March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 51 F

There’s a lot that’s new in Anne Arundel

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visitannapolisorgThere’s a lot that’s new in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Maryland this fall and winter. To make it easy for area residents and vacationers to be in the know, the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) has compiled a sampling of some of the latest attractions and experiences that beckon travelers in the months ahead. For a complete listing, visit the Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay website at VisitAnnapolis.org.

What’s New with Events

A History of Annapolis in 99 Objects – In November 2016, Historic Annapolis, Inc. (HA) will open its “History of Annapolis in 99 Objects” exhibit designed to present a complete history of the city through the centuries. Anchored at the historic Brice House at 42 East Street, the exhibit will include historic buildings as well as paintings, photos, furniture and artifacts. Interested parties are invited to submit objects for consideration via the HA website. Individuals who wish to follow the history of Annapolis through the 99 Objects will travel throughout Annapolis to do so. http://www.annapolis.org/, 410-267-7619.

St. John’s College – From November 1 through December 4, 2016, the Mitchell Gallery at St. John’s will serve as Maryland’s host location for the national traveling exhibition of one of the most treasured and valuable books in the world, “First Folio! The Book that gave us Shakespeare.” Compiled by two of Shakespeare’s fellow actors, First Folio is the first collection of 36 of the bard’s plays. It was published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare’s death. Without the First Folio, the world would not have 18 of Shakespears’ plays, including “Macbeth,” “Julius Caesar,” “Twelfth Night,” “The Tempest,” “Antony and Cleopatra,” “The Comedy of Errors,” and “As You Like It.”

First Folio will begin touring all 50 states in January 2016 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. While the book is on view in Annapolis, St. John’s will partner with the Annapolis Shakespeare Company to offer live professional Shakespearean performances, educational workshops and a variety of activities open to the public. http://www.sjc.edu/, 410-626-2539. http://annapolisshakespeare.org/, 410-280-1773.

Warrior Writers – The U.S. Naval Academy Museum at Preble Hall’s new exhibit, “Warrior Writers: The U.S. Naval Institute,” will run through January 31, 2016. Launched in September 2015, the exhibit features literary work primarily from junior officers during their active duty service since the 1870s. The majority of the literature focuses on the controversies, issues and trends of the time. The writings are accompanied by more than 100 artifacts, including the authors’ writings, weapons and tools. The artifacts are from the combined collections of the U.S. Naval Academy Museum and the U.S. Naval Institute as well as some on loan from recent authors. In addition to the exhibit, a 20-30-minute Warrior Writer’s podcast is available each week. Part of a 14-episode series, the weekly podcasts address decades of naval events beginning in the 1870s. http://www.usna.edu/Museum/, 410-293-2108.

West Street Vintage Flea Market – In August 2015, Annapolis’s Arts & Entertainment District began hosting a West Street Vintage Flea Market every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Individuals interested in one-of-a-kind finds browsed among tents featuring antique furnishings, vintage clothing, rare collectables and more along West and Calvert Streets in downtown Annapolis. The 2015 West Street Vintage Flea Market series wrapped up in October. It will resume in spring 2016. http://www.annapolisflea.com/.  

What’s New with Attractions

Annapolis Maritime Museum – In spring 2015, the Maryland Office of Tourism Development designated the Annapolis Maritime Museum an official Maryland Green Travel Partner. To become a Maryland Green Travel Partner, applicants must self-certify they are practicing certain environmental activities relative to their industry. They must also commit to ongoing efforts to improve their environmental practices and report back annually. On its application, the Annapolis Maritime Museum reported it recycles approximately 70% of its waste stream or about 13,650 lbs. per year. www.amaritime.org, 410-295-0104.

Banneker-Douglass Museum – The museum will host a “Jumping the Broom: Celebrating African-American Weddings in Maryland” from May 2016 through November 2016. The exhibit will celebrate the stories of African-American couples who live in Maryland and who have been married for 50 years or more. The Banneker-Douglass Museum at 84 Franklin Street in Annapolis is the State of Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage. www.bdmuseum.maryland.gov, 410-216-6180.

