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🍦Sneak peek: Annapolis Film Festival

🍦Sneak peek: Annapolis Film Festival

Who won the Anne Arundel spelling bee, which Annapolis restaurants are on Yelp's Top 100, JC Penney closing at Annapolis Mall...

Naptown Scoop
March 12, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. 131 years ago on this date, Coca-Cola was sold in a bottle for the first time. They sold 25 bottles that year. Today, the world’s largest non-alcoholic beverage company sells about 2 billion drinks per day.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Who won the Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee?
Which Annapolis restaurants are on Yelp’s Top 100 in MD?
JC Penney’s closing date

Let’s get to it.

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

Mid-Century Modern with Stunning Severn River Views

This is what you get when timeless design meets waterfront living in the fantastic Downs on the Severn community.

This beautifully updated mid-century modern home offers breathtaking views down the Severn River. to the Route 50 bridge. With vaulted ceilings, walls of glass, and an open-concept layout, natural light floods every space. The gourmet kitchen flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas, centered around a striking floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace.

Step outside to the expansive wraparound deck — perfect for entertaining or quiet mornings by the water. The lower level walkout features a family room, additional bedrooms, or flexible space for a home office or gym.

With direct backyard access to the newly upgraded marina and just a short walk to the community pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse, this is waterfront living at its finest.

Opportunities like this don’t last long. Contact Brad Kappel today to schedule your private tour.

THE DIGEST

Western Shore Veterinary Hospital offers your pets the finest wellness care, state-of-the-art diagnostics, dental treatment, and surgery ranging from spays/neuters to sophisticated treatments. You can find them online, by phone at 443-936-0660, or at 910C Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Dog of the Week: Meet Bear 🐾

We had to scroll deep to find this gem, and oh boy, was it worth it. Bear (aka Oso) is a wee male pup, only 4 months old. He’s the sweetest mix of Retriever and fluffy Golden/Poodle. While young, you can just tell he’s up for anything: walks, belly rubs, cuddles, you get the idea. Better hurry to fetch him fast. He’s been at Wing 3 of the SPCA (1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis) since late February. But, if we had to guess, this cutie won’t be there for long.

Quint Karlsson Wins Anne Arundel Spelling Bee 🐝

How do you spell “winner”? Just ask Crofton Middle Schooler Quint Karlsson, who just won the 37th annual Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee. Last Saturday, Quint outlasted 26 other spellers and secondary-school-aged kids. While the Scoop team considers ourselves to have a way with words, we needed our spellcheck for Quint’s winning word. He spelled "hierurgical" in the seventh round to win his second consecutive title. Quint now heads to Washington, D.C., in May to represent our county at the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee.

🤓 Hierurgical is an adjective that means relating to sacred rites or worship.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

How many Annapolis restaurants made Yelp’s March Top 100?

Our first listing is #89 and it’s an indulgent breakfast/brunch spot – Miss Shirley’s Cafe. Love it.

The Point in Arnold came in at #81. Well deserved. Great food and a quintessential Annapolis atmosphere without having to go downtown.

#71 is Annapolis Town Center’s Cooper’s Hawk.

Neighboring #70 is Level, West Street’s favorite small plates lounge. The cocktails are fabulous, too.

#63 is the Lodge, formerly known as Smashing Grapes and owned by the same folks.

#47 is an Annapolis classic – the Boatyard Bar & Grill. The crabcakes are iconic (and ranked #2 on Scoop’s list).

Lewnes’ Steakhouse, Boatyard’s neighbor in Eastport, is also its neighbor on this list, coming in at a nice #35. Tons of character, excellent service, and of course, phenomenal food. Save room for dessert.

Annapolis’ highest-ranked restaurant comes in at my lucky number, #17. And it is. . .

Vin 909. Vin never disappoints and has a terrific menu. They don’t take reservations (which also means you’ll never be rushed out) so plan for a nice wait in the garden. Don’t worry, it’s worth it.

Change happens: JCPenney closing

The latest closure at the Annapolis Mall is JCPenney, one of eight locations the retailer has announced across the country this year. Although there’s no word yet on what’s moving into its space in the mall, JCPenny will stay open until May 16. Other changes currently happening at Annapolis Mall include the arrival of DICK’s House of Sporting Goods and Dave & Buster’s later this year. ($)

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.

New Puppy? Here’s what you need to know

We just got a new puppy. Her name’s Sadie :)

And with great cuteness comes great responsibility. Vaccines, medicines, regular check-ups. All of it requires a trusted veterinarian like Western Shore Veterinary Hospital.

Then you have to find the right food. Something your puppy enjoys, doesn’t upset their tummy, and is easy to get.

