🍦PickleRage

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. And happy birthday to Dave Grohl, who can occasionally be seen hanging around the Point in Arnold.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Winter Labyrinth of Light

• 5 Winter Date Night spots

• Reader Recommendation: Annapolis Garage Doors

Let’s get to it.

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

P.S. Short Scoop today. Think of it like a kid’s cup at your favorite ice cream shop.

SPONSORED BY 84 LUMBER AND NEMACOLIN

A message from 84 Lumber and Nemacolin

Looking for a weekend getaway this winter? Escape to a cozy, tranquil retreat at Nemacolin, just a short 3-hour drive from Annapolis!

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season and enjoy the serene surroundings of the Laurel Highlands. Hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding at the Peak, warm up with a whiskey tasting, or just enjoy the recently renovated estate rooms at the Chateau and Grand Lodge.

Nemacolin even features a year-round outdoor pool, heated to perfection for your enjoyment – even in the colder months!

Nemacolin has something for everyone. Plan your stay and experience real life magic by visiting nemacolin.com

Been a while since you took your special someone on a date?

Us too. Life happens. But take it from us (as your friend), it’s time for a date night. And we’ve got 5 places that are perfect for a cozy winter date. So dress nice, bundle up, and have a great time! You’re welcome :)

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

PickleRage just opened its first MD facility 🥒🎾

The pickleball obsession rages on. PickleRage just opened its first Maryland facility (its fourth overall) in Glen Burnie. They picked Glen Burnie due to its central location between Baltimore and DC. And even though it’s a little outside of our radius, y’all are nuts about pickleball and may be willing to make the drive. The new pickleball hub hosts:

• 10 indoor courts for year-round matches

• Joint-friendly CushionX surfaces

• Advanced video recording and live streaming

• Modern lounges and Pro Shop

Join the ribbon cutting of this 26,550 square ft space on January 17 at 10 AM. Guests can tour the facility, enjoy complimentary food, and watch challenge matches starting at 11 AM. See other planned events!

Reader's Recommendation

At Naptown Scoop, we love hearing from our readers. This week’s recommendation comes from Joyce Miller, a new subscriber with a great business tip to share:

"George Cook, owner of Annapolis Garage Doors, is the most honest and knowledgeable professional regarding anything needed for garage doors. This family-run business, which includes his two sons-in-law, is local and offers the BEST customer service ever. You can reach them at 410.212.5444."

Annapolis Garage Doors has been serving the community since 1988, bringing over 35 years of expertise to local homes and businesses. Known for their exceptional customer service, they’ve earned a perfect 5-star rating on Google Reviews — a testament to their honesty, reliability, and craftsmanship.

Thanks for the scoop, Joyce!

P.S. Have a recommendation of your own to share? Click here to let us know!

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 ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

An evening of music that transcends time, culture, and imagination

You are formally invited to the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks III: Pictures at an Exhibition, featuring three stunning pieces:

• Overture from The Song of Hiawatha by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – a 19th century masterpiece with melodies drawn from spiritual roots.

• Violin Concerto No. 3 by Saint-Saëns, performed by Netanel Draiblate – a true tribute to the golden age of violin virtuosos.

• Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky – walk through a gallery of sound from playful baby chicks to the haunting solemnity of catacombs, accompanied by an art exhibition by AACPS APEXArts and ArtFarm Studios at Maryland Hall.

This is more than a concert, this is music that inspires and connects. See it January 31–February 1 at Maryland Hall or February 2 at Strathmore. The Season 63 Masterworks Series is made possible by the Brian and Patricia Giese Foundation. 

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Theater Talk Tuesday 🎭

Edgy and thought-provoking shows are on the calendar this week. Here’s what you can expect:

Colonial Players presents Alabama Story
A timely and thought-provoking historical drama takes us to Civil Rights-era Alabama where a segregationist Senator goes up against a tough librarian to try banning a children’s book about a black rabbit marrying a white rabbit, running now through Feb. 1.

Compass Rose Theater presents Proof
Opening this week at Compass Rose Theater is the Tony and Pulitzer-winning play Proof, about a woman trying to navigate the emotional toll of her brilliant mathematician father as she questions whether she inherited any of his genius or his madness. Performances run Jan. 17–Feb. 9.

Annapolis Opera presents Trouble in Tahiti
This Leonard Bernstein musical follows unhappily married Sam and Dinah as they deal with the social expectations of 1950s suburbia, set to the sound of sultry jazz music. Annapolis Opera’s production takes the stage at Maryland Hall on Friday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.

Reading with the goodest boys and girls 🐾

Learning to read gets a lot less ruff when you have a captive audience. And what reading partner could be more loyal than a dog? With AACPL’s Paws to Read program, kids ages 6-10 can improve their reading skills by reading out loud to the ulti-mutt therapy dogs (ahem, 🧐  “canine tutors”) provided by Pets on Wheels. The next session is tomorrow 5–7 PM at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall. (Can’t make it? Mark your calendar for another upcoming session on Feb. 19.)

Winter Labyrinth of Light ✨

Curious about the bright lights on Ridgely Ave? It’s the Winter Labyrinth of Light at Wellsview Cottage, open nightly through March 1.

On January 16, from 6–8 PM, join Chesapeake Life Center (whose grief support is available to anyone) for an evening of hope and healing. Grief Counselor Roberta Rook will guide attendees in reflection before walking the illuminated labyrinth. Refreshments and warm drinks provided. The $10 entry benefits Hospice of the Chesapeake. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Open to all, grieving or not. Come find light in winter’s darkness. Register at 888-501-7077 or email [email protected]. Learn more.

Parkinson’s Program Open House 🩶

As anyone who’s been around it knows Parkinson’s is an horrible disease. So we’re excited to share that Annapolis Athletic Club is inviting anyone affected by Parkinson's to an open house on Thursday, January 23 at 5 PM. Their “Parkinson’s Move to Improve” exercise program is designed to enhance mobility, balance, and strength, using evidence-based techniques to improve quality of life and slow symptom progression. The event includes a 15-minute class demo, Q&A, and a guest speaker, Jennifer Eklof, a dynamic healthcare exec with 20+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech and medical supply industry.

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

Win a Dream Beach Getaway! 🏖️

Escape to a breathtaking oceanfront villa in Turks and Caicos! Just steps from the shore, this stunning home features spectacular views, a private beach, and its own pool! Only 300 tickets are being sold, and they’re selling fast – don’t miss out on your chance to win. The raffle is part of the Bosom Buddies Charities’ Annual Ball on March 29th, with this year’s theme “Living in the Moment”. Get your ticket today and enter to win this unforgettable getaway!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Tuesday

34 🌡️ 21 | 🌤️ | 13% | 💨 WNW 12 mph (10 knots)

Wednesday

32 🌡️ 18 | ☀️ | 2% | 💨 WNW 15 mph (13 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 37ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Annapolis Bluegrass Jam | 7–10 PM
The Point | Kavoossi | 5–8 PM

Wednesday

49 West | Dave Chappel & Friends | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Mixed Business | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Michael Waskey | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aaron Hawkins | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Newmyer Flyer Presents Bleecker Street | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone your kids have playdates with.