The Chesapeake Arts Center recently dedicated a space as a gallery for art exhibits. In an October 2015 ceremony, the gallery was named in honor of the late Hal Gomer, a gifted artist, educator, mentor and art connoisseur who inspired thousands of students during his years of teaching at Brooklyn Park High School and Catonsville Community College. In 2007, Gomer won the Anne Arundel County, Maryland Arts Council Award for lifetime achievement in the arts for painting, graphics and interior design. http://chesapeakearts.org/, 410-636-6597.

Great Frogs Winery – Established in 1999, Great Frogs Winery on Harness Creek Vineyards in Annapolis introduced a tasting room and event area in fall 2014. While individuals once had to travel to farmer’s markets to sample and buy Great Frogs wines, winemakers Nate and Andrea O’Shea now invite them to enjoy on-site tastings and events in and around their signature tobacco barn on land that has been dedicated to farming since 1691. The winery is open Monday-Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through September 1. http://www.greatfrogs.com/, 410-626-6193.

Maryland Hall patrons have a new dining option. Located in the former café space on the first floor, The Eatery opened to the public in October 2015. It features a mix of offerings provided through Canteen, the largest vending company in the United States. Promising to be “Always fresh. Always on,” the Canteen machines offer cold drinks, hot beverages, healthy snacks and fresh foods that can be purchased any time of day via cash, credit card and the iPay mobile app. The Eatery space has been renovated and freshly painted. It offers some new seating options and is open whenever Maryland Hall is open. http://www.marylandhall.org/, 410-263-5544.

Maryland State House – After three years of renovations, the Old Senate Chamber reopened to the public in July 2015. It has been restored to how it would have architecturally appeared in 1783-1784, when Congress held session in Annapolis, ratified the Treaty of Paris and accepted George Washington’s resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The restoration project extended beyond the Old Senate Chamber and included the conservation of treasured paintings, including Edwin White’s Washington Resigning His Commission and Charles Willson Peale’s Washington, Lafayette, & Tilghman at Yorktown. A new exhibit tells the story of Washington’s resignation, 18th-century Annapolis, and the restoration of the Old Senate Chamber. http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html, 410-260-6445.

U.S. Naval Academy – Bill the Goat XXXV and XXXVI made their debut as “mascots in training” when they joined Bill XXXIII and XXXIV for the U.S. Naval Academy vs. U.S. Airforce on October 3 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. In keeping with Navy tradition, the newest Bills – 19-month-old twins – are purebred white male Angora goats. They were donated to the Naval Academy by Navy fans James and Tracy Ross from Harper, Texas.

When they aren’t busy cheering the midshipmen to victory, the Navy goats live together at an undisclosed location in the Annapolis area where caretakers are responsible for their well-being.

Bill XXXIII and XXXIV are responsible for reporting back to academy officials on the status of the new goats’ transformation into Navy mascots. The two senior goats have served as mascots since 2007. They will continue to do so until their training of Bill XXXV and XXXVI is complete and their retirement is approved. https://www.usna.edu/PAO/faq_pages/BilltheGoat.php, 410-293-2292.

U.S. Naval Academy — The Naval Academy took the first step in building the academy’s cyber building by breaking ground for a parking garage in May 2015. The parking garage will be located on the existing parking lot behind Alumni Hall. It is scheduled for completion in fall 2016. Construction of the cyber building is expected to begin shortly thereafter. http://www.usna.edu/homepage.php, 410-293-2292.

U.S. Naval Academy – With the 2015 launch of Navy Football’s new era as part of the American Athletic Conference, Navy Athletics kicked off a new tradition called Blue and Gold Fridays. The fan engagement program encourages Navy fans across the country – and especially in Annapolis – to wear Navy apparel on Fridays preceding football games. The mission of the new tradition is to paint the town of Annapolis Blue and Gold. Each Friday before a home football game, members of Navy Athletics’ marketing and promotions staff visit featured locations in Annapolis to give away free t-shirts and football tickets as well as chances to win Army-Navy football tickets. http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090215aac.html.

What’s New with Restaurants

Annapolis Chocolate Bar – Chocolate maker Cheryl Starr created her online chocolate shop in July 2014. Annapolis Chocolate Bar is the first online shop of its kind in Historic Annapolis. Starr specializes in handcrafting her own blend of the finest chocolates from around the world. She combines them with fresh cream and butter, slow roasted almonds, wild cherries and gooey caramels. http://www.annapolischocolatebar.com/.

Blackwall Hitch – Blackwall Hitch welcomed Chef Zachary Pope of Roundz Catering and Roundz Gourmet Market as Executive Chef at its 400 Sixth Street restaurant in Annapolis in May 2015. The move is a return to Pope’s roots as a restaurant chef. He began his career in Washington, DC, at fine dining restaurants including Red Sage, Restaurant Vidalia, Vingage Wine Bistro, and Ortanique, among others, before launching Roundz Catering in 2004. Pope has been awarded “Best Chef” accolades by a number of media and industry outlets from 2011 to 2014. http://theblackwallhitch.com/, 410-263-3454.

Firkin & Flyer – In summer 2015, Firkin & Flyer opened at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Modeled after a traditional neighborhood British Pub, the new dining option is located on the B/C connector near concourse C. The restaurant includes a 3,700-square-foot dining area and bar, along with a separate, 1,075-square-foot lounge. www.bwiairport.com, 410-859-7111.

Fox’s Den – Billed as “the premier gastropub in Annapolis,” Fox’s Den opened at 179-B Main Street in June 2015. The restaurant’s wood and brick walls and Americana artwork give it a cozy feel. Its inviting open kitchen, pizza oven and casual menu make it a popular gathering place. The team behind Fox’s Den also owns and operates Level Small Plates Lounge on West Street and Vida Taco Bar on Main Street. http://foxsden.com/, 443-808-8991.

Grapes Wine Bar of Annapolis – Chef Carro Oldham joined Grapes Wine Bar in February 2015. Before bringing her talent and passion for every dish to Grapes, Chef Oldham trained at the famous Le Cordon Bleu culinary academy and worked in noted Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris. With her extensive background in classic French cuisine, Chef Oldham likes to fuse French favorites with a touch of modern flair. http://www.grapeswinebarannapolis.com/, 410-571-5378.

Harbor Grill Crab Deck opened at 12 Dock Street in Annapolis in summer 2015. It’s located at the site of the old Phillip’s Crab Deck. http://www.theharborgrill.com/, 410-268-2049.

Neo Pizza – The 3,900 square foot Neo Pizza opened at the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole in March 2015. Located near Hair Cuttery, the restaurant replaces Metro Diner. Neo’s sells artisan pizza, salads, paninis and small plates. Owner Leho Poldmae has been in the restaurant business for 20 years. He has owned three Greene Turtle Sports Bar restaurants. Executive Chef Mark Bolan began his career 20 years ago at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel. http://neopizza.com/, 410-266-7771.

Tsunami – Foodies walking down the first block of West Street in search of their old favorite Sushi restaurant are likely to do a double-take when they arrive at 51 West Street. The exterior of the 17-year-old Tsunami restaurant has taken on a whole new look. It’s adorned by a 20’ x 50’ mural which depicts, in part, a screaming nurse from the 1925 Russian film, Battleship Potemkin. Painted in about 20 hours by Annapolis artist Jeff Huntington, the mural made its debut during the June First Sunday Arts Festival in Annapolis’s Arts and Entertainment District. http://www.tsunamiannapolis.com/, 410-990-9868, http://www.capitalgazette.com/lifestyle/ph-ac-ls-jeff-huntington-0621-20150621-story.html.