And finally, plan for training early. Behavioral issues are one of the main reasons dogs end up in shelters, so building a foundation of good habits now is key.

Still intimidated? Western Shore Veterinary Hospital is happy to guide new puppy owners on their exciting journey.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Mutt Madness: The Fetching Four

And then there were fur — uh, four! We’ve got four adorable puppers left standing in Mutt Madness with the semifinals starting today! Be sure to cast your vote before Friday and help us narrow it down to which two dogs are headed to the final round. We know it’s tough to choose when these canine contenders are all so charismatic, but just remember it’s all for some silly fun! 🥹 Because one of these fetching four deserves to be called the Cutest Pup in Annapolis, don’t you think? Vote now.

Save the date: 2nd Annual Mutt March 🐕‍🦺

The Mutt madness continues! And, no. We’re not talking about our friendly photo contest.

Have a howlin’ good time at the second annual Brick Companies Foundation's 2025 Mutt March! This tail-waggin’ event on April 12 (10 AM to 2 PM) at YMCA Camp Letts benefits the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, which rescues and rehomes senior dogs.

Take a paws for a fun walk with your pup, sniff out treasures at the Barking Lot, chow down on tasty treats, and learn new tricks from expert trainers. Stop by the Adoption Corner to meet your new BFF. Grab tickets!

Previewing the Annapolis Film Festival

Anyone who knows me (Scoop publisher Ryan) knows I love a good movie. I quote far too many. So I’m stoked for the upcoming Annapolis Film Festival. And this will probably get you stoked too.

Opening night: The Ballad of Wallis Island

The story of an eccentric lottery winner who lives on an island alone and dreams of getting his favorite musicians (and former lovers) back together. Critics call it sweet, tender, and hilarious. And the lead actors are tremendous singers.

New this year: The Faith Experience

I’m intrigued by something new at this year’s Annapolis Film Festival: The Faith Experience. The feature film, The King of Kings, follows the story of Charles Dickens telling his son, Walter, the life story of Jesus Christ. The King of Kings features some serious star power: Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, and even Pierce Brosnan.

Documentary spotlights

As a card-carrying old soul, I also love a good doc.

Looking Up – The inspiring story of Eitan Armon, a 20-year-old facing blindness due to a rare genetic disease who makes it his mission to climb the most epic granite rock climb in the world, Yosemite’s El Capitan. It’s a daunting task with normal vision. But with 5% capacity, it’s damn near impossible.

76 Days Adrift – Part of AFF’s much-loved Sailing Showcase. The inspiring (and also terrifying) story of Steven Callahan, who survived 76 days in an inflatable raft without food or water after a whale sank his sailboat.

Been Here Stay Here – Part of AFF’s environmental showcase. A local story about the resilient Chesapeake Bay community of Tangier Island – a community both built on and endangered by the water around it.

AFF general passes are less than $200. Want more access? Silver passes give you the keys to the kingdom for $350. Explore both options at annapolisfilmfestival.com

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

Party With A Purpose!

Throw on your favorite denim or best cocktail dress and join us at Denim & Diamonds on April 26! Enjoy a fabulous night of fun, food, great music, and dancing with the Bachelor Boys Band. Spin a prize wheel, check out raffle opportunities, and paint with Kim Hovell. Tickets go on sale in two weeks and will be very limited. Don’t miss your chance to “party with a purpose” in support of pediatric mental health services at LHAAMC!*

The #2 way to make fundraisers better

What’s the first way? No idea. But the #2 way is definitely luxury bathroom trailers. People have called Royal Flush’s bathrooms the “nicest bathrooms I’ve ever seen” and “better than the bathrooms in my house.” And that’s not made-up marketing talk. Those are real quotes we’ve heard on the job. Want your guests to say the same? Studies show that guests who like the bathrooms donate more⁺. Call Royal Flush at 410-881-6848 to secure the finest bathrooms in town.*
^₊_{We made this up but the quotes are real}

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Wednesday

59 🌡️ 40 | ☀️ | 2% | ENE 11 mph (10 knots)

Thursday

55 🌡️ 41 | ☁️ | 12% | ENE 18 mph (16 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 44ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

Thursday

NAVY SPORTS

Upcoming games

Baseball (5-9)
3/12 @ Fordham | 3 PM

Men's Basketball (15-18)
3/12 @ American | 7 PM

Women's Lacrosse (5-2)
3/12 @ Florida | 1 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who also loves a good movie and some popcorn (extra butter, please).

🍦Sneak peek: Annapolis Film Festival

Who won the Anne Arundel spelling bee, which Annapolis restaurants are on Yelp's Top 100, JC Penney closing at Annapolis Mall...

TOGETHER WITH

SPONSORED BY BRAD KAPPEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE