay tuned for upcoming events. In the meantime, happy shopping!

Outdoor Dining Is Here to Stay

Well, kinda sorta. At least through 2025, anyway. City Council is allowing outdoor dining to continue into next year, extending the pilot program enacted during the pandemic. The program was shown to have positively impacted businesses and their bottom lines, helping not just during Covid, but also long-term. Outdoor dining is already allowed in sidewalk cafes and rooftops, but the special exception opens up parking spaces and streets. Whether this will become a regular thing, or if restaurants will still have to go through the Board of Appeals to obtain their permits, will be decided at a later date. ($)

Business Appreciation Week 🏬

Imagine what a community would be like without any locally owned businesses. Pretty bleak, right? That’s why Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) and County Executive Steuart Pittman make a special point of observing Business Appreciation Week (BAW) every year.

This year, ambassadors from AAEDC and Pittman’s office visited 77 businesses, a slight increase over last year. Diversity and growth were a key focus and the demographics of the business owners pretty closely match those of Anne Arundel County:

✅ 23 minority-owned businesses (35% of population)
✅ 36 woman-owned businesses (50.5% of population)
✅ 5 veteran-owned businesses (1.5% of population)
✅ 4,689 employees collectively

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.

Game Time Tee Time Promotion for Capitals Games! 🏒

X-Golf Annapolis is your go-to spot to watch every Capitals game this season—and now you can make it even more exciting with our Game Time Tee Time promotion! During Capitals games, get 3 hours of simulator time for the price of 2 so you can swing, score, and cheer for the Caps all at once. This deal is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some game action while fine-tuning their golf game.

Want a customized league experience? At X-Golf Annapolis, we offer custom leagues tailored just for you and your group. Whether you’re a group of friends, a corporate team, or a family of hockey and golf fans, we can set up a league that’s just right. Play your way, on your schedule, and make it a season to remember!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Foodie Friday 🍻🍜🍝

You might be full from overindulging on candy yesterday but these delicious deals are too good to pass up!

Rams Head Roadhouse 🍻🦀🍔🍷

You’ll find the family-owned Rams Head Roadhouse (formerly Rudy’s) tucked away at 1773 Generals Highway in Annapolis. Parents rejoice because ‘Kids Eat Free’ every Wednesday starting at 4 PM until 10 PM. You must purchase one adult meal for each free kids meal.

Happy Hour is especially happy from 3–6 PM on Monday through Friday with:

  • 1/2 Price Apps (try the Crab Dip or Fried Green Tomatoes!)

  • $2 off Wine and Liquor

  • $3.50 Domestic Bottles

  • $5 Draft Beers

There’s also a late night happy hour for night owls that starts at 9 PM on Monday through Thursday. Smirnoff Bombs for $3; Green & White Tea, Fireball, and American Honey Shots for $4; and Fordham & Dominion Drafts for $5.

Lemongrass 🍜 🍚 🍛

Looking to get your modern Thai cuisine fix? You’re in luck. Happy Thai Hour is back at all three Lemongrass locations. Enjoy appetizers like yummy Spring Rolls, signature cocktails, and wines for just $6 and beers for $3. Dine-in only on Sunday to Thursday at these times:

  • Lemongrass West Street: 4–6 PM

  • Lemongrass Too: 4:30–6 PM

  • Lemongrass Arnold: 4:30–6 PM (Sun 4–6 PM)

*Note: Times are subject to change without notice. Give them a ring before you go!

Noodles & Company 🍝 🍜

At Noodles & Company, get a free kids meal with an adult meal purchase. Enjoy this offer on our favorite day — every day! Noodle over the menu, then head to the Annapolis Mall or Severna Park (552B Governor Ritchie Hwy) locations.

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:

  • Carrollton Manor Special Community Benefit District

  • Mixed-Use Zoning Districts and Maritime Districts

  • Towing Company Licenses and Registrations

  • 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 21401Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

WEATHER

Friday

73 🌡️ 50 | ⛅ | 15% | 💨 WSW 11 mph (10 knots)

Saturday

59 🌡️ 45 | ⛅ | 4% | 💨 N 8 mph (7 knots)

Sunday

58 🌡️ 51 | 🌤️ | 4% | 💨 ENE 7 mph (6 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 63ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

49 West | Tom Mitchell & Friends | 8–11 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Nate Finn and All You Need | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4-7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Michael McHenry Tribe | 9-12 PM
Brian Boru | Poehemia | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Hunter Rich | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Dwayne Wilson | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Next of Kin | 8:30 PM
Great Frogs | Alexander Peters | 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Killarney House | Greg Kneller | 7:30–10:30 PM
Old Stein Inn | Eddie Pasa | 7 – 10 PM
Pirates Cove | Mike Tony Scoglio | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Crack the Sky | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Mike Miller | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | The Freebyrds | 5 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Joey Fitz | 10 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Remedy | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Tommy McGee | 9:45 PM

Saturday

49 West | John Jensen | 4–6 PM
49 West | Rachel Franklin and Friends | 7–10:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Pretty Big Deal | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Lost and Found | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Ryan Cobb | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Peter James | 2–5 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Capitol Chill | 8:30 PM
Dark Horse | East is East with Kavoossi | 9PM
Great Frogs | Guava Jelly | 1–4 PM
Great Frogs | Jess Marie | 5–8 PM
Killarney House | Mike Sharp | 7:30–10:30 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Crack the Sky | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | All You Need | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Brett Buehler | 10 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Honey Sol | 9:45 PM

Sunday

49 West | Gary Wright & Leah Weiss with special guests | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Brian Boru | Finbar's Flight | 4–7 PM
Galway Bay | Richard Hayward | 4–8 PM
Great Frogs | Cameron Mae | 1–4 PM
Old Stein Inn | Mike Surratt | 2 – 6 PM
Pirates Cove | Billy Breslin | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Crack the Sky | 1 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Gaelic Storm | 8 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Adam Forbes | 9 PM

🎙 LISTEN: Navy football needs to move on from Notre Dame loss

In the latest episode of the Navy Football Podcast, hosts Bill, Eric, and Keenan discuss how Navy football was a no-show at MetLife Stadium in a matchup of nationally ranked teams. Now Navy needs to move on quickly as it heads to Houston to take on Rice, which just fired its head coach. Listen here!

Upcoming Navy games & matches

Football (6-1)
11/2 @ Rice | 4 PM

Men’s Hockey
11/1 @ Villanova | 7:40 PM
11/2 @ Temple | 8:40 PM

Women's Rugby (3-4)
11/2 vs. Army | Noon

Men's Rugby (7-1)
11/2 @ Kutztown | 1 PM

Women's Soccer (9-9-2)
11/3 @ #3 Army | 1 PM

Men's Soccer (4-6-4)
11/1 vs. Boston | 7 PM

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THANKS!

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