What’s New with the Arts

Annapolis Art in Public Places – While Annapolis has long been known as a “Museum without Walls,” the City of Annapolis’s Art in Public Places Commission takes the theme a step further by calling Annapolis “An Art Gallery without Walls.” The Commission’s new full-color, 60-page “Art in the City of Annapolis” catalogue released in October 2015 invites readers to use the maps provided to embark on walking tours of the arts in Maryland’s capital city. The publication makes it easy for art lovers to explore their favorite public art medium by grouping the artwork into various categories, including monuments, sculptures, murals and outdoor art, stained glass, cemeteries, public properties, the Maryland State House and Annapolis Museums. The latest catalogue is twice the size of the 28-page Art in Public Places booklet produced in December 2014. Among other new entries, the booklet highlights the murals that have graced many a wall in the Annapolis Design District since September 2015. The booklets are available at the 26 West Street Visitors Center in downtown Annapolis. www.annapolis.gov/ArtTour.

What’s New with Services

18/8 Fine Men’s Salon – In July 2015, 18/8 Fine Men’s Salon held a ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of its salon at the Annapolis Towne Centre in Parole. The salon offers classic haircuts, facial treatments, therapeutic scalp treatments, complete hand and nail treatments, straight shaves and more. http://eighteeneight.com/annapolis-md/, 443-2895-4188.

Annapolis Bike Racks – Recreational cyclists visiting Annapolis can now lock up their bikes at custom-designed bike racks that showcase the maritime heritage of the area. In September 2015, the City of Annapolis unveiled eleven stainless steel racks that were created by the Eastport–based SPEIGHT Studio Architects, Inc. Speight incorporated a stainless steel silhouette of a different significant maritime vessel at each rack location. The new racks are stationed at Susan Campbell Park – the USS Constitution, circa 1797; Foot of Prince George Street – Yacht America, circa 1851; Newman Street Park – Skipjack, circa 1890s-1993; Knighton Garage – Trumpy Yacht, circa 1947-1973; Acton’s Landing Park – USS Maryland, circa 1921; Outer West Street – USS Annapolis, circa 1992. http://www.ci.annapolis.md.us/government/city-departments/transportation/artistic-bike-rack-project

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport – Alaska Airlines launched daily service between BWI and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in September 2015. The flight departs Los Angeles each night at 10:10 p.m. with a 6:15 a.m. arrival the next day at BWI Marshall. The BWI Marshall to LAX flight departs at 7:30 a.m. with a 10:40 a.m. arrival in Los Angeles. Flight times are based on local time zones. www.bwiairport.com, 410-859-7111.

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport – BWI reports a 2.4-percent increase in passenger traffic for fiscal year 2015 over fiscal year 2014. The increase of passengers to a fiscal year total of 22,761,893 in 2015 represents an all-time record for passenger traffic at BWI Marshall. International passenger traffic for BWI rose 55.4-percent in June 2015 to 116,155 – the highest international total for any one month in the airport’s history. For June 2015, a total of 2,181,039 passengers flew through BWI Marshall, an increase of 5.2-percent over June 2014. www.bwiairport.com, 410-859-7111.

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport – Island Travel & Tours Ltd. And Swift Air began offering charter flights between BWI Marshall and Havana, Cuba in September 2015. The airline is using Boeing 737-300 aircraft with 126 seats, including 12 first-class and 114 coach seats. The flights operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. BWI Marshall received U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) approval in 2011 to handle passenger charter air service to and from Cuba. www.bwiairport.com, 410-859-7111.

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport – The identify platform, Clear, launched at BWI Marshall in spring 2015. After verifying their identity using biometric technology at a Clear kiosk, Clear members have access to separate, expedited security lanes at BWI. On average, Clear members move through airport security checkpoints in less than five minutes. BWI Marshall is the 11th airport to join Clear’s expanding network and it’s the first facility in the Baltimore-Washington area to offer the service to travelers. Access and enrollment are available at gates B and D. Customers are also able to enroll in the program at gate A. Clear is integrated with the Transportation Security Administration and its pre-check system. www.bwiairport.com, 410-859-7111.

