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Good morning, Annapolis. Did you know McGarvey’s has over 130 plaques of couples who met or had their first date at McGarvey’s and went on to get married? So if you’re looking for a New Year’s kiss on Wednesday, it might be worth ringing in the new year there.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

At 84 Lumber, we’re wrapping up 2025 and looking onward to 2026! Here’s to fresh beginnings, bold ideas, and building something great together in the new year. Whether you’re planning a new build or updating your current home, we’re here to help you make it happen.

If you’re ready to get a jump start, reach out to our Store Manager, Bill McDonald, at 410-757-4684 or [email protected] for a no-cost estimate, or simply some ideas on how to get started.

From all of us at 84 Lumber, Happy New Year and cheers to building together in 2026!

This email closes out our 6th calendar year of Naptown Scoop. In that year we published 453,200 words across over 241 newsletters. 5,634 new readers joined our ranks which means we could sell out a concert at Madison Square Garden just like Billy Joel. All told, we sent five million one hundred thirty-two thousand two hundred thirty-four emails. Our three most popular newsletters were about:

What’s next? More of the same. Some people call that boring. We call it consistency. We’ll keep showing up in your inbox with uplifting stories, apologizing when we get things wrong, and trying to make Annapolis a better place.

See you in 2026.

— Ryan, Publisher

Before you pop the bubbly, we’re popping in to share what’s open, closed, or different this week. After today’s email, we’ll hit your inbox again on January 5.

If you (unlike me, who has terrific allergies) are Team Real Christmas Tree, it’s time to take it down. You might have already. Not so fun fact: Dry Christmas trees are a fire hazard.

The good news is whether Annapolis or Anne Arundel County picks up your trash, real Christmas trees count as yard trim. So just remove all decorations, tree stands, lights, etc. and put them on the curb when it’s collection day. Cut tall trees (6+ feet) into 4-foot-or-shorter sections to fit in the truck.

Sobering fact: Almost 60% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency expense. That means 60% of your neighbors, 60% of Naptown Scoop readers, and someday, 60% of AACPS students. So starting this fall, AACPS will require graduating seniors to have one half credit in financial literacy. Key concepts might not include balancing a checkbook anymore, but rather things like when they ask for your social security number to get a 10% discount at checkout, you’re signing up for a credit card, not a “loyalty program.” True story.

This comes as the Board of Education is considering a proposal to lower the number of credits to graduate from 26 to 23. MD requires only 22. The change is currently open for public comment, and the board will make its final decision at a January 14 meeting.

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Dear economy. Are you there? It’s us, Naptown Scoop. The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation released its November 2025 report, highlighting shifts in employment and housing.

Unemployment (Sept 2025) The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, up from 4.1% a year earlier. Maryland followed suit at 3.6% (up from 3.2%). Here at home, Anne Arundel County saw the biggest jump, reaching 3.7%, up from 2.6% in September 2024.

Takeaway: Unemployment remains relatively low, but the year-over-year increases suggest a cooling labor market — especially locally.

Home Sales (Oct 2025)

The average sale price reached $617,309, a 3.2% increase year over year. Sales volume totaled 630 units, compared to 623 units in October 2024.

Takeaway: Prices continue to climb modestly, while sales remain relatively steady.

The Annapolis restaurant scene is about to get more crowded, and we’re here for every bite.

Peter Chang: Legendary chef Peter Chang is bringing Chinese favs like Peking duck and kung pao chicken to Forest Drive. Details are limited, but the sign is up.

Augie’s Mussel House and Sports Bar: As Annapolis Town Center redevelops, Augie’s will replace Urbano. Both concepts are operated by Common Plate Hospitality.

World of Beer: The former Applebee’s at Annapolis Mall will soon offer hundreds of brews curated by on-site beer specialists. Opening Jan 12.

Wonder Food Hall: Wonder, a food hall featuring multiple concepts — including celebrity-chef brands — plans to open near Annapolis Town Center in early 2026. Hiring has begun.

Admiral’s Cup, Marmo, & Armada: Atlas Restaurant Group is opening three concepts in 2026. Admiral’s Cup is expected in mid-January in the former Mission BBQ spot (Stevens Hardware Building). Marmo, an Italian chophouse, and Armada, a tequila bar and cantina, are expected to follow this spring.

Cracker Barrel: After years in development, Cracker Barrel’s Annapolis Mall location is slated to open by the end of winter. FYI, they’re hiring!

La Michoacana: Two ice cream shops are planned — one on Forest Drive in the former Roly Poly Sandwiches spot and another on West Street across from Arby’s.

Sardi’s Peruvian Chicken: Sardi’s will replace the former Wendy’s on Defense Hwy, bringing its charbroiled chicken and Latin dishes to Annapolis. No opening date yet.

Taqueria el Cabrito: The taco joint will open another location at Bay 50 Shopping Center near the Bay Bridge. Stay tuned if their Route 50 spot next to Wawa will move, or if it’s their fourth location in total. ($)

Is this because so many of y’all are on high-protein, low-carb diets? Unfortunately for all of us who still revel in the delight of a footlong sub, the lack of furniture currently displayed in the Festival at Riva location (along with a Google listing citing that it’s “permanently closed”) gives us the impression that we’ve lost yet another great place to grab good food fast. There’s no word from the shopping center as to what might be moving into the space, but you know we’ll be keeping our eye out.