JNP Project – In summer 2015, the JNP Project, Jane NOT Plain – a self-esteem discovery movement for children – began offering free tours of its headquarters at 126 West Street in downtown Annapolis. The first tour shows participants how a children’s adventure book series is created using global authors, editors, proofreaders, illustrators and creative directors. The tour is offered on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. until noon. The second complimentary tour explores what the lack of self-esteem in children is all about. Participants learn what “Inner Awesome” is and how the lack of self-esteem in children can be connected to fear, anxiety, anger and more and how JNP’s brand vision, “I AM. I CAN. I WILL. EMPOWERED.” can help to create a positive change in children. The tour is offered on Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. http://thejnpproject.com/, 410-224-3878.

Scooter Revolution – There’s a new way to explore the Annapolis area – by scooter. Scooter Revolution gives adventurous souls the opportunity to discover Annapolis on their own on a Vespa Scooter. Kiersten Broughton opened the doors of her new brainchild in spring 2015, Scooter Revolution offers two-hour, half-day and full-day rentals by reservation only. Their location at 1801 West Street in Annapolis provides scooter newbies with plenty of space to practice before heading out on the road. Their shop is located less than a mile from downtown Annapolis. They even offer transportation from City Dock and nearby marinas and hotels, if necessary. The scooter rental season runs from April 1 through October 30. https://scooter-revolution.com/, 410-299-2328.

What’s New with Retail

Annapolis Design District – A well-kept secret since 2007, the Annapolis Design District is going public! In September 2015, it showcased its many businesses in the first Art in Action Annapolis Design District Street Festival. The festival kicked off with the unveiling of five building-size street art images created by Brazilian artists who flew to the U.S. by invitation of the Design District. Another 15 buildings have been designated for murals in the months ahead. As its name implies, the Design District is home to builders, renovators, interior designers and cabinet makers, but the mix goes beyond that to include artists, photographers and artisans. Eleven such artisans have working studios at Gallery 3976. Opened in October 2014, the 3,500 square foot gallery is open to the public the last Saturday of each month during its “Last Saturday Open Studios” event. http://annapolisdesigndistrict.com/, http://gallery3976.com/contact/.

Annapolis Ice Cream Company – Building on the 12-year success story of their Main Street Annapolis store, Annapolis Ice Cream Company owners Walter and Nancy Giera opened a second store – at the Westfield Annapolis Mall – in August 2015. As is the case with the Main Street location, the new store features made from scratch ice cream prepared on site using all natural ingredients. http://annapolisicecream.com/, 443-221-2851.

Capital Teas – Owners Manelle and Peter Martino will open their 16th Capital Teas store at Westfield Annapolis Mall in November 2015. The couple opened their first Capital Teas – a 350-square-foot store – at 6 Cornhill Street in Annapolis in September 2007. Nearly eight years later, the duo moved the original store to a larger location at 77 Main Street in April 2015. The new 1,200 square foot store features about 60 teas. http://www.capitalteas.com/, 410-263-8327.

Furniture Consign & Design—The latest addition to the Annapolis Design District opened its doors on September 25, 2015. After operating his 9,000 square foot Furniture Consign & Design store in Glenn Burnie for about one-and-a-half-years, Annapolis resident Mark Lamb moved to the new, larger location at 1812 Virginia Street. The 13,000 square foot showroom features thousands of items, including furniture consignments of mid-century design, painted, shabby chic, antique, contemporary and modern. Lamb’s store also features upholstery, artwork, lamps, mirrors, vases and other table top wear. Furniture Consign & Design will deliver and pick up furniture for a fee. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday. www.furnitureconsign.net, 410-295-6610.

Gallery 3976 – Since opening in October 2014, Gallery 3976 has been offering individuals in search of locally made artisan crafts a new place to shop in the Annapolis Design District. Featuring the working studios of 11 local artisans, the 3,500 square foot gallery is open to the general public for retail or wholesale purchases the last Saturday of each month during “Last Saturday Open Studio” events that include food and refreshments. During the once-a-month Open Studio, individuals are invited to peruse and purchase goods from the following studios: Deborah Watson Decorative Painting and Fine Art, Furniture Speaks, Old Things New, Allison Barnhill Designs, Adriana Marie Events, Cricket Studio, Ramon Matheu Pop Artist, Rustic Beautiful, Steve Seamans Photography, HB Designs, By the Bay Creations and Annapolis Brand. Gallery 3976 is the brainchild of Suzi Jett. In addition to operating Gallery 3976, Suzi is the owner/designer of Annapolis Brand. Gallery 3976 is located at 1818 Margaret Avenue in Annapolis.  http://gallery3976.com/contact/, 410-212-6873.

Sugar Daddy Spicy Mama — In July 2015, owners Manelle and Peter Martino opened their new high end, primarily organic, gourmet spice shop at 6 Cornhill Street in Annapolis – the site of their original Capital Teas Store, which moved to a larger location at 77 Main Street in Annapolis in April 2015. Sugar Daddy Spicy Mama’s products are designed to complement Capital Teas’ product line. The couple plans to introduce cross promotions between the two stores. http://www.capitalteas.com/Sugar_Daddy_Spicy_Mama_s/269.htm, 410-263-8327.

Westfield Annapolis Mall – A’Gaci held its grand opening at the Westfield Annapolis Mall in May 2015. The retailer describes itself as “a lifestyle brand created for young fashion lovers who rock it well and march to their own beat. Simply put, we are a brand that reflects who you are.” http://www.agacistore.com/, 443-714-8501.

Wine & Design – Since September 2015, Wine & Design at 32 West Street in Annapolis has been inviting individuals to unleash their inner artist in a fun and social environment. Studio owner Veronica Jordan makes it easy for want-to-be artists. All they have to do is sign up, show up, sip up and paint. She welcomes birthday parties, bachelorette parties, baby showers, girls’ nights out and team building events. The studio even has a dedicated space for children’s parties. http://pilot.wineanddesign.com/locations/annapolis, 240-925-7464.

What’s New with Accommodations/Meeting Venues

Aloft & Element Hotels Arundel Mills held an open house tour in October 2015 to introduce the community to their newly refurbished hotels. Located under a single roof, the properties offer two distinctly different experiences for their guests. The Aloft touts a stylish, fun atmosphere with a vibrant social scene. Element provides a personal retreat from the stresses of travel with its eco-friendly design and bright, open spaces. http://www.aloftarundelmills.com/, http://www.elementarundelmills.com/, 443-577-0050.

Annapolis Crowne Plaza – In October 2015, the Sheraton Annapolis Hotel converted to the Crowne Plaza Annapolis. http://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/annapolis/anpam/hoteldetail, 410-266-3131. 

Annapolis Waterfront Hotel – Same location, new name. The Annapolis Marriott Waterfront is now the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. In September 2015, the property became the 92nd hotel in Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a group of independent hotels where guests can enjoy a unique travel experience and still earn and redeem their Marriott Rewards points. The property is still owned and operated by Thayer Lodging. As an Autograph property, it no longer has to adhere to Marriott brand standards, giving the property greater flexibility to establish its own personal identity. In keeping with the Autograph theme, “exactly like nothing else,” the hotel is already changing its look to reflect the Annapolis community. Images of the U.S. Naval Academy adorn the walls of the hotel corridors, guest rooms and lobby. Guest room changes include new headboards, and new soft goods, including towels, sheets, pillows and lighting. The changes are expected to be complete by the end of November 2015. http://www.annapoliswaterfront.com/, 410-268-7555.