And for all the “I eat 200 grams of protein daily” people, you know sub shops sell salads, right?

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.

The countdown is on. We’ll be singing “Auld Lang Syne” soon as we ring in the new year with celebrations across Annapolis — including NYE fireworks over Spa Creek at 9 PM (rain date: New Year’s Day). PSA: New Year’s Day is also the final day for free downtown parking (2 hours on meters, 1 hour in garages).

Watermark | Attendees say, “I’m on a YACHT!” Fireworks cruise with music, champagne, and hot chocolate | 8–10 PM

Acqua Al 2 | New Year’s Eve party with oysters, appetizers, and three open bars, plus a fixed-price dinner option | 5–8 PM; party 8:45 PM–1 AM

Rams Head | ‘80s-themed NYE dance party with The New Romance | At press time, only two tickets remained, so hurry! | Doors open at 8 PM; starts at 9 PM

The Captain’s Daughter | New Year’s Eve party for those on a budget (tickets are only $28.52) with drinks, prizes, and late-night menu | 9 PM–1 AM

Level’s NYE Party | Sip on “New Year’s Kiss” and other cocktails from the open bar, while dancing to DJ Fo4’s tunes | Scroll to the bottom for tickets | 9 PM to 1 AM

Blackwall Hitch | Order from the special New Year’s Eve menu and listen to Michael McHenry Tribe’s live music | 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM

Preserve | Reservations still available for a 9-course NYE tasting menu with optional beverage pairings | 5 PM–9:15 PM

Anne Arundel County Public Library | Noon Year’s Eve celebration of music and crafts for kids who can’t stay up late | 11:15 AM–1 PM

Chesapeake Children’s Museum | Another countdown to noon for families | 10 AM to noon

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.

The County Council holds its first meeting of the new year on Monday (January 5) at 6 PM at the Arundel Center (44 Calvert Street, Annapolis). On the agenda are votes on the Clean Energy Loan Program, cottage home developments, and dog care/training in commercial districts, among other issues. See the full agenda. You can submit testimony on any legislation online or sign up to testify in person. The meeting is open to the public or available to be streamed via Arundel TV.

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35 🌡️ 28 | 💨 | 0% | 💨 WNW 22 (19 knots)

39 🌡️ 31 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 WSW 11 mph (10 knots)

33 🌡️ 22 | 🌤️ | 15% | 💨 NW 13 mph (11 knots)

37 🌡️ 31 | 🌤️ | 1% | 💨 SSW 5 mph (4 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 40ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Point | Kavoossi | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Seldom Scene | 8 PM | Tickets

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
49 West | The Monuments | 8–11:30 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Weird Science | 9 PM
The Lodge | Marissa Zechinato Duo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Rickshaw Lizard | 10 PM
Pirates Cove | The Jazz Perpetrators | 9 PM
The Point | Aaron Hawkins | 5–8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Chris & Emily | 6 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Desperately Seeking Awesome | 8:30 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Sidewalk Soul | 9:45 PM

49 West | Jeff Antoniuk & Helluvaband | 7:30–10 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 1 PM
Killarney House | Ciarán Quinn | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Vinyl Tap | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Viands & Co | 4–7 PM

49 West | Lustre Kings | 7:30–10 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Rick’s Revolving Door | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | All You Need | 9–12 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
Killarney House | Brandon & Thordis | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Stephen Henson | 5–8 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Rommel Miranda | 5–8 PM
Old Stein Inn | Johnny Poulos | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Faith & The Faithful | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Last Train Home | 8 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Russ & Friends | 9:45 PM

It’s been an all-time great season for Navy this year. And I’m not just saying that. A win at the Liberty Bowl would give Navy 11 wins – something Navy’s only done twice (2015 and 2019). It all comes down to Friday afternoon in Memphis against Cincinnati.

Navy has dominated the run game all year long, claiming top 5 positions in key stat categories like yards per game, rushing TDs, and yards per carry. This wouldn’t be possible without a stellar offensive line (third fewest sacks allowed and tied for fewest tackles for loss per game, ironically with Cincinnati).

Can this dream team win one final game? We’ll find out at 4:30 PM on January 2. Watch on ESPN or listen on 1430 WNAV AM.

Controversy is quickly becoming a hallmark of the Military Bowl. Last year it was a brawl; this year it was an accidental whistle that turned a two-score lead into a 4-point deficit for East Carolina. But the Pirates didn’t retreat easily, eventually claiming victory by a score of 23–17 when the clock struck zero. ECU head coach Blake Harrell said some people were upset about ECU’s back-to-back bowl trips to Annapolis but if they keep winning, he’ll be happy to be back every year. ($)

Football (10-2)
1/2 vs. Cincinnati | 4:30 PM

Women's Basketball (6-5)
12/31 @ Boston University | 2 PM
1/3 vs. Holy Cross | 1 PM

Men's Basketball (8-5)
12/31 vs. Boston U. | 1 PM
1/3 @ Holy Cross | 2 PM

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Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who definitely isn’t staying up until midnight on Wednesday.