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club began welcoming guests to its newest property – The Inn at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club – in October 2015. Located just steps from the Beach Club, the Inn offers 54 luxury boutique guest rooms and suites appointed with upscale furnishings, amenities and views of the Chesapeake. For dining, Knoxie’s Table brings an innovative concept to Kent Island. The menu draws inspiration from the Inn’s own chef’s garden and greenhouse. The restaurant works with local farmers and watermen to create seasonal dishes featuring the area’s finest ingredients. A gourmet marketplace – the Market – and a grab and go café round out the dining options. Slated to open in December 2015, The Spa will offer its guests a variety of spa treatments in a relaxing environment. http://www.baybeachclub.com/, 410-604-1933.

U.S. Naval Academy – The Clubs at Akerson Tower opened in spring 2015. Located in the new nearly $9-million Akerson Tower at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, the North and South Clubs offer a combined total of 3,600 square feet of meeting space. Each one of 1,800 square foot rooms can accommodate a seated dinner for up to 150 people or a stand-up reception for 200 attendees. Large screen televisions, projection screens and a complete audio system connect the two clubs, so they can be used in conjunction with one another. Featuring nearly floor to ceiling windows, high ceilings and skylights, the Clubs at Akerson Tower offer some of the best views of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, downtown Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. http://www.navysports.com/tickets/akerson-tower.html, 410-293-8722 or 410-293-8712. 

Awards and Accolades

Annapolis Named a Top Honeymoon Destination
In March 2015, VacationIdea.com ranked Annapolis among the 25 Best Small Town Honeymoon Destinations in the United States. http://vacationidea.com/honeymoon/best-small-town-honeymoon-destinations.html#slide17

Annapolis Named One of the Best State Capitals to Live in for 2015
Smartasset.com ranked Annapolis One of the Best State Capitals to Live in for 2015. Maryland’s capital city ranks 9 out of 51 in Smartasset.com‘s second annual study of the best state capitals to live in. The October 2015 entry sites the U.S. Naval Academy, Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis’s political history. According to Smartasset.com, Annapolis has the second highest median household income of any state capital at $72,462. Smartasset.com considered crime rate, unemployment, amenities and cost of living to determine the rankings. https://smartasset.com/mortgage/best-state-capitals-2015

Annapolis, a Best Under-the-Radar Romantic Destination
USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest ranked Annapolis one of the 10Best Under-the-Radar Romantic Destinations in August 2015. http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-under-the-radar-romantic-destination/

Annapolis Named One of the Top Ten Best All-American Vacations for 2015
In June 2015, TravelChannel.com ranked Maryland’s capital city among the top ten best All-American Vacations for 2015. The “Travels Best: All-American Vacations” calls Annapolis the “epitome of classic Americana,” and invites visitors to check out the City’s historic homes, maritime heritage, U.S. Naval Academy and Maryland crabs. http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travels-best/articles/travels-best-all-american-vacations-2015

Annapolis a Top-Ten Best Small Town with Big Adventures
In September 2015, USA Today ranked Annapolis a 10Best: Small town with big adventures. http://usat.ly/1gV2njW.  

Chesapeake among 9 of the World’s Most Stunning Places Where You can Sleep on a Boat
Thanks to Annapolis Sailing Cruises’ Boat and Breakfast aboard the Schooner Woodwind, the Chesapeake Bay made the cut in the October 2015 VacationsToday.net article that included Maya Bay, Thailand; the Great Barrier Reef, Australia; the Amazon River; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Amsterdam; the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers; Bay of Islands, New Zealand; Regent’s Canal, London.

Chesapeake BMX in Severn rated the #1 Track on the East Coast
USA BMX ranked Chesapeake BMX in Severn as the #1 track on the East Coast and third overall in the nation from a field of more than 350 facilities in March 2015. The ranking is based on the number of races hosted, the number of average riders per race, the number of performance awards earned by riders and the number of new members who joined and renewed their USA BMX memberships through the track. http://www.sportseventsmagazine.com/chesapeakebmx/

Grapes Wine Bar Recognized
Grapes Wine Bar of Annapolis received Wine Spectator Magazine’s “Award of Excellence” in August 2015. Recognized for its diversity of wines by the glass and bottle, its reasonably-priced selection and depth of choice in vintages and regions, Grapes is one of only twenty restaurants in Maryland to receive the award. Guided by Julien Jacques, Grapes Wine Bar offers a rare and premium by the glass list which allows customers to try wines from some of the greatest producers, including wines from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, Library Release Wines and superior inexpensive wines by the glass and bottle. www.grapeswinebarannapolis.com, 410-571-5378. http://www.winespectator.com/restaurants/show/source/search/id/14314

Inn at Horn Point
In fall 2015, TripAdvisor named the Inn at Horn Point a Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame Winner. The Certificate of Excellence award celebrates an exceptional achievement in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently attract a significant level of online traveler reviews. The Hall of Fame was created to honor those businesses that have earned a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years. Cory and Carol Bonney have been operating the bed and breakfast 100 Chesapeake Avenue in Eastport for the past 14 years. http://innathornpoint.com/, 410-268-1126.

Significant Anniversaries

The Annapolis Regional Library at 1410 West Street is celebrating its 50th anniversary November 2-7, 2015. Share your memories, complete a scavenger hunt and enjoy anniversary activities all week long. http://www.aacpl.net/content/celebrate-50th-anniversary-annapolis-library, 410-222-1750.

Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre presented its 50th performance season in 2015. It will be celebrating its official 50th anniversary in 2016. http://summergarden.com/, 410-268-9212.

Art @ the Park 2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the annual arts festival at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis in October 2015. http://fqwp.org/, 410-222-1777.

Arundel Mills Mall – Maryland’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination celebrates its 15th anniversary in November 2015. Featuring more than 200 stores, the 1,292,000 square foot shoppertainment complex is also home to Maryland Live Casino. http://www.simon.com/mall/arundel-mills, 410-540-5100.

Café Normandie – In March 2016, the husband and wife team of Chef Jean Louis and Suzanne Evennou will celebrate the 30th anniversary of opening Café Normandie at 185 Main Street in Annapolis. When he began serving “new French cuisine” at their new 85-seat restaurant in 1991, Chef Jean Louis already had a faithful following – since he had been chef/owner of the couple’s original 35-seat Café Normandie at 195 Main Street since 1986. http://www.cafenormandie.com/, 410-263-3382.

Chick & Ruth’s Delly – The iconic mom and pop Chick & Ruth’s Delly on Main Street in Annapolis celebrated its 50th anniversary in August 2015. With more than 120 sandwiches and dishes named after past and present elected officials on its menu, the 90-seat restaurant is always introducing something new. Owners Ted and Beth Levitt began serving made from scratch pies – in 40 flavors – in February 2015. Since 1989, Ted’s been inviting customers to join him in saying the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. People of all ages enjoy the impromptu magic shows Ted’s been performing tableside since 1987. His 6 lb. Colossal Shake is popular with families as well as individuals who dare to take the “Man vs. Food” challenge. Singles, watch out! Matchmaker Ted has introduced hundreds of couples – and eleven of them have gotten married. http://www.chickandruths.com/, 410-269-6737.

Hammond-Harwood House – In November 1940 amidst the Second World War and despite the Great Depression, a group of influential women created a successful funding campaign to purchase the historic Hammond-Harwood House on Maryland Avenue in Annapolis. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of this dramatic feat, the Hammond Harwood House is presenting the women’s only “A Bubbly Affair Celebrating the Ladies of Influence,” on Thursday, November 12, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. http://hammondharwoodhouse.org/, 410-263-4683.

Lilac Bijoux – the fun women’s clothing and accessory store at 145 Main Street in Annapolis celebrated its tenth birthday on July 1, 2015. Lilac’s fashion is carefully curated with a casual-chic flair and a colorful mind! http://www.lilacbijoux.com/, 410-263-3309.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center celebrated its 50th Anniversary in May 2015. http://www.si.edu/ResearchCenters/Environmental-Research-Center, 443-482-2200.

The AAACCVB is a nonprofit, membership-based destination marketing organization that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world.

Source: AAACCVB

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